So far we have scheduled appointments with two doctors. The first one neither examined my husband nor reviewed the X-Rays and MRI’s we brought to the appointment. This physician made his treatment decision based on the prescription monitoring database and gave my disabled husband a prescription for one quarter of what he usually takes in a month, along with a pamphlet on vocational rehabilitation.

We told the doctor Ray had already consulted vocational rehabilitation when it was suggested by his workers compensation caseworker. We explained to the doctor how much opioids have reduced his pain and improved his ability to function. The doctor said it was simply not worth the risk of his license being suspended.

Years ago, workers’ compensation and Social Security deemed that Ray was disabled, based on input from several physicians. We felt this new doctor was not listening, and we were disappointed when he refused to provide the chronic pain management my husband needs.



We were still hopeful that the second doctor, who was recommended by a friend, would assume responsibility for his care. Ray waited five months for this appointment. The day before the appointment, the doctor's office called to cancel, stating she would not see Ray for pain management. She also refused to fill his prescription. He has taken these medications with good functional benefit for the past eight years.



We used to travel to Missoula for chronic pain management. The trip was inconvenient and the long drive exacerbated his pain. Eventually we were fortunate enough to find a physician in Helena near our home. Unfortunately, we will now be forced to travel for appointments once again and deal with all that this entails. Our next appointment will be in Great Falls. If Ray does not receive care there, not only will we be forced to travel out of state, but my husband will also have exhausted his supply of medication.

Ray is a law abiding citizen with a chronic pain condition that needs to be addressed. Finding care is nearly impossible in the current regulatory climate. I fear deeply that one day he will escape his pain by suicide. Ray is not suicidal at all, but I fear if he is forced to go without medication, he will become bound to bed in pain, and I fear that suicide will be the outcome.

The government is looking at opioid pain relievers as harmful substances. When these medications are illicitly used and abused there is a problem. That problem does need to be addressed. However, as harmful as those medications have been for some, they are just as helpful for others. We do not need laws restricting or banning opioids; we need a nationwide effort to ease the suffering of those who are in pain. We need doctors and practitioners who are trained in proper use & dosage of pain medication, as well as alternative pain treatment.

Physicians need to look at chronic pain patients as individuals, just as they do with other patients. Each condition varies in severity and everyone metabolizes drugs differently. Please allow doctors to prescribe the medications Ray needs to survive so can be the husband and father he wants to be. His children and I deserve that, as does he.