This was my first visit to the ED in several years...

This was my first visit to the ED in several years, after visiting a local Urgent care facility in Cheyenne- I am not one to go to the DR unless I am in severe pain or have an issue that could become life threatening- We were checked in promptly and I was taken back to a room within 30 minutes- I was honest about which medications I am taking and how much pain I was in- They ordered blood work and X-rays to see if my infected foot had spread to the bones - My blood pressure was very high due to the intense pain I was experiencing- The Doctor (N.Moore) was very prompt and professional and made me feel at ease ! He put me on a stronger antibiotic and reassured me ! My only complaint is this - The Opiate crisis was fueled by Doctors and the Pharmaceutical companies !
I see a HUGE knee jerk reaction when it comes to treating pain now! I understand that people can and will become addicted, and why practitioners are hesitant to prescribe narcotic pain medication- However, the patient s are the one s suffering in many cases . Why even have pain charts on the wall if you re not going to listen or believe what your patient s are telling you ? It went from RECKLESS OVER PRESCRIBING, to not addressing severe pain - I was over prescribed in the past and am all too aware of the addictive nature of Opiates! My worry is this .... When people are in severe pain all they want is relief ! I have been sober for over 10 years, alcohol was my drug of choice - When a week of taking Tylenol and Advil around the clock isn t working and I end up in the ED I would expect the provider to address it in a safe responsible manner! When it s not ,you jeopardize people s sobriety! Those suffering are going to look to illicit relief ! Thank God I didn t pick up a drink but it did cross my mind several times!
- I don t enjoy feeling that way nor looking for other ways to address my pain that are illegal ! You all need to figure this out and listen to those you care for - I am always forthcoming about my health and my history- I found it amusing ,almost ironic that the one time I genuinely needed Opiate pain medication , I couldn t get any! My foot is getting better slowly and the pain has subsided! Hopefully I will not have to return to the ED or Urgent care anytime soon- I appreciate the care I received! I think it s great that providers are weary of prescribing Opiates for minor to moderate pain! However , please know that it s very disconcerting when you re in pain and need more than OTC medication to address it! It feels like they look at anyone who is in severe pain as an active drug addict or someone who is there only to score drugs! If these medications are not going to be given to those who need them ,then they should take them off the market! Overprescribing and responsible prescribing are two different things -