How Many Times Do We Need to Read About Pain Patient Suicides

Even though pain is the most common reason patients see a doctor, pain wasn't treated in the 90's. Pain was undertreated and patients were committing suicide for lack of pain control. I carried a stack of death certificates from pain patients who took their life as noted in the 1996 article about the fight for pain relief below.
LINK to 1996 Article in Kingman Daily Miner  

There Are Two Side to Every Story.....
Pain and Suicide: The Other Side of the Opioid Story
Jack never said much during his office visits. He was
mostly silent and followed my instructions. But he did
quietly express fear of the pain if I continued to reduce his
pain medications. During the third clinic visit of this process, he said, “I can’t live like this, Doc.” I said, “It will get better,” hoping more than knowing my statement would be true. 

I counseled him that the pain may worsen for a while, but that—in time—this new regimen would be for the best. I heard his words but not his cry for help.

Three days later I got a call from his daughter. Jack had died from a self-inflicted gunshot wound. He left a note saying he couldn't live with the pain anymore. He could not see a future. He had no hope. He had no life. He loved her but felt he was of no value to her or to anyone.

These are more stories of patients who couldn't take the pain and the fight just became too much.....

How Chronic Pain Killed My Husband 

Sherri’s Story: A Final Plea for Help

Video: Lisa’s Story – FM Patient Commits Suicide

Some People Still Need Opioids 

When pain patients commit suicide if they leave a note everyone understands it was because of the pain. If they choose to end the pain by saving enough pills to overdose and don't leave a note, they're just another overdose.

If you are thinking about suicide PLEASE Call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255 and talk to someone

Physicians Who Do Harm to Patients MUST Be Held Responsible