The Devil Effect and Patients with Pain

The Devil Effect and Patients with Pain

The belief that Big Pharma is inherently bad makes it difficult to appreciate the good things (such as vaccines and cures for diseases) that come from Pharma and separate them from the bad things (such as the negative consequences of some drugs and apparent greed).

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Rare Diseases and Orphan Drugs

Man looking through a microscope

Many Types of Pain Are Considered Rare Diseases According to Scientific American, there are approximately 6,800 rare diseases, most of which have no approved treatment. To be considered a rare disease, it must affect fewer than 200,000 Americans. Most rare diseases have limited treatment options. Unfortunately, many types of chronic pain are considered rare diseases…

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Response to Stat News Article

Open Letter to Stat News  In Stat News, David Armstrong’s article on March 24, “TV documentary on pain treatment funded by doctor with industry ties,” misrepresented the purpose of the film, “The Painful Truth“; ignored several of my detailed answers to his questions; and unfairly criticized my professional associations. Armstrong suggested that the TV documentary…

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Constipation Isn’t a Fitting Punishment for People With Pain

Deb was in a near-fatal car accident. Her arms, legs, and pelvis were severely injured and would require multiple surgeries. She relied on opioids to ease the pain. Along with her other day-to-day medical challenges and constant setbacks, she suffered from constipation which her doctor attributed to her use of painkillers. But he offered no…

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This is the Reason OIC Is No Joking Matter

Why Joking About OIC Isn’t Funny  According to a recent Washington Post story, six in ten American adults take prescription drugs, and this has created a “vast market for new meds to treat the side effects of the old ones.” The article is titled: “The drug industry’s answer to opioid addiction: More pills.” The article…

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Pachyonychia Congenita: What It Is and Why It Matters To Me

Pachyonychia Congenita (or PC) is not just another chronic disabling pain problem for which there is no cure. This disease is personal, because my younger brother was born with it. His name is Lyle. Most people have never heard of PC. It is another one of the invisible chronic pain disorders that causes incredible suffering,…

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