PAINKILLER SUPPLIES LEGITIMATE NEEDS

I just finished reading USA TODAY's debate concerning the abuse of
OxyContin (''DEA overreaches in effort to stop abuse of painkiller,'' Our
View; ''DEA goal: Protect the public,'' Opposing View, Controlling drug use
debate, Wednesday).

I have reflex sympathetic dystrophy, a disease of the sympathetic nervous
system that causes agonizing and unending pain. My doctor, a certified pain
specialist, has been prescribing OxyContin for my disease for 4 years.

I had a spinal-cord stimulator implanted 2 years ago, but I still require
OxyContin three times a day to control my pain. I had to take a disability
from my job as a librarian 3 years ago because of the pain this condition
causes.

Thanks to the stimulator and OxyContin, 6 months ago I was able to go back
to work part time as a substitute teacher.

I sincerely hope the Drug Enforcement Administration is being truthful in
its statement that this drug will continue to be adequately supplied so
that I, and the millions like me, will not be forced to do without it.

Punish the doctors and pharmacists who are improperly dispensing the drug
and the addicts who are abusing it -- not those of us with a legitimate need.

Marianne S. Battista

Strattanville, Pa.