SOME HELP, PLEASE

Re "The Pot Issue" (Feature story, Nov. 5):

Open letter to the northern Nevada medical community:

I am a 50-year-old disabled veteran. Because of injuries I sustained
in the United States Army, I suffer from chronic pain. I consume 90
hydrocodone, 180 naproxin/acetaminophen, and approximately 120
aspirin/Tylenol per month. I have grave concerns over the long-lasting
effects of this drug use on my body.

With the recent dialogue and state legalization of medical marijuana,
I thought this might be my answer. I contacted the state agency in
charge of this program only to find that they wouldn't recommend a
physician or tell me how to find one with some knowledge in this area
of treatment. My Veterans Administration doctor is a federal employee
and unable to prescribe a medicine that is still federally illegal.
After going to the yellow pages and calling numerous physicians, it
became apparent that despite its Nevada legality there are no Northern
Nevada physicians with the courage to explore this option.

I am aware of the doctors to whom I can send my records and be
approved, but oddly enough, I actually want a real exam and discussion
about possible downsides to this treatment. I am not a stoner or an
opportunist; I just want to try another method of controlling my pain.
If there is a physician in the Reno area for whom the Hippocratic Oath
still has some meaning, I invite your commentary at
smithpwx@gmail.com.

Patrick Smith