NO STRANGER TO PAIN

I feel like the woman in this story (days where I just can't live like
this anymore). Doctors blow me off even though I was diagnosed by a
rheumatologist more than 20 years ago. In fact my last appointment I
was blown off when I told them I sometimes feel like committing
suicide because there are days I can no longer take the pain.

Most of the drugs that do come out, I can't take because of other
medications I am on. Meanwhile, the doctors shiver in fear of giving
their patients pain relief because of close scrutiny of the FDA.

So what alternatives do we truly have but to shut up and take the pain
for as long as we can? I find no surprise in this article. I just pray
you won't be writing the same type of article about me some day. My
condolences to Tommy Varillas, and shame on Mrs. Varillas' doctors.

ERIKA ELSHOFF

New Port Richey