STORY 'UNBALANCED' ON VIEWS AND FACTS

I was truly annoyed and disappointed with the article "Lewis speaks out
against 'dope' for agony" in The Sun News March 21. There seemed to be a
personal agenda on the reporter's part, as the story was completely
unbalanced in the expression of views and facts related to appropriate and
proper pain management techniques.

We invited Mr. Lewis to speak because we find his personal story of
struggle with pain compelling, heart wrenching and even motivating. As
professionals in the field, we want to make sure that all patients have
access to a wide variety of possible treatments to avoid needless pain and
suffering. Fortunately, we are learning more about pain every day and that
allows us to better treat the complex varieties of pain problems.

While we find Lewis' desire to help the cause of pain management laudable,
he is not trained in pain management and should not be construed as an expert.

Annabel D. Edwards American Society for Pain Management NursesBoard of
Directors