DON'T STIGMATIZE THOSE WHO NEED STRONG PAIN RELIEF

I continue to read headlines and articles about the unfortunate abuse of
prescription drugs in Eastern Kentucky. Too often, I am overwhelmed by the
articles' misinformation and vilifying attitudes.

I suffer from chronic pain, and OxyContin has given me my life back. Before
OxyContin was prescribed for me, the only answer for my pain was large
amounts of morphine and other drugs that kept me in bed most of the time.

With my doctor's care and OxyContin, I am now able to do many things I
could not do safely before.

Instead of condemning this medication, media reports should be praising it
because it has helped so many in chronic pain. Many doctors would testify
to the drug's effectiveness and usefulness in their medical practices.

With news stories focusing only on the criminals who illegally obtain and
abuse OxyContin, thousands of pain patients are being unfairly vilified. I
hope future coverage will also consider the plight of those whose lives are
made much better because of OxyContin.

Kenneth Hatcher
Louisville