WRONG MESSAGE

I am writing in response to the article Feb. 20, "OxyContin prescriber
convicted." As a physician in Fresno who treats chronic pain with
long-acting narcotics, including OxyContin, I am dismayed at the tone of
the article and the possible message that could be sent to other
physicians, i.e., don't treat people with pain, otherwise, you may end up
in jail.

Already I have been asked numerous times by patients and others alike if
OxyContin is a horrible drug. It is an excellent drug for chronic,
malignant and non-malignant pain and is easy to prescribe and use.

One important fact that was stated in the article but glossed over was that
those who died from the OxyContin all had abused it and had not taken it
the way that it was prescribed. As the defense attorney said, "OxyContin is
a good drug if it is taken properly."

Put this all into the proper perspective: People with chronic pain that is
not being treated deserve pain relief with the appropriate medications,
including OxyContin. To be refused that dignity and being told to "live
with your pain" is to be treated as something less than human.