AVOIDING NEEDLESS PAIN

To the Editor:
The article "Misunderstood Opioids and Needless Pain" (Jan. 22) hit home
with me. Five years ago, I was learned that I had interstitial cystitis, a
bladder disease that produces a multitude of symptoms, one of which is mild
to severe pain. The minute I brought up my pain symptoms I could visually
see my urologist's face drop.

In my quest for relief, I saw five doctors. I began to think that
because I am a registered nurse doctors automatically thought that I
was addicted to pain medications. After discussing a treatment plan
with my family doctor, he said, "When I have pain, I just grin and
bear it."

After five years of needless pain and its side effects I found a
knowledgeable urologist who addressed my pain and treated it. I take
one pain pill a day and my life has returned to normal. I am not high
on medication, I am high on life.

Cathleen D. Joyce,

Washingtonville, N.Y.