Mojo333 and Layla:
My sister and I sincerely thank you both very much for the kind-hearted holiday wishes. And we certainly hope that you and your families (and friends) also have joyous, wonderful holidays. I couldn't possibly imagine two more deserving people. It's wonderful, caring people like you two that truly makes the holiday season special.
My sister is actually now able to dance, albeit very slowly and deliberately. She's recovered to where her "good" days now far exceed her "bad" days. Hopefully she'll continue to do so and her "bad" days will soon be nothing more than a memory. Personally, I've been doing very well. Certainly, better than I would've imagined only a couple years ago.
On a more serious note, are either of you aware of any discussions within the BoneSmart Community concerning the recent changes in opioid prescription policies?
More specifically, the Centers for Disease Control's (CDC's) 2016 "recommendations" for opioid prescription guidelines that numerous physicians, hospitals, have literally been "strong-armed" into adhering to by the DEA, for no medically-supported reason.
I assume a good percentage of BoneSmart members are also chronic pain patients. Having already been diagnosed with both of my knees and shoulders also needing to be replaced. I unfortunately have been such a patient for 15-plus years, yet I’ve had my pain managed through an opioid treatment program that my Pain Physician has (thank God) kept me on for over 15-years.
Regardless, I was recently advised by my Pain Physician that despite the adverse effects it will undoubtedly have on my quality-of-life, (and pain levels) he “is being forced by the government” to taper my medications down to approximately 25% of my long-existing levels. Which is unquestionably going to significantly effect what quality-of-life I had remaining.
I spent years unable to walk, or even leave my house for anything other than a doctor’s appointment, which always necessitated the use of non-emergency medical transport. Virtually the very day I finally overcame so many physical obstacles to finally regain the ability to actually walk again, the government is going to intentionally put me right back where I was 6-years ago? Sitting in my bedroom or laying in my bed 24-7 – 365 days a year doing nothing more than wishing I was dead.
I apologize for even bringing this up with such wonderful people like you. And it really pisses me off that I felt that it was even necessary to do so. And, I’m not looking for answers from the BoneSmart community. However, I would like to know what, if anything that might have been discussed, planned, etc., that might possibly help rectify this unbelievable situation.
It’s difficult to comprehend the unimaginable injustice, needless pain-and-suffering, the suicides, etc., that are being deliberately perpetuated by such unthinkable ignorance. The government has no right, nor any business interfering in, or even being remotely involved in peoples/doctor's relationships, medical decisions.
Any comments or suggestions that you might have concerning this inhuman atrocity would be sincerely appreciated.
I hope you and yours have a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
And, I apologize again for bringing this up at this time of year.
Very sincerely,
"BradlyStu"
United States
What a sweet thing to look forward to at Christmas time, 
