Contacting Oprah

[Mobity]

This may be a silly question but I was wondering if anyone ever thought of contacting someone like Oprah W. to see if she would do a show on pain management and the difficulties involved with getting the proper medications and treatments. I think if the public were made aware of the prejudice and problems victims of chronic pain suffer it might just result in a good outcome. People need to understand what it is like to wake up crying because of the pain, to loose self confidence due to not being able to work and earn a living, giving up your social life because you can no longer walk, sit or stand for any extended period of time. The most exposure I have seen to date is Rush (*$#$&#$) Limbaugh's bout with Oxy's. He didn't do us any favors did he.
Any comments?
Hugs
Mo

[tyler7]

Mo,

I don't know if you caught it, but last fall as a matter of fact Oprah herself did a show about prescription drugs, but of course it was centered on the traditional "soccer mom" abusing them. And the woman who inspired the producers to do the episode was a member here. Unfortunately in the society we live in, we are FAR MORE LIKELY to have more shows like the one they did, as opposed to what you are talking about (and what everyone on this board would like to see, no doubt). The reality is, what they talked about is more "interesting", more "racy and sultry", for lack of better words. It just makes better TV. Mind you, I don't agree with crap like that, because I'm not one of the sheep of this country that just accepts what networks want to shove down my throat, I'm just telling you what the reality is.

I think any non-fiction based television should always be completely objective and partisan, but unfortunately this is the farthest thing from the truth. I mean, look at the many news stations - they above all else should unequivacly be the most objective, but are not far more often than they are, even the most revered CNN. I think it's fair to do a show discussing the problem of your neighbor next door-type of person abusing RXs, if it's done right, but you should dig just as deep to portray the other side of the issue. Ay, but there's the rub, when it comes to TV at least - that don't put butts in the seats, as they say.

I hate to say it, but the most you should probably ever count on for thruthful support is a place like this. If it truly bothers you enough, then research into what you can actually do about it. Heck, if you want to take it this far, I'm sure there's at least one Public Access network operating near where you live. Do what you need to know to get yourself on it so your word can be heard. That's just the beginning, and that's just one idea. Good luck

(PS - regarding Rush Limbaugh - and I'm not saying anyone here is defending him or sympathizing, etc, with him, but to anyone who is, before you do, let's not forget that in Mr Limbaugh's past - during the period that he was ILLEGALLY obtaining prescription drugs for the purpose of abusing them - he would speak publicly and vehemently about how "the government should prosecute 'these drug addicts' to the full extent of the law when they have broken laws to get their supply.")

"Oh, hi Kettle, I'm the Pot. Well, look at that - we're both black!"

[rlcowboy]

Hey, just wanted to agree with the statement that folks abusing the meds should be prosecuted, it just really makes it hard for some folks to get the right help because of other folks that DO NOT need the meds abusing them.

[surgicaldisaster]

A ditto to what cowboy said! Surgical Disaster

[carol632]

People on another board (including me) have done just that...written to Oprah objecting to the one-sided show about pain meds and addiction. Her website will allow you to send an email to her expressing your feelings.

I hope that a lot of you will take the opportunity to give a minute of your time to write her and ask for equal time on the subject of narcotic pain use...OUR SIDE! If she gets enough mail, perhaps she will actually do a show that lets us speak our piece.

Carol