Prescribing Task Force Meeting | April 13, 2015

Posted by twinklev

Prescribing Task Force
The Medical Board of California
April 13, 2015

I’ve been apart of this Prescribing Task Force since it began. These are the highlights of the meeting as it pertains to current affairs.

Refer to UStream MBC 4-13-2015 (98:02) Monday at 9:52 a.m
http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/61075030

Jason Smith- Generation Lost
Jason’s story begins at 13:00 of MBC 4-13-2015 (98:02) Monday at 9:52 a.m.

Mr. Smith begins his story by showing us photos of what a drug addict doesn’t look like, he immediately tells us that he abused the system 10 years ago. He say’s we have a preconceived notion of what a junkie looks like as he flips through slides of street bums and obvious users in dirty clothing in underground structures. He tells us that when he was 17 years old he became hooked after a car accident. He shares how he was put on Fentanyl, Norco and Soma. He believes his addiction started from Fentanyl. He said prior to the accident he was never interested in a drug “but when this hit my system, don’t get me wrong, I loved it”.

He was never honest with his doctor because he was worried his doctor would cut him off. He does say now, he has to take personal responsibility. He says his doctor didn’t know any better that he was just trying to keep him out of pain.

Additional Commentary-

I appreciate Mr. Smith’s truthfulness to come forward and tell his story. It would be honest if more patients did the same. We know they are out there. I am glad he is alive to tell his story and help the drug abuse problem. However, I can’t hold back. It is because of patients like this who make patients like me look bad. It is doctors like his that were duped that will second guess me now. I say me because I represent many pain patients who are falsely accused and judged for someone else’s deceit.

Jason appears friendly, handsome, not what society perceives an abuser to be. He’s right about the photo’s he’s shared.

Abusers are every day people, in any community, wealthy, poor, religious, strong, weak, and of any race. It is said that certain populations are at higher risk than others. We hear that over and over again. Don’t be fooled! They are in every class of people. Most dress quite well, are physically beautiful and are not just the poor folk, they are corporate managers, they are of the populations we don’t care to consider. If you think their aches and pains are more relevent then some one elses who might be on medi-cal you are misguided by your own misconceptions.

There has to be patient provider communication. There needs to be patient assessment, risk stratification, and screenings for abuse. Labeling a pain patient a potential abuser without merit because of other people who have used and abused our doctors and themselves is unjust.

Overdose means a person didn’t take a medication as prescribed, mixed it with alcohol, or another substance. Generally addiction and abuse occurs when mis using, again not taking as prescribed. Where is the personal responsibility in all of this? It is because of patients who do these things that contribute to the negative stigma and impede in the access to care and analgesic management to responsible chronic intractable pain patients. Much more work needs to be done not just in curbing abuse, but by making sure access to proper pain care on a case by case basis in ensured.

I admire Jason for sharing his story. His honesty actually brings truth and enlightenment to what many of us have been saying all along. You’re looking in the wrong place.

Dr. Rupali Das, Executive Medical Director of the Division of Workers Compensation spoke on Workers Compensation Guidelines, prescription drug misuse and overuse, and the multidisciplinary approach that the guidelines recommend. Treating providers are required to use the Evidence Based Treatment Schedule (MTUS). Opioid Treatment Guidelines- Refer to 57:00 of MBC 4-13-2015 (98:02) Monday at 9:52 a.m. http://www.ustream.tv/recorded/61075030

Dr. Das’ intentions are decent, yet early treatments such as acupuncture, physical and occupational therapy, yoga and other interventional treatments are more often than not, denied. This leads to the progression of disability and in some cases, irreversible disease. There is no wean down program when determining a modification of medication in many situations. Injured worker’s are abruptly halted leaving them in withdrawal. Even if a patient isn’t taking an opioid medication, withdrawal is dangerous. Injured worker’s continue to deal with denials and delays.

Agenda

1. Call to Order
2. The Lost Generation – Jason Smith
3. Update from the Prescription Opioid Misuse and Overdose Prevention Workgroup –
Julie Nagasako, California Department of Public Health
4. Update from Division of Workers Compensation – Rupali Das, M.D. Depart of Industrial Relations
5. Update on Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System (CURES) –
Kimberly Kirchmeyer
6. Discussion on Statewide Best Practices
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Twinkle VanFleet
Executive Board Member/Advocacy Director
Power of Pain Foundation http://powerofpain.org

In attendence with
State Pain Policy Advocacy Network (SPPAN) Fellow Leader’s
Scott Clark of the California Medical Association (CMA) http://www.cmanet.org/
Maggie Buckley of the Pain Community http://paincommunity.org/

Power of Pain Foundation Co Sponsor Assembly Bill 623

Posted by twinklev

Yesterday the Power of Pain Foundation Co-Sponsored AB 623 with Assembly Member Wood at the California State Capital in Sacramento where the bill was officially introduced. I spoke on behalf of both pain patients and opioid abuse. In attendance with me and on behalf of POPF and the bill was Erik VanFleet, Kharisma VanFleet, Debbie Ellis, and Brandy Ellis.

Speaking at the event was: Assemblymember Wood (author), Assemblymember Levine, Mendocino County Sheriff Tom Allman, Ralph A. Cansimbe, Chapter Commander PFC Alejandro R. Ruiz Chapter, American G.I. Forum, Representatives from bill sponsors US Pain Foundation, Power of Pain and American Chronic Pain Foundations and the CA Academy of Physician Assistants.

Legislation to Curb Prescription Drug Deaths Unveiled

Published on Mar 26, 2015

(Sacramento) – California legislators, public health representatives and law enforcement officials announced new legislation at a State Capitol news conference to curb prescription drug abuse and deaths. Assembly Bill 623, authored by Assemblyman Jim Wood (D-Healdsburg), aims to reduce prescription drug abuse-related deaths by reducing their access to those most prone to abusing them. More than 60 people die every day in the United States from prescription drug overdoses. Approximately 6.5 million people in the US abused prescription drugs in 2013, more than double those that abused heroin, cocaine and hallucinogens combined. “Narcotic pain medications, or opioids, have an important role in our health care system,” said Assemblymember Wood, who is a licensed dentist. “They provide effective relief for the millions of Americans who suffer from chronic pain. But too easily they are getting into the wrong hands.” Here’s more in this Assembly Access video.http://www.asmdc.org/wood

Watch the Press Conference on Assembly Live

My speech-

Hello, My name is T. VanFleet, I am the Advocacy Director and Executive Board Member of the Power of Pain Foundation. I am also a pain patient myself. Through painful trial and error, my physicians and I have finally found the appropriate combination of medications to provide some relief from my debilitating symptoms. The prescription medications that I take allow me to do things that most people take for granted. Now, I celebrate small triumphs such as cooking, occasionally attending a function, and watching my grandson grow. One of the medications that helped give me my life back is a prescription opioid. A type of medication which has recently come under increased scrutiny due to heavy abuse by some.

Unfortunately, people who use prescription medications as intended can become unfortunate casualties of efforts to regulate opioid abuse, as we end up getting lumped in with those who misuse treatments. It is difficult to obtain refills,, denials and delays by pharmacists and insurance, including workers compensation leave patients in withdrawal and un-manageable circumstances including suicidal ideation.

Fortunately, there are new weapons available to help combat prescription opioid abuse which do not sacrifice the many patients who legitimately use the medications to fight pain. New “abuse deterrent formulations” (ADF) for opioids have properties that make it difficult or undesirable for someone to tamper with them. These medications are made with physical and chemical barriers, such as a special kind of coating or hardness to the pill itself, that won’t allow them to be chewed, crushed, cut, grated, ground up, or melted with water or alcohol.

The Power of Pain Foundation strongly believes that California policymakers must enact policies such as AB 623 to help develop a strong, lasting solution to the health crisis of prescription opioid abuse. We must find a balance that separates patients who truly need opioid medication to live productive lives and those who are abusing them. Responsible patients should not be punished in an attempt to crack down on prescription drug mis-use and abuse. Legislators, health care professionals and pharmaceutical companies must work together to stop opioid abuse while keeping the needs of chronic pain patients front-of-mind.

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I was honored to support this bill with Assemblyman Wood on behalf of the Power of Pain Foundation. It’s important that we assist in the prescription opioid drug abuse problem. This will help responsible pain patients get access to the care they need. Too many are denied now because of the stigma attached to their chronic pain identity. Abuse deterrent formulation’s will assist both issues.

Press Release Article Tuesday, March 24, 2015

Legislation to Curb Prescription Drug Deaths Unveiled by Assemblyman Jim Wood

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For more information on the Power of Pain Foundation’s Policy Efforts, please visit-

Power of Pain Foundation | Policy Efforts | PatientAwareness.org

-Friday March 20, 2014 Episode of

The Burning for a Cure show

With Hosts POPF President, Barby Ingle and POPF Executive Board Member & Marketing Director and Promotions Chairman – Joeygiggles and Co-Hosts Executive Board Member and Advocacy Chairwoman Twinkle VanFleet with Power of Pain Foundation Executive Director Ken Taylor.

Discussion: Legislation- Abuse Deterrent Formulation (ADF), more Listen Here

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Out in the real world, I try not to identify as a pain patient. We will be judged. You know it, and I know it. It becomes our label. As I attempt to go forward in advocacy it can sometimes be a little awkward. Not in my physical appearance, but In my inability to speak properly, delays, memory, forgetfulness, stuttering, wake-sleep, sleep-wake. I’m heading into my 15th year with CRPS type 2. My Neurocognitive deficit seemed a rapid decline. It’s part of the story that helps me fight to go on, for my family, for you.

You have to hang on to you! It’s okay to not be perfect. It’s okay to not be your “yesterday”.

The struggle is real. We are who we’ve become. And it really is okay in all that it is. We might not like it, but we have to learn to accept it.

Perfection is all that you can achieve in the here and the now. Getting that shower, getting dressed, combing our hair. Those are the triumphs.

There’s so much worth in the smallest things.

I believe in you! Believe in you, too.

Thank you Barby Ingle for always believing in me and my ability even when I didn’t.

Lets try to remember to not pre-judge a chronic pain patient on appearance or preconceived notions, but instead, assess on diagnosis, and credibility. ~Twinkle V.

Power of Pain Foundation- ADF and Access to Care

Posted by twinklev

ADF

Power of Pain Foundation recognizes that Abuse Deterrent Formulations are only a step forward
toward drug diversion. We know this isn’t the final answer. It allows an option for patients to
continue to be treated with opioid analgesics and removes many of the barriers involved in non abuse
deterrent medication.

POPF Pain Community Needs Assessment Survey

We are not focusing on any one treatment option, we are improving upon the patient/provider
relationship.

The purpose of our survey was to determine who is having trouble getting access to quality care.
who is being dismissed, who is being cared for by a primary physician, who is being sent to pain
management and who is having difficulty receiving ongoing pain care.

We are aware of many individuals who are not receiving proper medication management or treatment
and others who had been receiving care that are now facing obstacles.

Our goal is continued access to care. Our goal is patient empowerment.

Prescription drug abuse versus chronic pain care

Posted by twinklev

Prescription drug abuse versus chronic pain care continues to be a hot topic. In a previous post How should U.S. regulate powerful pain killers? American Academy of Pain Management’s Executive Director, Bob Twillman, PhD discusses opioid prescribing and regulations with Dr. Andrew Kolodny, Director of Physicians for Responsible Opioid Prescribing on PBS’s Newshour. Dr. Kolodny acknowledges Chronic Pain is a serious problem. He adds “But, unfortunately, we are harming far more people with chronic pain than we’re helping when we treat them with long-term opioid medications”.

He doesn’t believe long term use of opioids should be prescribed to those with low back pain, Fibromyalgia and chronic headaches. He goes on to discuss what many of us believe in that there is a separate population in the drug abuse epidemic and chronic pain person.

I do believe there is an overlap in some patients. I do not believe all patients should be classified in the overlap scenario. I do know that opioid induced hyperalgesia can occur from long term use, but usually when the medication is increased for not controlling pain. I also know people who have experienced it who have taken it as prescribed long term.

Harming which ones? All of them? Some of us? One or two? Consider another possible epidemic by the refusal, discontinuation, denials, and/or delays of needed medication, suicide. Patients are becoming pre disposed to emotions and actions they would have never felt or done otherwise.

Lee_OpioidInducedHyperalgesia

Sadly, many overdoses are from abusing, mixing with alcohol, illicit street drugs, changing the Rx and simply not thinking. No one wants to be accountable instead just bounce the blame.

In a recent publication, The Unintended Side Effects of Fighting Prescription Drug Abuse, an op-ed piece published January 8th, 2015 on the California Progress Report, I shared a bit of me and spoke on the importance and options of Abuse Deterrent Formulations (ADF) while also showing that there are some people whose quality of life depends on an opioid medication.

It seems my article has come under some scrutiny by opposer’s of opioid prescribing. I am heading into my 15 year with the diagnosis of CRPS /Causalgia type 2 with confirmed nerve damage. Complex Regional Pain Syndrome/Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy are other names. A neurological, neuropathic autoimmune disease which causes a malfunction in the Sympathetic Nervous System commonly known as Fight or Flight. Now referred to as Fight, Flight,or Freeze) (1 of 2 parts of the Autonomic Nervous System), Autonomic Nervous System ANS (Sympathetic SNS and Para-Sympathetic PNS). All of which reside within the Central Nervous System CNS. RSD/CRPS described by the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke in 2001 and also at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke we know more. While it’s rated 42/50 on the McGill pain index, I use all the additional tools I’ve learned over the years. Meditation, bio feedback, deep breathing, imagery, guided imagery, distraction, pacing activities, relaxation techniques, progressive muscle relaxation audios, hearts house and various other modalities to help ease my own pain.

I’ve had a Permanent Spinal Cord Stimulator implant since 2006. I am on one low dose narcotic. The lowest dose for it’s type. My other medications do not apply.

I’ve been a part of the California Medical Board’s Prescribing Task Force in Sacramento California since it was formed. I do not advocate for or endorse any opioid analgesic. I gave testimony for Senate Public Safety on SB 1258 (DeSaulnier) April 29, 2014.

I agree there is a problem. I appreciate the passion in those who are advocating for change in over prescribing, abuse, misuse and diversion. I too have the same goal, but not an agenda at the risk of cutting patients off medication. Try to appreciate my passion in the fact that many chronic pain patients are being depraved proper pain care due to the “epidemic”. One second I hear certain Workers Compensation posters complain about Lidoderm being prescribed to pain patients stating that it’s intent is for Shingles. True, but let me clear something up for that poster, “Post Shingle Pain”. One cannot use it during and until any open wounds or blistering heals. LIDODERM^® (lidocaine patch 5%) is used to relieve the pain of post-herpetic neuralgia, also referred to as after-shingles pain. Apply only to intact skin with no blisters.

Lidoderm, seriously? Weren’t we just talking about opioids? The reason I mentioned this is because the same page that complained.. also complained about opiods with the WC treated patient.

Tell me what you want, what you really really want! In other words, a narcotic or a lidoderm patch. Hm… sheesh.

I agree that patients should be assessed accordingly. Patient Evaluation and Risk Stratification should be utilized to mitigate potential risks. I’ve been with the same doctor since 2004, I use the same pharmacy. I’m randomly drug tested for my prescription medications and for those not prescribed, illegal ones.

The overlap is partial. Drug abuse and pain care do not overlap entirely. There is a difference between dependency and addiction.

Dependency, (Psychol) over reliance by a person on another person or on a drug,

Addiction, the state of being enslaved to a habit or practice or to something that is psychologically or physically habit-forming, as narcotics, to such an extent that its cessation causes severe trauma. The condition of being abnormally dependent on some habit, esp compulsive dependency on narcotic drugs. Habitual psychological and physiological dependence on a substance or practice beyond one’s voluntary control. A physical or psychological need for a habit-forming substance, such as a drug or alcohol. In physical addiction, the body adapts to the substance being used and gradually requires increased amounts to reproduce the effects originally produced by smaller doses.

Addiction is when you want and crave the drug so bad your body has to have it, some will lie, steal and search until they get their fix.

I’ll use myself as an example, dependent, yes. I rely on it to ease pain that is often so unbearable most of you would have no idea. Unrelenting, constant… all day, all night.

So lets take a look

The above photo is 6 years after the injury that led to my diagnosis. Can you possibly imagine walking on that? This photo includes swelling, blood vessel constriction, discoloration and the burning pain while internal became exterior to the point of simulating actual burns. I cycle through my symptoms which include burning, ice fire, discoloration, temperature changes to the extremity, hair and nail changes, sensory and motor difficulties, atrophy is apparent when swelling has eased. These cycles occur daily. I’m sensitive to loud sounds, my skin is hyper sensitive. Clothing hurts. I’m unable to drive and have to rely on 3 people to get me anywhere. Allodynia and hyperalgesia are present. Bones have wasted away in addition to muscle. You can feel it. Increases in barometric pressure causes flare-ups. Now imagine that throughout your body. Several secondary diagnosis’ that I will not discuss at this time.

These photos include atrophy when swelling reduces to bone. Try putting a shoe on that or trying to be a productive member of society. Chronic pain patients already have a negative stigma of being whiners, complainer’s and drug seekers. None of what I’ve written includes the back pain caused by the same injury, or the hard landing of my head on concrete flooring. I won’t even go into secondary depression due to the loss. Lose what you wonder? All that you might have been! I volunteer 1-4 hours a week. That’s what my life is. We are all different.

Taking medication as prescribed, not sooner, not later, not double dipping makes up half the difference here.

For more information visit- The Neuropathy Action Foundation

Current photos. Left 3 weeks old. The right 5 weeks.

TwinkleV_RightHandNov292014a

We should be working together to bring a sound solution to this ongoing topic while keeping in mind,.. It really hurts to hurt! Ask yourselves this, what if we were you. What if you were one of us?!

First it was the patients abusing the drugs, now it’s the physician’s fault for prescribing them. I can’t wait to find out whose fault it is next.

Would you trade places with me?

Nope, you’d most likely beg for pain relief in the form of an opioid.

So let’s be easy on each other.

I wish you pain eased days and nights,

Twinkle VanFleet, Advocacy Director/Board Member Power of Pain Foundation

Introducing PublicHealthCorps.Org

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PublicHealthCorps is “Putting the Public Back in Public Health” by finding and sharing quality health information with those in need. They hope that the resources they provide will empower others to make a difference in their community and will inform their personal health-related decisions. The following is a list of prescription drug resources provided by PublicHealthCorp’s Public Relations Intern.