Pubdate: Wed, 24 Mar 2004
Source: Daily Press (VA)
Copyright: 2004 The Daily Press
Contact:  http://www.dailypress.com
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/585
Author: Gregory D. Gwynn
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/find?232 (Chronic Pain)

PRO-FAMILY ADMINISTRATION NOT WORKING

Where are the less-government-intervention Bush's when you need them?

I was working as a corrections officer at the Newport News City Farm in 
1997 when I was struck by a drunken driver while out of the truck watching 
my inmates cut grass. I was thrown 50 feet, landed head first and slid 
another 50 feet on my back.

In the last 61/2 years I have had 10 knee surgeries, three on the left, 
seven on the right. Number 11 is fast approaching. I am in constant pain, 
whether sitting or standing. I am 40 years old with the knees of an 
80-year-old through no fault of my own.

Because of my age doctors don't want to do the eventual replacements yet. I 
have gone through seven months of "pain management" and got no relief. 
Vicodin allows me to sometimes sit through a church sermon, to go with my 
wife to the grocery store. Vicodin allows me to watch my son play junior 
varsity football. Vicodin allows me to go to my younger son's Christmas 
band concert. It doesn't allow me to be the father and husband I was before 
the Vicodin, but it allows me to at least do some of what a father is 
supposed to do.

Because cold and rainy weather affects my condition, my usage is not always 
the same. My pain is affected by the surfaces I walk on and my activity. So 
if the Drug Enforcement Administration changes the availability of Vicodin, 
and if I have to see the doctor every time I need a refill, I won't be 
there for my wife, my sons, parents or in-laws when I am needed.

For this to be the "pro-family administration," it sure sounds like they 
are trying to separate me from mine.

Gregory D. Gwynn

Hampton
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