Did Prince Overdose? And Will It Affect Pain Management If He Did?

[KamaAina]

http://www.healthcentral.com/rheumatoid-arthritis/c/80106/180112/pain-management/

Earlier this week, the attorney for a California-based addiction doctor stated that arrangements had been made for the artist and singer Prince to seek treatment for painkiller addiction shortly before his death. (Prince died at his Paisley Park studio complex in Minneapolis on April 21. He was 57.)

It’s important to remember that it will be weeks, possibly months, before the results of Prince's autopsy and the cause of his death will be finalized. Until then, we need to consider information in the public sphere with a great deal of skepticism.

We do know that Prince had long-term hip problems with high levels of chronic pain and reportedly used Percocet to treat that pain. Sources also indicate that prior to his death he had the flu, which turned into walking pneumonia. Being sick with pneumonia can affect your cognition, possibly affecting how you take medication.

Regardless of what happened, it is inevitable that the attorney's statement will enter the discussion about opioid painkillers. The rumors of a possible overdose will likely take over the conversation, further demonizing the use of opioid painkillers. This is unfortunate, as the real question here, as stated in the L.A. Times, is whether Prince received appropriate care.

[malaise]

1. Prince like many Americans was in terrible pain

took medication and died - rest brother.

I'm betting he took less meds than the Chief Justice who gave Bush the Presidency.

[CountAllVotes]

2. Most trying to live with chronic pain

are likely being very carefully monitored up the yin and the yang these days if they are dealing with the problem in a legitimate fashion which many/most are. Sickening is what it is, plain sickening. They are being demonized because of cases like Prince, etc.

They should should focus on someone or something else besides people who are sick and in severe pain for life. It is grotesque at best, humiliating, etc. etc. etc.

Those that are in it for kicks and/or addicts should be dealt with accordingly but going after chronic intractable pain patients is beyond the pale.

[cali]

3. We sure are. It's demeaning.