On January 1st, 2007, I became a victim of domestic violence that left me with a severe spinal injury. Since that tragic day, I have undergone three back surgeries and just last week, I was confronted with the daunting prospect of a fourth surgery. Yet despite enduring these invasive procedures, my options for treatment remain painfully limited. I'm given no say over what happens to my body—it's either do XYZ or continue to suffer. It's unimaginable to think that I'd be arrested for treating my dog this way, yet somehow it's deemed acceptable for humans to be treated like this. 

Chronic pain is a debilitating condition that affects millions across the globe. According to the CDC, over 20% of U.S. adults live with chronic pain, and 8% experience high-impact chronic pain that limits life or work activities. These statistics emphasize an urgent need for diversified treatment plans tailored to individual patient needs rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Many chronic pain patients, like myself, find themselves trapped within a medical system that too often disregards the patient's voice and overlooks the multifaceted nature of pain management. We are often forced into alternative therapies such as physical therapy, acupuncture, or holistic medicine that doesn’t always work for everyone. Because of the opioid epidemic, access to pain medication that truly works is extremely limited to nearly impossible!!

It's time to address this issue and advocate for comprehensive pain management solutions that honor the patient's right to choose their path to healing. Multiple treatment options should be mandated for chronic pain patients including opioids, ensuring individualized care plans that put patients back in control of their health.

There should be a facility set up like a home where patients stay for 24-48 hours and attempt to do their daily routine, so doctors see their pain. Sitting in a vehicle to the clinic, sitting in the waiting room, and sitting in an exam room for 15 minutes, does not give them an accurate view of a patient’s actual pain level when at home. Walk-in tubs and electric chair lifts should be covered by insurance without copay or deductible so those who can’t afford it, can have access to it. Adjustable beds like hospital beds should also be covered. 

Let us call upon healthcare providers, insurance companies, and policymakers to adopt a more inclusive approach to chronic pain treatment. By signing this petition, you join the movement to demand changes in healthcare policies that will promote patient autonomy and access to diversified treatment options. Sign to support a future where every chronic pain patient can receive compassionate and tailored care without labels. To help me get out and raise awareness to this petition including traveling to testify before lawmakers, you can donate at https://PayPal.me/bleuvader or @bleuvader in Send/Receive in your account. If you want the petition to be seen better, you can donate to Change after signing.