Unfortunately what is happening in real time is the forced deprescribing of opioids for chronic pain patients, yes even us in the most pain. We are being forced to say yes to procedures that make us uncomfortable. Even though my chronic pain is super severe I was told my codeine, which is honestly the bare minimum for my pain level  will be taken away and this is coming from someone whose pain can get to a 9.5. While interventional pain procedures can helps us there is no guarantee they are a permanent cure. We honestly need to fight back cuz what’s unfolding is like the states but almost worse. Bodily autonomy is something important. A lot of us ended up on opioids because all the OTC options did nothing and the medical gaslighting begins—-“your pain is there cuz you’re on opioids .” (My pain reached a 10,  3 years before starting them).
“You have central sensitization from opioids.” Uhh absolutely not cuz I have a highly sensitive CNS due to C-PTSD. It is not rocket science us with c-PTSD are more vulnerable to chronic pain sadly.
“Have you thought about seeing a psychologist in relation to your pain?” Uhhhh I have but for legit mental health issues not unbearable pain. I have my own outlets to express .
What everyone  needs to understand is we need to protest against what’s about to unfold. We cannot go through what happened in the USA. And it’s happening quicker. And with even less leniency.
-for some of us opioids are necessary and make doing simple things possible. Bodily autonomy matters and even if we do procedures there is no 100% success rate and flares can come back
- we do not want to face a tragedy like the USA where pain patients may feel helpless and turn to dangerous alternatives

We also do not want any future pain patients to be denied opioid treatment where justified.

We understand that treating pain isn't as simple as taking opioids only. Interventional pain procedures have there place, however still it is cruel to take medication that allows patients functionality, when many of said interventions may not guarantee relief or it Is only temporary. 

No one deserves to have lived through situations where without opioids I have genuinely found myself stuck on the street in agonising pain unable to keep going on a few occasions I have been at a 10. It is excruciating, humiliating, and not something any OTC medication will help.

I have, and so have many other chronic pain patients tried physiotherapy, remedial massages, acupuncture, and osteopathy with no results or even worsening in my personal case.

Chronic pain patients deserve dignity, compassion and evidence-based treatment,  not abandonment.

We call on the Australian Government to listen to patients,  and review policies that may be causing harm to the very people they are intended to protect.