Stop Treating Chronic Illness Patients Like Addicts in Austin
The Issue
I've been battling chronic illnesses, including CSF leaks, intracranial hypotension and hypertension, EDS, MCAS, and POTS. Each day is a constant struggle as I fight through immense pain that isn't easily managed by standard protocols. My journey hit a major roadblock when I was referred to an addictionologist after returning from a week-long stay at the Houston Methodist Hospital. Instead of receiving personalized care suitable for my condition, I was handed a one-size-fits-all prescription without any consideration for my medical history or current treatment needs.
It is beyond frustrating when healthcare providers fail to understand the unique needs of patients dealing with complex medical conditions. I was given a prescription for buprenorphine film after a documented decline in health due to my CSF leaks, with neurosurgery actively involved in my case. Despite having documented my condition, the physician didn't read my notes, nor did he ask where I currently stood with my treatment. With no plan in place, I was forced into a corner with limited choices. It's bewildering that I was expected to choose between inadequate care and painful withdrawal, without any collaborative discussion or a tailored pain management strategy.
This isn't just about me. Many in Austin, and indeed across Texas, face similar hurdles in receiving the compassionate and individualized care they deserve. Chronic pain and rare conditions often come with sensitivities to medications, and it’s imperative that doctors listen, understand, and plan treatment according to the patient’s specific needs. We shouldn’t have to travel between cities, wasting precious time and resources, simply to find empathetic and effective care.
We need Austin hospitals to revise their pain management standards, ensuring that every patient receives a personalized care plan that aligns with their individual health conditions. It is vital for medical professionals to engage with their patients actively, validating their experiences and tailoring treatments accordingly. This change will not only benefit me but countless others navigating the complexities of chronic illnesses.
Join me in demanding that Austin hospitals implement improved pain management standards, ensuring every patient is treated with the empathy and personalized care we desperately need and deserve. Sign this petition now and make our voices heard.
My video on my experience:
114
The Issue
I've been battling chronic illnesses, including CSF leaks, intracranial hypotension and hypertension, EDS, MCAS, and POTS. Each day is a constant struggle as I fight through immense pain that isn't easily managed by standard protocols. My journey hit a major roadblock when I was referred to an addictionologist after returning from a week-long stay at the Houston Methodist Hospital. Instead of receiving personalized care suitable for my condition, I was handed a one-size-fits-all prescription without any consideration for my medical history or current treatment needs.
It is beyond frustrating when healthcare providers fail to understand the unique needs of patients dealing with complex medical conditions. I was given a prescription for buprenorphine film after a documented decline in health due to my CSF leaks, with neurosurgery actively involved in my case. Despite having documented my condition, the physician didn't read my notes, nor did he ask where I currently stood with my treatment. With no plan in place, I was forced into a corner with limited choices. It's bewildering that I was expected to choose between inadequate care and painful withdrawal, without any collaborative discussion or a tailored pain management strategy.
This isn't just about me. Many in Austin, and indeed across Texas, face similar hurdles in receiving the compassionate and individualized care they deserve. Chronic pain and rare conditions often come with sensitivities to medications, and it’s imperative that doctors listen, understand, and plan treatment according to the patient’s specific needs. We shouldn’t have to travel between cities, wasting precious time and resources, simply to find empathetic and effective care.
We need Austin hospitals to revise their pain management standards, ensuring that every patient receives a personalized care plan that aligns with their individual health conditions. It is vital for medical professionals to engage with their patients actively, validating their experiences and tailoring treatments accordingly. This change will not only benefit me but countless others navigating the complexities of chronic illnesses.
Join me in demanding that Austin hospitals implement improved pain management standards, ensuring every patient is treated with the empathy and personalized care we desperately need and deserve. Sign this petition now and make our voices heard.
My video on my experience:
Supporter Voices
Petition Updates
Share this petition
Petition created on September 4, 2026