Today, my son, I will go to the temple and perform vicariously the preparatory actions that you were unable to do during your mortal life. I will begin the process necessary for you to continue your eternal journey. You will be ordained an Elder in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints and will have many promises and blessings sealed upon you. Sacred ordinances will be performed and you will make covenents prescribed by our Savior so that you will "qualify for the purifying and exalting blessing of the atonement". I will act as your proxy just as if you were there for yourself. Many who have passed away have waited for there work to be done for many many years. So to have this done immediately after your year of preparation is a special blessing for you. I know that because of your love for your family and especially Jayden that you will take full advantage of this special privilege.
President Christensen the Rexburg Temple President said this about things that are done in the temple. "The sealing power that binds families together forever is more powerful than we can ever understand. We know that the Lord wants families together forever. He provides in His Holy temple the power to bind on earth so that it is bound in heaven. ..."
I love you my son and I consider it an honor to do this for you.
Dad
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Wednesday, November 18, 2009
Happy Birthday Jimmy!
I think of you everyday, but today especially. I wish you were here to wish a happy day to ~ we love you!
Thoughts of Jimmy:
The following are my daily thoughts for the first month after the unexpected passing of my 31-year-old son James Thomas December 21, 2008. At first my feelings were of agony and guilt about the things we could have done and how I felt I had failed him in so many ways. Next I tried to express my feelings of appreciation for what he was with his caring, loving attitude for people that he crossed paths with. Finally, I ended with feelings of what I feel his current purpose and resolve is for us, his family.
My feelings are thoughts as they came into my head, at times weeping bitterly. Many times I would wake early in the morning, missing him and finding it impossible to lie in bed. The pen and paper seemed to help relieve some of my grief at that time.
I am publishing this in his blog on this day (November 19, 2009). This would have been his 32nd birthday anniversary.
Again suddenly you were back in my life
You were here but a short time.
Your presence then means so much to me now.
You were completing the required tasks and
Making a path for the future.
You loved your son, the sweet little one
And, you missed him so much.
So, to see him you deemed you must go
Even though you were not ready and strong,
But you went.
You were there for us many times, but we let you down
We did not understand your real need,
And, the crushing weight of your pain.
“I must come to you,” I said – “something is wrong.”
But I did not come. I was not there for you.
What happened that Sunday morn when you went to sleep?
I was coming that night to be with you for one more big adventure.
But, I did not come, for you had gone away.
I sit here now thinking of you constantly.
My mind wearies of the thought of the past short time.
Can it be worth it to go on?
Could I join you in your new place?
No! I must stay and wait.
As I look through my papers and see the plans.
We could go hunting and fishing and do the things we loved.
But no – you are gone. There must be more
Can I find peace in those things? Must I try? Who cares?
Yes, I will see you again – time will pass.
Oh, that I hadn’t been so foolish with the time I had.
Oh, selfish motives. I wanted more from you.
But, I was wrong.
I should have come to you.
To see your situation and learn to understand
But I was blind.
I see your pictures, your smiling face,
A time with your son; riding a horse; ice blocking, exploring a cave.
You were alive, even in pain. But, I did not see – I did not understand.
You were so strong, so brave, so special,
What a waste.
Is there something I can learn from this?
Should I quit being so much worried of trivial things?
Can I be more like you – so caring and loving, so friendly?
Can I learn from you now? Do I have it in me? I don’t know.
What I know is you are gone and we will not be doing things together for now.
The things we could have done.
As the agonizing days drag slowly by, Why?
What happened? An accident? Was it simply your destiny to go?
Now? So early? So incomplete?
We wonder and talk and guess. Can we ever find answers?
Somewhere is there truth? Can we, as mortals, ever know?
Must we wait until we join you?
Everywhere I look I think of you. The yard with fish.
Laying on the couch and in bed, pictures everywhere, words in blogs.
Nighttimes of thinking, daytime of crying
Riding in the truck. Looking at your clothes,
Cards in the mail. Calls on the phone.
Feelings of others; Lots of tears.
Special from the start, a free spirit not wanting confinement.
Wanting to roam and live life on your terms.
Many talents just beginning. Greatness in embryo – genius not visible.
Forced to conform, but not easy – learn a skill, support a family
Much agony. Always in pain.
How clearly we see you. The beautiful face, smiling, holding little ones.
The real you. Not hidden from us. Not wanting to be judged by us.
The real you was always there. Wanting to be nearby but hiding yourself.
What a waste to be so late to see. To think again of what might have been.
What could you have done if I knew the real you?
How I could have supported you.
Provided direction and guidance and encouragement.
But, I judged what I perceived, but I was wrong.
I didn’t know the real you. And I am in pain.
I try to draw your face and make you real.
What a strong face. A firm, square jaw – beautiful lips.
A magnificent head on a strong frame.
I remember your soft lips when I kissed you when you were young.
I look at your hands – so full of talent.
Your eyes – what are they seeing?
You listen intently to others speaking.
What are you hearing?
Another day, another card. This from a neighbor.
Once again you were there helping in a time of need.
Could I have seen through your wall and understood?
The real you. Should a father see the real child?
Must learning by failure be so hard? With finality of death.
This morning I awoke thinking of you.
Your gifts, Oh, how you enjoyed gifts.
Your mother’s birthday. Gone for a year, what were your doing? Who knows?
On November 1st you would call. “Happy birthday Mom!”
Something special, if you could. Then you’d anticipate the 19th, Money, what?
A simple box with a special design. A row of snowmen – that would fit.
A piece of tree growth – did you draw the design- you said you did.
It was perfect. Where is it now – I want to hold it.
A small box with a perfect lid – a picture on the top.
A pot to cook a whole chicken. A shredder – always something useful.
Did I want it? Was it right? I’ll take it back.
No more surprises, you are gone.
All I can do is weep and cry. Breathing is hard.
I sit in silence in the early sunny morning.
My eyes, my shirt, are wet with liquids from my eyes.
I can not bring you back. My drawings fail.
You were so special. Why must I lose you now?
Back to the temple – can I get answers there?
Can you be there yet? Are you preparing?
I talk with Him – will you tell me how? Why?
Art Thou telling me? Help me to hear Thee.
Am I too mortal? Am I not worth to hear Thy voice?
But I miss him, my son. I was so blind – can I not find peace
Here in Thy Holy Place?
Others comfort me. “He does not want you to be sad.”, they say.
But, I am. I can barely choke back the tears as I stand at my place.
“He is fine – all will be well” How long will it take?
I don’t know, I miss you. My stomach aches – I can not bring you back.
I want to so badly. All my efforts are useless.
I wear your boots – they fit just right. They help me feel your life again.
What did you do in them? I touch your clothes. What did you do in them?
Your Marine duffle – another time you tried your best. But no, it could not be.
You were hurt again. You would have been great. So proud, so tall.
Another sad time. “I want to come home Dad, they treat me like dirt.”
“Should I stay here?” Again your light was smothered by worldly events.
Now you are free from the pains that trapped you.
Are you bringing light to those around you in your new place?
I think you are. Even in this new place where light abounds from Him.
You are shinning. The mortal world has no affect.
The good part of you is shinning brightly.
You are shinning on us. Your son – those whom you loved here.
And you are waiting for us to be there for you and do your work
And we will
Our temple president knows that you want us not to be sad.
You are shinning. You will shine.
Your beautiful spirit will dazzle in the eternities.
We will see you there in glory.
Your loving side will be there and the darkness will be gone away.
Washed away by Him – our Savior. You will be at His side.
I am amazed at the vision of you when I come to be with you in this new place.
Your special spirit that I now miss is there and I feel your warmth.
The vision is warming me now as I contemplate you there.
The light in you could have been mine here, but I was blind and weak.
What can I do now for the others to help them be ready to know you in the light?
That you reflect from Him – the giver of light?
The real you will shine forth for eternity.
We will see you and your love will be strong and we will feel it.
Oh, I can not wait. But I must. I must do better with my time here with those
That are still here. Write to them? Share my vision with them. Be a good father?
Learn of their spirits? Not judge them. Talk to them. Testify, Love, Encourage.
Be part of their lives. Oh, do I have much to learn to do here. I am truly weak.
Jimmy, my son, I love you so much.
Even now after you are gone I feel your presence again.
You light is beginning to shine through my heart.
You are greater in light than I.
He is with you and you are learning again what you already knew.
You suffered much here and your joy and relief is great there.
You had to go to help us left behind see through our blindness
To help us overcome our weaknesses.
It does not matter how or why you went.
What matters is that you are there where your light and love
Can be known to us.
We must go forth and do what we can for those remaining.
My feelings are thoughts as they came into my head, at times weeping bitterly. Many times I would wake early in the morning, missing him and finding it impossible to lie in bed. The pen and paper seemed to help relieve some of my grief at that time.
I am publishing this in his blog on this day (November 19, 2009). This would have been his 32nd birthday anniversary.
Again suddenly you were back in my life
You were here but a short time.
Your presence then means so much to me now.
You were completing the required tasks and
Making a path for the future.
You loved your son, the sweet little one
And, you missed him so much.
So, to see him you deemed you must go
Even though you were not ready and strong,
But you went.
You were there for us many times, but we let you down
We did not understand your real need,
And, the crushing weight of your pain.
“I must come to you,” I said – “something is wrong.”
But I did not come. I was not there for you.
What happened that Sunday morn when you went to sleep?
I was coming that night to be with you for one more big adventure.
But, I did not come, for you had gone away.
I sit here now thinking of you constantly.
My mind wearies of the thought of the past short time.
Can it be worth it to go on?
Could I join you in your new place?
No! I must stay and wait.
As I look through my papers and see the plans.
We could go hunting and fishing and do the things we loved.
But no – you are gone. There must be more
Can I find peace in those things? Must I try? Who cares?
Yes, I will see you again – time will pass.
Oh, that I hadn’t been so foolish with the time I had.
Oh, selfish motives. I wanted more from you.
But, I was wrong.
I should have come to you.
To see your situation and learn to understand
But I was blind.
I see your pictures, your smiling face,
A time with your son; riding a horse; ice blocking, exploring a cave.
You were alive, even in pain. But, I did not see – I did not understand.
You were so strong, so brave, so special,
What a waste.
Is there something I can learn from this?
Should I quit being so much worried of trivial things?
Can I be more like you – so caring and loving, so friendly?
Can I learn from you now? Do I have it in me? I don’t know.
What I know is you are gone and we will not be doing things together for now.
The things we could have done.
As the agonizing days drag slowly by, Why?
What happened? An accident? Was it simply your destiny to go?
Now? So early? So incomplete?
We wonder and talk and guess. Can we ever find answers?
Somewhere is there truth? Can we, as mortals, ever know?
Must we wait until we join you?
Everywhere I look I think of you. The yard with fish.
Laying on the couch and in bed, pictures everywhere, words in blogs.
Nighttimes of thinking, daytime of crying
Riding in the truck. Looking at your clothes,
Cards in the mail. Calls on the phone.
Feelings of others; Lots of tears.
Special from the start, a free spirit not wanting confinement.
Wanting to roam and live life on your terms.
Many talents just beginning. Greatness in embryo – genius not visible.
Forced to conform, but not easy – learn a skill, support a family
Much agony. Always in pain.
How clearly we see you. The beautiful face, smiling, holding little ones.
The real you. Not hidden from us. Not wanting to be judged by us.
The real you was always there. Wanting to be nearby but hiding yourself.
What a waste to be so late to see. To think again of what might have been.
What could you have done if I knew the real you?
How I could have supported you.
Provided direction and guidance and encouragement.
But, I judged what I perceived, but I was wrong.
I didn’t know the real you. And I am in pain.
I try to draw your face and make you real.
What a strong face. A firm, square jaw – beautiful lips.
A magnificent head on a strong frame.
I remember your soft lips when I kissed you when you were young.
I look at your hands – so full of talent.
Your eyes – what are they seeing?
You listen intently to others speaking.
What are you hearing?
Another day, another card. This from a neighbor.
Once again you were there helping in a time of need.
Could I have seen through your wall and understood?
The real you. Should a father see the real child?
Must learning by failure be so hard? With finality of death.
This morning I awoke thinking of you.
Your gifts, Oh, how you enjoyed gifts.
Your mother’s birthday. Gone for a year, what were your doing? Who knows?
On November 1st you would call. “Happy birthday Mom!”
Something special, if you could. Then you’d anticipate the 19th, Money, what?
A simple box with a special design. A row of snowmen – that would fit.
A piece of tree growth – did you draw the design- you said you did.
It was perfect. Where is it now – I want to hold it.
A small box with a perfect lid – a picture on the top.
A pot to cook a whole chicken. A shredder – always something useful.
Did I want it? Was it right? I’ll take it back.
No more surprises, you are gone.
All I can do is weep and cry. Breathing is hard.
I sit in silence in the early sunny morning.
My eyes, my shirt, are wet with liquids from my eyes.
I can not bring you back. My drawings fail.
You were so special. Why must I lose you now?
Back to the temple – can I get answers there?
Can you be there yet? Are you preparing?
I talk with Him – will you tell me how? Why?
Art Thou telling me? Help me to hear Thee.
Am I too mortal? Am I not worth to hear Thy voice?
But I miss him, my son. I was so blind – can I not find peace
Here in Thy Holy Place?
Others comfort me. “He does not want you to be sad.”, they say.
But, I am. I can barely choke back the tears as I stand at my place.
“He is fine – all will be well” How long will it take?
I don’t know, I miss you. My stomach aches – I can not bring you back.
I want to so badly. All my efforts are useless.
I wear your boots – they fit just right. They help me feel your life again.
What did you do in them? I touch your clothes. What did you do in them?
Your Marine duffle – another time you tried your best. But no, it could not be.
You were hurt again. You would have been great. So proud, so tall.
Another sad time. “I want to come home Dad, they treat me like dirt.”
“Should I stay here?” Again your light was smothered by worldly events.
Now you are free from the pains that trapped you.
Are you bringing light to those around you in your new place?
I think you are. Even in this new place where light abounds from Him.
You are shinning. The mortal world has no affect.
The good part of you is shinning brightly.
You are shinning on us. Your son – those whom you loved here.
And you are waiting for us to be there for you and do your work
And we will
Our temple president knows that you want us not to be sad.
You are shinning. You will shine.
Your beautiful spirit will dazzle in the eternities.
We will see you there in glory.
Your loving side will be there and the darkness will be gone away.
Washed away by Him – our Savior. You will be at His side.
I am amazed at the vision of you when I come to be with you in this new place.
Your special spirit that I now miss is there and I feel your warmth.
The vision is warming me now as I contemplate you there.
The light in you could have been mine here, but I was blind and weak.
What can I do now for the others to help them be ready to know you in the light?
That you reflect from Him – the giver of light?
The real you will shine forth for eternity.
We will see you and your love will be strong and we will feel it.
Oh, I can not wait. But I must. I must do better with my time here with those
That are still here. Write to them? Share my vision with them. Be a good father?
Learn of their spirits? Not judge them. Talk to them. Testify, Love, Encourage.
Be part of their lives. Oh, do I have much to learn to do here. I am truly weak.
Jimmy, my son, I love you so much.
Even now after you are gone I feel your presence again.
You light is beginning to shine through my heart.
You are greater in light than I.
He is with you and you are learning again what you already knew.
You suffered much here and your joy and relief is great there.
You had to go to help us left behind see through our blindness
To help us overcome our weaknesses.
It does not matter how or why you went.
What matters is that you are there where your light and love
Can be known to us.
We must go forth and do what we can for those remaining.
Monday, November 9, 2009
There are good days and bad days. Many of them I wake up in the morning and turn my thoughts to you and how much I miss you. As you know, since I think you were there (as many others mentioned also) Cindi is now married to Rob. I told a few people that I wore your boots as a symbol of you being there for the event. It was wonderful. Cindi and Rob did a great job in getting things ready and all that were there enjoyed the event. They even liked the food!! But since you were there witnessing it all I guess you already know.
Love ya bud!
Dad
Love ya bud!
Dad
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
I love you Jimmy
As we get closer to the holidays and your birthday I can't help thinking how quickly this year has passed. Although it seems like a lifetime since I was telling you goodbye, I still can't believe it's been almost a year.
I think of you everyday. I look at Chaz and where he is today and I whisper a "Thank you" because I know that you had a hand in helping him find direction. So many things were headed in the wrong direction for him, he was laid off from a great job, he was loosing interest in school and confidence in himself. The day dad called and told me about what had happened to you Chaz and I were together moving his things back home because he couldn't afford to pay rent anymore. We cried together, tried our hardest to understand what had happened and why. Although it is still hard to understand the why I do know that you allowed Chaz the time to really consider his life and where he wanted and needed to be - and here we are not even a year later he is a Security Forces officer just days away from his new life and experiences and tells me everyday how happy he is with the decisions he has made and where he is today. I know without a doubt we would not be where we are today if not for you. Honestly it scares me to think where we might be if things had not changed for him.
I do think of you everyday, I wish things were different and you could be here this Thanksgiving to enjoy the food and family and fun. To see your sweet little boy who is growing up so fast.
I miss you Jimmy and I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Kristi
I think of you everyday. I look at Chaz and where he is today and I whisper a "Thank you" because I know that you had a hand in helping him find direction. So many things were headed in the wrong direction for him, he was laid off from a great job, he was loosing interest in school and confidence in himself. The day dad called and told me about what had happened to you Chaz and I were together moving his things back home because he couldn't afford to pay rent anymore. We cried together, tried our hardest to understand what had happened and why. Although it is still hard to understand the why I do know that you allowed Chaz the time to really consider his life and where he wanted and needed to be - and here we are not even a year later he is a Security Forces officer just days away from his new life and experiences and tells me everyday how happy he is with the decisions he has made and where he is today. I know without a doubt we would not be where we are today if not for you. Honestly it scares me to think where we might be if things had not changed for him.
I do think of you everyday, I wish things were different and you could be here this Thanksgiving to enjoy the food and family and fun. To see your sweet little boy who is growing up so fast.
I miss you Jimmy and I love you with all my heart.
Love,
Kristi
Thursday, October 29, 2009
A fishing trip to Henry's Lake in SE Idaho
Getting ready to hit the lake and catch some big ones
The lake is calm and beautiful on this October 28 day in 2008
Dad I'm cold. Can I sit in the cab?
It was all worth it. Two guys on a fishing trip
Look what I caught dad!!!Monday, March 2, 2009
Medical Examiner's Opinion
The following is the opinion of the Snohomish County Medical Examiner in regard to my son's passing.
"In consideration of the circumstances surrounding his death, the available medical history, and the internal and external examination of the body, the death of this 31 year old male, case 08SN3894, is fatty matamorphosis of the liver (hepatic steatosis) and acute exudative pneumonia. Methadone prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain is a significant contributory condition. the manner of death is NATURAL."
Signed Carl Wigren, M.D. Asso Medical Examiner
In reviewing the report in regard to pneumonia, his right lung, being full of fluid was over two times heavier than his left lung. The presumed cause of his liver disease was the long term use of pain controlling products containing acetaminophen. My son was a very sick man and we did not know it. He continued to complain of pain in his stomach and tried to control it by all means he could. If we had only known of his condition we might have prevented his untimely death by taking him to get medical help.
Hopefully this will serve as a caution to those who have chronic pain to visit their health provider at regular intervals and have check-ups. Once again the danger of physicians haphazardly perscribing these powerful pain controlling drugs raises its ugly head.
Jimmy's Dad
"In consideration of the circumstances surrounding his death, the available medical history, and the internal and external examination of the body, the death of this 31 year old male, case 08SN3894, is fatty matamorphosis of the liver (hepatic steatosis) and acute exudative pneumonia. Methadone prescribed for the treatment of chronic pain is a significant contributory condition. the manner of death is NATURAL."
Signed Carl Wigren, M.D. Asso Medical Examiner
In reviewing the report in regard to pneumonia, his right lung, being full of fluid was over two times heavier than his left lung. The presumed cause of his liver disease was the long term use of pain controlling products containing acetaminophen. My son was a very sick man and we did not know it. He continued to complain of pain in his stomach and tried to control it by all means he could. If we had only known of his condition we might have prevented his untimely death by taking him to get medical help.
Hopefully this will serve as a caution to those who have chronic pain to visit their health provider at regular intervals and have check-ups. Once again the danger of physicians haphazardly perscribing these powerful pain controlling drugs raises its ugly head.
Jimmy's Dad
Thursday, February 5, 2009
I miss you Jimmy...
I know we established this Blog to communicate the terrifying truths about prescription drugs, but I really needed to tell Jimmy that I love him so much and think of him everyday - I still can't believe you're gone - I can hear you say my name and sometime close my eyes and feel how tightly you hugged me last time I saw you. I never in my life even had a thought of loosing one of my brothers or sisters - it just isn't suppposed to happen especially so young with so much life ahead of you. I keep a picture of you and Jayden in my living room - to me it is the perfect picture of who you are - a wonderful loving father, son and brother - with a smile that could turn the worst of days around. Gosh when you and dad went fishing - I know it was so cold, but there isn't a picture without that awesome smile. I love you so much my little brother - I hope you can hear me when I speak to you, and feel how much you are loved and missed.
Till we meet again ~ Never Forget!
Till we meet again ~ Never Forget!
Tuesday, January 13, 2009
Write Your Representative
I have added a link to our resources ( http://writerep.house.gov/writerep/welcome.shtml )that will help you to identify your house representative - simply click on the link, enter your information and it will provide contact information. I will continue to collect and post contact information for all levels of government. Please take the time to let them know the impact these and other drugs are having on our world. What is it they say "The squeaky wheel gets the grease" - lets "SQUEAK".
Monday, January 5, 2009
I am so angry - the more I read about Oxycontin and Methadone the more disturbed I get - it is astonishing how many people have died - and our government passes optional laws? controls? I am so sad that Jimmy had to be another statistic - you go to the doctor and trust that they are making the right decisions for you and your health. How many people read every word about every prescription they receive? Jimmy didn't want to have risky surgery because he was aware of the risks, why wasn't he given the same information on the drugs he was being given - from what I have read the risks are much greater. Would his doctors have given his family member the same prescription with the same information? I am betting the answer is "No".
~Never Forget! I love you Jimmy! I promise you we will make a difference - save someones brother, father, son and friend ~ in your name this is our goal....
~Never Forget! I love you Jimmy! I promise you we will make a difference - save someones brother, father, son and friend ~ in your name this is our goal....
Methadone Deaths: The frightening Facts
Article: Methadone Deaths: The Frightening Facts
Deaths caused by methadone, a narcotic drug used to treat chronic pain and drug dependence, have increased significantly over the past 10 years according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, the CDC reports that methadone deaths increased a startling 468% (no, that's not a misprint) from 1999 to 2005 alone. But why?
The facts
Methadone, or Dolophine, has been around for over 50 years. While it is a low cost treatment for those who are attempting to decrease their usage of stronger narcotics such as heroin, it is also commonly used by patients who suffer with chronic pain. However, according to the CDC, many doctors do not realize that methadone stays in the body from between eight to 59 hours after dosing and that has caused death rates from methadone use to increase significantly. Here are some facts from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/):
Methadone poisoning deaths increased 468% from 1995 - 2005. To put this number in context, the CDC reported that poisoning deaths from other drugs only increased an average of 66% over the same time period and said that of all narcotic drugs mentioned in poisoning deaths, methadone had the largest relative increases during that period.
Death rates highest for those between ages 35 and 54. Death rates are highest for this age group than for those who are younger or older. In fact, the CDC stated that the death rate for those 55-64 years of age was nine times greater in 2005 than it was in 1999. <1i>10 states with the highest reported methadone deaths. The following 10 states reported the highest reported methadone related deaths in 2005:
Florida 430
North Carolina 299
Washington 269
California 213
Texas 199
New York 179
Ohio 158
Kentucky 156
Maryland 145
Tennessee 134
Deaths caused by methadone, a narcotic drug used to treat chronic pain and drug dependence, have increased significantly over the past 10 years according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). In fact, the CDC reports that methadone deaths increased a startling 468% (no, that's not a misprint) from 1999 to 2005 alone. But why?
The facts
Methadone, or Dolophine, has been around for over 50 years. While it is a low cost treatment for those who are attempting to decrease their usage of stronger narcotics such as heroin, it is also commonly used by patients who suffer with chronic pain. However, according to the CDC, many doctors do not realize that methadone stays in the body from between eight to 59 hours after dosing and that has caused death rates from methadone use to increase significantly. Here are some facts from the CDC (www.cdc.gov/):
Methadone poisoning deaths increased 468% from 1995 - 2005. To put this number in context, the CDC reported that poisoning deaths from other drugs only increased an average of 66% over the same time period and said that of all narcotic drugs mentioned in poisoning deaths, methadone had the largest relative increases during that period.
Death rates highest for those between ages 35 and 54. Death rates are highest for this age group than for those who are younger or older. In fact, the CDC stated that the death rate for those 55-64 years of age was nine times greater in 2005 than it was in 1999. <1i>10 states with the highest reported methadone deaths. The following 10 states reported the highest reported methadone related deaths in 2005:
Florida 430
North Carolina 299
Washington 269
California 213
Texas 199
New York 179
Ohio 158
Kentucky 156
Maryland 145
Tennessee 134
Friday, January 2, 2009
Why is this even being prescribed?
In my research I found the following warning.... I am certain there are other options why prescribe something so dangerous. Since Jimmy's death and my researching of this particular drug I have met many people who have been prescribed Oxycontin - so far not one of them has been helped by it -
WARNING:
OxyContin is an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to morphine.
Oxycodone can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing OxyContin in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.
OxyContin Tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.
OxyContin Tablets are NOT intended for use as a prn analgesic.
OxyContin 80 mg and 160 mg Tablets ARE FOR USE IN OPIOID-TOLERANT PATIENTS ONLY. These tablet strengths may cause fatal respiratory depression when administered to patients not previously exposed to opioids.
OxyContin TABLETS ARE TO BE SWALLOWED WHOLE AND ARE NOT TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED OxyContin TABLETS LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE AND ABSORPTION OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF OXYCODONE.
WARNING:
OxyContin is an opioid agonist and a Schedule II controlled substance with an abuse liability similar to morphine.
Oxycodone can be abused in a manner similar to other opioid agonists, legal or illicit. This should be considered when prescribing or dispensing OxyContin in situations where the physician or pharmacist is concerned about an increased risk of misuse, abuse, or diversion.
OxyContin Tablets are a controlled-release oral formulation of oxycodone hydrochloride indicated for the management of moderate to severe pain when a continuous, around-the-clock analgesic is needed for an extended period of time.
OxyContin Tablets are NOT intended for use as a prn analgesic.
OxyContin 80 mg and 160 mg Tablets ARE FOR USE IN OPIOID-TOLERANT PATIENTS ONLY. These tablet strengths may cause fatal respiratory depression when administered to patients not previously exposed to opioids.
OxyContin TABLETS ARE TO BE SWALLOWED WHOLE AND ARE NOT TO BE BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED. TAKING BROKEN, CHEWED, OR CRUSHED OxyContin TABLETS LEADS TO RAPID RELEASE AND ABSORPTION OF A POTENTIALLY FATAL DOSE OF OXYCODONE.
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