Loss of a brother

1. I didn't really know quite where to post this, so I thought here would be good. My brother died on Valentines Day and I was hoping someone could give me some info on drug seeking patients. My brother was a drug addict and for the last several years has been in and out of hospitals(sometimes several times a week). He always said he was in pain. He had a long history of drug abuse and his health was starting to pay the toll. He really looked awful this last year and I tried to tell him that he was going to die if he kept taking the drugs and not taking care of himself. I just can't come to grips with the fact that he managed to get these drugs from the hospitals and Dr's. He claimed to suffer from neuropathy and I am not saying he did not have pain. But the docs put him on dilaudid and I thought that dilaudid was for people who are terminally ill. I know that there are many knowledgeable people on this forum and If you could give me some feedback on drug seekers I would appreciate it. I think what I am trying to say is that I can't help feeling angry about how he managed to get such strong addictive meds from the hospitals and Dr's.
   
   BTW, my brother was just 40 years old.
   
   mona b
2. 

   About mona b RN

   Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 840; Likes: 33
   Professional Student;); from US
   Specialty: Child/Adolescent Mental Health

   35 Comments

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3. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Joined: Dec '01; Posts: 3,165; Likes: 60

   ((((mona))))) so sorry to hear of your loss; you're in my thoughts and prayers.
   
   I too have had loss r/t drug use--the reason doesn't matter; he just died too young. so sad.
4. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Occupation: Full time student Joined: Nov '02; Posts: 758; Likes: 2

   ((((mona)))) I can only offer you my condolences on your loss. One of the things that bothers me is the way some doctors are not realizing that patients may need more than just a pill. Unfortunately, it gets into the cycle where doctors just write out scripts and patients expect nothing more.
   
   Again, sorry for your loss. Losing a sibling at any age is hard, but especially so at such a young age.
   
   Kris
5. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Occupation: LPN/staff nurse - LTC facility Specialty: Geriatrics ; From: US ; Joined: Feb '00; Posts: 2,602; Likes: 21

   Mona...I too lost a brother...different reason...but still very painful. You are in our thoughts a prayers!
6. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Occupation: ob staff nurse high-risk referral center Joined: Apr '01; Posts: 320; Likes: 32

   Mona,
   My brother also died young. I am so sorry for your loss. Try to take care of yourself at this impossible time for you. You are in my prayers.
   Lisa
7. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Occupation: VTS RN Specialty: 25 year(s) of experience in Neurosurgery, Vascular-Thoracic Surgery ; Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 1,190; Likes: 15

   Mona,
   So sorry to hear. I wish I had answers for you but my experience is limited here...
   I hope you find peace. Big hugs to you and your family at this terrible time.
8. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Joined: Apr '02; Posts: 38,771; Likes: 16,376

   (((mona))) no useful info for you but sending you my warmest thoughts. I am so sorry for your loss.
9. 
   Feb 21, '03

   Joined: May '02; Posts: 827; Likes: 42

   mona- Iam so sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.
10. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Occupation: ED RN Joined: Sep '02; Posts: 2,475; Likes: 25

    One of my older sisters was addicted to drugs for many years. I've seen how hard it is to break that habit. My other sister died just over a year ago at the age of 32. A year later and I miss her more every day.
    
    You and your family are in my thoughts.
11. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Occupation: RN-i (RETIRED) Specialty: ORTHOPAEDICS-CERTIFIED SINCE 89 ; From: US ; Joined: May '00; Posts: 14,479; Likes: 2,298

    I am so very sorry for your loss.
12. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Occupation: RN, MS home health Joined: Aug '02; Posts: 7,472; Likes: 50

    Mona I am so sorry. My heart would be broken if something happened to my baby brother. I cannot express my sympathy with mere words.
    
    
    God bless,
    
    renerian
13. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Occupation: Professional Student;) Specialty: Child/Adolescent Mental Health ; From: US ; Joined: Dec '02; Posts: 840; Likes: 33

    Thank you all so much for your kind thoughts and words. It is really amazing how comforting a bb/forum can be. I will miss my brother.
    
    mona b
14. 
    Feb 21, '03

    Joined: Jan '02; Posts: 5,673; Likes: 160

    I am so sorry for your loss...the young age is even more a tragedy.
    
    There are laws out there now to protect the rights of people in pain. Sometimes this results in inapproriate drug use, unfortunately, but as someone who has suffered from chronic, disabling pain and received little support from the medical community, I feel the laws are necessary today.
    
    I can understand your frustration though and can sympathize. Take care of yourself and get some counseling to work through your feelings if you need to. God Bless!

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