Tuesday-Newsday #120

Note from Shannon: I'll be going out of town for my first visit home since moving out of state, so my blog will be on hiatus temporarily. But never fear! I've got today's Tuesday-Newsday to tide you over until I get back. Stay well and I hope your pain is well-managed! 

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Time for Tuesday-Newsday! The Featured Blog Posts this week are: “I am Too Young for This Waiting Room” by Jasminne Mendez and “A Pained Life: Spring Cleaning” by Carol Levy.

Let Me Know: If you’d like me to watch for articles on your pain condition, just drop me a note in the comments section below. 

WARNING:  My goal is to provide the most up-to-date news I can, which you can then take to your personal doctor and debate the merits of before you try it. I do not endorse any of the docs, treatments, info, and meds in anything I post nor can I guarantee they are all effective, especially not for everyone. As is the case with any health info, ALWAYS get your doctor's opinion first!

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*OBAMACARE - News you *need* to read

Patients fear drug cost spikes under new healthcare law

Hospital and doctor choices may be rationed on new health exchanges

“Even though insurers will be forbidden to discriminate against people with pre-existing conditions, they could subtly discourage the enrollment of sicker patients by limiting the size of their provider networks... (and keep them away from doctors with whom they have established relationships of specialized care)...”

Health Exchanges: Here's what you need to know when Obamacare kicks in, starting next week

*MEDICATION NEWS

FDA OKs New Color Patch ID for Fentanyl 

It requires clearly visible marking on each patch with the drug name and strength in long lasting ink, to help reduce the risk of accidental exposure

Groundbreaking pain study finds how the body responds to traumatic injury with the development of a surprisingly long-lasting opioid mechanism of natural chronic pain control

The body’s own pain-quelling system may be at the root of chronic pain and symptoms of opioid withdrawal, according to a new study in mice

‘Catastrophizing’ linked to opioid misuse in chronic pain

Vioxx Maker Settles False Advertising Suit

*CHRONIC PAIN NEWS

Scientists Say Brain ‘Hot Wired’ for Chronic Pain

Pain Control & Patient Satisfaction Differ

Handicapping the Disabled: The Placard Battle

September is Pain Awareness Month

Chronic Pain Awareness Month: Share your pain experience

*PATIENT NEWS

FDA issues final guidance for mobile medical apps on your smartphone - Learn what those apps can do for your health by going HERE

FDA Launches System to Label Medical Devices: Goal is to improve patient safety, identify items for recall and prevent counterfeiting

Surprising ways to cut your drug costs: Even with insurance, you might be paying too much

Doctors perform thousands of unnecessary surgeries

The miracle pill that will text your relatives every time you take it

*SICKLE CELL ANEMIA

Arginine therapy shows promise for sickle cell pain

Drug Hydroxyurea Means Better, Less Costly Care for Children with Sickle Cell Disease

Texas Children’s Hematology Center Developing New, Long-Term Treatments For Sickle Cell Disease

Boy, 15, donates bone marrow TWICE in one year to cure his twin brothers suffering from the painful disease sickle-cell anemia 

*COMPLEX REGIONAL PAIN SYNDROME / RSD

Paula Abdul Cover Story: Straight Up on RSD

When Treating Persistent Pain, Bring the Brain into the Treatment

Woman chooses amputation to deal with painful disorder CRPS

RSDSA Community Update

In the issue: Returning to school can be safe for students with CRPS,  Use it or lose it: The “stress loading” program, Paintings for Pain event honors the life and memory of Maria (Mary) Lane, and more

*FEATURED BLOG POSTS

I am Too Young for This Waiting Room

by Jasminne Mendez

A Pained Life: Spring Cleaning

by Carol Levy