Are Doctors Pushing the Boundaries? Morphine for Chronic Pain vs. MAID

10/15/20242 min read

dextrose hanging on stainless steel IV stand
dextrose hanging on stainless steel IV stand
Are physicians inadvertently pushing people to choose MAID as a result of the CPSBC's restrictions?

Once upon a time in a world filled with pain and suffering, there were two powerful forces. On one side was Morphine, the mighty pain-reliever, and on the other was MAID, the Medical Assistance in Dying. They stood in a fierce battle as doctors struggled to make decisions that would forever change their patients' lives.

In the land of Chronic Pain, Morphine was a beacon of hope, providing relief to those who were tormented day and night. With its potent powers, Morphine had the ability to alleviate the most severe pain, making life bearable for those who were suffering.

However, the College of Physicians and Surgeons of British Columbia (CPSBC) started to restrict the use of narcotics like Morphine. This created an internal conflict for doctors, as they had to weigh the benefits of using Morphine to manage chronic pain against the risks of addiction and overdose.

Take, for example, the tale of John, a 65-year-old man who had lived with chronic back pain for years. Morphine allowed him to work and maintain a semblance of normalcy in his life. But as the CPSBC tightened its grip on narcotics, his doctor started reducing his Morphine prescription. John's life became an unbearable existence filled with constant pain, making him question if it was worth living at all.

As Morphine's powers waned, MAID emerged as an alternative solution for those in extreme pain. MAID offered the ultimate relief: a peaceful and painless end. As doctors struggled to navigate the treacherous waters of chronic pain management, they began to wonder if they were unintentionally pushing their patients towards MAID as a result of CPSBC's restrictions.

Take, for instance, the story of Susan, a 52-year-old woman who suffered from unrelenting migraines. With the use of Morphine restricted, Susan's pain became too much to bear. Her doctor, following the CPSBC guidelines, could not increase her Morphine dosage. Feeling hopeless, Susan ultimately chose MAID to end her pain and suffering.

The battle between Morphine and MAID raises questions about the role of doctors and the consequences of restricted access to narcotics for chronic pain management. Are physicians inadvertently pushing people to choose MAID as a result of the CPSBC's restrictions? Are patients being denied the relief they so desperately need, and what is the cost of that suffering?

In the midst of this great dilemma, doctors must find a balance between providing relief and managing the risks associated with narcotics. They must walk a fine line, ensuring that they offer compassionate care while adhering to the guidelines set forth by the CPSBC. Only then can patients find hope in the midst of their pain and doctors emerge victorious in the battle between Morphine and MAID.

Dr. Rafet Jhameel
Dr. Rafet Jhameel