In for the fight of his life

[Editor’s note: Pat Gamache of Odessa continues the story of his dealings with the medical profession and battles with addiction and illness. His earlier submission ran in the 2019 issues of October 10, 17 and 24.]

I saw a doctor (not here) about a chronic sinusitis issue from my head injuries, and asked him to explain to me why my antibiotics had made a big improvement to my pain level, digestive issues and more.

What I got was the addiction stigma and the “you’re a walking dead person” attitude.

He questioned all the meds prescribed for me by my gastroenterologist of seven years, who has 27...