A doctor's "difficult conversation" with his patients about tapering opioids

This a great article by a doctor about the "difficult conversation" that one must have when helping a patient to taper off opioid pain medication. I'm sure many BBs would appreciate having such a compassionate, thoughtful and caring doctor who could provide support and understanding for a patient who must taper off a benzodiazepine.

The author writes, "We inherit patients whose pain has been treated with high-dose opioids, and the work to taper these patients down and/or off of opioids may be some of the most difficult and important work that we will ever do.

And it all starts with the difficult conversation…

I close my eyes and breathe deeply before I enter the room. I find my center and focus. This is my mantra as I enter the room: “you can do this with grace and compassion.”

These visits often do not end with a satisfied patient. We have to remember that it is our job to advise and help the patient along the healthiest and safest path."

http://turnthetiderx.org/stories/difficult-conversation/#