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DUEL with the DEVIL

Viewing comments for Chapter 33 "DUEL with the DEVIL - Chapter 33"
The problem of creating a non-addictive painkiller

18 total reviews 
Comment from Karen Cherry Threadgill
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When I quit usung RX drugs, the plan was my soon to be ex husband was to get me some marijuana gummies to help alliviate the symptoms while I stop using the Rx. I told my pain doctor I was quitting left without a prescription. When I got home I asked if I could have some of the gummies now, Since I had no pills. He said he hadn't got any. I would have to tough it out.
Karen

 Comment Written 15-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024
    Jeez, that's terrible. They do work, by the way, for helping with pain. I'm talking about the Delta-8 THC ones. The CBD ones didn't do anything for me.

    The only problem with them is that you develop a tolerance and require more and more for the same effect. Also, they began causing me some intestinal problems, so I had to discontinue using them.
reply by Karen Cherry Threadgill on 15-Sep-2024
    None worked for me, as I have bone, muscle, and nerve damage. Karen
reply by the author on 15-Sep-2024
    Ooo, the trifecta of pain! Sucks to be you!
Comment from Wayne Fowler
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Well written.
So Brian is going to work at the college through the summer. What about Julia? Is she coming for the summer, as well?
Best wishes.

 Comment Written 04-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 04-Sep-2024
    Thanks, Wayne. Julia will be home for the summer back at her home which is about two hours from Raleigh. She will visit every weekend. You'll see this in the next chapter.
Comment from Pam Lonsdale
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So my doctor is a "physiatrist" - his business card says pain management specialist.

Jim, I LOVED this chapter! I was tearing up along with Brian during his candid talk with Dr. Rieke.

I hope people are reading this, because it's one of the best books on the site that I've read, as it's not only interesting, but technically well written as far as I can see (and I don't see a whole lot of that here).

Are you taking some time off after the next chapter?

Look forward to it.

xo
Pam

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
    Thanks so much, Pam. I really appreciate this great review.

    I'm not surprised by your doctor's card. When people see "physiatrist" they often mistake it for "psychiatrist," which is very different.

    No, I'll be launching right into Part 2 when Part 1 is finished. I've completed the book, but I continue to revise it, never quite knowing when to stop. I've got an idea for a sequel to this story, which you'll get a glimpse of in the Epilogue.
reply by Pam Lonsdale on 03-Sep-2024
    Of course! Already thinking ahead to the next one:-)
Comment from Pearl Edwards
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

I like thw Dr Rieke character and his reasons for wanting to help Brian. We often see that on our news channels, people who've had devestating family loss take it upon themselves to help others. Another good read, Jim.
cheers,
valda

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
    Thanks very much, Valda. I'm glad you liked the Dr. Rieke character and found him to be realistic. He will continue his influence throughout the rest of the story, but becomes more of a friend to Brian as they both age rather than just a mentor. I really appreciate those 6 stars too.
Comment from Dolly'sPoems
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Tackling addiction by consulting a shrink is a wise move as addiction is all about the mind. We never know if we can be addicted to pain relief until we suffer severe trauma to our body. Many people these days live with pain and I remember years ago seeing a sign in the doctors surgery: (Pain Clinic), at the time I was totally naive and wondered why should anyone want to visit a Pain Clinic! Since then, of course, I know that people live with pain.

When I first started running, I suffered a lot of pain in my knees, and got into the habit of taking pain killers every morning before I went for my run! I knew I had to stop doing it as they were having no effect in the end.

Let us hope that Brian is able to combat his addiction. Another fine chapter Jim, love Dolly x x x

 Comment Written 03-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
    Thanks very much, Dolly. A physiatrist isn't actually a shrink. They do practice all manner of pain control measures, though. Through the years, I've had many different fluoroscopy-guided steroid injections into my spine, neck, SI joints, and foot by a physiatrist. They also prescribe painkillers, but in a very controlled way so as to avoid addiction.
reply by Dolly'sPoems on 03-Sep-2024
    Thank you for clarifying this Jim x x x
Comment from T B Botts
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Hello Jim,
what an outstanding chapter. I'm so glad that Brian decided to come clean with the prof. Trying to live under a lie is so difficult and can lead to more trouble than just coming out with the truth. I've never heard of a pain doctor, maybe I could look one up around here. The pain in my back has subsided, but for how long who knows? Well done my friend.
Have a blessed day.
Tom

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
    Thanks so much, Tom. I really appreciate the kind words and the 6 stars.

    Physiatrists do things like steroid injections into various body parts--mainly the spine, but also other areas of the body. I've been going to one for a few years now who has helped my pain greatly. He recently did a nerve block on my foot which had been very painful to walk on, and it did wonders for it. They also prescribe painkillers but in a very controlled and careful way so as to avoid problems with addiction.
reply by T B Botts on 03-Sep-2024
    Man, I need to get in touch with one. Having back pain can really put a crimp in things. I want to do more, but I'm limited by the pain. Thanks for the info,
reply by the author on 04-Sep-2024
    Yeah, I'd say it's definitely something to look into. It may end up being a fairly simple problem to treat.
Comment from jmdg1954
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Awesome, awesome chapter!
To me, one of the best in your novel. I felt the professors authenticity to a consoling conversation and wanting to side Brian.

Well done. Also, the manner which Daniel speaks is what I normally hear from those learning the English language
Cheers,
John

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
    Thanks so much, John. So glad you enjoyed this one, and thank you for the 6 stars too. Brian was indeed fortunate to have a professor like Dr. Rieke and a friend like Daniel. He's got everything going for him, yet he is an addict and the only one who can really help him is himself when he puts his mind to it.
Comment from lyenochka
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I knew that his professor would come through! What a great human being! I hope the summer job will allow for him to attend the support group, have his surgery, recuperate, and keep seeing Julia!

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 03-Sep-2024
    We'll have to assume all those things happen the way you describe because following the final chapter of Part 1, we'll be skipping forward in time a few years as we get into Part 2.
Comment from BethShelby
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Brian has gotten a lot of breaks and this one is no exception.The teachers offer might be the best one of all. The story is good and those of us reading it have learned a lot from your research.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024
    This one is probably the most constructive one of all because it really sets him on a new path and makes this dream he has of one day inventing a drug seem more real to him.
Comment from barbara.wilkey
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Sounds like Brian is going in the right direction. I can't wait to read more.

Peter, who I was very close to, died of an Oxy overdose just last year. It was devastating to my brother's family and to me personally because Peter and I were very close (The 'very close' part is repeated way too close to each other.

 Comment Written 02-Sep-2024


reply by the author on 02-Sep-2024
    Of all the support he has been lucky enough to garner, this one has the greatest chance to make a difference for him if he can manage to stay clean.

    Thanks for your great catch, Barbara. I have changed it now to avoid the repetition.