If you’re curious about how people become addicted and homeless, read this short, tragic report from a doctor in Kentucky. Since opioids began to be heavily (and criminally) marketed in the 1990s, there may be millions of stories like this. Purdue executives responsible for launching this trend of heavy marketing without regard for the consequences will one day have to answer for their crimes.
Definitions:
Histology: the study of the microscopic structure of tissues.
H&P: medical shorthand for history and physical.
Obtundation: less than full alertness.
Intubated: insert a tube into for assistance with breathing.
Pulmonary edema: fluid accumulation in the tissue and air spaces of the lungs.
Extracorporeal membrane
oxygenation: using a pump to circulate blood through an artificial lung back into the bloodstream.
Naloxone: opioid overdose antidote.
Tibia: long bone in lower leg.
Femur: thigh bone.
EHR: electronic health record.
NSAID: non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, mild painkillers.
Shade: something that has become reduced to almost nothing.