There shouldn't be any shame or stigma with taking pain medication that folks need. I apologize if I offended anyone. If taking medicine is helping by all means take it. Pain can be unbearable.

I intended to be communicating that not having access to medications that can help with getting off of opiates is terrible. Folks are given these addictive meds to take without medicine that can help their bodies manage the withdrawal from them. Many are left to fend for themselves to get off the very medication they were told to take from there docs.

PurpleDiamonds1 said:

Sky Dangcil, Kim Berry and Van Jones would disagree with you:

http://www.usmagazine.com...an-w206076

http://www.ibtimes.com/wa...ng-2368056

His siblings, Duane and Lorna Nelson, would also disagree:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/0...-kornfeld/

Regarding your comment "prescriptions in other names", please see 12th para down (where original story starts - after correction disclaimer):

http://www.startribune.co...390850001/

NotACleverName said:

PurpleDiamonds1 said:

There seems to be no proof of Prince being addicted to drugs prescription or street...until the last 24 hrs before his death, then it was some pill stamped to look like another pill laced with fentanyl. My Some people seem to be using Princes death to further an agenda of opioid/drug addiction.... There is no proof Prince was on anything, there does seem to be proof he WAS NOT addicted, no dr shopping, prescriptions in other names etc....right down to how he acted, not like someone addicted to drugs. Prince would not like to be remembered this way...as he lived a clean life and did not like drugs around him. He always said don't listen to the media....I am not and I don't care for how they are treating him.

Sky Dangcil, Kim Berry and Van Jones would disagree with you: http://www.usmagazine.com...an-w206076 http://www.ibtimes.com/wa...ng-2368056 His siblings, Duane and Lorna Nelson, would also disagree: http://www.cnn.com/2016/0...-kornfeld/ Regarding your comment "prescriptions in other names", please see 12th para down (where original story starts - after correction disclaimer): http://www.startribune.co...390850001/

Dangcl and Berry did not state that Prince was on any drugs. They only stated that Prince was in pain. Van Jones stated that he had no idea. Duane and Lorna never went public with the statement that their Lawyer made after Prince passed away. Why? Past that I quit reading. There is nothing there. I have researched and I can tell you that there is not a hint, not one shred of anything to be found that Prince used drugs EVER. That is, not until he passed away.

Mkilpatrick74 said:

With my experience, doctors have been giving out scripts right and left for narcadics when they are NOT AT ALL needed!!!! It use to not be that way. Doctors use to ask you if you have tried anything over the counter, how they don't ask or suggest, they just give you opioids. Even to children !!! My 9 year old was given a prescription for acetaminophen with codeine 2 weeks ago !! You bet I told the doctor we don't want it. That stuff is serious and should only be used if necessary

zenarose said:

You really should take a peek at the ST article.
[Edited 11/1/16 11:16am]

laurarichardson said:

1Sasha said:

If I might throw my two cents into the conversation: not one of us in this discussion knows what really happened to Prince, except that an overdose of Fentanyl killed him per the ME. IMO the last six months of his life are the most critical in terms of what led up to April 20 and 21 (I am not sure he didn't die on the night of the 20th). Seeing the autopsy report would help resolve most questions concerning his medical health. Everything else - who knew what and when, who did this or that for him, who was even in contact with him, etc. - is unknown unless, like the intrepid researchers we have here, we can find the truth, or what appears to be the truth. I have dozens of questions, but I know not to ask them here because no one knows the answers. Everyone around him was on his payroll or seeking his good graces in some fashion, whether it be (for example) a family member living in a Prince-owned house or a personal assistant in his office or a fan working a merchandise table at PP during a party. I appreciate the work being done by the people who post here. I appreciate when they say they have questions because nothing seems to be adding up. And I appreciate those people who, like me, have far more doubt about Prince and his life those last six months to two years, and who want to know the truth about this wonderful man and talent.

What about the people that were not on his payroll and not living in his homes. Do you think they got together in a massive conference call to get their stories straight.

No, I have never said anything remotely like that.

NotACleverName said:

zenarose said:

Dangcl and Berry did not state that Prince was on any drugs. They only stated that Prince was in pain. Van Jones stated that he had no idea. Duane and Lorna never went public with the statement that their Lawyer made after Prince passed away. Why? Past that I quit reading. There is nothing there. I have researched and I can tell you that there is not a hint, not one shred of anything to be found that Prince used drugs EVER. That is, not until he passed away.

You really should take a peek at the ST article. [Edited 11/1/16 11:16am]

And I would do that again for what reason?? All their sources are "OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL". Have a

nice day.

zenarose said:

Oh, I see.....when you provide links that claim information was obtained through "OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL" sources, it is legit. When someone else does, it is not.

Well, now that I know the rules by which you play, I understand the game better!

I don't think that a reputable outlet (such as the Strib, NYtimes, or AP) using unnamed sources immediately discredits the report. Unnamed sources are commonly used when the source can't have their name appear (because they haven't received permission to speak, or the place they work is leaking info but doesn't want to admit it, etc.).

-

I'm not saying people have to blindly accept news stories attributed to unnamed sources; be skeptical if you want. But these outlets adhere strict guidelines for using unnamed sources and it's not a code word for "the reporter is just making stuff up." I, myself, give more weight to the NYTimes, AP and Strib over, say, some dancer's cryptic instagram post from 4 months ago or sometihng.

zenarose said:

NotACleverName said:

zenarose said: You really should take a peek at the ST article. [Edited 11/1/16 11:16am]

And I would do that again for what reason?? All their sources are "OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL". Have a

nice day.

zenarose said:

Perhaps we should contact Van Jones and ask what we can do to help. There are many of us and we

are wide spread. That would be a beautiful way to honor Prince.

.

That sounds wonderful, Zena!

MMJas said:

disch said:

well, Jill wrote on facebook in August about her Feb. meeting with P:

-

"I told the girls, Apples, my friend Seth,Susan and Susan's sister, "He's on something""

-

I still disagree that stigmas around people struggling with addiction, or with become addicted after using drugs "recreationally," are helpful or correct. I also disagree that stigmas around, say, AIDS are helpful or correct. I don't think that a reporter saying that someone was struggling with drug addiction is a slur, any more than reporting that someone died of AIDS is a slur. In fact, journalists starting reporting openly about AIDS helped to lessen the stigma. My hope is that reporting openly about addiction, among both the rich and famous and "regular" people, can have the same destigmatizing effect.

So JJ said one thing in a FB comment and later she totally changed the narrative, on the podcast. Probably after being told to change it.

I agree about the stigma. That's why I think it would be important for the family to make an official comment about his drug addiction, which I understand will not happen until the investigation is over with.

Tyka's comments on that interview only added to the speculation about a possible terminal disease, imo. The specific timeline she gave, for one thing. If he was ill, then saying she had two years to deal with that knowledge after Prince told her he had done everything he had come here to do would naturally make people assume there was some sort of ilness.
If she had not mentioned any timeline and just said that when the call came she knew what had happened, that he was gone, and she was not surprised, then that would certainly be understood as him having an addiction that ultimately got the better of him. There is a difference, i don't know if I'm explaining myself well, but i do see a difference here. Remember she had plenty of time to think carefully about what she was going to say. She herself understands addiction. I mean, i nearly even expect a comment along the lines of "he saved me but he could not save himself", unless she feels kind of guilty (not saying that she is! just that people's minds work that way) that she could not do more for him.
Then all theories kick in, which is more that natural.
Until there is an official comment from the family one way or another there will never be 100% certainty, no matter what the narrative.

.

Very good points. In reference to what JJ said about Prince being "on something". She had issues with Prince, so her comments probably came out of her anger towards him. Furthermore, Prince could have just been feeling extra happy or mellow that day, or whatever. I think we all have days like that. I have days when I feel a little goofy and playful, but that certainly does not mean I am "on something".

.

Prince was high on music and life!

Why must PhatPhuk use up the ENTIRE screen to get his point across? And furthermore......Prince's Urn as his avatar and watermark??

1Sasha said:

If I might throw my two cents into the conversation: not one of us in this discussion knows what really happened to Prince, except that an overdose of Fentanyl killed him per the ME. IMO the last six months of his life are the most critical in terms of what led up to April 20 and 21 (I am not sure he didn't die on the night of the 20th). Seeing the autopsy report would help resolve most questions concerning his medical health. Everything else - who knew what and when, who did this or that for him, who was even in contact with him, etc. - is unknown unless, like the intrepid researchers we have here, we can find the truth, or what appears to be the truth. I have dozens of questions, but I know not to ask them here because no one knows the answers. Everyone around him was on his payroll or seeking his good graces in some fashion, whether it be (for example) a family member living in a Prince-owned house or a personal assistant in his office or a fan working a merchandise table at PP during a party. I appreciate the work being done by the people who post here. I appreciate when they say they have questions because nothing seems to be adding up. And I appreciate those people who, like me, have far more doubt about Prince and his life those last six months to two years, and who want to know the truth about this wonderful man and talent.

.

I also wonder if Prince actually died on April 20th and not the 21st. Reports claimed that he could have been laying there for 6+ hours, so who knows!

anotherfan said:

There shouldn't be any shame or stigma with taking pain medication that folks need. I apologize if I offended anyone. If taking medicine is helping by all means take it. Pain can be unbearable. I intended to be communicating that not having access to medications that can help with getting off of opiates is terrible. Folks are given these addictive meds to take without medicine that can help their bodies manage the withdrawal from them. Many are left to fend for themselves to get off the very medication they were told to take from there docs.

.

I agree, there should be no shame in anyone who is seeking help for their pain. What angers me is these shitty doctor's who don't treat their patients properly, so they end up addicted and f-up beyond comprehension!! A good doctor will treat a person's addiction/dependency, accordingly, as each person's case is totally different.

.

Now, of course you can lead a horse to water but you can't make them drink. If a person doesn't want help and wants to keep poisoning themselves with pain meds, then that's a different story.

.

I'm in no way saying this is what Prince did, because he died from illegal Fentanyl, and I believe he did not know what he was taking. Furthermore, P didn't even have any prescriptions for pain meds, but just saying.

zenarose said:

NotACleverName said:

PurpleDiamonds1 said: Sky Dangcil, Kim Berry and Van Jones would disagree with you: http://www.usmagazine.com...an-w206076 http://www.ibtimes.com/wa...ng-2368056 His siblings, Duane and Lorna Nelson, would also disagree: http://www.cnn.com/2016/0...-kornfeld/ Regarding your comment "prescriptions in other names", please see 12th para down (where original story starts - after correction disclaimer): http://www.startribune.co...390850001/

Dangcl and Berry did not state that Prince was on any drugs. They only stated that Prince was in pain. Van Jones stated that he had no idea. Duane and Lorna never went public with the statement that their Lawyer made after Prince passed away. Why? Past that I quit reading. There is nothing there. I have researched and I can tell you that there is not a hint, not one shred of anything to be found that Prince used drugs EVER. That is, not until he passed away.

.

I agree, Zena! Furthermore, if P had a problem with pills, I think that story would have leaked out to the public, because we know how TMZ is always the first to report the real news.

oliviacamron said:

Mkilpatrick74 said:

Why is it a shame doctors prescribe pain killers? What else would a person like Prince and myself who live in chronic pain supposed to do? I've tried everything possible out there to help my pain but there is zero alternative to help me.

With my experience, doctors have been giving out scripts right and left for narcadics when they are NOT AT ALL needed!!!! It use to not be that way. Doctors use to ask you if you have tried anything over the counter, how they don't ask or suggest, they just give you opioids. Even to children !!! My 9 year old was given a prescription for acetaminophen with codeine 2 weeks ago !! You bet I told the doctor we don't want it. That stuff is serious and should only be used if necessary

.

Olivia: I agree! Sometimes, the doctor does not always know what is best. I think people today are more educated because we have a wealth of information about drugs that can be easily accessed through the internet. If a doctor tries to prescribe me something that I feel I don't really need, I will say "no". A good doctor will listen to you and understand your needs and not try to push pills on you.

anotherfan said:

Thank u for this!

1Sasha said:

His associates are ripped up by his death, but it all feels like they knew this was coming. The drug angle doesn't appear to exist for them. Which leads me to believe something else was going on.

That's right.

oliviacamron said:

For sure ! No way should a child have access to narcotics / opioids unless they are having surgery. I agree!!

disch said:

I don't think that a reputable outlet (such as the Strib, NYtimes, or AP) using unnamed sources immediately discredits the report. Unnamed sources are commonly used when the source can't have their name appear (because they haven't received permission to speak, or the place they work is leaking info but doesn't want to admit it, etc.).

-

I'm not saying people have to blindly accept news stories attributed to unnamed sources; be skeptical if you want. But these outlets adhere strict guidelines for using unnamed sources and it's not a code word for "the reporter is just making stuff up." I, myself, give more weight to the NYTimes, AP and Strib over, say, some dancer's cryptic instagram post from 4 months ago or sometihng.

zenarose said:

And I would do that again for what reason?? All their sources are "OFFICIALLY UNOFFICIAL". Have a

nice day.

.

Disch: I agree with you; I would believe more credible sources such as AP, NYTimes, even when they use an "unnamed source", over other media outlets such as TMZ or National Enquirer.

.

I understand that they will use this when people aren't allowed to disclose their name or want to remain anonynmous; however, I feel it makes most people skeptical when someone is hiding their idenity. Not to mention it drives people crazy!! Just saying.

zenarose said:

NotACleverName said:

PurpleDiamonds1 said: Sky Dangcil, Kim Berry and Van Jones would disagree with you: http://www.usmagazine.com...an-w206076 http://www.ibtimes.com/wa...ng-2368056 His siblings, Duane and Lorna Nelson, would also disagree: http://www.cnn.com/2016/0...-kornfeld/ Regarding your comment "prescriptions in other names", please see 12th para down (where original story starts - after correction disclaimer): http://www.startribune.co...390850001/

Dangcl and Berry did not state that Prince was on any drugs. They only stated that Prince was in pain. Van Jones stated that he had no idea. Duane and Lorna never went public with the statement that their Lawyer made after Prince passed away. Why? Past that I quit reading. There is nothing there. I have researched and I can tell you that there is not a hint, not one shred of anything to be found that Prince used drugs EVER. That is, not until he passed away.

Pain relief. Pain management.

oliviacamron said:

Mkilpatrick74 said:

Why is it a shame doctors prescribe pain killers? What else would a person like Prince and myself who live in chronic pain supposed to do? I've tried everything possible out there to help my pain but there is zero alternative to help me.

With my experience, doctors have been giving out scripts right and left for narcadics when they are NOT AT ALL needed!!!! It use to not be that way. Doctors use to ask you if you have tried anything over the counter, how they don't ask or suggest, they just give you opioids. Even to children !!! My 9 year old was given a prescription for acetaminophen with codeine 2 weeks ago !! You bet I told the doctor we don't want it. That stuff is serious and should only be used if necessary

I want to ask how you know for sure your child didn't need the med, but let's not go there. I don't advocate giving children nor adults meds they don't need but I DO like physicians who understand that pain tolerance levels are different for everyone. I can withstand some pretty serious physical pain that many I know could not even begin to tolerate.

The important thing is this: you were given a prescription for the medication IF it was needed. You didn't have to fill it. No matter what, I'd much rather see people getting a script for pain treatment than having to jump through hoops and suffer until needed meds are received. Keep in mind that I know several people who are in pain DAILY and they do have to jump through hoops just to be able to have a bit of painfree time each day.

NotACleverName said:

PurpleDiamonds1 said:

"…There seems to be no proof of Prince being addicted to drugs prescription or street...until the last 24 hrs before his death, then it was some pill stamped to look like another pill laced with fentanyl…"

"…My …"

"…Some people seem to be using Princes death to further an agenda of opioid/drug addiction.... There is no proof Prince was on anything, there does seem to be proof he WAS NOT addicted, no dr shopping, prescriptions in other names etc....right down to how he acted, not like someone addicted to drugs…"

"…Prince would not like to be remembered this way...as he lived a clean life and did not like drugs around him. He always said don't listen to the media....I am not and I don't care for how they are treating him…"

"…Sky Dangcil, Kim Berry and Van Jones would disagree with you:

http://www.usmagazine.com/celebrity-news/news/prince-how-his-painkiller-addiction-began-w206076

http://www.ibtimes.com/was-prince-addicted-percocet-friends-say-he-used-opiate-keep-show-going-2368056

His siblings, Duane and Lorna Nelson, would also disagree:

http://www.cnn.com/2016/05/04/health/prince-addiction-doctor-kornfeld/

Regarding your comment "prescriptions in other names", please see 12th para down (where original story starts - after correction disclaimer):

http://www.startribune.com/official-pills-found-at-prince-s-estate-contained-fentanyl/390850001/…"

Thanks for sharing those links, NotACleverName. I remember reading the usmagazine one, back in May. But I forgot to bookmark it then. Thanks for finding it for us again.

Keep 'em comin'

Mumio said:

oliviacamron said:

Mkilpatrick74 said: With my experience, doctors have been giving out scripts right and left for narcadics when they are NOT AT ALL needed!!!! It use to not be that way. Doctors use to ask you if you have tried anything over the counter, how they don't ask or suggest, they just give you opioids. Even to children !!! My 9 year old was given a prescription for acetaminophen with codeine 2 weeks ago !! You bet I told the doctor we don't want it. That stuff is serious and should only be used if necessary

I want to ask how you know for sure your child didn't need the med, but let's not go there. I don't advocate giving children nor adults meds they don't need but I DO like physicians who understand that pain tolerance levels are different for everyone. Both of my kids had their wisdom teeth removed on the same day. Both were given oxycodone for pain. My son didn't need it at all, my daughter was in a lot of pain and had to take it several times. I can withstand some pretty serious physical pain that many I know could not even begin to tolerate.

The important thing is this: you were given a prescription for the medication IF it was needed. You didn't have to fill it. No matter what, I'd much rather see people getting a script for pain treatment than having to jump through hoops, repeated telephone calls where they are unable to speak to the doctor or maybe don't even know where the md is and suffering until needed meds are received. I would not want to see my child suffering because a doctor didn't have the foresight to see that pain meds might be needed. Keep in mind that I know several people who are in pain DAILY and they do have to jump through hoops just to be able to have a bit of painfree time each day.

[Edited 11/1/16 13:31pm]

Mumio said:

. My child had a headache. I thought it would be better to try acetaminophen without narcotics first to see if that helped, at home I had been giving him ibuprofen. The reason I went to the doctor was to get an answer as to what was causing his headaches. I wanted to add, if my son was in bad pain , I would be the mom screaming give him morphine now! I'm not anti pain medicine when it's appropriate. I know I'm not a doctor but damn, it's 2 times in my life now ( one time last week) a doctor or PA tried to give me a weeks worth of narcodics after removing a splinter. I kid you not. I'm about to go off on them next time because this is a Christian facility I go to and I can't believe they are doing this
[Edited 11/1/16 14:22pm]

zenarose said:

Agree with you Zena.
Have only heard from friends and people in the music industry say over and over they are surprised about the fentanyl being given to Prince. He never had drugs around him.
I will still choose to listen to what Prince told us...not what the media wants us to think.

PurpleDiamonds1 said:

zenarose said:

Dangcl and Berry did not state that Prince was on any drugs. They only stated that Prince was in pain. Van Jones stated that he had no idea. Duane and Lorna never went public with the statement that their Lawyer made after Prince passed away. Why? Past that I quit reading. There is nothing there. I have researched and I can tell you that there is not a hint, not one shred of anything to be found that Prince used drugs EVER. That is, not until he passed away.

Agree with you Zena. Have only heard from friends and people in the music industry say over and over they are surprised about the fentanyl being given to Prince. He never had drugs around him. I will still choose to listen to what Prince told us...not what the media wants us to think.

Please advise: who do you think gave/prescribed the Fentanyl to Prince? All indications are that the Fentanyl was illegally obtained, there's been nothing said anywhere to my knowledge about it being prescribed. Do you have information I'm not aware of? I am also in agreement with Zena on this point.

laurarichardson said:

Mkilpatrick74 said:

anotherfan said: Why is it a shame doctors prescribe pain killers? What else would a person like Prince and myself who live in chronic pain supposed to do? I've tried everything possible out there to help my pain but there is zero alternative to help me.

Plenty of evidence to show that long term effects of these meds are deadly and in some cases may make the pain worst

Not true. I worked with opiate addicts in both outpatient methadone and residential treatment centers for over 10 years. The types of medication that have been connected with Prince do not cause organ failure and death as has been mentioned multiple times. Yes, many of those addicted to opiates do have premature death but that is usually related to Hepititis C or HIV contracted through lifestyle of IV drug use. Many professionals have long term chronic addiction to pain meds. There are private residential treatment centers that do nothing but treat doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Many people are managed well on a medication protocol developed by a physician or psychiatrist that is certified in pain management. I personally know multiple people who used IV heroin, cocaine and took pills for decades and lived significantly longer than 57, so I do not believe the use of the medication led to a medical crisis in the sense of organ damage, etc

The meds do not make the pain worse. The user builds up a tolerance, where they need higher doses or a different type of medication to manage the pain. The pills don't make it worse, they just stop working.

I am truly bothered by his change in appearance over the 9 or so months prior to his passing. It is possible that the change was related to abuse of the medications, but if he were using enough to cause that significant of a change in his appearance, everyone around him would have known and he couldn't possibly have toured like he did. I believe that its equally possible that there was another serious medical condition, unrelated to the medication use, going on. I do believe we will never really know so we all need to look for a way to make peace with the not knowing.

Thank you for your insight nooriginal. Your work with opiate addicts gives you an insight that I don't think many (any?) others posting here have (I certainly don't). I really appreciate your perspective.

Nooriginalusername said:

laurarichardson said:

Plenty of evidence to show that long term effects of these meds are deadly and in some cases may make the pain worst

Not true. I worked with opiate addicts in both outpatient methadone and residential treatment centers for over 10 years. The types of medication that have been connected with Prince do not cause organ failure and death as has been mentioned multiple times. Yes, many of those addicted to opiates do have premature death but that is usually related to Hepititis C or HIV contracted through lifestyle of IV drug use. Many professionals have long term chronic addiction to pain meds. There are private residential treatment centers that do nothing but treat doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Many people are managed well on a medication protocol developed by a physician or psychiatrist that is certified in pain management. I personally know multiple people who used IV heroin, cocaine and took pills for decades and lived significantly longer than 57, so I do not believe the use of the medication led to a medical crisis in the sense of organ damage, etc

The meds do not make the pain worse. The user builds up a tolerance, where they need higher doses or a different type of medication to manage the pain. The pills don't make it worse, they just stop working.

I am truly bothered by his change in appearance over the 9 or so months prior to his passing. It is possible that the change was related to abuse of the medications, but if he were using enough to cause that significant of a change in his appearance, everyone around him would have known and he couldn't possibly have toured like he did. I believe that its equally possible that there was another serious medical condition, unrelated to the medication use, going on. I do believe we will never really know so we all need to look for a way to make peace with the not knowing.

Nooriginalusername said:

laurarichardson said:

Plenty of evidence to show that long term effects of these meds are deadly and in some cases may make the pain worst

Not true. I worked with opiate addicts in both outpatient methadone and residential treatment centers for over 10 years. The types of medication that have been connected with Prince do not cause organ failure and death as has been mentioned multiple times. Yes, many of those addicted to opiates do have premature death but that is usually related to Hepititis C or HIV contracted through lifestyle of IV drug use. Many professionals have long term chronic addiction to pain meds. There are private residential treatment centers that do nothing but treat doctors, nurses and pharmacists. Many people are managed well on a medication protocol developed by a physician or psychiatrist that is certified in pain management. I personally know multiple people who used IV heroin, cocaine and took pills for decades and lived significantly longer than 57, so I do not believe the use of the medication led to a medical crisis in the sense of organ damage, etc

The meds do not make the pain worse. The user builds up a tolerance, where they need higher doses or a different type of medication to manage the pain. The pills don't make it worse, they just stop working.

I am truly bothered by his change in appearance over the 9 or so months prior to his passing. It is possible that the change was related to abuse of the medications, but if he were using enough to cause that significant of a change in his appearance, everyone around him would have known and he couldn't possibly have toured like he did. I believe that its equally possible that there was another serious medical condition, unrelated to the medication use, going on. I do believe we will never really know so we all need to look for a way to make peace with the not knowing.

That is basically it.