“Really Scared”: Chronic Pain Patients Reflect on Canada’s Drug Shortages

From Tylenol to acetaminophen with oxycodone, nationwide shortages of essential medications has made life extremely difficult for Canadians struggling with chronic pain.

“I’m basically teetering between an 8 and 9 out of 10 [on the pain scale] daily,” Amanda Godda told The Canadian Press (CP) during a phone interview.

“At the end of the day, I can’t ruminate on [prescription uncertainty] because that will create anxiety. And if I’m anxious, my body is tense. And if my body is tense, my pain is heightened.”

Another individual, Shawna Dunn, revealed to CP that she’s “really scared” because its becoming increasingly difficult for her to move, and nearly impossible to sleep.

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Disability Benefits for Chronic Pain in Canada

Chronic pain can have a profound impact on an individual’s ability to perform their job duties.

For Canadians who can’t work, short-term disability (STD) and long-term disability (LTD) benefits can provide a crucial financial lifeline.

How These Benefits Help

• STD: Provides temporary financial support for individuals unable to perform their job duties.
• LTD: Offers income replacement for individuals unable to return to work for an extended period of time.

To qualify for STD or LTD benefits, medical documentation is essential to demonstrate how your condition prevents you from working.

Sadly, insurance companies often deny legitimate LTD claims — including in cases involving chronic pain — adding unnecessary stress to an already difficult situation.

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📺 WATCH: Next Steps for Canadians After a Disability Claim is Denied

Claim Denied? Contact Us

If your insurance company prevented you from accessing disability benefits for chronic pain, or another medical condition, connect with an experienced disability lawyer at Samfiru Tumarkin LLP.

Our compassionate team regularly resolves issues involving STD, LTD, critical illness, life insurance, and mortgage insurance claims.

We’ve helped countless Canadians secure the compensation they’re owed. Contact us today for a FREE disability consultation.