"I first started taking prescription painkillers some years ago when my doctor prescribed them to treat post surgical pain following spinal surgery. Unfortunately, the surgery was unsuccessful and I continued to have severe pain in my lower back and also in my neck due to herniated discs. I am still experiencing that pain. Rather than opt for additional surgery for these conditions, I chose to treat the pain with prescribed medication. This medication turned out to be highly addictive.
"Over the past several years I have tried to break my dependence on pain pills and, in fact, twice checked myself into medical facilities in an attempt to do so. I have recently agreed with my physician about the next steps.
"Immediately following this broadcast, I am checking myself into a treatment center for the next 30 days to once and for all break the hold this highly addictive medication has on me. The show will continue during this time, of course, with an array of guest hosts you have come to know and respect.
"I am not making any excuses. You know, over the years athletes and celebrities have emerged from treatment centers to great fanfare and praise for conquering great demons. They are said to be great role models and examples for others. Well, I am no role model. I refuse to let anyone think I am doing something great here, when there are people you never hear about, who face long odds and never resort to such escapes. They are the role models. I am no victim and do not portray myself as such. I take full responsibility for my problem.
"At the present time, the authorities are conducting an investigation, and I have been asked to limit my public comments until this investigation is complete. So I will only say that the stories you have read and heard contain inaccuracies and distortions, which I will clear up when I am free to speak about them.
"I deeply appreciate all your support over this last tumultuous week. It has sustained me. I ask now for your prayers. I look forward to resuming our excursion into broadcast excellence together."
Not to make light of Rush's problems but I always have some tension when Rush is not at the microphone. It is a strange coincidence but big breaking news always seems to occur when he is not there (including the September 11th hijackings). It's just a coincidence but even Rush has observed it.
It's not that I believe that the hosts are not capable, it's just what "could happen" (it seems to tempt fate).
I was given some muscle relaxers for back pain associated with an accident (after 30 days the massage therapy was no longer responding as well). They made me sluggish and when I tried to stop them after just a few days I had very painful muscle spasms in my legs (which had been unaffected by the accident).
I'm assuming that Rush is still fighting pain. Again, I suggest that he at least look into the surgical arrangement that Mr. Lewis endorsed.
At least with Mr. Limbaugh away from the microphone leading into the 2003 fall election, the hosts will be able to focus on issues and not Rush's private matters.