That is heartbreaking. I never knew she suffered so many accidents and had to go through so many surgeries. All I can say is that I admire her courage to always keep going, and to let go of the meds.

I have always felt so badly for her, because people do make so much crap out of how messed up she seems at times. She has had it rough, and refuses to give up.

I had no idea she'd been through so much. I guess it does explain her odd behavior. It's hard to wean yourself off of pain medications, even if you've only been taking them for a few weeks. I can't even imagine what it's like after decades.

i didnt know paula went through all of that.
she is showing great courage.
pain killers are a horrible drug,
too many kids i know in college are addicted ,
its the ultimate gateway drug to heroin and crack.
percocet is an identical twin to heroin

oh and btw, paula makes 5% of simon's salary. that is preposterous.
i cant believe all of you clowns that thought the susan boyle woman came out of no where. you think it was a coincidence that she signed her record deal with simon? you clowns make me laugh .
you are played by the media like puppets

Um, the Anonymous commenters are getting nasty, hey?

The anonymous comments are ridiculous. Why were they considered a good idea?

I am glad Paula has been able to get help for her addiction.

Agreed about the anonymous comments being a bad idea. People tend to be nicer when they realize we know their name/can track them....

Painkillers are a good thing if needed but scary. I am currently on a fair bit of Percocet as well as an anti-inflammatory and muscle relaxant due to back/pelvic/hip injuries sustained by being hit by a drunk driver a couple months ago...and fear of addiction is something that is definitely in the back of my mind.

Way to go Paula! Wow, I now look up to you even more!
I was a Police SWAT and was hurt several times over the years once by a gang and crow bars breaking my scull and neck. I was retired and was able to sell most everything and train as an Airline Transport Pilot but because of all the surgeries I had to stop working (wasn't going to fly on meds) lost my home in California and now face another surgery. I am constantly trying to lessen the pain meds on my few good days, its terrible.
Again, Way to go go Paula, You have done what I have been unable to do.

I have been a chronic pain patient for almost a decade, and I take prescribed pain medication every day. When I meet new people, they have no idea that I take these meds, unless I tell them. (which I never do, because of the stigma attached) I do not slur my words or act "weird", because I have never taken more than what was prescribed to me. Sadly, it looks as though Paula must have been doing just that. I feel bad that she has been through so much and I can certainly empathize with her pain, but the truth is that if she was truly under the care of a reputable physician, these behaviors never should have happened. Too many physicians, especially those who treat celebrities, seem to have no conscience about giving inappropriate doses to their famous patients. Look at the number of celebrity deaths attributed to "prescribed" narcotics. It really makes it more difficult for those of us who comply with our doctor's orders, to get the medication that allows us to live a somewhat normal existence. Am I pain free? No. But, does this medication make the pain a little more bearable and give me the chance to be the wife, mother and friend that I want to be? Absolutely. My heart goes out to Paula, and anyone else who struggles with debilitating, chronic pain. I wish her the very best.