Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Just to throw some narcotic thoughts into the fight.... I work at a small clinic. It is amazing how many people do become addicted to things like oxycontin. They come in for migraines, etc, but end up going to more than one doctor or more than one place, just to get more. They get labelled as " drug seekers " and once labelled, most doctors won't prescribe for them anymore. The problem with narcotics, is that there is a fine line between pain management, and addiction. Now, I'm not exactly a Rush Linbaugh fan, by any means, but that's what happened to him. It starts out legitimate, but the need for the drug itself, becomes stronger than the need to medicate. No one should have to suffer needlessly, but doctors are trying to play it safe, because of all the people out there who have become addicts. A former doctor at the clinic, just went into rehab because he became addicted and started asking other doctors to write scripts for him. A nurse at the clinic, was just fired, because she stole a prescription pad, and forged a doctors name so she could get something more for her back pain. Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.... Noreen Fwd: Re: [ ] Re: a......Thank You I¹ve never pushed the issue with pain control. I let my new doctor know that ultram wasn¹t doing anything for me and that vicodan worked much better. Right away he started talking addiction, so I knew I had a narcophobic doctor. I told him that I read numerous studies that say narcotics taken for pain rarely cause addiction, but may cause dependence. His answer was darvocet. Darvocet is about as useless as ultram. It is very depressing. Not knowing doctors in this new town, I don¹t want to be labeled as a narcotic seeker. I wonder if they ever took statistics of people that bought them illegally. My mailbox is full of offers to buy painkillers on the internet, but my doctors won¹t give them to me. I am so happy for you and others that have compassionate doctors that treat pain. I would also take the least amount that I could. I too believe that the majority of doctors believe in their oath. I¹m sure they feel they are doing the right thing by keeping me off of narcotics, however I truly believe that my muscle pain and fibromyalgia are a result of untreated pain. Over the years I¹ve found that I am more and more sensitive to touch. The pain I had used to be confined to the standard FM pressure points, but now it is all over. Pain causes me to tense my muscles. He did prescribe flexeril, but that is to sleep. He thinks if I get a better night¹s sleep I will have less pain. I sleep much better than I used to, although not as good as I¹d like, but I see no improvement in muscle pain. We will see things change in the future. I know much work is being done in pain research. I hope is taking a much needed break. She surely deserves it. But knowing , she is off reading something for us LOL! a > a: Thank you for your words. I also wish there was something to > control your pain, and I know you have researched and tried many > natural remedies. It makes me so unhappy that so many people suffer > because a few addictive personalities ruined pain control for people > that truly have a need. I am very lucky to have the docs I do, in my > case 3 of them got together and decided I would get oxy with percocet > for break thru pain. Many times they have tried to convince me to up > the dose, but I have declined, in the back of my mind I keep thinking > it will be there for the day I REALLY need it. I don't believe docs > prescibe these drugs to shut the patients up, and still believe that > the docs oath of " Do no harm " in most cases holds true, although I am > not so naive to think they are all Gods. Once again I truly > appreciate your input, and I guess we will have to keep on praying > that someday it will change. Kathi in OK.....PS Is taking a much > deserved break? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Noreen, I have heard many such Rush Linbaugh stories and know that it can be a problem. It¹s to bad they don¹t have a way to distinguish which of us will become addicted. In my case, I was on narcotics for many many years with no problems yet I am being refused based on a blanket policy of not prescribing narcotics. This blanket policy is what I object to. To me, these doctors just don¹t want the headaches and paperwork that goes along with prescribing narcotic pain meds. We need to find a way to treat pain and not treat us like criminals. a > Just to throw some narcotic thoughts into the fight.... > I work at a small clinic. It is amazing how many people do become addicted to > things like oxycontin. They come in for migraines, etc, but end up going to > more than one doctor or more than one place, just to get more. They get > labelled as " drug seekers " and once labelled, most doctors won't prescribe for > them anymore. > The problem with narcotics, is that there is a fine line between pain > management, and addiction. > Now, I'm not exactly a Rush Linbaugh fan, by any means, but that's what > happened to him. It starts out legitimate, but the need for the drug itself, > becomes stronger than the need to medicate. > No one should have to suffer needlessly, but doctors are trying to play it > safe, because of all the people out there who have become addicts. > A former doctor at the clinic, just went into rehab because he became addicted > and started asking other doctors to write scripts for him. A nurse at the > clinic, was just fired, because she stole a prescription pad, and forged a > doctors name so she could get something more for her back pain. > > Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.... > > Noreen > Fwd: Re: [ ] Re: a......Thank You > > > > I¹ve never pushed the issue with pain control. I let my new doctor > know > that ultram wasn¹t doing anything for me and that vicodan worked much > better. Right away he started talking addiction, so I knew I had a > narcophobic doctor. I told him that I read numerous studies that say > narcotics taken for pain rarely cause addiction, but may cause > dependence. > His answer was darvocet. Darvocet is about as useless as ultram. It > is > very depressing. Not knowing doctors in this new town, I don¹t want > to be > labeled as a narcotic seeker. I wonder if they ever took statistics > of > people that bought them illegally. My mailbox is full of offers to > buy > painkillers on the internet, but my doctors won¹t give them to me. > > I am so happy for you and others that have compassionate doctors that > treat > pain. I would also take the least amount that I could. I too > believe that > the majority of doctors believe in their oath. I¹m sure they feel > they are > doing the right thing by keeping me off of narcotics, however I truly > believe that my muscle pain and fibromyalgia are a result of > untreated pain. > Over the years I¹ve found that I am more and more sensitive to > touch. The > pain I had used to be confined to the standard FM pressure points, > but now > it is all over. Pain causes me to tense my muscles. He did prescribe > flexeril, but that is to sleep. He thinks if I get a better night¹s > sleep I > will have less pain. I sleep much better than I used to, although > not as > good as I¹d like, but I see no improvement in muscle pain. > > We will see things change in the future. I know much work is being > done in > pain research. > I hope is taking a much needed break. She surely deserves it. > But > knowing , she is off reading something for us LOL! > a > > >> > a: Thank you for your words. I also wish there was something to >> > control your pain, and I know you have researched and tried many >> > natural remedies. It makes me so unhappy that so many people suffer >> > because a few addictive personalities ruined pain control for > people >> > that truly have a need. I am very lucky to have the docs I do, in my >> > case 3 of them got together and decided I would get oxy with > percocet >> > for break thru pain. Many times they have tried to convince me to up >> > the dose, but I have declined, in the back of my mind I keep > thinking >> > it will be there for the day I REALLY need it. I don't believe docs >> > prescibe these drugs to shut the patients up, and still believe that >> > the docs oath of " Do no harm " in most cases holds true, although I > am >> > not so naive to think they are all Gods. Once again I truly >> > appreciate your input, and I guess we will have to keep on praying >> > that someday it will change. Kathi in OK.....PS Is taking a > much >> > deserved break? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 You are right about that, a. The doctors fear the paperwork, and also the legal fees that are involved. It would be nice to know who is going to become addicted, but in the meantime, there needs to be some way to treat chronic pain, without the complications. Maybe the answer is just in better followup care with the doctor, or in monitoring patients blood levels. Noreen Fwd: Re: [ ] Re: a......Thank You > > > > I¹ve never pushed the issue with pain control. I let my new doctor > know > that ultram wasn¹t doing anything for me and that vicodan worked much > better. Right away he started talking addiction, so I knew I had a > narcophobic doctor. I told him that I read numerous studies that say > narcotics taken for pain rarely cause addiction, but may cause > dependence. > His answer was darvocet. Darvocet is about as useless as ultram. It > is > very depressing. Not knowing doctors in this new town, I don¹t want > to be > labeled as a narcotic seeker. I wonder if they ever took statistics > of > people that bought them illegally. My mailbox is full of offers to > buy > painkillers on the internet, but my doctors won¹t give them to me. > > I am so happy for you and others that have compassionate doctors that > treat > pain. I would also take the least amount that I could. I too > believe that > the majority of doctors believe in their oath. I¹m sure they feel > they are > doing the right thing by keeping me off of narcotics, however I truly > believe that my muscle pain and fibromyalgia are a result of > untreated pain. > Over the years I¹ve found that I am more and more sensitive to > touch. The > pain I had used to be confined to the standard FM pressure points, > but now > it is all over. Pain causes me to tense my muscles. He did prescribe > flexeril, but that is to sleep. He thinks if I get a better night¹s > sleep I > will have less pain. I sleep much better than I used to, although > not as > good as I¹d like, but I see no improvement in muscle pain. > > We will see things change in the future. I know much work is being > done in > pain research. > I hope is taking a much needed break. She surely deserves it. > But > knowing , she is off reading something for us LOL! > a > > >> > a: Thank you for your words. I also wish there was something to >> > control your pain, and I know you have researched and tried many >> > natural remedies. It makes me so unhappy that so many people suffer >> > because a few addictive personalities ruined pain control for > people >> > that truly have a need. I am very lucky to have the docs I do, in my >> > case 3 of them got together and decided I would get oxy with > percocet >> > for break thru pain. Many times they have tried to convince me to up >> > the dose, but I have declined, in the back of my mind I keep > thinking >> > it will be there for the day I REALLY need it. I don't believe docs >> > prescibe these drugs to shut the patients up, and still believe that >> > the docs oath of " Do no harm " in most cases holds true, although I > am >> > not so naive to think they are all Gods. Once again I truly >> > appreciate your input, and I guess we will have to keep on praying >> > that someday it will change. Kathi in OK.....PS Is taking a > much >> > deserved break? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Hi good people, I can add an interesting anecdote (anecdope?) here--one of our local pain " doctors " (and I use the word loosely in his case) was treating me--he was the guy who insisted that I TRIPLE the dosage of Wellbutrin and nearly killed me--and also treating a very sweet lady from my pain support group. He insisted on doing surgery on her back which turned out to be not onlyl unnecessary, but he botched it. A few months ago, he switched her pain meds, and when she told him they weren't working, he told her to stick with them for another 4 weeks. She went back to him after 4 weeks and told him they still weren't working. She asked him for something different because she couldn't stand the pain any longer. He told her he'd have to operate AGAIN, and she should stay with the same medication. She told him no more surgery, and if he wouldn't change the medication she'd go back to her regular doctor, and got up to leave. As she approached her car, his assistant came up behind her, grabbed her by the shoulders, and said she would have to come back for a random drug test!! Good thing her husband was in the car because he told the guy to take his hands off his wife or he'd call the police, and they drove off. How do you spell relief? Judi (a very sleepy lady today) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Noreen, there is no doubt that some people abuse and become addicted to opioids. It is also true that opioids are not indicated for every situation; there are other medications and pain management strategies that may be better in a particular scenario. But what are the statistics regarding the likelihood that someone who appropriately uses narcotics for chronic pain will become a true addict? So far, I haven't seen anything to suggest that it is very likely to happen to a person with chronic pain who is using opioids to relieve that pain as prescribed by a physician who has training and experience in pain management. Stories about addiction are sensationalized - bad news travels fast and sells. Many such accounts imply that not only does addiction happen, it WILL happen to you should you use something like OxyContin. In many cases, people who are labeled " drug seekers " or " doctor shoppers " are not addicts; it's that they haven't been given the right drug or adequate amounts of a medication that works. I've heard several stories here, and you may have, too, about physicians who will, for example, write a prescription for one Vicodin per day for an individual though they have severe pain 24/7. Would it be wrong for that person to want more than one Vicodin per day, especially if that one Vicodin is working well for the short time that it does? Further still, wouldn't it be more appropriate for that person to have OxyContin or a fentanyl patch if one of those would be effective and give them round-the-clock relief? In a's case, for instance, she's used Vicodin before for years with no problem. Her physician, without warning, decided not to prescribe it for her anymore because of a change in policy at his office. Is he " playing it safe " for her sake or his? Should a be labeled a " drug seeker " because she would like to find a physician who will prescribe Vicodin for her since she knows it is effective for her? There is strong suspicion that many people who are being treated at methadone clinics are not and were not drug addicts; rather, they sought out the clinic to get pain relief that none of the physicians they consulted previously would provide. If this turns out to be true, it's very sad. I don't think all of the details of Rush Limbaugh's situation are known publicly, although, generally, people have assumed he is an addict. Is he a true addict or was he suffering with incorrectly or inadequately treated pain? The popular press has no love for Limbaugh. Here is an interesting view which is contrary to that of the liberal media: StoptheDrugWar.com Borden, Executive Director, borden@..., 10/3/03 " Editorial: Rush Limbaugh and OxyContin " : http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/305/rush.shtml A few months ago, my father's friend's mother was dying in the hospital. She had, at most, a few weeks to live. His friend was concerned that his mother was not receiving adequate pain relief. The physician explained that, although they would help, he did not want her to become " addicted " to narcotics, so would not prescribe them. What is the logic in that? She suffered terribly until the end, but, at least, she didn't die an " addict. " Bravo, Doctor Heartless! Way to go! If we extrapolate and apply that kind of thinking to the chronic pain patient who is not dying, it's no wonder he or she can't get opioids when it is appropriate and necessary. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] Re: a......Thank You Say, a and Kathi, I last posted at 8:02 AM - you guys are slave drivers, LOL! On a more serious note, a, that is VERY disappointing news about your rheumatologist. Is there a good pain management clinic nearby? Seems as though many physicians have their ideas and policies about opioids, but most of them don't focus on or serve the needs of the patient. A couple of months ago, I saw a new endodontist during another tooth emergency. After money and insurance discussions, he and his staff were careful to point out that ibuprofen is a wonderful analgesic and that they rarely prescribe anything else. I told them it was OK because my dentist would give me narcotics if I needed them (which is true), LOL! Caught them off guard. They didn't expect me to say that. Why dance around it, though? Just tell me straight out: " We don't prescribe opioids. " You know, ibuprofen is a very good drug, and I use it frequently for various things, but there are times that it is not the drug of choice. I really would like to know what your physician envisioned, a - that you would be breaking into the nearest Walgreen's very soon after getting your Vicodin back? Does he have an inkling of how you suffer? Or does he try not to think about that? Also, with the sort of pain you have, he really should be offering you a sustained-release formulation so that you can be comfortable all of the time. And, since we haven't had enough controversy around here lately, I'll say that I believe that large numbers of physicians who treat rheumatology patients often DO harm them by neglecting to aggressively treat their pain. Isn't allowing a patient to suffer harmful to the patient? Isn't withholding medication that can safely alleviate suffering harmful? Why do the same rheumatologists who freely, and often carelessly, dispense prednisone, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines single out opioids as the class of drugs that can cause " addiction " ? Why can't they even learn the terminology? Why can't they distinguish between recreational abuse and physical dependence? Why can't they have a heart? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Just to throw in my experience. I have tried Percocet and Vicodin and they helped but wreaked havoc with my stomach and i couldn't take them anymore. My old dr. prescribed Oxycontin and it was a blessing. It took the pain away and didn't bother my tummy at all. My new dr. and rheumy will not prescribe Oxy-my rheumy put me on Ultracet which seems to be working but sometime I think they prescribe whatever is being pushed by the drug reps. I see my rheumys office loaded with Ultracet pens, paper, tissues, signs, etc. and he initially gave me some samples from his closet which was loaded to the top. I think they tend to prescribe the popular " drug du jour " whatever type it is. <Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote: Noreen, there is no doubt that some people abuse and become addicted to opioids. It is also true that opioids are not indicated for every situation; there are other medications and pain management strategies that may be better in a particular scenario. But what are the statistics regarding the likelihood that someone who appropriately uses narcotics for chronic pain will become a true addict? So far, I haven't seen anything to suggest that it is very likely to happen to a person with chronic pain who is using opioids to relieve that pain as prescribed by a physician who has training and experience in pain management. Stories about addiction are sensationalized - bad news travels fast and sells. Many such accounts imply that not only does addiction happen, it WILL happen to you should you use something like OxyContin. In many cases, people who are labeled " drug seekers " or " doctor shoppers " are not addicts; it's that they haven't been given the right drug or adequate amounts of a medication that works. I've heard several stories here, and you may have, too, about physicians who will, for example, write a prescription for one Vicodin per day for an individual though they have severe pain 24/7. Would it be wrong for that person to want more than one Vicodin per day, especially if that one Vicodin is working well for the short time that it does? Further still, wouldn't it be more appropriate for that person to have OxyContin or a fentanyl patch if one of those would be effective and give them round-the-clock relief? In a's case, for instance, she's used Vicodin before for years with no problem. Her physician, without warning, decided not to prescribe it for her anymore because of a change in policy at his office. Is he " playing it safe " for her sake or his? Should a be labeled a " drug seeker " because she would like to find a physician who will prescribe Vicodin for her since she knows it is effective for her? There is strong suspicion that many people who are being treated at methadone clinics are not and were not drug addicts; rather, they sought out the clinic to get pain relief that none of the physicians they consulted previously would provide. If this turns out to be true, it's very sad. I don't think all of the details of Rush Limbaugh's situation are known publicly, although, generally, people have assumed he is an addict. Is he a true addict or was he suffering with incorrectly or inadequately treated pain? The popular press has no love for Limbaugh. Here is an interesting view which is contrary to that of the liberal media: StoptheDrugWar.com Borden, Executive Director, borden@..., 10/3/03 " Editorial: Rush Limbaugh and OxyContin " : http://stopthedrugwar.org/chronicle/305/rush.shtml A few months ago, my father's friend's mother was dying in the hospital. She had, at most, a few weeks to live. His friend was concerned that his mother was not receiving adequate pain relief. The physician explained that, although they would help, he did not want her to become " addicted " to narcotics, so would not prescribe them. What is the logic in that? She suffered terribly until the end, but, at least, she didn't die an " addict. " Bravo, Doctor Heartless! Way to go! If we extrapolate and apply that kind of thinking to the chronic pain patient who is not dying, it's no wonder he or she can't get opioids when it is appropriate and necessary. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] Re: a......Thank You Say, a and Kathi, I last posted at 8:02 AM - you guys are slave drivers, LOL! On a more serious note, a, that is VERY disappointing news about your rheumatologist. Is there a good pain management clinic nearby? Seems as though many physicians have their ideas and policies about opioids, but most of them don't focus on or serve the needs of the patient. A couple of months ago, I saw a new endodontist during another tooth emergency. After money and insurance discussions, he and his staff were careful to point out that ibuprofen is a wonderful analgesic and that they rarely prescribe anything else. I told them it was OK because my dentist would give me narcotics if I needed them (which is true), LOL! Caught them off guard. They didn't expect me to say that. Why dance around it, though? Just tell me straight out: " We don't prescribe opioids. " You know, ibuprofen is a very good drug, and I use it frequently for various things, but there are times that it is not the drug of choice. I really would like to know what your physician envisioned, a - that you would be breaking into the nearest Walgreen's very soon after getting your Vicodin back? Does he have an inkling of how you suffer? Or does he try not to think about that? Also, with the sort of pain you have, he really should be offering you a sustained-release formulation so that you can be comfortable all of the time. And, since we haven't had enough controversy around here lately, I'll say that I believe that large numbers of physicians who treat rheumatology patients often DO harm them by neglecting to aggressively treat their pain. Isn't allowing a patient to suffer harmful to the patient? Isn't withholding medication that can safely alleviate suffering harmful? Why do the same rheumatologists who freely, and often carelessly, dispense prednisone, antidepressants, and benzodiazepines single out opioids as the class of drugs that can cause " addiction " ? Why can't they even learn the terminology? Why can't they distinguish between recreational abuse and physical dependence? Why can't they have a heart? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Just to let you guys know, I do feel people in severe pain need help. I just wanted to bring up a little of the other side, and why doctors are sometimes hesitant. Luckily for me, so far, naprosyn usually works, but were my pain to get worse, I'm sure I'd want some other meds too. As far as terminal patients go, I never could see any sense in not giving narcotics. For chronic pain patients, being in pain constantly can be as much of a " mood altering " thing as any drug. So, I don't disagree that people often need narcotics for pain. I also agree that many of the so called " drug seekers " do have major problems, and that the doctors tend to put them off. What is needed is for doctors to do more follow up with patients and see if the drugs are really helping, if dosages are correct, and if there is something else they could give if it doesn't. Noreen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 I'm sure you do understand and care about people in chronic pain, Noreen. Nothing wrong with trying to present the plight of doctors in the whole mess. I agree that there should be a better system. Adding to the mix is that the DEA seems to be misguided, and I hope that will change very soon. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > Just to let you guys know, I do feel people in severe pain need help. > I just wanted to bring up a little of the other side, and why doctors are sometimes hesitant. > Luckily for me, so far, naprosyn usually works, but were my pain to get worse, I'm sure I'd want some other meds too. > As far as terminal patients go, I never could see any sense in not giving narcotics. For chronic pain patients, being in pain constantly can be as much of a " mood altering " thing as any drug. So, I don't disagree that people often need narcotics for pain. I also agree that many of the so called " drug seekers " do have major problems, and that the doctors tend to put them off. > What is needed is for doctors to do more follow up with patients and see if the drugs are really helping, if dosages are correct, and if there is something else they could give if it doesn't. > > Noreen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 17, 2004 Report Share Posted July 17, 2004 Disturbing, Judi, very disturbing. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org [ ] Re: RE; pain killers > Hi good people, > > I can add an interesting anecdote (anecdope?) here--one of our local > pain " doctors " (and I use the word loosely in his case) was treating > me--he was the guy who insisted that I TRIPLE the dosage of > Wellbutrin and nearly killed me--and also treating a very sweet lady > from my pain support group. He insisted on doing surgery on her back > which turned out to be not onlyl unnecessary, but he botched it. A > few months ago, he switched her pain meds, and when she told him they > weren't working, he told her to stick with them for another 4 weeks. > She went back to him after 4 weeks and told him they still weren't > working. She asked him for something different because she couldn't > stand the pain any longer. He told her he'd have to operate AGAIN, > and she should stay with the same medication. She told him no more > surgery, and if he wouldn't change the medication she'd go back to > her regular doctor, and got up to leave. As she approached her car, > his assistant came up behind her, grabbed her by the shoulders, and > said she would have to come back for a random drug test!! Good thing > her husband was in the car because he told the guy to take his hands > off his wife or he'd call the police, and they drove off. > > How do you spell relief? > > Judi (a very sleepy lady today) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2004 Report Share Posted July 18, 2004 Pre diagnosis-I was driving my stick shift car home from school one day and my knee began to swell. My wrists and fingers had been doing this- but this was the first time with my knee. I had to stop before I got home cuz I could not work the clutch. My knee was twice as big as normal. I called home and my husband came and got me. KNee continued to swell, the pain was very intense. By midnite I was screaming and screaming. I then passed out from the pain and it scared my husband. He called 9-11 and an ambulance came and took me to ER. I was delirious from the pain, out of my head. A nurse started an IV of ketorlac. XRays did not show anything- a doc tried to aspirate my knee, he got nothing. Sooooo they sent me home. I still could not even move my knee, I was still screaming. The nurse came and was angry, said I had been discharged and I HAD to get out of there. Gasping for breathe, screaming my head off, I could not even talk, my husband came and took one look at me and he went and hid cuz he knew he would not be able to figure out how to get me out of there and into our house. The hospital called me a CAB and when it got there, the nurse practically shoved me off the gurney - I could not bear weight, the movement made me scream again, she picked me up, tossed me in a wheelchair and wheeled me to the cab. Actually I did later call the hospital patient advocate- who reveresed the $2500 charges on my bill after MUCH arguing. Yes, they accused me of drug seeking, in spite of my hugely swollen and angry red knee.....in spite of my vital signs. AFter the ketorlac the nurse had asked me now isn;t that better and I had said NO..... and she patted my hand and said oh sure it is. The bad thing is this is our local hospital, the only hospital I had been to for anything in 15 years. A hospital I had worked in and never had an injury or sick day-----and - I had NEVER ever had a pain med RX EVER for ANYTHING. (I still haven't) How in the world did they come to the conclusion I was drug seeking? - In , " " <Matsumura_Clan@m...> wrote: > I'm sure you do understand and care about people in chronic pain, > Noreen. Nothing wrong with trying to present the plight of doctors in > the whole mess. > > I agree that there should be a better system. Adding to the mix is that > the DEA seems to be misguided, and I hope that will change very soon. > > > > > I'll tell you where to go! > > Mayo Clinic in Rochester > http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester > > s Hopkins Medicine > http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org > > > Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > > > > Just to let you guys know, I do feel people in severe pain need help. > > I just wanted to bring up a little of the other side, and why doctors > are sometimes hesitant. > > Luckily for me, so far, naprosyn usually works, but were my pain to > get worse, I'm sure I'd want some other meds too. > > As far as terminal patients go, I never could see any sense in not > giving narcotics. For chronic pain patients, being in pain constantly > can be as much of a " mood altering " thing as any drug. So, I don't > disagree that people often need narcotics for pain. I also agree that > many of the so called " drug seekers " do have major problems, and that > the doctors tend to put them off. > > What is needed is for doctors to do more follow up with patients and > see if the drugs are really helping, if dosages are correct, and if > there is something else they could give if it doesn't. > > > > Noreen Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 18, 2004 Report Share Posted July 18, 2004 My nursig school teacher taught our class that pain meds work best if peopl= es pain does not get out of control first. She also said that withholding p= ain meds causes addiction, it sets people up to become addicted and to engag= e in drug seeking behaviors out of fear of being left in severe pain AGAIN w= ithout pain relief. Fear of having to face severe pain again will cause people to begin to hand= le the meds differently, and allowing pain to first become out of control be= fore medicating for it will require larger doses of pain meds to bring relie= f. - In , " Noreen Saukko " <nsaukko@r...> wrote: > Just to throw some narcotic thoughts into the fight.... > I work at a small clinic. It is amazing how many people do become addicte= d to things like oxycontin. They come in for migraines, etc, but end up goin= g to more than one doctor or more than one place, just to get more. They ge= t labelled as " drug seekers " and once labelled, most doctors won't prescribe= for them anymore. > The problem with narcotics, is that there is a fine line between pain man= agement, and addiction. > Now, I'm not exactly a Rush Linbaugh fan, by any means, but that's what h= appened to him. It starts out legitimate, but the need for the drug itself, = becomes stronger than the need to medicate. > No one should have to suffer needlessly, but doctors are trying to play i= t safe, because of all the people out there who have become addicts. > A former doctor at the clinic, just went into rehab because he became add= icted and started asking other doctors to write scripts for him. A nurse at= the clinic, was just fired, because she stole a prescription pad, and forge= d a doctors name so she could get something more for her back pain. > > Just thought I'd throw my 2 cents in.... > > Noreen > Fwd: Re: [ ] Re: a......Thank You > > > > I¹ve never pushed the issue with pain control. I let my new doctor > know > that ultram wasn¹t doing anything for me and that vicodan worked much > better. Right away he started talking addiction, so I knew I had a > narcophobic doctor. I told him that I read numerous studies that say > narcotics taken for pain rarely cause addiction, but may cause > dependence. > His answer was darvocet. Darvocet is about as useless as ultram. It > is > very depressing. Not knowing doctors in this new town, I don¹t want > to be > labeled as a narcotic seeker. I wonder if they ever took statistics > of > people that bought them illegally. My mailbox is full of offers to > buy > painkillers on the internet, but my doctors won¹t give them to me. > > I am so happy for you and others that have compassionate doctors that > treat > pain. I would also take the least amount that I could. I too > believe that > the majority of doctors believe in their oath. I¹m sure they feel > they are > doing the right thing by keeping me off of narcotics, however I truly > believe that my muscle pain and fibromyalgia are a result of > untreated pain. > Over the years I¹ve found that I am more and more sensitive to > touch. The > pain I had used to be confined to the standard FM pressure points, > but now > it is all over. Pain causes me to tense my muscles. He did prescribe > flexeril, but that is to sleep. He thinks if I get a better night¹s > sleep I > will have less pain. I sleep much better than I used to, although > not as > good as I¹d like, but I see no improvement in muscle pain. > > We will see things change in the future. I know much work is being > done in > pain research. > I hope is taking a much needed break. She surely deserves it. > But > knowing , she is off reading something for us LOL! > a > > > > a: Thank you for your words. I also wish there was something to > > control your pain, and I know you have researched and tried many > > natural remedies. It makes me so unhappy that so many people suffer > > because a few addictive personalities ruined pain control for > people > > that truly have a need. I am very lucky to have the docs I do, in my > > case 3 of them got together and decided I would get oxy with > percocet > > for break thru pain. Many times they have tried to convince me to up > > the dose, but I have declined, in the back of my mind I keep > thinking > > it will be there for the day I REALLY need it. I don't believe docs > > prescibe these drugs to shut the patients up, and still believe that > > the docs oath of " Do no harm " in most cases holds true, although I > am > > not so naive to think they are all Gods. Once again I truly > > appreciate your input, and I guess we will have to keep on praying > > that someday it will change. Kathi in OK.....PS Is taking a > much > > deserved break? > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2004 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 In a message dated 17/07/2004 15:13:41 Central Standard Time, Matsumura_Clan@... writes: > If we extrapolate and apply that kind of thinking to the chronic pain > patient who is not dying, it's no wonder he or she can't get opioids > when it is appropriate and necessary. > > Legally, you can sue a doctor who undertreats your pain for malpractice. I have heard on another list that there are starting to be suits of this kind I think in California. Just like under or mistreating anything else, and JCAHO (who accredits hospitals) calls pain the 5th vital sign. A hospital can lose it's accreditation for under treating pain. Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 22, 2004 Report Share Posted July 22, 2004 In a message dated 17/07/2004 18:10:00 Central Standard Time, neproper@... writes: > I see my rheumys office loaded with Ultracet pens, paper, tissues, signs, > etc. and he initially gave me some samples from his closet which was loaded > to the top. I think they tend to prescribe the popular " drug du jour " > whatever type it is. > They like Ultracet because it is not strictly considered an opiate so not on the DEA radar. Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 23, 2004 Report Share Posted July 23, 2004 Yes, Cary, I've read of such legal action. I'm not sure it's the best answer to the problem. If everyone here who lives with undertreated pain sued, that would be a tremendous number of lawsuits! I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > In a message dated 17/07/2004 15:13:41 Central Standard Time, > Matsumura_Clan@... writes: > Legally, you can sue a doctor who undertreats your pain for malpractice. I > have heard on another list that there are starting to be suits of this kind I > think in California. Just like under or mistreating anything else, and JCAHO > (who accredits hospitals) calls pain the 5th vital sign. A hospital can lose > it's accreditation for under treating pain. Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 24, 2004 Report Share Posted July 24, 2004 In a message dated 23/07/2004 13:58:03 Central Standard Time, Matsumura_Clan@... writes: > Yes, Cary, I've read of such legal action. I'm not sure it's the best > answer to the problem. > > If everyone here who lives with undertreated pain sued, that would be a > tremendous number of lawsuits! > My hope is that a few of these suits will be a signal to not only MDs but to the government to stop fooling around with pain patients and go pick on someone else........Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2004 Report Share Posted July 25, 2004 In a message dated 25/07/2004 09:00:01 Central Standard Time, Matsumura_Clan@... writes: > But will such lawsuits cause some > physicians to avoid chronic pain patients or steer medical students away > from specialties that often involve treating patients with chronic pain? > You may be right. We need to have a chronic pain patient march or wheelchair roll or limp on Washington! Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2004 Report Share Posted July 25, 2004 I know that's the reasoning behind many litigation cases, Cary, but I cringe when I see what has happened to specialties such as obstetrics. We have an astronomically high C-section rate of around 25% now and, in some areas, there isn't a obstetrician to be found since malpractice costs and risks are so high. We already have a tremendous shortage of rheumatologists. Med students don't need another reason to avoid specializing in rheumatology. The problem of untreated pain is one of the biggest problems we as a society face, and the government should indeed stop interfering with the actions and needs of the innocent. But will such lawsuits cause some physicians to avoid chronic pain patients or steer medical students away from specialties that often involve treating patients with chronic pain? I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > In a message dated 23/07/2004 13:58:03 Central Standard Time, > Matsumura_Clan@... writes: > > > > Yes, Cary, I've read of such legal action. I'm not sure it's the best > > answer to the problem. > > > > If everyone here who lives with undertreated pain sued, that would be a > > tremendous number of lawsuits! > > > > My hope is that a few of these suits will be a signal to not only MDs but to > the government to stop fooling around with pain patients and go pick on > someone else........Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 25, 2004 Report Share Posted July 25, 2004 I agree with you . It's hard not to want someone to " pay " whenever a mistake is made. But it is just as important to understand the overall result of such lawsuits, one of which is less access to medical care for everyone. It is becoming harder and harder for people in PA to get a good doctor because so many are shutting down and moving to nearby states where malpractice insurance is less. I work with a not-for-profit women's health facility and malpractice insurance can double or triple with no warning. It's one of the top risks to us being able to stay in business. Doctors are human too and a lot of things fall into the grey area where it's easy to lay blame after the fact. Jennie > I know that's the reasoning behind many litigation cases, Cary, but I > cringe when I see what has happened to specialties such as obstetrics. > We have an astronomically high C-section rate of around 25% now and, in > some areas, there isn't a obstetrician to be found since malpractice > costs and risks are so high. > > We already have a tremendous shortage of rheumatologists. Med students > don't need another reason to avoid specializing in rheumatology. > > The problem of untreated pain is one of the biggest problems we as a > society face, and the government should indeed stop interfering with the > actions and needs of the innocent. But will such lawsuits cause some > physicians to avoid chronic pain patients or steer medical students away > from specialties that often involve treating patients with chronic pain? > > > > > I'll tell you where to go! > > Mayo Clinic in Rochester > http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester > > s Hopkins Medicine > http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org > > > Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > > > > In a message dated 23/07/2004 13:58:03 Central Standard Time, > > Matsumura_Clan@m... writes: > > > > > > > Yes, Cary, I've read of such legal action. I'm not sure it's the > best > > > answer to the problem. > > > > > > If everyone here who lives with undertreated pain sued, that would > be a > > > tremendous number of lawsuits! > > > > > > > My hope is that a few of these suits will be a signal to not only MDs > but to > > the government to stop fooling around with pain patients and go pick > on > > someone else........Cary Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 26, 2004 Report Share Posted July 26, 2004 Hi , You know what a hard time I had getting pain meds last year and for our new members, I will repeat my story. My rhuemy would not prescribe pain meds and when I asked him why, he suggested that I contact by GP to manage my pain. He told me that there were too many lawyers in Dallas and that malpractice insurance is too high. I asked him why he was a dr if he couldn't meet all of his patients' needs. Thank goodness that I have a long-term relationship with my GP and he provides my pain meds. I agree with June that we do not feel ephoria when we take our pain meds only some relief in pain. Here is Texas we have to get a triplicate form for controlled substances. My doc will prescribe me Fentanyl patches for bad flares but wants to keep me off time-released meds such as Oxy. I plan on speaking to him about this. I find that I spend a good deal of time in fear of not taking my pain meds and feeling terrible pain for the next several hours. Always watching the clock while I am away from home to make sure that my pain is covered is very difficult, especially in a social situation. We should not have to live this way! What Dix said about not being able to physically pick up a prescription and having it filled at the pharmacy is something I never thought of. I recall my father being on morphine as he was dying (at home) from Leukemia and can't imagine the stress my mother would have felt when she couldn't honor his request to die at home because she couldn't have his prescription filled. We need to do something about this! Can we begin circulating a Patient's Rights to Have Pain Control Medications petition and send it to Washington. I have already called my Representative from Texas. The last time I checked, this was still a government for the people and if we all let our voices be heard, perhaps we can affect a change. I know that terrible tragedies happen to people when medical mistakes are made but no amount of money will change what happened. Certainly, lifetime medical bills and support should be paid for those that are severely hurt. I do agree with having a cap on the amount that is paid for pain and suffering. Even if a jury awards a billion dollar settlement, the judge can overturn it and decide which amount should be paid. I do feel that we need to hold drs accountable but can you do your own job perfectly? There are a lot of procedural changes that are being made in hospitals to cut down on errors. There need to be more systems of checks and balances and the state agencies need to weed out the " bad " docs. It is a shame when there are not enough docs because they can't afford malpractice insurance. Regardless of what commercials show, insurance is not a public service, it is big business. I really hate the commercials for a local lawyer that has clients saying how much he got them for their accidents. So...it is a viscous circle...no docs due to high cost of insurance because the insurance companies have to pay large settlements because the people file lawsuits and then find that their docs have decided to stop their practices because he can't afford the insurance. I don't know how we are going to find a solution. Certainly it will be found by the people demanding change. I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on these problems. Iris .. --- <Matsumura_Clan@...> wrote: > I know that's the reasoning behind many litigation cases, Cary, but I > cringe when I see what has happened to specialties such as obstetrics. > We have an astronomically high C-section rate of around 25% now and, in > some areas, there isn't a obstetrician to be found since malpractice > costs and risks are so high. > > We already have a tremendous shortage of rheumatologists. Med students > don't need another reason to avoid specializing in rheumatology. > > The problem of untreated pain is one of the biggest problems we as a > society face, and the government should indeed stop interfering with the > actions and needs of the innocent. But will such lawsuits cause some > physicians to avoid chronic pain patients or steer medical students away > from specialties that often involve treating patients with chronic pain? > > > > > I'll tell you where to go! > > Mayo Clinic in Rochester > http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester > > s Hopkins Medicine > http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org > > > Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > > > > In a message dated 23/07/2004 13:58:03 Central Standard Time, > > Matsumura_Clan@... writes: > > > > > > > Yes, Cary, I've read of such legal action. I'm not sure it's the > best > > > answer to the problem. > > > > > > If everyone here who lives with undertreated pain sued, that would > be a > > > tremendous number of lawsuits! > > > > > > > My hope is that a few of these suits will be a signal to not only MDs > but to > > the government to stop fooling around with pain patients and go pick > on > > someone else........Cary > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2004 Report Share Posted July 27, 2004 Iris, you are bringing out the cynical side of me with your post. I'm writing from the land of Lincoln, and I do believe the government SHOULD BE of the people, by the people, and for the people. Unfortunately, in reality, big business and big money run the country. The percentage of people eligible to vote who actually do is pathetically low. The candidates to choose from are, generally, not ideal. The system is broken. A democracy in name only. I've lived in the Chicago area all my life. Here, corruption and politics go hand in hand. A way of life. Back to the main topic ... There are many groups to blame in the pain treatment problem. Physicians have to stop faulting only the lawyers, insurers, and the DEA, and act. Their voices are more powerful than those of the lowly patients. While they are at it, it would be nice if physicians could work on providing consumers across the country with information about individual physicians so that choosing a doctor would not be fraught with so much trial and error. Wouldn't it be nice to know up front whether a physician prescribes opioids? Or if they have been involved in multiple lawsuits and what the outcomes were? How many patients they have? On average, how long do the patients stay? What type of insurance is accepted? How old is the physician? Where did he/she receive training? Top of the class? In what sort of continuing education does he/she participate? All is not lost, for the pharmaceutical giants who make some of the priciest pain meds are on the side of the patient. I'll tell you where to go! Mayo Clinic in Rochester http://www.mayoclinic.org/rochester s Hopkins Medicine http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org Re: [ ] RE; pain killers > Hi , > > You know what a hard time I had getting pain meds last year and for our new members, I will repeat > my story. My rhuemy would not prescribe pain meds and when I asked him why, he suggested that I > contact by GP to manage my pain. He told me that there were too many lawyers in Dallas and that > malpractice insurance is too high. I asked him why he was a dr if he couldn't meet all of his > patients' needs. Thank goodness that I have a long-term relationship with my GP and he provides my > pain meds. I agree with June that we do not feel ephoria when we take our pain meds only some > relief in pain. > > Here is Texas we have to get a triplicate form for controlled substances. My doc will prescribe me > Fentanyl patches for bad flares but wants to keep me off time-released meds such as Oxy. I plan > on speaking to him about this. I find that I spend a good deal of time in fear of not taking my > pain meds and feeling terrible pain for the next several hours. Always watching the clock while I > am away from home to make sure that my pain is covered is very difficult, especially in a social > situation. We should not have to live this way! > > What Dix said about not being able to physically pick up a prescription and having it filled at > the pharmacy is something I never thought of. I recall my father being on morphine as he was > dying (at home) from Leukemia and can't imagine the stress my mother would have felt when she > couldn't honor his request to die at home because she couldn't have his prescription filled. > > We need to do something about this! Can we begin circulating a Patient's Rights to Have Pain > Control Medications petition and send it to Washington. I have already called my Representative > from Texas. The last time I checked, this was still a government for the people and if we all let > our voices be heard, perhaps we can affect a change. > > I know that terrible tragedies happen to people when medical mistakes are made but no amount of > money will change what happened. Certainly, lifetime medical bills and support should be paid for > those that are severely hurt. I do agree with having a cap on the amount that is paid for pain and > suffering. Even if a jury awards a billion dollar settlement, the judge can overturn it and decide > which amount should be paid. I do feel that we need to hold drs accountable but can you do your > own job perfectly? There are a lot of procedural changes that are being made in hospitals to cut > down on errors. There need to be more systems of checks and balances and the state agencies need > to weed out the " bad " docs. It is a shame when there are not enough docs because they can't afford > malpractice insurance. Regardless of what commercials show, insurance is not a public service, it > is big business. I really hate the commercials for a local lawyer that has clients saying how much > he got them for their accidents. So...it is a viscous circle...no docs due to high cost of > insurance because the insurance companies have to pay large settlements because the people file > lawsuits and then find that their docs have decided to stop their practices because he can't > afford the insurance. I don't know how we are going to find a solution. Certainly it will be found > by the people demanding change. > > I would love to hear everyone's thoughts on these problems. Iris Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted July 27, 2004 Report Share Posted July 27, 2004 My endo is associated with Bowman Gray School of medicine in Winston-Salem, NC. When I needed a rheumatologist, I called the endo and got a recommendation from him. Of course he recommended THE BEST one there. If I need some other kind of doctor, I'll get a recommendation from one of these two. Sue On Tuesday, July 27, 2004, at 09:04 AM, wrote: > While they are at it, it would be nice if physicians could work on > providing consumers across the country with information about > individual physicians so that choosing a doctor would not be fraught > with so much trial and error. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 I am sending this email to you because I have forgotten how to post and it is all I can so to write this to you. Please post it if you could. I have had degenerative disc disease RA and fibromalagia for 13 years now. I started taking lorcet prescribed by my GP but 6 years ago he convinced me to change to Oxycontin. I was being prescribed 90 a month or three 80 milligram a day. I lived in the Keys and there was only one rheumy who treated me with plaquenil, Bextra, MTX and folic Acid. She quit three times in the year and a half that I was " seeing her. Luckily she would give me 6 months worth of refills. My GP was 180 miles away in Miami but continue to treat me and every month I would have to take the drive up to Miami. About a year ago he was raided by the DEA and could no longer prescribe opiates but since he had been treating me for twelve years he continued to keep me on the Oxy. Six months ago I moved to Ocala which is 8 hours north of Miami and he continued to prescribe me the Oxycontin. My liver enzymes were too high this month and I was taken off the MTX, we all know what has happened with Bextra Viox and Clebrax and I was just told last month by my GP that he would no longer prescribe OXycontin for me and that I was the only patient he had been giving to but was too afraid to continue. I had less than a month to find another doctor. I have been unsuccessful and have NO PAIN meds alone this month. According to the label on the Oxycontin even if one is taking it for only 7-10 days one should not stop abruptly and the doctor is supposed to take you off them slowly. I have been on them for 6 years and am terrified that I will not find a doctor because of the DEA gone mad. I am tired of being treated as a criminal. It is bad enough that I am 100% disabled and even though I only make a fraction of what I made as a school teacher for emotional handicapped students ( for over 17 years) I only have Medicare since the government thinks I male too much money for Medicaid. I had to spend over 900.00 alone a month on the Oxycontin let alone all the other meds!!!!!!!!! My GP refuses to even take my calls I found a mice DO here in Ocala who is trying to get me an appointment with Pain Management ( he can't prescribe the Oxycontin because he is a DO and not an MD. The fact is though that there are over 50 million chronic pain sufferers and not enough Pain Management Clinics to go around and many of them do not prescribe opiates anyway. SO we are now told that the anti-inflammatory meds have too many side affects and no one wants to prescribe them anymore, the MTX ( and for that matter almost all if not all drugs for RA are toxic in one way or another) I am 40 years old heave severe degenerative disc disease, have multiple blown and bulged discs throughout cervical thorracic and lumbar spine, have had 2 lamenectomies l-4-l5/l5-S1, my fingers are already bending etc..... it takes me over two hours to be able to move in the morning and have a three year old son. I have just been told I have problems with my liver and raised enzyme due to MTX , diagnosed with COPD or rheumatoid lung disease and my GP will not give me anymore prescription for Oxycontin and I can't get an appointment with PM for a month and do not even know if they will prescribe the OXY. I have been on all different types of meds and this one is the only one that allowed me to live a semi normal life. has anyone been taken off Oxycontin like this ( without warning or time to get a new doctor) and if so what is it lie,,,, what can I do? any advice would be tremendously appreciated! Please post this message if you can I have literally forgotten how and have no energy now. Please help. Why do chronic pain shufflers have to be treated like common criminals . Of course less doctors are willing to treat us with the DEA focusing on real patients and doctors instead of drug dealers and illegal drug users. What makes it worse is that this was a miracle medication for all of us that suffer from chronic pain and all doctors were ecstatic about it and in the beginning every doctor was prescribing it. Now this miracle has been taken away! I wonder what would happen if they took insulin away from the diabetic and what is the difference. How can this continue. Medicaid will no longer pay for the medicine unless it is the generic. ALL of this because some police and DEA agents and the media created a panic to get their names in the paper!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted February 2, 2005 Report Share Posted February 2, 2005 I am sending this email to you because I have forgotten how to post and it is all I can so to write this to you. Please post it if you could. I have had degenerative disc disease RA and fibromalagia for 13 years now. I started taking lorcet prescribed by my GP but 6 years ago he convinced me to change to Oxycontin. I was being prescribed 90 a month or three 80 milligram a day. I lived in the Keys and there was only one rheumy who treated me with plaquenil, Bextra, MTX and folic Acid. She quit three times in the year and a half that I was " seeing her. Luckily she would give me 6 months worth of refills. My GP was 180 miles away in Miami but continue to treat me and every month I would have to take the drive up to Miami. About a year ago he was raided by the DEA and could no longer prescribe opiates but since he had been treating me for twelve years he continued to keep me on the Oxy. Six months ago I moved to Ocala which is 8 hours north of Miami and he continued to prescribe me the Oxycontin. My liver enzymes were too high this month and I was taken off the MTX, we all know what has happened with Bextra Viox and Clebrax and I was just told last month by my GP that he would no longer prescribe OXycontin for me and that I was the only patient he had been giving to but was too afraid to continue. I had less than a month to find another doctor. I have been unsuccessful and have NO PAIN meds alone this month. According to the label on the Oxycontin even if one is taking it for only 7-10 days one should not stop abruptly and the doctor is supposed to take you off them slowly. I have been on them for 6 years and am terrified that I will not find a doctor because of the DEA gone mad. I am tired of being treated as a criminal. It is bad enough that I am 100% disabled and even though I only make a fraction of what I made as a school teacher for emotional handicapped students ( for over 17 years) I only have Medicare since the government thinks I male too much money for Medicaid. I had to spend over 900.00 alone a month on the Oxycontin let alone all the other meds!!!!!!!!! My GP refuses to even take my calls I found a mice DO here in Ocala who is trying to get me an appointment with Pain Management ( he can't prescribe the Oxycontin because he is a DO and not an MD. The fact is though that there are over 50 million chronic pain sufferers and not enough Pain Management Clinics to go around and many of them do not prescribe opiates anyway. SO we are now told that the anti-inflammatory meds have too many side affects and no one wants to prescribe them anymore, the MTX ( and for that matter almost all if not all drugs for RA are toxic in one way or another) I am 40 years old heave severe degenerative disc disease, have multiple blown and bulged discs throughout cervical thorracic and lumbar spine, have had 2 lamenectomies l-4-l5/l5-S1, my fingers are already bending etc..... it takes me over two hours to be able to move in the morning and have a three year old son. I have just been told I have problems with my liver and raised enzyme due to MTX , diagnosed with COPD or rheumatoid lung disease and my GP will not give me anymore prescription for Oxycontin and I can't get an appointment with PM for a month and do not even know if they will prescribe the OXY. I have been on all different types of meds and this one is the only one that allowed me to live a semi normal life. has anyone been taken off Oxycontin like this ( without warning or time to get a new doctor) and if so what is it lie,,,, what can I do? any advice would be tremendously appreciated! Please post this message if you can I have literally forgotten how and have no energy now. Please help. Why do chronic pain shufflers have to be treated like common criminals . Of course less doctors are willing to treat us with the DEA focusing on real patients and doctors instead of drug dealers and illegal drug users. What makes it worse is that this was a miracle medication for all of us that suffer from chronic pain and all doctors were ecstatic about it and in the beginning every doctor was prescribing it. Now this miracle has been taken away! I wonder what would happen if they took insulin away from the diabetic and what is the difference. How can this continue. Medicaid will no longer pay for the medicine unless it is the generic. ALL of this because some police and DEA agents and the media created a panic to get their names in the paper!!!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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