Bad Story

[Guest guest]

Laurie:

I'm so sorry for what's going on with you. It's really hard to make a

decision when you are in so much pain. I've seen my share of doctors who

are pretty cold, those who act like they don't believe me, but also a few

who are very compassionate. It also sucks to be so dependent on having

drugs to function. I'm so grateful for this new pain specialist that I just

starting seeing. When I told him I was going to run short he moved up my

re-fill date, increased my dosage and prescribed a new medication called

Actiq for breakthrough. I could hardly believe my ears! I had run out of

everything the day before my first appointment with him, and so he saw what

I look like sans medication. He really understands that without the drugs I

could not function. He never wants me to be in that position again, so if I

start not getting the relief that I should, just call and talk to him. I

also talked to him about addiction, and his feeling is, is that there is no

way to avoid becoming tolerant, or physically addicted, however only about 1

in a 1000 people who take drugs for chronic pain become " addicted "

psychologically. He talked about the tolerance issue, and that he

anticipates that over a period of time he will have to increase the dosage.

I could really tell you some horror stories about the last pain specialist

that I was seeing. And I stayed with him for two years!

Anyway, I think if you are not feeling comfortable, you should not go

forward. (Please, just my opinion...) Is there at least one doctor who has

been treating you during this ordeal who believes you, and might be able to

guide you? I would hate for the pain to force you to make a decision you

might regret later. It seems if you could at least get enough medication

for a few weeks, you could better make a decision. I don't know where you

live, so I can't suggest anyone, unless there is someone on the PAI website.

I wish there was something I could do to help, but I'm always here for you

to vent! Hang in there!

Robin R.

Sr. Production Planning Specialist

* (ext. 102)

* (fax)

robin.cox@...