MS Contin

[Guest guest]

Hi all, Well I am happy to say that I am back on MS Contin and once

again able to manage my pain. I was really hoping that the Fentanyl

patches worked, but the side effects were overwhelming. I can't help

but respond after reading recent posts about troubles with doctors not

responding to symptoms of diabetes or pancreatitis. How can they

ignore the obvious, and if they do, is there a way to make them answer

for their mistakes? I'm sure there must be a state board that

regulates doctors and holds them accountable. I feel for all of you

that are having these problems and will keep you in my thoughts. I

have not had any problems getting treatment and I see that I am the

exception, not the norm. Jim

[Guest guest]

Hey Jim,

That's good news that you're back on the MS Contin and doing well with

your pain management. Sometimes we have to try something different to

find out what's really the best solution for us, and it looks like you

were using what's best for you already.

My first GI was one of those who ignored the obvious by telling me my

very apparent symptoms of impending diabetes were other problems, like

" bacteria overgrowth " or reactions to new meds. He tested me for

practically everything, but, diabetes, and refused to do any testing

for diabetes, saying " it was too soon for me to be worried about

that " . He wouldn't acknowledge it until I was in intensive care

after going into diabetic ketoacidosis, having to be admitted by an

unknown doctor, because he'd even refused to call in orders for me to

be admitted to the hospital!

Sadly, there's not much recourse a patient has, other than firing the

doctor and writing a complaint to the hospital administrator. Even a

legal suit trying to prevent him from making that type of mistake

again wasn't deemed worthwhile by my state's leading medical

malpratice attorney. Because many of the complaints and pleas for

help and testing were made on the telephone, or during appointments

where the doctor kept no record of conversations between doctor and

patient, the attorney said that negligence, injury and the negligent

act causing the injury couldn't be proven. If the doctor, (and

patient), haven't kept complete records of conversations, there's

really no way to hold the doctor accountable. All I had record of was

the number of days I called and was put off, being told that the

doctor would call me back. It becomes a " he said, she said "

situation, and isn't admissable when one party denies that any

conversations took place.

Jim, you have been very fortunate, indeed, in your relationship with

your physician. I've found a GI now who I revere, and who treats me

with respect, concern and complete attention. So I've been fortunate,

too, the second time around...(grin).

With love, hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

www.pancassociation.org/anthology#Heidi.html

Bluffton, SC

SC State & SE Regional Rep

Pancreatitis Association, International

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and should not

be substituted for professional medical consultation.

[Guest guest]

Heidi, Wow, that is so frustrating. First off, we have to deal with

this terrible disease and all the negative side effects, then some

people also have to deal with doctors who don't help them. I

understand the " he said, she said " scenario. I guess we all just keep

on doing the best we can. thank you for all the great insight you have

given to all who ask. you truly are a wonderful soul. thanx..jim