Hoarding Meds

[Guest guest]

It seems that my earlier mention of having a stash of emergency meds has

brought on a discussion about " hoarding " meds. Keeping a small amount for

emergency use was a suggestion given to me by another member, and I

have to admit that doing so saved me a trip to the emergency room, when it

really wasn't necessary. In no way do I feel this is addictive behavior.

My doctor is aware of this, and had no problems with it. In fact, he said it

was a good thing that I had done this when we met on Monday. He said,

because otherwise, he would have expected to see me in the hospital when I

really didn't need to be there. I personally think it's a good idea to have a

small amount of necessary pain medication available to tide one over for

situations just like the one I experienced last week, where there was a delay

in receiving my normal, regular prescription after it had expired. There are

also holidays and weekend where a person may experience a tough enough

episode of pain that medication is necessary, but not available.

Deanna mentioned that this to do this was called " hoarding " by the medical

professionals and was thought to be addictive behavior, but I disagree.....not

with what Deanna said, but with the expression that this was addictive

behavior.

In my case, the way I get this " stash " is by using less meds than I've been

prescribed for my monthly allocation whenever I can. I see nothing wrong

with taking less meds, if and when I can. In fact, my doctor prefers me to take

less meds, if and when I can. It doesn't happen often, but when it does, I

save those and put them away for an emergency. There's never enough

there to get me through for more than two to three days, because I figure

within two to three days the weekend is over and I can get to my doctor for

help.

I realize now that I'm fortunate to have a doctor who truly understands, and

trusts me, too, to realize that I'm not being addictive, I'm being practical. I

guess there would be other doctors who aren't as sensible as mine is, and I'm

glad that I'm not their patient. So in that regard, I guess it's good advice

that

was given earlier to not mention this to your physician.

With hope and prayers,

Heidi

Heidi H. Griffeth

South Carolina

SC & SE Regional Rep.

PAI, Intl.

Note: All comments or advice are personal opinion only, and

should not be substituted for consultation with a medical

professional.