polarized13
03-17-2005, 11:43 AM
Hi. I'm from the bipolar group. I also suffer from endometreosis, and chronic pain. I moved from California a few months ago, and My Dr. there always precribed me whatever I asked for. I have never abused any meds, I only take Tylenol #3. I only take about 20 pills a month.
I have found that since I have moved (to the mid-west) that I can not find a doctor who is willing to give me the meds. They want me to look into accupressure, or electric-stimulation treatments instead. I have already tried that stuff, in fact, I invested in purchasing an electric stim machine. It doesnt help. I have had several surgeries, and have tried numerous meds to improve my endo.
I need to have a hysterectomy, but I am young still, and my husband and I want to hold out the option to try and have children with the help of infertility treatments. (I'm infertile too.) I suppose that the doctors in California are more liberal in giving meds. I just can't understand why the docs here want me to suffer. It's like they dont believe me, and think I am just a drug-seeker. Could it be that they dont trust me because of my psychiatric condition? Even though I am under the care of a doctor and medicated for my condition. Any suggestions?
thanks!
I have found that since I have moved (to the mid-west) that I can not find a doctor who is willing to give me the meds. They want me to look into accupressure, or electric-stimulation treatments instead. I have already tried that stuff, in fact, I invested in purchasing an electric stim machine. It doesnt help. I have had several surgeries, and have tried numerous meds to improve my endo.
I need to have a hysterectomy, but I am young still, and my husband and I want to hold out the option to try and have children with the help of infertility treatments. (I'm infertile too.) I suppose that the doctors in California are more liberal in giving meds. I just can't understand why the docs here want me to suffer. It's like they dont believe me, and think I am just a drug-seeker. Could it be that they dont trust me because of my psychiatric condition? Even though I am under the care of a doctor and medicated for my condition. Any suggestions?
thanks!
Sponsor
twisten
03-17-2005, 12:01 PM
How many doctors have you seen? Have you tried looking into a PM clinic? I know endometriosis can be very painful so I hope you find someone to help you soon. I'm not sure if we have any members on here from California but if we do maybe they can point you in the right direction.
Sorry I thought you moved to California not from there. My apologies.
Sorry I thought you moved to California not from there. My apologies.
SheSparkles
03-17-2005, 12:11 PM
[QUOTE=polarized13] Could it be that they dont trust me because of my psychiatric condition? Even though I am under the care of a doctor and medicated for my condition.
You know,I am beginning to think, as I read so many posts, that it's not your psych condition (hey I am right there with you) it's where you live. I am in the desert of So.Cal. and my Drs. have been great with pain control. I have never had to go to PM, my PCP prescribes all my narcotics and things have been fine for over 3 yrs. No contracts, no pill counts, just things as usual. I am beginning to think that other parts of the country are under seige or are very over controlled or something. But I do not think your mental health colors the pain Drs. decisions.
Sparkles/ShineOn
You know,I am beginning to think, as I read so many posts, that it's not your psych condition (hey I am right there with you) it's where you live. I am in the desert of So.Cal. and my Drs. have been great with pain control. I have never had to go to PM, my PCP prescribes all my narcotics and things have been fine for over 3 yrs. No contracts, no pill counts, just things as usual. I am beginning to think that other parts of the country are under seige or are very over controlled or something. But I do not think your mental health colors the pain Drs. decisions.
Sparkles/ShineOn
polarized13
03-17-2005, 12:12 PM
I have seen two. I'm going to another one in a few weeks. I have to stick with ones that are providers of my insurance. I started with the closest ones to me, and now I'm having to drive about 30 miles away to try and find one that will help me.
I just don't understand why I should have to do this. With that little amount that I take. I barely use enough to take the edge off. I used to take Vicodin, and I told my doctor back in california that I wanted to see if I could use something more mild after my last surgery. I do not fit the profile of a drug seeker.
That is a good suggestion to check into a pain management clinic. It just seems uneccesary, I'm only asking for a small amout of codeine. I will have to get a referral from my doctor, and the whole thing will cost a bundle. But, hey why not drain the heath care system a little more..... :confused:
I just don't understand why I should have to do this. With that little amount that I take. I barely use enough to take the edge off. I used to take Vicodin, and I told my doctor back in california that I wanted to see if I could use something more mild after my last surgery. I do not fit the profile of a drug seeker.
That is a good suggestion to check into a pain management clinic. It just seems uneccesary, I'm only asking for a small amout of codeine. I will have to get a referral from my doctor, and the whole thing will cost a bundle. But, hey why not drain the heath care system a little more..... :confused:
SheSparkles
03-17-2005, 12:15 PM
And I got this right Polarized...........you WERE in Calif. and are NO longer...?
SS
SS
StMishl
03-17-2005, 12:18 PM
I just want to say I am sorry you are having such a difficult time. As a former endo suffer-er, I can relate. I ended up with a total hysterectomy at 26 to resolve my pain due to the endo. You came here looking for pain med advice - you obviously need a more understanding doctor- the pain of endo is very intense and life altering - I remember it well. The relief from my hysterectomy was great.
As someone who has been there and done that, I hope to offer a suggestion: If you have not first tried everything else pre-hysterectomy ... please do. I have 2 beautiful girls, and was SURE about my decision (I thought) and was ready to do anything to stop the pain. They made me have psych appts to make sure I wouldn't have 2nd thoughts and sue the doctors. I did have depo provera, and was in a chemical menopause, as well as numerous surgeries (laser, severing nerves, etc...). What I didn't realize was the effect that having a total hysterectomy would have on the rest of my body at such a young age. I fully believe that I would have had the hysterectomy at that point regardless- just to end the pain. However now I suffer from osteoporosis (I also have RA and asthma so I also have had lots of prednisone that doesn't help), crazy mood swings, and emotional stuff way beyond what "normal" 33 year olds should experience (then again we are all on pain boards so what is normal?? :jester: ), Even tho I'd had my babies, I ended up divorced (my ex-hubby couldn't "deal" with a menopausal wife) and when I re-married wanted (want) a baby so bad I question the hysterectomy daily (iregardless of the fact that my back and bones would make carrying one absolutley impossible even if I had the "parts"). It changed who I was as a person - even tho I swore it wouldn't. Also, to add to the fun, I still had pelvic pain- I ended up with adhesions that required (so far) 1 surgery and probably another soon to clear them out. I wasn't allowed any HRT due to the endo-so I woke up in cold hard menopause... not fun.
I am not trying to undermine your pain, or vent - just want to offer an opinion from someone who has been in your shoes...I made my decision from a place of pain and fear and desperation, and if I can help you to see there may be a better choice, that is my goal - and I am sorry if I come across any other way :angel: Please get your pain under control. Get a doctor who is understanding and aware of the latest treatment options for endo (I understand there is so much more they can do now). Get into a support group and make an informed decision (I didn't-obviously). Then, and only then, make a decsion from a place of power...
Michelle
As someone who has been there and done that, I hope to offer a suggestion: If you have not first tried everything else pre-hysterectomy ... please do. I have 2 beautiful girls, and was SURE about my decision (I thought) and was ready to do anything to stop the pain. They made me have psych appts to make sure I wouldn't have 2nd thoughts and sue the doctors. I did have depo provera, and was in a chemical menopause, as well as numerous surgeries (laser, severing nerves, etc...). What I didn't realize was the effect that having a total hysterectomy would have on the rest of my body at such a young age. I fully believe that I would have had the hysterectomy at that point regardless- just to end the pain. However now I suffer from osteoporosis (I also have RA and asthma so I also have had lots of prednisone that doesn't help), crazy mood swings, and emotional stuff way beyond what "normal" 33 year olds should experience (then again we are all on pain boards so what is normal?? :jester: ), Even tho I'd had my babies, I ended up divorced (my ex-hubby couldn't "deal" with a menopausal wife) and when I re-married wanted (want) a baby so bad I question the hysterectomy daily (iregardless of the fact that my back and bones would make carrying one absolutley impossible even if I had the "parts"). It changed who I was as a person - even tho I swore it wouldn't. Also, to add to the fun, I still had pelvic pain- I ended up with adhesions that required (so far) 1 surgery and probably another soon to clear them out. I wasn't allowed any HRT due to the endo-so I woke up in cold hard menopause... not fun.
I am not trying to undermine your pain, or vent - just want to offer an opinion from someone who has been in your shoes...I made my decision from a place of pain and fear and desperation, and if I can help you to see there may be a better choice, that is my goal - and I am sorry if I come across any other way :angel: Please get your pain under control. Get a doctor who is understanding and aware of the latest treatment options for endo (I understand there is so much more they can do now). Get into a support group and make an informed decision (I didn't-obviously). Then, and only then, make a decsion from a place of power...
Michelle
polarized13
03-17-2005, 12:22 PM
yes, UNFORTUNATELY!!! No offense intended to mid-westerners in general. I have met many nice, welcoming and great people here. But it is sooooooo different here. I miss my warm weather. Its freezing here. And everyone has such an old-fashioned attitude. I have met several of my neighbors who are under the impression that TV is evil, and they shelter thier kids from everything. I try not to rock the boat too much, but being a native californian and liberal (what else) I just dont fit in....
SheSparkles
03-17-2005, 12:36 PM
but being a native californian and liberal (what else) I just dont fit in....
I am gonna get courageous and stand up for once and say how wonderful, in many ways, Calif is! We take alot of heat, "land of fruit and nuts" (which by the way has reason to stick) etc., however, for my health care and my health (warmth) it has been wonderful. 30 years here, have barely felt an earthquake, Drs. are not scared to medicate for pain. I am really sorry you had to move and to freeze. That coupled with inaccessible pain control is awful. Keep looking for Drs.
SS
I am gonna get courageous and stand up for once and say how wonderful, in many ways, Calif is! We take alot of heat, "land of fruit and nuts" (which by the way has reason to stick) etc., however, for my health care and my health (warmth) it has been wonderful. 30 years here, have barely felt an earthquake, Drs. are not scared to medicate for pain. I am really sorry you had to move and to freeze. That coupled with inaccessible pain control is awful. Keep looking for Drs.
SS
polarized13
03-17-2005, 12:43 PM
My last response in answer to She sparkles. I appreciate all of you guys responding to me and my request for suggestions. I should still be able to conceive with the help of IVF from what every doctor has told me. My uterus is still ok. It's just all the scar tissue around it causing me the pain and infertility. I think I just need to keep looking for a new doctor. We are saving up for the IVF.
We moved out here cause my husband was given a very large promotion with his company. This re-location is only temporary. I guess this goes to show you. All states are not created equal when it comes to heath care!!
thanks again.. :)
We moved out here cause my husband was given a very large promotion with his company. This re-location is only temporary. I guess this goes to show you. All states are not created equal when it comes to heath care!!
thanks again.. :)
MomOf4VA
03-17-2005, 04:12 PM
I live in the DC area. The land of Dr. Hurwitz and his conviciton. CVS is practically scared to sell you an aspirin, at this point. I am barely kidding.
SheSparkles
03-18-2005, 08:15 AM
I live in the DC area. The land of Dr. Hurwitz and his conviciton. CVS is practically scared to sell you an aspirin, at this point. I am barely kidding.
I know this to be true and it's so distressing; How do those of us who have been delivered from ridiculous pain day after day help those of you who haven't? We would if we could..I know I would and I know so many others who would. You are not forgotten...ever. But what can we do to help you?
SS
I know this to be true and it's so distressing; How do those of us who have been delivered from ridiculous pain day after day help those of you who haven't? We would if we could..I know I would and I know so many others who would. You are not forgotten...ever. But what can we do to help you?
SS
BrittleBones
03-18-2005, 10:48 AM
Just out of curiousity....I live in Maryland and use CVS quite often. Who is Dr. Hurwitz and what was he convicted of?? Kathy Mac
SheSparkles
03-18-2005, 11:09 AM
Just out of curiousity....I live in Maryland and use CVS quite often. Who is Dr. Hurwitz and what was he convicted of?? Kathy Mac
It's so long to explain, punch in his name and see what you get. As chronic pain people, this was a trial closely watched and the verdict caused unbelievable distress. And it IS Hurwitz. I think James but not sure.
SS
It's so long to explain, punch in his name and see what you get. As chronic pain people, this was a trial closely watched and the verdict caused unbelievable distress. And it IS Hurwitz. I think James but not sure.
SS
Truly
03-19-2005, 08:10 PM
I live in the same "state" and the doctors are really paranoid over Oxycontin.
It would be laughable if it was not so "unreal." There is a difference between physical dependency and drug addiction.
Many MD's are not trained in pain management and don't have a clue.
I have a feeling that the addicts who abuse this drug are finding far great success being RX'd. Thanks freaks for making real pain patients suffer for your fix.
I went off Oxycontin and I will never take it again. I was floored when a doctor did not agree with the RXing methods of my former neuro, called me and addict to my face, told me my life was "--it." Further, insulted accused me of obtaining my RX illegally. I go through my insurance company and have proof my RX's were not obtained illegally. I went off all my meds without any withdrawal. Now I am just left with jump in front to a train pain. :bouncing:
My Doctor left the "state" one day after my appointment. Referred me to a smarmy pain management mill. I want dignity and respect. I refuse to be treated as an addict and it is a pitty the med worked for me. I will not go to a creepy, unprofessional practice of a cross eyed doctor. D :eek: Doctor is really crossed eyed. :eek:
If anyone else had the Dr who abanndon his practice and there are many of us, I was told by a little trustee bird at the "TOWNE." (This will make sense if you are familar with the DR. please post here.)
Hint: (Star Trek) Keep his name off the boards we don't want hassles!
Live, love, laugh! Endorphins to youall! Truly
It would be laughable if it was not so "unreal." There is a difference between physical dependency and drug addiction.
Many MD's are not trained in pain management and don't have a clue.
I have a feeling that the addicts who abuse this drug are finding far great success being RX'd. Thanks freaks for making real pain patients suffer for your fix.
I went off Oxycontin and I will never take it again. I was floored when a doctor did not agree with the RXing methods of my former neuro, called me and addict to my face, told me my life was "--it." Further, insulted accused me of obtaining my RX illegally. I go through my insurance company and have proof my RX's were not obtained illegally. I went off all my meds without any withdrawal. Now I am just left with jump in front to a train pain. :bouncing:
My Doctor left the "state" one day after my appointment. Referred me to a smarmy pain management mill. I want dignity and respect. I refuse to be treated as an addict and it is a pitty the med worked for me. I will not go to a creepy, unprofessional practice of a cross eyed doctor. D :eek: Doctor is really crossed eyed. :eek:
If anyone else had the Dr who abanndon his practice and there are many of us, I was told by a little trustee bird at the "TOWNE." (This will make sense if you are familar with the DR. please post here.)
Hint: (Star Trek) Keep his name off the boards we don't want hassles!
Live, love, laugh! Endorphins to youall! Truly
MomOf4VA
03-21-2005, 03:38 PM
KathyMac:
I was being sarcastic about CVS. But, I am finding it impossible to find a PMD who is not afraid to Rx Oxy. The climated for pain management is horrible right now. Do you see a good PMD?
I was being sarcastic about CVS. But, I am finding it impossible to find a PMD who is not afraid to Rx Oxy. The climated for pain management is horrible right now. Do you see a good PMD?
polarized13
03-31-2005, 04:29 PM
Hi Everybody,
I have been off these boards since the day I first posted this thread. Since then I have been suffering in silence. I have been given a VERY small amount of codeine so that I can sleep at night, but that's it. And tomorrow I am going to a pain management clinic. From reading some of your threads, it sounds like that's the place they send you when they think you are a drug seeker. Am I right?
The part I don't get, is that I just had a laparoscopy 5 months ago, and had a very severe case of endometreosis. So much so that my bowels are fused together with my uterus from the scar tissue. The doctor spent 2 hours lazering out the endo. Obviously I am not faking pain from this condition. What is the deal????! :confused:
I just saw the doctor on Tuesday, and he said, "I could give you oxy-contin to make you comfortable, but we don't want you to become a drug-addict." This is after I explained AGAIN that the codeine doesnt even really help me, and I have already tried alternative methods of pain relief. It's just like they want to pass the buck to aviod responsibility. It is so unfair.
Anyway, I guess this is mostly a vent-post. But if anyone has suggestions about how to handle the pain clinic thing, I would appreciate it. Take care.
~~~heather
I have been off these boards since the day I first posted this thread. Since then I have been suffering in silence. I have been given a VERY small amount of codeine so that I can sleep at night, but that's it. And tomorrow I am going to a pain management clinic. From reading some of your threads, it sounds like that's the place they send you when they think you are a drug seeker. Am I right?
The part I don't get, is that I just had a laparoscopy 5 months ago, and had a very severe case of endometreosis. So much so that my bowels are fused together with my uterus from the scar tissue. The doctor spent 2 hours lazering out the endo. Obviously I am not faking pain from this condition. What is the deal????! :confused:
I just saw the doctor on Tuesday, and he said, "I could give you oxy-contin to make you comfortable, but we don't want you to become a drug-addict." This is after I explained AGAIN that the codeine doesnt even really help me, and I have already tried alternative methods of pain relief. It's just like they want to pass the buck to aviod responsibility. It is so unfair.
Anyway, I guess this is mostly a vent-post. But if anyone has suggestions about how to handle the pain clinic thing, I would appreciate it. Take care.
~~~heather
polarized13
04-01-2005, 08:44 PM
Hi All,
I just wanted to let you all know about what happened when I went to the pain clinic. I found out that I may have kidney damage from taking such high doses of over-the-counter pain meds, even though I told my doctors what I was taking and they said it was fine. I finally got a reasonable amount of codeine prescribed to me, along with an anti-infammatory, so now I will hopefully get some relief. Good luck to all of you.
~~heather
I just wanted to let you all know about what happened when I went to the pain clinic. I found out that I may have kidney damage from taking such high doses of over-the-counter pain meds, even though I told my doctors what I was taking and they said it was fine. I finally got a reasonable amount of codeine prescribed to me, along with an anti-infammatory, so now I will hopefully get some relief. Good luck to all of you.
~~heather
Fabrashamx
04-23-2005, 01:45 PM
Hi Polar! sorry to hear about your troubles. I am a chronic pain patient, But my husband is Bi-Polar (Aren't we the fun couple! lol) and I have seen exactly what you're talking about with him as well. Anytime he has dental or any other kind of pain, They take one look at the list of psychotropic meds he takes and throw advil at him. Part of the problem is that M.D. are not always up to date on psychiatric medications, drug interactions, ect, and rather than risk tipping you into a manic phase or depression, they under treat the pain. I advocate for my husband. Go to your appointments armed with knowledge. If there is a medication that has worked for you in the past, flat out ask for it. My husband was given large doses of tylenol / naproxin at one point and it lowers his liver function, and keeps him from maintaining the liver levels of lithium (lol try saying that 3 times fast!) and/or depakote he needs to keep his bi-polar stablized. Some doctors want to give things like cortesone <sp?> injections which is a huge no-no for bi-polar folks, many of whom have a manic/psychotic tipover reaction to it. Any pain med you take, you need to be even more aware than the average person of how much apap or tylenol you are putting into your system,again, this effects you liver and can keep your lithium from working. Tell the doctor 'I can take (whatever med has worked for pain in the past), and I need to not have any apap if possible for my psych meds to work properly' also depending on where you are in your manic phase, (most bi-polar folks continue to have ups and downs even if their meds are keeping the highs and lows from being extreme) you may want to request atavan or xanex to take with the pain meds if you are agitated, it will make your pain medicine more effective. My husband and I have learned that when dealing with mental illness and pain, the best tactic is to be assertive and informed. Best of luck to you, my heart goes out to you, suffering from both these issues must be difficult for you. I hope you have a good support system and I will be thinking of you!
polarized13
04-23-2005, 06:10 PM
Hi Fab,
Thank you so much for your kind post. You gave me a lot of good information that I can use when I have my next doctor apt. I wish I had known about the injection before I got it, it did send me into a depressive episode, in addition to not helping my pain at all. Interesting how the doctor wasn't concerned about shooting steroids into me with my other condition. I'm doing some physcial therapy now, and playing the waiting game to see the behavioral health specialist to determine if I need any more opiates.
The funny thing is I really don't want to start taking them if I can avoid it, I'm just so frustrated with the slow-moving process you have to go through to get anywhere in my situation. When I found out I would have to wait 6 weeks to get in with the behavioral health specialist before they could do anything for me, (because she only works one day a week) I was furious!!
Anyway, I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since you cant even buy over the counter cold/allergy medicine without a Rx in the area I live. I know there are people out there who are abusing these drugs, but why do we have to pay for their mistakes? It seems like a knee jerk reaction to me... :confused:
Thanks again for taking the time to respond,
~~heather~~
Ps. This part may be confusing. I was given tylenol #3 in the beginning when I went to the pain clinic. But then they refused to refill my rx until after I had my B.H. apt, (even though I couldn't get in for it until long after the rx had run out...) The regualtions are so strict, they don't allow for any exceptions, so my only option would be to go to an E.R., but I think I'm actually just getting used to being in pain. It just seems wrong....
Thank you so much for your kind post. You gave me a lot of good information that I can use when I have my next doctor apt. I wish I had known about the injection before I got it, it did send me into a depressive episode, in addition to not helping my pain at all. Interesting how the doctor wasn't concerned about shooting steroids into me with my other condition. I'm doing some physcial therapy now, and playing the waiting game to see the behavioral health specialist to determine if I need any more opiates.
The funny thing is I really don't want to start taking them if I can avoid it, I'm just so frustrated with the slow-moving process you have to go through to get anywhere in my situation. When I found out I would have to wait 6 weeks to get in with the behavioral health specialist before they could do anything for me, (because she only works one day a week) I was furious!!
Anyway, I guess I shouldn't be surprised, since you cant even buy over the counter cold/allergy medicine without a Rx in the area I live. I know there are people out there who are abusing these drugs, but why do we have to pay for their mistakes? It seems like a knee jerk reaction to me... :confused:
Thanks again for taking the time to respond,
~~heather~~
Ps. This part may be confusing. I was given tylenol #3 in the beginning when I went to the pain clinic. But then they refused to refill my rx until after I had my B.H. apt, (even though I couldn't get in for it until long after the rx had run out...) The regualtions are so strict, they don't allow for any exceptions, so my only option would be to go to an E.R., but I think I'm actually just getting used to being in pain. It just seems wrong....
Tick Tock
04-24-2005, 12:54 AM
I would bet (although don't know) that it has to do with how heavily and closely that State handles oversight of schedule presciption meds.
mjbbtt
04-24-2005, 12:58 AM
some docs will not prescribe you pain meds if you have a history of depression because narcotics are a depressant in themselves so they think it will make your depression worse, have you tried ordering online through a nrop?
polarized13
04-24-2005, 12:23 PM
No, what's a nrop? I didn't know I had any other options besides suffering at this point...