StMishl
03-22-2005, 09:06 PM
As many of you know from reading my recent posts, I have been having issues the past few days with my back doctor being gone/unwilling/unable to refill my oxycontin script.
I finally get the nurse today and begged for another script for the oxycontin before Friday. She talks to the dr and calls me back and says they will fill it this one last time, I can pick it up tomorrow (Gee thanks, only 7 days after my last refill ran out), but I 'had better start weaning myself from it" because the dr has decided I shouldn't need it anymore.
Huh?? Since when? He hasn't even decided if I have a lose screw or if my fusion is taking (as appt he specifically said it wasn't taking) so why suddenly decide to drop me from my main med???? My back STILL hurts, and now is possibly more screwed up then when I first went to him).
Right now I feel like I'm being black mailed by my doctor - "Behave or no oxycontin". That has to be illegal or at least very unethical right????
Anyone have a good dr in AZ either a back dr or a pain clinic????
But my main question is this... Since I have now been without the oxycontin (except for 10mg /day Friday & Sunday) and am finally feeling less crappy due to the withdrawls (although my back is hurting as bad as ever), should I take the offered oxycontin perscription?
If it really is the last one, I will be right back in withdrawl again in 30 days (unless there is a way to taper off of it??) or unless I can get under a new doctor's care who agrees to the oxycontin. Would it be better just to tough it out off of the oxy?
I'd rather find a better doctor (as this was the original plan) and a pain doctor (can I do this myself or do I need my back doctor to refer me? Do I look even MORE "drug seeking" if I call a pain clinic??) to take over my care, but in the meantime I was MUCH more comfortable, better functioning on the oxycontin (I am taking vicodin now, which is mostly just causing me to be tired or feel "high" -which I don't like - it doesn't do much for the pain. I feel like i'm on a roller coster going up down up down). I feel like an idiot, and I feel like its unfair trying to balance what would be best for my pain (taking the oxy), vs. being labled a "drug seeker".
I feel like I am being black mailed by my doctor, that I started asking questions about why I wasn't healing, why I was still in so much pain (not fusing, lose screw, etc...) asking about further testing, basicly bucking his system of "being patient and take some pain pills" so now he is taking away the pain pills, like he's "getting back at me" for asking about a second opinion (am I just being paranoid now??)
So it comes down to do I take the oxycontin or not? I think i've gone thru the worst of the withdrawls (I hope) and although I am hurting and not sleeping, with the vicodin I have, maybe I can make it until I find another dr. Will it make a difference if I am taking oxycontin or not when they are deciding rather or not to take me on as a patient?
If I do take the oxy, is there a way to taper off of it in one month?
Am I right that what the dr is doing doesn't seem right/ethical?
What would you do? My brain is tied of having to DO this,,, I want a dr I can just trust to take care of me and to make decisions to keep me comfortable and to "do no harm" is that asking so much??
-Thank you,
Michelle
I finally get the nurse today and begged for another script for the oxycontin before Friday. She talks to the dr and calls me back and says they will fill it this one last time, I can pick it up tomorrow (Gee thanks, only 7 days after my last refill ran out), but I 'had better start weaning myself from it" because the dr has decided I shouldn't need it anymore.
Huh?? Since when? He hasn't even decided if I have a lose screw or if my fusion is taking (as appt he specifically said it wasn't taking) so why suddenly decide to drop me from my main med???? My back STILL hurts, and now is possibly more screwed up then when I first went to him).
Right now I feel like I'm being black mailed by my doctor - "Behave or no oxycontin". That has to be illegal or at least very unethical right????
Anyone have a good dr in AZ either a back dr or a pain clinic????
But my main question is this... Since I have now been without the oxycontin (except for 10mg /day Friday & Sunday) and am finally feeling less crappy due to the withdrawls (although my back is hurting as bad as ever), should I take the offered oxycontin perscription?
If it really is the last one, I will be right back in withdrawl again in 30 days (unless there is a way to taper off of it??) or unless I can get under a new doctor's care who agrees to the oxycontin. Would it be better just to tough it out off of the oxy?
I'd rather find a better doctor (as this was the original plan) and a pain doctor (can I do this myself or do I need my back doctor to refer me? Do I look even MORE "drug seeking" if I call a pain clinic??) to take over my care, but in the meantime I was MUCH more comfortable, better functioning on the oxycontin (I am taking vicodin now, which is mostly just causing me to be tired or feel "high" -which I don't like - it doesn't do much for the pain. I feel like i'm on a roller coster going up down up down). I feel like an idiot, and I feel like its unfair trying to balance what would be best for my pain (taking the oxy), vs. being labled a "drug seeker".
I feel like I am being black mailed by my doctor, that I started asking questions about why I wasn't healing, why I was still in so much pain (not fusing, lose screw, etc...) asking about further testing, basicly bucking his system of "being patient and take some pain pills" so now he is taking away the pain pills, like he's "getting back at me" for asking about a second opinion (am I just being paranoid now??)
So it comes down to do I take the oxycontin or not? I think i've gone thru the worst of the withdrawls (I hope) and although I am hurting and not sleeping, with the vicodin I have, maybe I can make it until I find another dr. Will it make a difference if I am taking oxycontin or not when they are deciding rather or not to take me on as a patient?
If I do take the oxy, is there a way to taper off of it in one month?
Am I right that what the dr is doing doesn't seem right/ethical?
What would you do? My brain is tied of having to DO this,,, I want a dr I can just trust to take care of me and to make decisions to keep me comfortable and to "do no harm" is that asking so much??
-Thank you,
Michelle
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SheSparkles
03-22-2005, 10:10 PM
Michelle,
I can answer more later but if it were I? I would exit the OxyContin...like yesterday. The reason? So many Drs. are NOT prescribing it any more. I would not pick up the prescription tomorrow and I would never use Oxy again...simply because sooner or later this was bound to happen UNLESS you are in intractable pain from a malignancy. And in hospice. And on your way out. Quick. I mean it...Drs. are getting weird about this med. I would get a new PCP and get referred to a new PM (altho I still say you don't need a PM Dr. for good PM) and I would expect to start using a different pain med. More later.
SS
yes..you have withdrawn so why go back into the fire??
I can answer more later but if it were I? I would exit the OxyContin...like yesterday. The reason? So many Drs. are NOT prescribing it any more. I would not pick up the prescription tomorrow and I would never use Oxy again...simply because sooner or later this was bound to happen UNLESS you are in intractable pain from a malignancy. And in hospice. And on your way out. Quick. I mean it...Drs. are getting weird about this med. I would get a new PCP and get referred to a new PM (altho I still say you don't need a PM Dr. for good PM) and I would expect to start using a different pain med. More later.
SS
yes..you have withdrawn so why go back into the fire??
twisten
03-23-2005, 12:12 AM
That's kind of a tough decision to have to make. The vicodin are probably helping to keep away the worst of the withdrawal I would think. Is your doctor going to keep prescribing that or not? I guess a lot depends on how bad your pain is as to whether you should pick up this last script. If it were me I would and use it very sparingly until you can get into a different doctor. I don't find the big witch hunt is as bad up here in Canada against oxycontin. Not where I live anyway. Good luck with whatever you decide and keep us posted as to how you're making out.
trowftd3
03-23-2005, 11:50 AM
The witch hunt is also not on here in the Northwest. Unless I'm missing something.
Good Luck to you. You are the one who has to make the decision.
I hope your next doc is great. It is so hard to find a good doctor.
Take care~Mush
Good Luck to you. You are the one who has to make the decision.
I hope your next doc is great. It is so hard to find a good doctor.
Take care~Mush
MomOf4VA
03-23-2005, 01:03 PM
Quit the oxy. Do not go back and pick it up. It is almost impossible to taper alone and you are only buying yourself 30 days. Around here, it takes about that long to get in to see a good PMD, so if you take the oxy and you go to see a new Dr. you may be in full in withdrawls, he is going to think you are a drug seeker. Try to stay with the vicoden, for now. One more Rx of oxy is just not worth the price you will have to pay later.
Kim
Kim
crzygrl_78
03-23-2005, 01:27 PM
Michelle,
Where are you in AZ? My PMD in Phoenix is Stephen Borowsky. When I scheduled my first visit it took about 2 1/2 weeks to get in to see him. He continued all meds that my Ortho had me on, Oxy 20. So you might want to look in to that.
Where are you in AZ? My PMD in Phoenix is Stephen Borowsky. When I scheduled my first visit it took about 2 1/2 weeks to get in to see him. He continued all meds that my Ortho had me on, Oxy 20. So you might want to look in to that.
StMishl
03-23-2005, 03:16 PM
Thank you all. I have called 3 different pain clinics today to be told I need to be refered by my doctor (who has suddenly evidently decided I don't need pain meds despite the lose screw and not fusing!!) I will try Stephen Borowsky next. I also am having a heck of a time finding another back doctor... I've called almost all the drs in my insurance book and NOBODY wants to touch me as its only been "3 months". Of course nobody can recomend anyone who IS willing to see me.
My appt is Friday with "the jerk", and i'm pretty sure he is going to dismiss me from his care (dispite still being in pain and still being a mess)... I'm going to get all of my records and then ???? His nurse has made it clear he won't perscribe any more meds and I can't have anymore tests (ummm.. ok??? last visit he said I had a lose screw/rod and was not fusing at all - what changed??)
I am going to pick up the perciption but not fill it. At least then I will have it and if I can get in to a pain dr I can show I'm not a drug addict, butthat I was perscribed the oxy (is that a good idea??).
Thanks for the suggestions. Is it even legal to be being dropped this way? The vicodin is only working for about 2 hr cycles then I am just "grin and baring it". I'm only allowing myself 4 a day... But my goodness I am hurting SO MUCH!!
I feel like I am right back to where I was pre- fusion, except now I can't even get a dr to talk to me. Sitting in the middle of the street and crying is beginning to seem like a good idea.
My appt is Friday with "the jerk", and i'm pretty sure he is going to dismiss me from his care (dispite still being in pain and still being a mess)... I'm going to get all of my records and then ???? His nurse has made it clear he won't perscribe any more meds and I can't have anymore tests (ummm.. ok??? last visit he said I had a lose screw/rod and was not fusing at all - what changed??)
I am going to pick up the perciption but not fill it. At least then I will have it and if I can get in to a pain dr I can show I'm not a drug addict, butthat I was perscribed the oxy (is that a good idea??).
Thanks for the suggestions. Is it even legal to be being dropped this way? The vicodin is only working for about 2 hr cycles then I am just "grin and baring it". I'm only allowing myself 4 a day... But my goodness I am hurting SO MUCH!!
I feel like I am right back to where I was pre- fusion, except now I can't even get a dr to talk to me. Sitting in the middle of the street and crying is beginning to seem like a good idea.
Director
03-23-2005, 04:22 PM
Michelle...You've pretty much kicked the Oxycontin, do you really want to go through it again? Unless you're pretty sure you can hook up with a PM doc that is going to take care of you and your pain, I don't think it would be wise to start up with the Oxy again with only a short supply on hand. If the Hydro helps and you can get it, stay with it until you can get in with another doctor that isn't "too busy" to help you. As Mush stated earlier, the witch hunt is not on here in the Northwest, as far as I can tell. I am on Methadone now, but I was on Oxy for a couple years and the doctors don't seem to be afraid to prescribe it.
twisten
03-23-2005, 05:34 PM
It sounds to me like when the prescription of what you're on now runs out you will be prescribed nothing. Is that correct? Also on picking up the oxy script but not filling it I believe up here in Canada you only have 3 days to fill it, after that it is no longer valid. You may want to check into that down there.
SheSparkles
03-23-2005, 05:40 PM
here in Canada you only have 3 days to fill it, after that it is no longer valid. You may want to check into that down there.
I am holding a C-2 script (Duragesic) and it is good for 6 months.
SS
I am holding a C-2 script (Duragesic) and it is good for 6 months.
SS
Director
03-23-2005, 06:50 PM
That's true, in the U.S. CII scripts are good for six months, but if you go in and the pharmacy can only do a partial fill, the remainder has to be dispensed within 72 hours or it becomes invalid. That can be a very unpleasant situation to be in, especially if you don't have an understanding doctor.
MomOf4VA
03-23-2005, 07:43 PM
If you pick up the oxy Rx, you WILL fill it. I would be willing to bet a million dollars. Hon, I say this with love. DO NOT FILL THAT SCRIPT. This is coming from somone who almost lost EVERYTHING due to an oxy addiction and I am a LEGIT CP patient, also with a failed fusion. Please hook up with a reputable doctor who will take such good care of you and NEVER leave you in a bad position. Just wait the 3 weeks or whatever to get in and see someone. If you get that Rx refilled, you are just playing beat the clock. And you MUST think of the the "unthinkables". For example, if you do get an appointment with a PMD, on the day you are supposed to go he might: get sick, die, be out of town, refuse to give you meds. Any number of things can happen and if you talk to enough CP patients, you will hear stories of being left high and dry and that's with ESTABLISHED patients. I feel for you, I do. And this is coming from a place of care. WAIT FOR YOUR NEW PMD APPT! If you wanna hear some horror stories about wd's go to the addiction boards. A few of those stories might be enough to scare you into not picking up that Rx! Please keep us posted! Pun intended. :)
Sending you hugs!!
Kim
Sending you hugs!!
Kim
StMishl
03-23-2005, 11:23 PM
Thanks for the advice. I went to get the perscription, then saw he only wrote it for 10 mg 14 pills (as I was taking 20 mg am/pm and 10 mg at noon that would have lasted for less then 3 days, hello!) So I then left the perscription and asked that they marked it in my chart that I did NOT take it.
I have an appt on Friday and pray he and I can figure something out. I just don't understand what has happened since the last appt. He knows I am not "better".
I obviously cannot get either a new back doctore or into a pain clinic. I have now tried every doctor on my insurance list, plus a few others... I am being told the ONLY way is to be refered by my doctor... so I guess I'm going to flat out have to beg. If he refuses I'll go back to my primary care.
My back is so bad right now that I am just about back to using my walker...the vicodin is becoming less useful each day (and its only been since Monday). I think stopping the vicodin and having a beer may be more potent!
I am so, so frustrated. I have a pain threshold... I didn't even take pain meds for my RA (despite having been offered them many, many times...) but now that I need them to function I am being made to feel like a junkie.. I know I am singing to the choir here and I am so thankful for your words of wisdom and your support. I just am tempted to lie in bed and sob...
I have an appt on Friday and pray he and I can figure something out. I just don't understand what has happened since the last appt. He knows I am not "better".
I obviously cannot get either a new back doctore or into a pain clinic. I have now tried every doctor on my insurance list, plus a few others... I am being told the ONLY way is to be refered by my doctor... so I guess I'm going to flat out have to beg. If he refuses I'll go back to my primary care.
My back is so bad right now that I am just about back to using my walker...the vicodin is becoming less useful each day (and its only been since Monday). I think stopping the vicodin and having a beer may be more potent!
I am so, so frustrated. I have a pain threshold... I didn't even take pain meds for my RA (despite having been offered them many, many times...) but now that I need them to function I am being made to feel like a junkie.. I know I am singing to the choir here and I am so thankful for your words of wisdom and your support. I just am tempted to lie in bed and sob...
SheSparkles
03-24-2005, 12:10 AM
[QUOTE=StMishl]So I then left the perscription and asked that they marked it in my chart that I did NOT take it.
Great. Good. Glad you left it.
You may need to start at square 1 again. Meaning getting a compassionate PCP, but you know, they can and often DO write for narcotics. Mine does. all the time. In fact I have had 2 PCPs (changed cause of insurance) and both have been stellar at pain control. I have had some referrals but all narcotics have been via the internists in my life. I know it seems as if PM is the big new thing but here in busy Calif. our primaries do just great with prescribing narcotics. Then again, it seems they always have.......I hope you get something to help you feel better, I truly do.
SS
Great. Good. Glad you left it.
You may need to start at square 1 again. Meaning getting a compassionate PCP, but you know, they can and often DO write for narcotics. Mine does. all the time. In fact I have had 2 PCPs (changed cause of insurance) and both have been stellar at pain control. I have had some referrals but all narcotics have been via the internists in my life. I know it seems as if PM is the big new thing but here in busy Calif. our primaries do just great with prescribing narcotics. Then again, it seems they always have.......I hope you get something to help you feel better, I truly do.
SS
myspine
03-24-2005, 12:21 AM
Hi Michelle :wave:
i am speechless at the way you have been treated :eek: .That is absolutely the bottom of the pit bad. Does your insurance let you travel out of state? I do not know if that is possible or not because if you can see a PM doc close by and then find a great doc who does spine revision then that would work.
See if that is possible.
;) shelley
i am speechless at the way you have been treated :eek: .That is absolutely the bottom of the pit bad. Does your insurance let you travel out of state? I do not know if that is possible or not because if you can see a PM doc close by and then find a great doc who does spine revision then that would work.
See if that is possible.
;) shelley
wfc33
03-25-2005, 01:55 AM
Reading this thread sounds like a bad Twilight Zone episode. I find it appaling that a dr. would just cut you off the pain meds like that.Especially with a back problem, which from all I've read, can be the worst pain. Makes me glad I live where I do. It seems everywhere folks post from, someone is having Oxycontin trouble. Perhaps it's because I've been with the same dr. for 5+ years, or we don't have as much abuse of the drug here, but I have not seen a lot of the problems as have been talked abot here.I feel lucky,really, and a little guilty, because I have been treated fairly well. Remind me not to complain as much.
Oxycontin has it's drawbacks, the main one for me is that it doesn't last the 12 hours it's said to,but it does work pretty well for the first 6.I really hope you find a good PM doc, maybe you will be able to take it again without fear of being cut off. Good luck.
Oxycontin has it's drawbacks, the main one for me is that it doesn't last the 12 hours it's said to,but it does work pretty well for the first 6.I really hope you find a good PM doc, maybe you will be able to take it again without fear of being cut off. Good luck.
G'Ma
03-26-2005, 01:46 AM
Sweetie - I am new to this forum but would like to chime in. The oxy is not an "as needed" or PRN type of medication - it needs to build up in the system to begin working by being taken at regular intervals to maintain a therapeutic level in the system – it is time released - that is why they prescribe meds like Vicodin for breakthrough pain – since it is not time released it affords full benefit within about 30 minutes then gradually tapers off in 4 to 6 hours – Vicodin is a med used to get a quick “handle” on severe pain because you cannot rely on oxy to provide that quick relief. So to recommend that you take it “sparingly” serves no real purpose - it will be working very minimally at the very best. It is a controlled release and indented to be taken at even intervals to maintain a level of the medication in the system. If you are currently taking Vicodin you may ask for a med that is higher in the hydrocodone and lower in acetaminophen (to protect your liver) if that works to relieve your pain, it can be prescribed in 10/325 dosage. Now, for your “drug seeking” label – what an injustice to you - to have been made to feel like that by those in our society that have taken this most helpful medication to the streets and created this “drug seeking” stigma for those who honestly need the medication. I am SO sorry that you have been made to feel that way. Something to remember my sweet, you are your doctor’s employer, but for you/us, his patients, he would not have a job. Also, he is NOT better than you and he is not omniscient, he is simply schooled in a field that most of us have only had “OJT”, and remember even he doesn’t know your body or tolerance the way you do. So please, realize that you are a person in pain that deserves to be treated with respect and dignity, a person that deserves relief and to have your quality of life restored to allow you to perform your daily tasks and that that is NOT asking for too much!
I called several doctor’s offices when I left Kaiser Permanente and asked them point blank, “I require pain medication, and does this doctor have a problem prescribing pain medication?” Not only did my current doctor’s office give me the right answer, his nurse was empathetic, warm and sensitive at my asking the question. My doctor is conservative and closely monitors the type, level, quantity that I take, he performs regular blood tests to be sure I am not being adversely affected by the medication as well as testing the range of motion in my legs. We discuss my pain level and need for the medication on a regular basis, BUT he never, ever makes me feel as though I am doing something wrong or taking it unnecessarily. I have been on the medication for over a year now, once a therapeutic level was achieved I never increased the dosage. I find that I am able to decrease the dosage considerably during the summer months. I decrease it gradually and have suffered no ill effects ever.
I truly hope you find a doctor that is caring and senstive to your pain, they are out there. You will be in my thoughts!
I called several doctor’s offices when I left Kaiser Permanente and asked them point blank, “I require pain medication, and does this doctor have a problem prescribing pain medication?” Not only did my current doctor’s office give me the right answer, his nurse was empathetic, warm and sensitive at my asking the question. My doctor is conservative and closely monitors the type, level, quantity that I take, he performs regular blood tests to be sure I am not being adversely affected by the medication as well as testing the range of motion in my legs. We discuss my pain level and need for the medication on a regular basis, BUT he never, ever makes me feel as though I am doing something wrong or taking it unnecessarily. I have been on the medication for over a year now, once a therapeutic level was achieved I never increased the dosage. I find that I am able to decrease the dosage considerably during the summer months. I decrease it gradually and have suffered no ill effects ever.
I truly hope you find a doctor that is caring and senstive to your pain, they are out there. You will be in my thoughts!
carol632
03-26-2005, 10:23 PM
If that so-called doctor dismisses you from his care, hire an attorney. This is malpractice as far as I am concerned. You are not fusing, you are still in terrible pain, he thinks a screw is messed up and he DISMISSES you??? Grounds for a lawsuit if I ever saw it...he wants to get rid of you before you realize what he has done to you.
Beg your pcp for a referral, beg this quack for a referral, but get one. If need be, call your ins. co, explain what is going on and ask permission to make an appt without referral. You need help.
Carol
Beg your pcp for a referral, beg this quack for a referral, but get one. If need be, call your ins. co, explain what is going on and ask permission to make an appt without referral. You need help.
Carol