Chaddyfriend
11-02-2005, 10:18 PM
God I hate my life, i just gets worse every day, im about to go over the edge.I would have never imagined this, and i want to know if anyhting like this has ever happened to anyone else. I got the rest of my Avinza filled as well as my oxycodone hcl at my local walgreens. I guess a dude who was hanging out in the pharmacy must have been listining to the pharmacist mention morphine and he follwed me out, and when i got outside 4 dudes came up to me and started hassling me about me meds. I am 19yrs like 5'10 and 185 and used to box before my accident and my chronic shingles, so i talked a little crap back and one dude tried to grab my bag but i didnt let him, and THANK GOD 3 adults in a suv jumped out and these younger guys got in a car and drove away. I filled a report with the police and talked to the pharmacy about being more suspicious and quiet about wat meds people are getting. I wont lie, i was scared, but i was hurting so bad i was already pissed off and didnt want any crap from anyone. I just want to know if this is a common thing, and if anyone else has ever had to go thru this? and also to WARN all of u to be careful, i didnt realise this stuff was so dangerous...
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BrittleBones
11-03-2005, 09:12 AM
:eek: Hi Chaddyfriend. Wow! What an experience!! Is the pharmacy in a generally safe area? I know that when I could still drive and get my own meds from the pharmacy that I was pretty paranoid about leaving them in the car (locked, of course) if I had to make any other stops on the way home. Let me give you an example: I will spend 10 minutes looking for a good place to hide my prescription bottles in my car; but I'll leave my purse, cell phone or wallet just lying on the passenger seat for all the world to see!!! It's really horrible when you can't even make it to your car with a prescription without getting mugged. Don't know about your pharmacy but here in Maryland, and I think all states, the HIPA laws are written with your privacy in mind. Folks who want to talk to my pharmacist have to wait behind a yellow line painted on the floor, well back from the person who is actually talking to the pharmacist. Where was this mugger standing that allowed him to hear about your particular meds?
Anyway, I'm glad you made it out of there. I'm sure all that stress didn't help your pain. Take care and maybe you should switch pharmacies or hire a body guard ;) ! All the best - KathyMac
Anyway, I'm glad you made it out of there. I'm sure all that stress didn't help your pain. Take care and maybe you should switch pharmacies or hire a body guard ;) ! All the best - KathyMac
Chaddyfriend
11-03-2005, 01:19 PM
HEy, thanks for the reply. Strange thing was it was in broad daylight, in like a min-mall complex. Generally a pretty darn safe place i would think. And when i thought about it, the guy was at a little magazine rack in the pharmacy, that must have been in listining distance of the pharmacist. Thank god i kept my medicine and didnt give it up, and thank god those 3 guys came to help. It just pisses me off how anyone even has to be concerned about this stuff. And no, the stress does not help with the shingle pain. Thanks for the reply though.
howard764
11-03-2005, 03:26 PM
thats why i only use drive up windows
twisten
11-03-2005, 04:06 PM
We don't have any pharmacy drive up windows here. I haven't heard of anyone being mugged for meds here but lots are being mugged for money and jewellry. I don't live near a very big city in Canada either. I think its only around 25,000 people. I usually have someone with me when I get my meds. Sure hope you're okay after your scare.
catsblueeyes1
11-03-2005, 04:43 PM
My walgreens is notorious for talking with other customers around, it makes me so mad! You would think with the privacy act they would be more careful. I am so sorry to hear anout this incident, as you mentioned you already feel like crap then you have to deal with this jerks! I would certainly talk to the pharmacist about this like I did, I told him he is never to discuss my illness or my medication while others are present.
I hope that you have relaxed enough now and your feeling better.
Debbie
I hope that you have relaxed enough now and your feeling better.
Debbie
Terri43
11-03-2005, 04:50 PM
Last night I picked my meds up at the winn dixie and my fiance told me to go sit in the car while he waits in line at the store because I can't stand or walk for very long and the store was packed due to the hurricane and everyone having to replace food that went bad. any way when I got outside the store and it was dark and he didn't park very close so I had to walk a little I started to panic thinking the same thing because I walk slow and wear a neck brace an easy target. I was happy when I got in the car and locked the doors but still worried someone followed me. Very scary feeling. Thank god you were able to fight them off.
Terri
Terri
Chaddyfriend
11-03-2005, 05:23 PM
im getting over it.....Just pisses me off. Drive up window a pretty good idea. I will use that from now on. And i did mention to the pharmacist about inforcing their privacy policies (they do have liek a yellow line),as well as being extra extra careful talking about narcotics. Ill get over it eventually, i guess it just boils down to one more thing i dont need in my life right now. Thanks for the support and replies, if anybody else has anyhting to add, or advice feel free to post.
tina76
11-03-2005, 05:52 PM
I used to work at a drugstore (the big one. Not sure if I'm allowed to mention the name) and we got robbed for oxycontin like 5 times in the 3 years that I worked there. At gun point. Ended up being a former customer. She came in one night with her gun and our night pharmacist recognized her! She's in jail now. Idiot...
Chaddyfriend
11-03-2005, 05:55 PM
wow, people are desperate for this stuff, very sad.
MizLiz
11-03-2005, 10:00 PM
OMG! I never thought of my meds as being that valuable to other people. So sorry for you but am glad you are ok. Unbelievable that people are that desparate and evil. Hope you are doing better and thanks for sharing. It will help all of us be extra careful. take care. Liz
mshatch
11-03-2005, 10:19 PM
Hi Chaddy
Sorry that happened to you but yes I have heard of it happening alot in bigger cities. I was even told when I was going to the city for PM to make sure I held on to my script when I got out of the pharmacy and there were gaurds everywhere. So you just never know. I personally would cringe at the idea of a pharmacist talking about my meds outloud. Better luck next time!!!!!!
Sorry that happened to you but yes I have heard of it happening alot in bigger cities. I was even told when I was going to the city for PM to make sure I held on to my script when I got out of the pharmacy and there were gaurds everywhere. So you just never know. I personally would cringe at the idea of a pharmacist talking about my meds outloud. Better luck next time!!!!!!
Soulcatcher
11-03-2005, 10:32 PM
I believe it can happen. I didn't know my own husband liked xanex. He waited until I was asleep and stole mine out of my purse. Since him and I were seperated and he was only at my house to visit the kids, I had him arrested. Now THAT'S a idiot.
conductor
11-03-2005, 10:42 PM
Chaddyfriend and others,
This is very disturbing, especially when you consider the other part of the outcome. First, you could be terribly hurt. Next...In spite of the theft (with witnesses and police reports), it would probably be nearly impossible to get the PM doctor to replace the prescriptions. So that would be a month (I assume) without pain relief.
A similar situation happened to me nearly 9 years ago. Even though I go to an extremely small 'Mom and Pop' pharmacy, a man "met" me in the parking lot to discuss buying my medications. Naturally, I told him I was not interested for any reason. Bluntly...I was desperate for the small amount of medication I did receive.
I am VERY sure that this involved someone who worked at the pharmacy or the doctor's office because the man asked me if I was willing to sell my Stadol "for a good price." At that time, I was prescribed 2 bottles of Stadol per week--every week and on the same day each week. The bag I was carrying was closed and there was no way for anyone to know that I was carrying Stadol Nasal Spray. Plus, this guy seemed to be waiting for me.
While I was not threatened with violence, I was still very scared. If it was an "inside job", anyone involved could easily get my address. I reported the incident to the authorities (who didn't appear to care at all). Plus, I told my doctor and the pharmacist.
Fortunately, I was never bothered again. Best of all, I don't have to take Stadol any more!!
Chaddyfriend, I am very sorry you went through this trauma and hope this is a one-time event!
This is very disturbing, especially when you consider the other part of the outcome. First, you could be terribly hurt. Next...In spite of the theft (with witnesses and police reports), it would probably be nearly impossible to get the PM doctor to replace the prescriptions. So that would be a month (I assume) without pain relief.
A similar situation happened to me nearly 9 years ago. Even though I go to an extremely small 'Mom and Pop' pharmacy, a man "met" me in the parking lot to discuss buying my medications. Naturally, I told him I was not interested for any reason. Bluntly...I was desperate for the small amount of medication I did receive.
I am VERY sure that this involved someone who worked at the pharmacy or the doctor's office because the man asked me if I was willing to sell my Stadol "for a good price." At that time, I was prescribed 2 bottles of Stadol per week--every week and on the same day each week. The bag I was carrying was closed and there was no way for anyone to know that I was carrying Stadol Nasal Spray. Plus, this guy seemed to be waiting for me.
While I was not threatened with violence, I was still very scared. If it was an "inside job", anyone involved could easily get my address. I reported the incident to the authorities (who didn't appear to care at all). Plus, I told my doctor and the pharmacist.
Fortunately, I was never bothered again. Best of all, I don't have to take Stadol any more!!
Chaddyfriend, I am very sorry you went through this trauma and hope this is a one-time event!
Chaddyfriend
11-04-2005, 03:44 AM
I hope this was a one time thing as well, just ridiculous. LOL soulcatcher, very funny about ur EX. Strange though, thinking about it, when my pain started like 5 of my percs went missing when my sis came into town from college. I et it go cuz she isnt here often, but i was pissed and should have done the same.
Drewtn
11-04-2005, 10:11 AM
thats why i only use drive up windows
DITTO!! I also have my doors locked when I go through!! Then I go home and lock them in the bolted down safe!!
I live in a pretty good neighborhood but I just saw on the news that a lady was mugged for her purse coming out of the grocery store during the day!!! (Right across from my pharmacy) You can NEVER be too careful!!!
I think the more the DEA cracks down on pain meds the more dangerous it will be for all of us. :(
DITTO!! I also have my doors locked when I go through!! Then I go home and lock them in the bolted down safe!!
I live in a pretty good neighborhood but I just saw on the news that a lady was mugged for her purse coming out of the grocery store during the day!!! (Right across from my pharmacy) You can NEVER be too careful!!!
I think the more the DEA cracks down on pain meds the more dangerous it will be for all of us. :(
DomNakita
11-04-2005, 04:40 PM
You can NEVER be too careful!!!
I think the more the DEA cracks down on pain meds the more dangerous it will be for all of us. :(
I agree, the harder they have come down on PM docs -etc, the harder it has gotten to simply live life with CP! And it sucks, because I totally understand where the authorities are coming from too!
I actually live in a very small town, only one pharmacy and the next closest would be about 1.5 hrs away (one way). And my partner happens to be second in command at the police dept. here, so I sometimes end up with inside information I really wish I didn't know.
For example, in our small town (appx 1200 full time residents), I was warned that the pharmacist is currently under surveillance for steeling meds from patients! I guess that they believe that he is skimming what goes out. So now I not only make sure that I don't go to the pharmacy alone (never have... too risky with my health the way it is and the meds I'm on - you all know the feeling) but I also find myself going home and dumping out the bottles and counting every single pill in every single prescription just to make sure that I actually got what the label says I got.
Obviously, the authorities would tell us that we should all be doing this anyway, but it's a pain... I mean it's really painful to do. My problems are often centered in the neck and shoulders, and holding my arms up to a table and pulling pills across from one pile to another actually hurts!
God I hate that stuff like this is necessary! I almost lost it one time when I came up 30 pills short! (:o), fortunately, I re-looked at the label and it said that it was 30 short and that they "owed" me the 30 tablets.
I don't know, I guess we can't be too careful!
--
DomNakita
I think the more the DEA cracks down on pain meds the more dangerous it will be for all of us. :(
I agree, the harder they have come down on PM docs -etc, the harder it has gotten to simply live life with CP! And it sucks, because I totally understand where the authorities are coming from too!
I actually live in a very small town, only one pharmacy and the next closest would be about 1.5 hrs away (one way). And my partner happens to be second in command at the police dept. here, so I sometimes end up with inside information I really wish I didn't know.
For example, in our small town (appx 1200 full time residents), I was warned that the pharmacist is currently under surveillance for steeling meds from patients! I guess that they believe that he is skimming what goes out. So now I not only make sure that I don't go to the pharmacy alone (never have... too risky with my health the way it is and the meds I'm on - you all know the feeling) but I also find myself going home and dumping out the bottles and counting every single pill in every single prescription just to make sure that I actually got what the label says I got.
Obviously, the authorities would tell us that we should all be doing this anyway, but it's a pain... I mean it's really painful to do. My problems are often centered in the neck and shoulders, and holding my arms up to a table and pulling pills across from one pile to another actually hurts!
God I hate that stuff like this is necessary! I almost lost it one time when I came up 30 pills short! (:o), fortunately, I re-looked at the label and it said that it was 30 short and that they "owed" me the 30 tablets.
I don't know, I guess we can't be too careful!
--
DomNakita
catsblueeyes1
11-04-2005, 06:55 PM
Thank god I read your post! I just returned from Walgreens and decided to count my pills, there were 4 missing. I immediatly called the pharmacy and they were "Are you sure"? It was rather strange the way he acted over the phone. He said that I could come back and pick up the four missing pills. I is funny because last month I was short 1 pill but I thought that it was just a mistake on the counting but now I will always count even though it is a real "Pain" to do. Thanks DomNakita for your post!!!
Chaddyfriend
11-04-2005, 08:07 PM
That is something that i never would ahve thought of, i just always assumed that a pharmacy would be accurate. And being on a limited number of meds and a very tight regiment with them, if i was 4 short, i would be screwed and going from 180mg a day of avinza to 0, that might make me sick...lol....good point!
conductor
11-05-2005, 12:42 AM
ALTHOUGH THIS IS A LONG READ, I HOPE YOU FIND IT WORTH THE TIME!!!
This comment is not intended to "ruffle feathers", but I am becoming increasingly exhausted with the difficulty caused by the DEA.
Pharmacists, understandably (to a certain extent), have become progressively more accountable concerning the accuracy of their "pill count".
I am disturbed by some of the law enforcement activity in my area regarding prescription acquisition. For instance, pharmacies are required (perhaps "strongly asked") to furnish monthly lists of the names of patients who have purchased Scheduled medications. This list includes all of the information pertaining to the Rx--med name, strength, doctor name, etc. When the sheriff's office receives the lists from the 30 or so pharmacies existing in our county of approximately 75,000 residents, the information is entered into a large, county-maintained database. The "Special Investigations Bureau" employs 5 or 6 deputies to make sure prescription drug laws are not being broken. However, I am not sure if this is directly related to the DEA.
I am aware that vast amounts of "doctor shopping" occurs. Obviously, significant prescription fraud goes on.
PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T MAKE THE OBVIOUS RESPONSES TO WHAT I AM ABOUT TO SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All of this policing makes me sick. I wholeheartedly wish none of this "investigating" would take place. Here is just one example. An honest friend of mine had two typical experiences with the Law Enforcement end of this process.
1) She and her husband were Rx'ed Soma w/Codeine within two weeks of each other for different conditions and from two unrelated doctors. They had a visit from 2 (I think) deputies who proceeded to investigate them under the assumption they purposely obtained this medication in order to sell it. They were forced to present their bottles and "allow" the officers to count their pills--to make sure that the correct number of pills were available. NATURALLY, EVERYTHING WAS CORRECTLY ACCOUNTED FOR.
2) The wife, who is my friend, had a more significant event occur to her detriment. Although everything ended up being OK, she endured a tremendous ordeal. If I need to, I will refer to her as "T" (not her real name or initial). In 1999, she was advised--by her regular doctor's office--to go to one of the local "walk-in" clinics. Her doctor was away for nearly two weeks, attending some sort of medical convention. "T" was in desperate need of some potent pain medicine that she usually gets from her doctor. This involved a C-II medicine, which obviously couldn't be called in. So, "T" went to the walk-in place, explained the situation to the doctor, and got her medicine. This happened in early March 1999. Life went on for a while until a fateful day in early September 1999 when her boss sent for her with TOP PRIORITY. On September 5, her boss told her that she was "expected" to turn herself in to the authorities (Sheriff's Office) concerning a "drug accusation". She truly had no idea what this was about.
Does it seem as lame to any of you all as it does to me that it took 6 months for her to be informed of this supposed terribly tragic crime??!!
She drove directly to her attorney's office to find out that she was charged with a FELONY drug count: OBTAINING OR ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE THROUGH FRAUD, DECEIT, OR SUBTERFUGE. The "facts" that raised a red flag on "T" were that she received two Scheduled medications from TWO different physicians in less than 30 days--26 days, I'm pretty sure. The officers stated that "T" didn't inform each doctor of the other. "T" said that she did and that she was required to name her regular physician on the paperwork at the walk-in place. Plus, it was her regular doctor's office that suggested the walk-in physician.
Later, the charge was "reduced" to a misdemeanor: WITHHOLDING INFORMATION FROM A PRACTITIONER. Because "T" was innocent and extremely adamant, she rode the wave out until the charge was completely dismissed. FURTHERMORE, SHE WAS NOT ALONE. ON THAT SAME DAY--THERE WERE 20 (OR SO) OTHERS THAT WERE "FORCED" TO TURN THEMSELVES IN FOR THE SAME "CRIME". The same 2 deputies were responsible for all of the charges. I'M NOT SAYING THEY ALL WERE INNOCENT, BUT I HAVE A FEELING MOST OF THEM WERE.
Even if the DEA wasn't involved in this directly, I wonder where the county's Sheriff's office got the idea to place officers in this particular line of drug-related work. Our tax dollars here are hard at work chasing down "criminals" like my good friend "T". This does not set well with me. "T" came frighteningly close to losing her job. She was "re-assigned" for 5 weeks while she was investigated by her employer. I DON'T WANT TO DIVULGE HER LINE OF WORK!! She had to be evaluated by an independent physician (all of the sudden, her own doctor wasn't good enough to be valid). She was forced into psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions. Plus, she had to submit to random drug tests. Her psychiatrist was shocked at the whole thing, and all of her drug tests came up in her favor--meaning that she had the correct amount of her Rx'd pain medications. By the way, she had to pay for all of this: the independent physician, the psychiatrist, the therapist, and the drug tests.
THESE CHARGES ARE ALL A MATTER OF PERMANENT PUBLIC RECORD AND SHE WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO DIVULGE THIS SAGA AND PROVIDE AN ANSWER FOR IT.
I do not support the DEA or local law enforcement agencies in these types of matters. I can see where "doctor shopping", leading to the acquisition of excessive narcotics, is wrong. However, I simply don't want the government becoming involved to this degree. Unfortunately, the restrictions placed on physicians concerning the prescription of pain medication makes some pain patients go "on the hunt" for adequate relief.
MANY OF YOU WILL DISAGREE WITH MANY OF MY VIEWPOINTS, BUT I WILL STILL MAINTAIN MY BELIEFS. AFTER ALL, IF A PERSON WANTS TO BE "HIGH", S/HE WILL FIND A WAY TO DO IT. I AM SAD FOR THOSE THAT NEED TO BE "HIGH"--SINCE THEY COMPLETELY MISS THEIR LIFE. I AM ALSO SAD FOR THOSE THAT CANNOT OBTAIN ADEQUATE PAIN RELIEF FROM THEIR DOCTOR, DUE TO THREATS FROM AUTHORITIES--THEY COMPLETELY MISS OUT ON THEIR LIFE, TOO.
I am a chronic pain patient, and I think the DEA has made us all suffer to a greater degree. I am IRKED, and I am not amused. But, I am blessed with an understanding doctor who is NOT afraid to prescribe what I need! I wouldn't dare disclose my exact whereabouts since I want to continue with my positive medical treatment! :cool:
This comment is not intended to "ruffle feathers", but I am becoming increasingly exhausted with the difficulty caused by the DEA.
Pharmacists, understandably (to a certain extent), have become progressively more accountable concerning the accuracy of their "pill count".
I am disturbed by some of the law enforcement activity in my area regarding prescription acquisition. For instance, pharmacies are required (perhaps "strongly asked") to furnish monthly lists of the names of patients who have purchased Scheduled medications. This list includes all of the information pertaining to the Rx--med name, strength, doctor name, etc. When the sheriff's office receives the lists from the 30 or so pharmacies existing in our county of approximately 75,000 residents, the information is entered into a large, county-maintained database. The "Special Investigations Bureau" employs 5 or 6 deputies to make sure prescription drug laws are not being broken. However, I am not sure if this is directly related to the DEA.
I am aware that vast amounts of "doctor shopping" occurs. Obviously, significant prescription fraud goes on.
PLEASE, PLEASE DON'T MAKE THE OBVIOUS RESPONSES TO WHAT I AM ABOUT TO SAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! All of this policing makes me sick. I wholeheartedly wish none of this "investigating" would take place. Here is just one example. An honest friend of mine had two typical experiences with the Law Enforcement end of this process.
1) She and her husband were Rx'ed Soma w/Codeine within two weeks of each other for different conditions and from two unrelated doctors. They had a visit from 2 (I think) deputies who proceeded to investigate them under the assumption they purposely obtained this medication in order to sell it. They were forced to present their bottles and "allow" the officers to count their pills--to make sure that the correct number of pills were available. NATURALLY, EVERYTHING WAS CORRECTLY ACCOUNTED FOR.
2) The wife, who is my friend, had a more significant event occur to her detriment. Although everything ended up being OK, she endured a tremendous ordeal. If I need to, I will refer to her as "T" (not her real name or initial). In 1999, she was advised--by her regular doctor's office--to go to one of the local "walk-in" clinics. Her doctor was away for nearly two weeks, attending some sort of medical convention. "T" was in desperate need of some potent pain medicine that she usually gets from her doctor. This involved a C-II medicine, which obviously couldn't be called in. So, "T" went to the walk-in place, explained the situation to the doctor, and got her medicine. This happened in early March 1999. Life went on for a while until a fateful day in early September 1999 when her boss sent for her with TOP PRIORITY. On September 5, her boss told her that she was "expected" to turn herself in to the authorities (Sheriff's Office) concerning a "drug accusation". She truly had no idea what this was about.
Does it seem as lame to any of you all as it does to me that it took 6 months for her to be informed of this supposed terribly tragic crime??!!
She drove directly to her attorney's office to find out that she was charged with a FELONY drug count: OBTAINING OR ATTEMPTING TO OBTAIN A CONTROLLED SUBSTANCE THROUGH FRAUD, DECEIT, OR SUBTERFUGE. The "facts" that raised a red flag on "T" were that she received two Scheduled medications from TWO different physicians in less than 30 days--26 days, I'm pretty sure. The officers stated that "T" didn't inform each doctor of the other. "T" said that she did and that she was required to name her regular physician on the paperwork at the walk-in place. Plus, it was her regular doctor's office that suggested the walk-in physician.
Later, the charge was "reduced" to a misdemeanor: WITHHOLDING INFORMATION FROM A PRACTITIONER. Because "T" was innocent and extremely adamant, she rode the wave out until the charge was completely dismissed. FURTHERMORE, SHE WAS NOT ALONE. ON THAT SAME DAY--THERE WERE 20 (OR SO) OTHERS THAT WERE "FORCED" TO TURN THEMSELVES IN FOR THE SAME "CRIME". The same 2 deputies were responsible for all of the charges. I'M NOT SAYING THEY ALL WERE INNOCENT, BUT I HAVE A FEELING MOST OF THEM WERE.
Even if the DEA wasn't involved in this directly, I wonder where the county's Sheriff's office got the idea to place officers in this particular line of drug-related work. Our tax dollars here are hard at work chasing down "criminals" like my good friend "T". This does not set well with me. "T" came frighteningly close to losing her job. She was "re-assigned" for 5 weeks while she was investigated by her employer. I DON'T WANT TO DIVULGE HER LINE OF WORK!! She had to be evaluated by an independent physician (all of the sudden, her own doctor wasn't good enough to be valid). She was forced into psychiatric evaluations and therapy sessions. Plus, she had to submit to random drug tests. Her psychiatrist was shocked at the whole thing, and all of her drug tests came up in her favor--meaning that she had the correct amount of her Rx'd pain medications. By the way, she had to pay for all of this: the independent physician, the psychiatrist, the therapist, and the drug tests.
THESE CHARGES ARE ALL A MATTER OF PERMANENT PUBLIC RECORD AND SHE WILL ALWAYS HAVE TO DIVULGE THIS SAGA AND PROVIDE AN ANSWER FOR IT.
I do not support the DEA or local law enforcement agencies in these types of matters. I can see where "doctor shopping", leading to the acquisition of excessive narcotics, is wrong. However, I simply don't want the government becoming involved to this degree. Unfortunately, the restrictions placed on physicians concerning the prescription of pain medication makes some pain patients go "on the hunt" for adequate relief.
MANY OF YOU WILL DISAGREE WITH MANY OF MY VIEWPOINTS, BUT I WILL STILL MAINTAIN MY BELIEFS. AFTER ALL, IF A PERSON WANTS TO BE "HIGH", S/HE WILL FIND A WAY TO DO IT. I AM SAD FOR THOSE THAT NEED TO BE "HIGH"--SINCE THEY COMPLETELY MISS THEIR LIFE. I AM ALSO SAD FOR THOSE THAT CANNOT OBTAIN ADEQUATE PAIN RELIEF FROM THEIR DOCTOR, DUE TO THREATS FROM AUTHORITIES--THEY COMPLETELY MISS OUT ON THEIR LIFE, TOO.
I am a chronic pain patient, and I think the DEA has made us all suffer to a greater degree. I am IRKED, and I am not amused. But, I am blessed with an understanding doctor who is NOT afraid to prescribe what I need! I wouldn't dare disclose my exact whereabouts since I want to continue with my positive medical treatment! :cool:
Kentucky_Miss
11-05-2005, 01:17 AM
One of these days they'll get their hands on something they wished they didn't. It is not a good idea to take any prescription prescribed to another, much less steal it. You need to keep your peepers open so that you won't be hounded by any more of these shady individuals.
feelbad
11-05-2005, 11:50 AM
All i can say is WOW.sorry for what your friend 'T" had to go through.Sick,very very sick.Marcia
catsblueeyes1
11-05-2005, 04:16 PM
Hi everyone,
Well, I went to Walgreens to get my pills that were not in the bottle when I picked them up yesterday. The pharmacist said that he was sorry, I then asked him to please be more careful when filling the order, he told me that Walgreens does not count their pills but does it by weight. I was shocked, is this really true? I have never heard such a thing. He said that they all do it that way. Has anyone else ever heard this? If this is so then anyone using the Walgreens pharmacies better count their medications
because it happened to me that there was a miscount. I am not sure if I should do some digging to see if this is fact or fiction, who would I call to check this? Well,
thanks for listening and I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!!!!
Debbie
Well, I went to Walgreens to get my pills that were not in the bottle when I picked them up yesterday. The pharmacist said that he was sorry, I then asked him to please be more careful when filling the order, he told me that Walgreens does not count their pills but does it by weight. I was shocked, is this really true? I have never heard such a thing. He said that they all do it that way. Has anyone else ever heard this? If this is so then anyone using the Walgreens pharmacies better count their medications
because it happened to me that there was a miscount. I am not sure if I should do some digging to see if this is fact or fiction, who would I call to check this? Well,
thanks for listening and I wish everyone a wonderful weekend!!!!
Debbie
ladyalaska
11-05-2005, 04:45 PM
I am glad for you that someone was there to help you! i wasn't mugged per se, but i had my meds stolen after getting them filled by getting my purse stolen. i was at a costco when a person swiped my purse from the cart while i was loading my groceries. it was my fault as well as the person--couldn't tell if it was a guy or girl, i left my purse inthe cart while i was loading up my son. i will never know if the person knew about the drugs or was just getting the purse and got a hidden "treasure" when they opened it. either way i was out for the month, talk about suck!
twisten
11-05-2005, 06:13 PM
What your friend "T" had to go through is a shame Conductor and to think that will follow her for the rest of her life really bothers me. I thought to be accused of doctor shopping you had to accept rx's from more than just 2 doctors but I guess not.
feelbad
11-06-2005, 09:18 AM
I use walgreens and i always see them actually counting out the meds for all rxes.I know for a fact that they always hand count my meds and I will usually see a little "double counted" notation written on the actual bottle in ink.
during the many many like almost daily sometimes,visits to my walgreens,I have never ever seen any of the pharms actually 'weighing" out any meds.if i were you,I would speak with the pharm manager and find out just what their actual policy is on this,espescially the C II meds.This just does not sound like it would even be legal,you know?Marcia
during the many many like almost daily sometimes,visits to my walgreens,I have never ever seen any of the pharms actually 'weighing" out any meds.if i were you,I would speak with the pharm manager and find out just what their actual policy is on this,espescially the C II meds.This just does not sound like it would even be legal,you know?Marcia
catsblueeyes1
11-06-2005, 12:28 PM
Marcia,
I agree, it just doesn't sound possible that a pharmacy would rely on weight vs counting. Many years ago (now I will show my age) back in the 70's I worked for a
pharmacy as the person who typed the scripts that went on the bottles and the pharmacist always counted the medications. If you think about it someone could be helping themselves perhaps 4 from me, then 1 or two from the next person Etc. and before you know it he or she has themselves narcotics. What a sad situation because
this is why a few bad apples in this world spoils it with regard to the need for some
that need these medications just to have a somewhat normal life. These are the people the Gov. needs to go after not like this person "T" and her family. If you have a chance Marcia could you ask your pharm. if this is something that he has heard of?
Thanks a million, I wish you a wonderful Sunday!
Debbie
I agree, it just doesn't sound possible that a pharmacy would rely on weight vs counting. Many years ago (now I will show my age) back in the 70's I worked for a
pharmacy as the person who typed the scripts that went on the bottles and the pharmacist always counted the medications. If you think about it someone could be helping themselves perhaps 4 from me, then 1 or two from the next person Etc. and before you know it he or she has themselves narcotics. What a sad situation because
this is why a few bad apples in this world spoils it with regard to the need for some
that need these medications just to have a somewhat normal life. These are the people the Gov. needs to go after not like this person "T" and her family. If you have a chance Marcia could you ask your pharm. if this is something that he has heard of?
Thanks a million, I wish you a wonderful Sunday!
Debbie
Terri43
11-06-2005, 06:05 PM
I had the same problem with walgreens, I was 6 pills short on my percocet and that really caused a big problem because I ran out before the prescription was able to be filled again. then last month I was 2 pills short on my xanax. and they are the most expensive anyway so I transfered to another pharmacy. I always count my pills even when I have to count 150 percocets. At first I thought it was a mistake but 2 times within a couple months.
Terri
Terri
DomNakita
11-06-2005, 06:56 PM
Cats...
I'm glad that my story had at least one good effect. But I understand your reluctant to pursue the issue any further with the pharmacy. When I was first told that I needed to count every prescription every time for that reason, I wondered aloud - "Okay, so what happens if I'm short? Are they going to believe me? Do I even have a leg to stand on if I count my meds at home? or do I really need to stand there and count them in front of the pharmacist?"
To be honest, the experience I've had with local law enforcement is more like "T's". I would actually EXPECT the local sherifs to call me a liar and accuse me of attempting to get extra meds - rather than looking at a "stand up person like a pharmacist" over a "drug taker." And that sucks too!
I think if I were you Cats, I would choose a different pharmacy (if there is one), and maybe put in writing your complaint and it's answer and mail it to your local Police Department as well as the pharmacy manager. Because otherwise, by the sounds of it, just by switching pharmacies we stand the chance of being put on someone's "watch list."
I'm glad that my story had at least one good effect. But I understand your reluctant to pursue the issue any further with the pharmacy. When I was first told that I needed to count every prescription every time for that reason, I wondered aloud - "Okay, so what happens if I'm short? Are they going to believe me? Do I even have a leg to stand on if I count my meds at home? or do I really need to stand there and count them in front of the pharmacist?"
To be honest, the experience I've had with local law enforcement is more like "T's". I would actually EXPECT the local sherifs to call me a liar and accuse me of attempting to get extra meds - rather than looking at a "stand up person like a pharmacist" over a "drug taker." And that sucks too!
I think if I were you Cats, I would choose a different pharmacy (if there is one), and maybe put in writing your complaint and it's answer and mail it to your local Police Department as well as the pharmacy manager. Because otherwise, by the sounds of it, just by switching pharmacies we stand the chance of being put on someone's "watch list."
DomNakita
11-06-2005, 06:56 PM
Cats...
I'm glad that my story had at least one good effect. But I understand your reluctant to pursue the issue any further with the pharmacy. When I was first told that I needed to count every prescription every time for that reason, I wondered aloud - "Okay, so what happens if I'm short? Are they going to believe me? Do I even have a leg to stand on if I count my meds at home? or do I really need to stand there and count them in front of the pharmacist?" Can you even Imagine how risky that would be as far as alerting other people to the fact that you have a C II drug!!??!! Realistically, it sounds like the person you dealt with KNEW you were short, and that's why you had no problem with him wondering about it.
To be honest, the experience I've had with local law enforcement is more like "T's". I would actually EXPECT the local sherifs to call me a liar and accuse me of attempting to get extra meds - rather than looking at a "stand up person like a pharmacist" over a "drug taker." And that sucks too!
I think if I were you Cats, I would choose a different pharmacy (if there is one), and maybe put in writing your complaint and it's answer and mail it to your local Police Department as well as the pharmacy manager. Because otherwise, by the sounds of it, just by switching pharmacies we stand the chance of being put on someone's "watch list."
I'm glad that my story had at least one good effect. But I understand your reluctant to pursue the issue any further with the pharmacy. When I was first told that I needed to count every prescription every time for that reason, I wondered aloud - "Okay, so what happens if I'm short? Are they going to believe me? Do I even have a leg to stand on if I count my meds at home? or do I really need to stand there and count them in front of the pharmacist?" Can you even Imagine how risky that would be as far as alerting other people to the fact that you have a C II drug!!??!! Realistically, it sounds like the person you dealt with KNEW you were short, and that's why you had no problem with him wondering about it.
To be honest, the experience I've had with local law enforcement is more like "T's". I would actually EXPECT the local sherifs to call me a liar and accuse me of attempting to get extra meds - rather than looking at a "stand up person like a pharmacist" over a "drug taker." And that sucks too!
I think if I were you Cats, I would choose a different pharmacy (if there is one), and maybe put in writing your complaint and it's answer and mail it to your local Police Department as well as the pharmacy manager. Because otherwise, by the sounds of it, just by switching pharmacies we stand the chance of being put on someone's "watch list."
catsblueeyes1
11-06-2005, 08:56 PM
Thanks so much for the responses, this board is wonderful to ask questions and get advice. I appreciate everyone here! I am going to change pharmacies but I will always count my pills after the problem I had. And your right about me being reluctant to pursue this issue because I feel like no one would believe me. Well, I hope everyone has a good Sunday and an even better week!
Thanks,
Deb
Thanks,
Deb
Chaddyfriend
11-06-2005, 10:04 PM
That is a good point, so what happens if u get home, count them like a good patient and come up 3 or even 1 short, u go back to the pharmacy and tell em, and it is something like azinza (long acting morphine i am on), i am 99.9% sure they re going ot be like..."yea right"..... And just think u are an addict and send u on ur way. And that would really hurt someone like me, because i take 180mg of avinza a day, 90mg in morning and 90mg at night, and if i was a dose short, those withdrawles would hurt! Anyone know if there are any like failsafes for seomthing like that?
conductor
11-06-2005, 11:27 PM
Chaddy,
I think if we end up legitimately short on pills, patches, etc.--we are SCREWED!!
Now, fortunately, I have been with the same pharmacy (and the same pharmacist, too) for a little over 8 years!! Because I have a good trust that has developed, I have a good safety net. In fact, the other day, my Rx of Fioricet was 20 pills short. The pharmacist asked me, "Was the seal already opened on the bottle?" I told him, "Yes." He told me, "I must have accidently picked up a bottle that was already opened." So, he said I could pick up the remainder next time I am in the store. My Mom picked them up a couple of days ago. I don't think this kind of trust would develop at the Walgreen's-type of store that has been mentioned. My pharmacy is a traditional Mom and Pop type of establishment that I love!
This same pharmacy searched down a problem with my Sandoz generic fentanyl patches a while back. When I got home, I realized that all three boxes of my patches were empty (15 a month--1 q. 48 hours)!! The boxes were sealed like they were supposed to be and everything! I truly freaked out--and so did my pharmacist (who NOW opens the boxes in front of me each time)! I'm not sure exactly what happened, but I think there was a problem with the entire lot (or control number) according to the company. It took a long time to research, though, and it made me look bad for a while.
Isn't it odd that all of my other medications (NON-SCHEDULED, of course) are NEVER miscounted or short??!! Hmm??!!
Anyway...the whole law enforcement side of these issues makes me scared. As I told you all about my friend, "T". All it took was innuendo and law applied in certain ways to cause a legal problem. When I told this story to someone, I received the response: "If 'T' was innocent, she really should not have had that much to worry about." Can you believe that? TO READ THE STORY ABOUT "T", GO BACK A FEW POSTS ON THIS THREAD. "T" told me she spent nearly $10,000 in legal fees and bond cost. Yes, she had to post a bail bond! This bothers me. Not to mention the emtional toll she paid.
Sincerely,
Jon
I think if we end up legitimately short on pills, patches, etc.--we are SCREWED!!
Now, fortunately, I have been with the same pharmacy (and the same pharmacist, too) for a little over 8 years!! Because I have a good trust that has developed, I have a good safety net. In fact, the other day, my Rx of Fioricet was 20 pills short. The pharmacist asked me, "Was the seal already opened on the bottle?" I told him, "Yes." He told me, "I must have accidently picked up a bottle that was already opened." So, he said I could pick up the remainder next time I am in the store. My Mom picked them up a couple of days ago. I don't think this kind of trust would develop at the Walgreen's-type of store that has been mentioned. My pharmacy is a traditional Mom and Pop type of establishment that I love!
This same pharmacy searched down a problem with my Sandoz generic fentanyl patches a while back. When I got home, I realized that all three boxes of my patches were empty (15 a month--1 q. 48 hours)!! The boxes were sealed like they were supposed to be and everything! I truly freaked out--and so did my pharmacist (who NOW opens the boxes in front of me each time)! I'm not sure exactly what happened, but I think there was a problem with the entire lot (or control number) according to the company. It took a long time to research, though, and it made me look bad for a while.
Isn't it odd that all of my other medications (NON-SCHEDULED, of course) are NEVER miscounted or short??!! Hmm??!!
Anyway...the whole law enforcement side of these issues makes me scared. As I told you all about my friend, "T". All it took was innuendo and law applied in certain ways to cause a legal problem. When I told this story to someone, I received the response: "If 'T' was innocent, she really should not have had that much to worry about." Can you believe that? TO READ THE STORY ABOUT "T", GO BACK A FEW POSTS ON THIS THREAD. "T" told me she spent nearly $10,000 in legal fees and bond cost. Yes, she had to post a bail bond! This bothers me. Not to mention the emtional toll she paid.
Sincerely,
Jon
wolfmarket
11-08-2005, 02:25 AM
Cats, that is a strange response because the rule is that once you leave the pharmacy, no changes can be made. The fact that this guy on the phone was so quick to agree to give you the 4 missing meds is a hiuge red flag in my opinion.
When you visit the pharmacy, get your 4 pills first and then go speak to the store manager. Something odd is going on!
Alan
When you visit the pharmacy, get your 4 pills first and then go speak to the store manager. Something odd is going on!
Alan
wolfmarket
11-08-2005, 02:33 AM
That is BS. I have been to Walgreen's and I have seen the pharmacist count pills. This guy has handed you a line. You need to follow up with management or else next time you could find yourself short big time. Don't listen to that lie. This guy represents some of the problems we, as CP'ers, have. PUT THIS GUY AWAY!
wolfmarket
11-08-2005, 02:40 AM
Cat, can't you see that the pharmacist was lying to you? This is not a thing to overlook. He had to come up with some lamebrained reason so that you would not "tell on him". Please do not let this guy get away with this. Even if you make an anonymous call to Walgreens headquarters.
Have you ever suffered withdrawal? I have by accident once when I was using the patch and I put it in a poor place. It is not fun. Imagine another CP'er going through w/d because this pharmacist stole some meds. You can stop this. You have the power. Make the call. You did not like being short pills and this guy will keep on doing it. You can even tell yourself that you might be saving his life.
On behalf on other CP'ers, we ask you to take responsibility to put away one of the fiends that make it hard for us to obtain relief. Pick up the phone. Call. I would appreciate it and so would countless others.
Alan
Have you ever suffered withdrawal? I have by accident once when I was using the patch and I put it in a poor place. It is not fun. Imagine another CP'er going through w/d because this pharmacist stole some meds. You can stop this. You have the power. Make the call. You did not like being short pills and this guy will keep on doing it. You can even tell yourself that you might be saving his life.
On behalf on other CP'ers, we ask you to take responsibility to put away one of the fiends that make it hard for us to obtain relief. Pick up the phone. Call. I would appreciate it and so would countless others.
Alan
catsblueeyes1
11-08-2005, 09:13 AM
Dear Alan,
I agree, and that is what I will do but when this guy told me that this is Walgreens policy to weigh the pills(even though this sounded strange to me, I am no expert) so
I thought that perhaps I did not understand how meds are dispensed so I asked on this board if anyone had ever heard of this and I have not had a response to my question. I think that I will make an anonomous call to their headquarter which I think is in IL and let them know what happened. I am hoping that they will investigate and maybe they have had other complaints. I guess I was a little scared because of what happened to "T" and her family. Well, I hope you have great day!
I agree, and that is what I will do but when this guy told me that this is Walgreens policy to weigh the pills(even though this sounded strange to me, I am no expert) so
I thought that perhaps I did not understand how meds are dispensed so I asked on this board if anyone had ever heard of this and I have not had a response to my question. I think that I will make an anonomous call to their headquarter which I think is in IL and let them know what happened. I am hoping that they will investigate and maybe they have had other complaints. I guess I was a little scared because of what happened to "T" and her family. Well, I hope you have great day!
feelbad
11-08-2005, 09:49 AM
Hey wolf,just wanted to mention that I do think it is really the overall relationship that you actually have with a certain pharmacy that really dictates what they will and wont do when it comes to making any changes 'after the fact"when there is a problem.
Just last month,when I got the endo version(eww)of the oc instead of the perdue brand that was specified by the DAW written on the actual script,(I didn't discover this misstake til I got home and opened up the bottle and noticed those nasty barrel shaped pills)i just grabbed up all of the paper and the script itself,went back to the pharmacy and handed it all to the pharm who had just filled it and told her I got the wrong meds.i said I was supposed to get the brand name not the endo junk and she took the stuff and went back through her stack of Rxes sitting there,found mine,saw the DAW and said"sorry,it will just take me about ten minutes to switch them out"end of story,no problems no judgemental looks,she just switched them right out and we did the return and i was on my way.of course they had to do the recount so they could put all of the narcotics logs back on track and into the system,but i had absolutely no problems what so ever.but I am also there like every other day and all of the staff knows me very well.If I had been a first time customer I seriously doubt that even despite "their "mistake with the actual Rx that they would have really taken them back once i had actually left the store.or i would have had a hell of a time trying to finally get it.i know the process would have been much more involved than it actually was if they hadn't known me so well.
i too think that a complaint needs to be lodged against this particular pharmacist,who knows just what kind of a scam this guy is up to ya know?Weighing meds,espescially the C IIs with all of those special rules and regs governing them,really does not sound like it would be the standard way of dispensing them.not controlled enough to be exacting.i would be making a phone call or two if I were you.Good luck,Marcia
Just last month,when I got the endo version(eww)of the oc instead of the perdue brand that was specified by the DAW written on the actual script,(I didn't discover this misstake til I got home and opened up the bottle and noticed those nasty barrel shaped pills)i just grabbed up all of the paper and the script itself,went back to the pharmacy and handed it all to the pharm who had just filled it and told her I got the wrong meds.i said I was supposed to get the brand name not the endo junk and she took the stuff and went back through her stack of Rxes sitting there,found mine,saw the DAW and said"sorry,it will just take me about ten minutes to switch them out"end of story,no problems no judgemental looks,she just switched them right out and we did the return and i was on my way.of course they had to do the recount so they could put all of the narcotics logs back on track and into the system,but i had absolutely no problems what so ever.but I am also there like every other day and all of the staff knows me very well.If I had been a first time customer I seriously doubt that even despite "their "mistake with the actual Rx that they would have really taken them back once i had actually left the store.or i would have had a hell of a time trying to finally get it.i know the process would have been much more involved than it actually was if they hadn't known me so well.
i too think that a complaint needs to be lodged against this particular pharmacist,who knows just what kind of a scam this guy is up to ya know?Weighing meds,espescially the C IIs with all of those special rules and regs governing them,really does not sound like it would be the standard way of dispensing them.not controlled enough to be exacting.i would be making a phone call or two if I were you.Good luck,Marcia
catsblueeyes1
11-08-2005, 10:04 AM
Dear Marcia,
I just got the phone number to their headquarters in IL, it is to early to call them yet but I am. That is why I wrote this post because I am fairly new to PM and not experienced enough to understand the rules and laws of medications, but when I first
wrote to this board it was about this very pharmacy and their lack of consideration
with my privacy regarding my medications. He spoke to me in front of other customers
regarding the percocet that was ordered for me and totally embarassed me in front of others. I spoke to the manager about him and then I did not see him for a long time.
When this happened with the miscount I went straight back to the pharmacy and he was there again this time apologizing to me and replaced the missing pills and told me that they weigh their drugs instead of counting. I will let you know what happens today once I speak to their headquaters. Thanks for everyone here, you have all made such a difference to me!!!
Debbie
I just got the phone number to their headquarters in IL, it is to early to call them yet but I am. That is why I wrote this post because I am fairly new to PM and not experienced enough to understand the rules and laws of medications, but when I first
wrote to this board it was about this very pharmacy and their lack of consideration
with my privacy regarding my medications. He spoke to me in front of other customers
regarding the percocet that was ordered for me and totally embarassed me in front of others. I spoke to the manager about him and then I did not see him for a long time.
When this happened with the miscount I went straight back to the pharmacy and he was there again this time apologizing to me and replaced the missing pills and told me that they weigh their drugs instead of counting. I will let you know what happens today once I speak to their headquaters. Thanks for everyone here, you have all made such a difference to me!!!
Debbie
catsblueeyes1
11-08-2005, 10:20 AM
It's me again,
Well I spoke to the Walgreens headquarter and they could not have been nicer. They will have an answer for me by the end of the week once this is investigated. I was given a case number and the Pharmacey supervisor from the main pharmacy. I gave no name and they said that was fine, they gave me the number to check on the status
of there findings. We shall see what happens, I wish there was a small mom and pop place near but there isn't. Have a great day!!!
Debbie
Well I spoke to the Walgreens headquarter and they could not have been nicer. They will have an answer for me by the end of the week once this is investigated. I was given a case number and the Pharmacey supervisor from the main pharmacy. I gave no name and they said that was fine, they gave me the number to check on the status
of there findings. We shall see what happens, I wish there was a small mom and pop place near but there isn't. Have a great day!!!
Debbie
wolfmarket
11-09-2005, 02:33 AM
Good for you! Let me know what happens. You should be proud of yourself!
Alan
Alan