bulletinboard25
03-11-2006, 03:32 AM
As the title states, my pain management doctor released me.
I'll try to make this story short.
I had my first appointment the last week of February with the doctor... the consult went fine, everything went well.. etc. etc... Prescribed Duragesic 25mcg/hr every 72 hours and 75mg of Lyrica 3x/day.
As you all know, I was non-opiate tolerant, so when I read the "not for use in non-opiate tolerant" patients I become a little concerned. Asked you all about it, called a nurse on Friday who was a complete jerk and said "fine don't take it..." when all I was doing was asking a question.
I had started the Lyrica the day I picked up the script, which was a day after my appointment.
I had to wait until the following Monday to speak to my nurse (the one who was actually there in the room). The nurse said that I will be fine, etc etc....
But I was having some strong dizziness from the Lyrica and was more drowsy than I usually was. The pharmacist had said that if I started both medicines at the same time, I'd be overly drowsy. Someone on here mentioned the same thing.. don't start both at the same time, so you can adjust to one and if you had a bad reaction you'd know which one caused it.
I'm 25 and still in college (slow I know)... and I had midterms that week and I didn't want to be overly sedated or completely unable to concentrate and fail my tests or do poorly... So I thought I'd wait until my spring break (march 6th, which just so happened to be my b-day) to start the patch and I'd have the whole week to adjust to it.
Fast-forward to Monday, March 6th. Put the patch on in the PM. About 14 hours after putting it on I started to get violently ill. Vomiting, nausea beyond belief, and just the weirdest feeling in the world. I have my girlfriend call the nurse to let them know what's going on and to see what I should do.. She tells me to take the patch off, wait 4 days.. and try again. We say okay. Obviously she knew it was the first time I'd put on the patch, and my girlfriend explained the reasoning beyond waiting. She was fine with it.
2 hours later, I walk downstairs... Go downstairs and gf says to me... The nurse just called and the doctor said he doesn't want to treat you anymore because you waited 8 days to put on the patch.
Basically I was DEVESTATED. My GI doctor was the one who referred me there, and they are friends who work in the same hospital. So it's not like I can go ask GI to refer me to another pain management clinic now, because GI doesn't want to see me. :( I don't have a primary care physican because my GI pretty much acted like my PCP and I hadn't had any other health issues requiring me to go to a PCP for the 7 years i'd been seeing the GI.
I'm at a loss as to what to do now....
I have been through the ringer with medications, and pain management seemed like the EXACT answer I was looking for.
I can't just refer myself... and I don't know what to do. He literally broke my heart. Now I have to sit here and suffer.... It's 2:30am and I'm in pain. My GF's asleep and I sit here for the first time in my life depressed, because I don't have anything I can do right now to provide me any relief. I have such a heavy feeling in my chest right now. My quality of life is non-existant. I've been pretty much house-bound for over a year.
I'm so down. No doctor. No where to turn. I really don't want to have to go through another year with a PCP or GI waiting for them to refer me after they try all the medications I've tried. I don't want to have to start over. It would be taking steps backward to go to a PCP....
I just don't know what I can do... I can't make an appointment with a PCP and say hey, here's my charts, refer me to a pain management place, because I'd doubt he'd even do it.
I had NO IDEA the doctor would do this for waiting 8 days to put on the patch because I had midterms and I wanted to put it on during spring break when I could have the days to adjust. Luckily I waited, because it made me feel so ill I would have failed my midterms... but I'm down I waited because now I'm suffering without meds, without a doctor, and without any idea of what I'm going to do.
Anyone out there have advice or can offer anything to me. Please! I've waited to post this for awhile because I haven't felt like doing anything. I'm just so confused.
I'll try to make this story short.
I had my first appointment the last week of February with the doctor... the consult went fine, everything went well.. etc. etc... Prescribed Duragesic 25mcg/hr every 72 hours and 75mg of Lyrica 3x/day.
As you all know, I was non-opiate tolerant, so when I read the "not for use in non-opiate tolerant" patients I become a little concerned. Asked you all about it, called a nurse on Friday who was a complete jerk and said "fine don't take it..." when all I was doing was asking a question.
I had started the Lyrica the day I picked up the script, which was a day after my appointment.
I had to wait until the following Monday to speak to my nurse (the one who was actually there in the room). The nurse said that I will be fine, etc etc....
But I was having some strong dizziness from the Lyrica and was more drowsy than I usually was. The pharmacist had said that if I started both medicines at the same time, I'd be overly drowsy. Someone on here mentioned the same thing.. don't start both at the same time, so you can adjust to one and if you had a bad reaction you'd know which one caused it.
I'm 25 and still in college (slow I know)... and I had midterms that week and I didn't want to be overly sedated or completely unable to concentrate and fail my tests or do poorly... So I thought I'd wait until my spring break (march 6th, which just so happened to be my b-day) to start the patch and I'd have the whole week to adjust to it.
Fast-forward to Monday, March 6th. Put the patch on in the PM. About 14 hours after putting it on I started to get violently ill. Vomiting, nausea beyond belief, and just the weirdest feeling in the world. I have my girlfriend call the nurse to let them know what's going on and to see what I should do.. She tells me to take the patch off, wait 4 days.. and try again. We say okay. Obviously she knew it was the first time I'd put on the patch, and my girlfriend explained the reasoning beyond waiting. She was fine with it.
2 hours later, I walk downstairs... Go downstairs and gf says to me... The nurse just called and the doctor said he doesn't want to treat you anymore because you waited 8 days to put on the patch.
Basically I was DEVESTATED. My GI doctor was the one who referred me there, and they are friends who work in the same hospital. So it's not like I can go ask GI to refer me to another pain management clinic now, because GI doesn't want to see me. :( I don't have a primary care physican because my GI pretty much acted like my PCP and I hadn't had any other health issues requiring me to go to a PCP for the 7 years i'd been seeing the GI.
I'm at a loss as to what to do now....
I have been through the ringer with medications, and pain management seemed like the EXACT answer I was looking for.
I can't just refer myself... and I don't know what to do. He literally broke my heart. Now I have to sit here and suffer.... It's 2:30am and I'm in pain. My GF's asleep and I sit here for the first time in my life depressed, because I don't have anything I can do right now to provide me any relief. I have such a heavy feeling in my chest right now. My quality of life is non-existant. I've been pretty much house-bound for over a year.
I'm so down. No doctor. No where to turn. I really don't want to have to go through another year with a PCP or GI waiting for them to refer me after they try all the medications I've tried. I don't want to have to start over. It would be taking steps backward to go to a PCP....
I just don't know what I can do... I can't make an appointment with a PCP and say hey, here's my charts, refer me to a pain management place, because I'd doubt he'd even do it.
I had NO IDEA the doctor would do this for waiting 8 days to put on the patch because I had midterms and I wanted to put it on during spring break when I could have the days to adjust. Luckily I waited, because it made me feel so ill I would have failed my midterms... but I'm down I waited because now I'm suffering without meds, without a doctor, and without any idea of what I'm going to do.
Anyone out there have advice or can offer anything to me. Please! I've waited to post this for awhile because I haven't felt like doing anything. I'm just so confused.
Sponsor
duttin
03-11-2006, 03:00 PM
BB,
happy belated birthday,don't beat yourself up over the pain med DR.You with held the patch for vary valid reasons.My pain med DR won't see me any more over that I refused lumbar injections.It didn't help,he hit a nerve and my back didn't even hurt.
Find yourself a good family physician,write down everything you tried and go from there.
the first time I went to Pain Medicine and management,it scared the crap out of me.There had to of been 50 people there.All had appointments around the same.
I am going to the pain clinic at the cleveland clinic and then my family physican will follow-up there after.
Don't deprive yourself of medical attention,your GI doc should still see you,you have been with him for 7 years,it shouldn't make a difference if they are friends or not.give him a call
Toni
happy belated birthday,don't beat yourself up over the pain med DR.You with held the patch for vary valid reasons.My pain med DR won't see me any more over that I refused lumbar injections.It didn't help,he hit a nerve and my back didn't even hurt.
Find yourself a good family physician,write down everything you tried and go from there.
the first time I went to Pain Medicine and management,it scared the crap out of me.There had to of been 50 people there.All had appointments around the same.
I am going to the pain clinic at the cleveland clinic and then my family physican will follow-up there after.
Don't deprive yourself of medical attention,your GI doc should still see you,you have been with him for 7 years,it shouldn't make a difference if they are friends or not.give him a call
Toni
conductor
03-11-2006, 03:56 PM
Dear Bulletinboard25,
Frankly, this whole situation sucks!
About a year ago, my Mom got "scolded", rather loudly, by a nurse at our physician's office because she called to get her Rx's of MS Contin and Percocet 4 days early--due to the fact that my parents were leaving on vacation.
My Mom, who reacted very emotionally, wrote a letter of apology to the doctor. Well, it turned out that the doctor had no idea of the incident. Simply, that particular nurse (who doesn't work there any more) was routinely rude.
Well...I had an appointment the next day (after my Mom hand-delivered the note), and the doctor handed me my Mom's prescriptions. The doctor also apologized all over the place for the misunderstanding.
So...you never know how the message comes across to the doctor from the person who delivers it!!
Maybe you could try something like this if you are comfortable with it.
Keep all of your records at YOUR disposal--just in case you do find someone who will treat you immediately.
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
Frankly, this whole situation sucks!
About a year ago, my Mom got "scolded", rather loudly, by a nurse at our physician's office because she called to get her Rx's of MS Contin and Percocet 4 days early--due to the fact that my parents were leaving on vacation.
My Mom, who reacted very emotionally, wrote a letter of apology to the doctor. Well, it turned out that the doctor had no idea of the incident. Simply, that particular nurse (who doesn't work there any more) was routinely rude.
Well...I had an appointment the next day (after my Mom hand-delivered the note), and the doctor handed me my Mom's prescriptions. The doctor also apologized all over the place for the misunderstanding.
So...you never know how the message comes across to the doctor from the person who delivers it!!
Maybe you could try something like this if you are comfortable with it.
Keep all of your records at YOUR disposal--just in case you do find someone who will treat you immediately.
Sincerely,
Jon (Conductor)
bulletinboard25
03-11-2006, 07:42 PM
Thanks all for the kind words.
In this time of complete and utter depression (or sadness I guess) I have just been searching for different ideas.
The nurse said it came directly from the doctor's mouth, so I don't know if writing a letter would do much good, and I'm not exactly sure the doctor would take into consideration my concerns with a letter. I guess I could try.
The GI won't see me because of what happened with the PMD. I'm sure all he said was "didn't follow my instructions.." which to the outsider could mean any # of things, namely (I would think) overusing the medication... Not "underusing".
Do you think a PCP (my family visits) would look at my charts and refer me upon my first visit to him if I pour my soul out to him?
I called the only other Pain Management Clinic in my area thats within 5+ hours, and they require a referral.. so that's what I'm going to have to do.
Last night I soooo badly wanted to go to the ER because I was in so much pain, but I didn't because of the fact my insurance basically SUCKS.... and I doubt very seriously I could have afforded the visit.
Heres the ONLY things I have planned so far)
1. Visit with my family's PCP (I've never been) Tuesday Mar. 14th. Bring my charts, and plead with him for a referral....
2. POSSIBLY writing a letter to the old PMD, although I'm not even sure he'd take the time to read it.
3. Nothing else... But being heart broken... and in pain :(. I hate staying up all night suffering... It's getting so hard. I lose my appetite, and have lost 45-65lbs in 2 years. 6'0'' 145lbs. now.
Thanks for showing sympathy. Like I said, I had no idea that this thing would happen.
In this time of complete and utter depression (or sadness I guess) I have just been searching for different ideas.
The nurse said it came directly from the doctor's mouth, so I don't know if writing a letter would do much good, and I'm not exactly sure the doctor would take into consideration my concerns with a letter. I guess I could try.
The GI won't see me because of what happened with the PMD. I'm sure all he said was "didn't follow my instructions.." which to the outsider could mean any # of things, namely (I would think) overusing the medication... Not "underusing".
Do you think a PCP (my family visits) would look at my charts and refer me upon my first visit to him if I pour my soul out to him?
I called the only other Pain Management Clinic in my area thats within 5+ hours, and they require a referral.. so that's what I'm going to have to do.
Last night I soooo badly wanted to go to the ER because I was in so much pain, but I didn't because of the fact my insurance basically SUCKS.... and I doubt very seriously I could have afforded the visit.
Heres the ONLY things I have planned so far)
1. Visit with my family's PCP (I've never been) Tuesday Mar. 14th. Bring my charts, and plead with him for a referral....
2. POSSIBLY writing a letter to the old PMD, although I'm not even sure he'd take the time to read it.
3. Nothing else... But being heart broken... and in pain :(. I hate staying up all night suffering... It's getting so hard. I lose my appetite, and have lost 45-65lbs in 2 years. 6'0'' 145lbs. now.
Thanks for showing sympathy. Like I said, I had no idea that this thing would happen.
ARANGER
03-11-2006, 09:40 PM
Hey BB25,
Sorry to hear about what happened. I can see if you overused the meds, but not using them because of side effects seems like an odd reason to drop you from the clinic.
I would request your records ASAP from the PM clinic. Maybe find yourself another PCP if you can. Explain what happened and in no way is this drug abuse, if anything you were reluctant to use a stronger med and you suffered side effects.
As someone else mentioned, write everything down as to what happened. If I remember correctly, you had a previous post regarding the patch and received advise from many of us. You may want to print it out as well to show that you were trying to find out about this med. A PCP should be able to see that it is just the opposite of drug abuse. You may have not followed instructions, but you were having side effects that probably warranted dicontinuing the med temporarly. You called the PM clinic and spoke with a rude nurse. At least you made an attempt to contact the Dr.
I would be frustrated too. If you can't go to your current PCP, I would be looking for another one. Be sure to get all your records and check for accuracy. It would be interesting to see what the Dr had to write about you in the end.
Good luck, hope you are able to get into a Dr soon. Take Care
Sorry to hear about what happened. I can see if you overused the meds, but not using them because of side effects seems like an odd reason to drop you from the clinic.
I would request your records ASAP from the PM clinic. Maybe find yourself another PCP if you can. Explain what happened and in no way is this drug abuse, if anything you were reluctant to use a stronger med and you suffered side effects.
As someone else mentioned, write everything down as to what happened. If I remember correctly, you had a previous post regarding the patch and received advise from many of us. You may want to print it out as well to show that you were trying to find out about this med. A PCP should be able to see that it is just the opposite of drug abuse. You may have not followed instructions, but you were having side effects that probably warranted dicontinuing the med temporarly. You called the PM clinic and spoke with a rude nurse. At least you made an attempt to contact the Dr.
I would be frustrated too. If you can't go to your current PCP, I would be looking for another one. Be sure to get all your records and check for accuracy. It would be interesting to see what the Dr had to write about you in the end.
Good luck, hope you are able to get into a Dr soon. Take Care
bulletinboard25
03-12-2006, 12:58 AM
Thanks-
I ended up writing a letter explaining myself that my father is going to PERSONALLY hand to him... or make sure its handed to him. It's about an hour drive from my house to that clinic, and that's where my dad works, so he said he'd do it.
My dad was in the marines/Vietnam, so you can't really give him the run-a-round... he's going to try to get to the bottom of this.
It's good having a supporting family; he said if this doesn't work, WE WILL get you into the only other pain management clinic that's within an hour of our house (Ft. Wayne, Indiana is where it's located).
It just sucks having to wait so long... I just hope that something works out this next week. I know I've dealth with it for 10+ years, but every day seems like such an uphill battle, and it's all I can do NOT to go to the ER (and make my parents spend MORE money).
I wish the nurses would have told me when they KNEW I was waiting to put on the patch that the Dr. might release me, even though I had GOOD, no GREAT, reasons for waiting to put it on.
Please hope for the best with me, I'm really struggling/suffering right now.
I ended up writing a letter explaining myself that my father is going to PERSONALLY hand to him... or make sure its handed to him. It's about an hour drive from my house to that clinic, and that's where my dad works, so he said he'd do it.
My dad was in the marines/Vietnam, so you can't really give him the run-a-round... he's going to try to get to the bottom of this.
It's good having a supporting family; he said if this doesn't work, WE WILL get you into the only other pain management clinic that's within an hour of our house (Ft. Wayne, Indiana is where it's located).
It just sucks having to wait so long... I just hope that something works out this next week. I know I've dealth with it for 10+ years, but every day seems like such an uphill battle, and it's all I can do NOT to go to the ER (and make my parents spend MORE money).
I wish the nurses would have told me when they KNEW I was waiting to put on the patch that the Dr. might release me, even though I had GOOD, no GREAT, reasons for waiting to put it on.
Please hope for the best with me, I'm really struggling/suffering right now.
jules1
03-12-2006, 01:58 AM
All I have to say is that this is BS. This Dr. should not have dismissed you, but instead should have commended you for being responsible enough to wait to start the meds until you had a break as to best adjust to them and the side effects, and also for being tough enough to be able to deal with you pain in the meantime. I can't image there being any rule, written or unspoken, which says that a patient is being "bad" when they wait to start their pain medication. If anything, it shows that you AREN'T out for just drugs, because if you were, you would have started the second you got home.
I'm sorry, and this makes me furious. I feel so bad for you. I know what its like getting the run around from drs, but this is ridiculous. You were being *careful*, and shouldn't be faulted for that. I hope your dad gives the dr whats coming to him :) And then some.
Is there any way to report drs? Your GI dr has to give you a reason why he won't see you anymore other than the fact he is friends with that PM dr. Have you called and personally spoke with your GI dr and explained to him the reason why you didn't start your meds ASAP?
I don't know if you are, but don't get mad at yourself. You did the right thing, and any dr with half a brain would respect the decision you made. Hang in there, I know its hard. Especially having to deal with pain while in school, because I'm right there with ya, and I can't find anyone to treat me right now! I'm just praying I can make it two more months until I graduate, since I have no meds in the meantime.
I'm sorry, and this makes me furious. I feel so bad for you. I know what its like getting the run around from drs, but this is ridiculous. You were being *careful*, and shouldn't be faulted for that. I hope your dad gives the dr whats coming to him :) And then some.
Is there any way to report drs? Your GI dr has to give you a reason why he won't see you anymore other than the fact he is friends with that PM dr. Have you called and personally spoke with your GI dr and explained to him the reason why you didn't start your meds ASAP?
I don't know if you are, but don't get mad at yourself. You did the right thing, and any dr with half a brain would respect the decision you made. Hang in there, I know its hard. Especially having to deal with pain while in school, because I'm right there with ya, and I can't find anyone to treat me right now! I'm just praying I can make it two more months until I graduate, since I have no meds in the meantime.
Blasterboy
03-12-2006, 05:39 AM
It's a shame the doctor didn't communicate with you directly before stiking you off. I guess he thought that if you can wait, your pain couldn't be that bad? I don't agree with the point someone main about the drug chaser been the one who uses the drug as soon as he gets home. I guess that was a flippent/supportive statement because sometimes when I've got a new perscription it's all I can do to take the pill to get back to some form of normality and relieft; waiting a few hours wouldn't prove me a none addict, it would prolong suffering.
Anyhow BB25, I really hope that you sort this fuss out, as you did your best to communicate what was happening and if the doctors office failed to do the same then they are wrong! Best Wishes in the meantime
Anyhow BB25, I really hope that you sort this fuss out, as you did your best to communicate what was happening and if the doctors office failed to do the same then they are wrong! Best Wishes in the meantime
jules1
03-12-2006, 11:06 AM
Blaster -
I did not mean to infer that you are a drug chaser if you take the drugs as soon as you get home. I would hope people would think better of me than that. Just because both a drug addict and a chronic pain patient might take the pain medicine as soon as they get home does not entail that all chronic pain patients who take their meds as soon as they get home are just out for drugs.
Most chronic pain patients do take their meds as soon as they get home, because they need them to help them ASAP. The point I was making was that he shouldn't think of her as a drug chaser for the mere fact that she didn't take them right away... and it would seem to me anyone out for pills for pills sake wouldn't wait to take them. If you would have read that line in the context of the rest of my post you would see that I was trying to outline reasons why the dr should not have dismissed her, her waiting for the sake of being cautious being one of the main reasons.
I did not mean to infer that you are a drug chaser if you take the drugs as soon as you get home. I would hope people would think better of me than that. Just because both a drug addict and a chronic pain patient might take the pain medicine as soon as they get home does not entail that all chronic pain patients who take their meds as soon as they get home are just out for drugs.
Most chronic pain patients do take their meds as soon as they get home, because they need them to help them ASAP. The point I was making was that he shouldn't think of her as a drug chaser for the mere fact that she didn't take them right away... and it would seem to me anyone out for pills for pills sake wouldn't wait to take them. If you would have read that line in the context of the rest of my post you would see that I was trying to outline reasons why the dr should not have dismissed her, her waiting for the sake of being cautious being one of the main reasons.
Blasterboy
03-12-2006, 11:48 AM
I see your point Jules and I'm sorry if I appreared too confrontational, but I don't think the issue here was ever about this point. This doctor seems to be pissed off about a matter of conformality. If a patient complains of severe pain, but can wait a few days to take the pain medication, then there's the possible issue, IMO.
I'm not saying the doctors right in this instance, I'm just trying to be objective so that BB25 might have another opinion as to why the doctor dumped him.
I'm not saying the doctors right in this instance, I'm just trying to be objective so that BB25 might have another opinion as to why the doctor dumped him.
choctaw_n_ok
03-12-2006, 12:51 PM
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bulletinboard25
03-12-2006, 07:16 PM
I guess I've already stated why I waited...
I figured, I can adjust to the Lyrica...get through midterm week... and then have ALL of spring break to adjust to Duragesic... especially since I was non-opiate tolerant.
I just kept telling myself, what's 8 days? You've dealt with it for so long, what's 8 more days?
Funny, its much easier to tell yourself that when you actually have an RX for a pain medication that you KNOW is sitting right there.
Now that I don't have any RX, any doctor, or anything it is MUCH HARDER to keep that same frame of mind. I can't tell myself it's only 8 more days... because frankly I don't even know if it will be 8 more weeks, another year, another anything.
Grown men aren't supposed to cry. I say that semi-seriously. At least in our society, we're not supposed to. But, I just can't stop right now. Everytime I think about the situation I just to tear up, and then the pain just makes it worse.
I figured, I can adjust to the Lyrica...get through midterm week... and then have ALL of spring break to adjust to Duragesic... especially since I was non-opiate tolerant.
I just kept telling myself, what's 8 days? You've dealt with it for so long, what's 8 more days?
Funny, its much easier to tell yourself that when you actually have an RX for a pain medication that you KNOW is sitting right there.
Now that I don't have any RX, any doctor, or anything it is MUCH HARDER to keep that same frame of mind. I can't tell myself it's only 8 more days... because frankly I don't even know if it will be 8 more weeks, another year, another anything.
Grown men aren't supposed to cry. I say that semi-seriously. At least in our society, we're not supposed to. But, I just can't stop right now. Everytime I think about the situation I just to tear up, and then the pain just makes it worse.
duttin
03-12-2006, 09:16 PM
BB25,
You really need to see another DR.my concern is you take lyrica,isn't this a med that you can't abrubtly stop.that you have to be tapered off of.I know you waited on the patch.After giving this some thought,you need to contact this PM and question this Doctors reasonings.He may have made this decision in haste and spoke before he thought.
Toni
You really need to see another DR.my concern is you take lyrica,isn't this a med that you can't abrubtly stop.that you have to be tapered off of.I know you waited on the patch.After giving this some thought,you need to contact this PM and question this Doctors reasonings.He may have made this decision in haste and spoke before he thought.
Toni
bulletinboard25
03-12-2006, 10:33 PM
Hey nuff.. thanks for the reply.
The letter is being hand delivered tomorrow. I hope, if nothing else, at least to get an explanation from the Dr. himself after reading it.
I stopped taking the Lyrica the day I heard he wasn't seeing me. I had been taking it for 8 days... so I wasn't too concerned just stopping it. I didn't want to continue on it, without a refill and have to stop abruptly... so I figured the sooner the better getting off of it.
Again, I'll post a reply with how it goes tomorrow.
I hope it goes okay, because right now I'm in tons of pain... and if I had endless amounts of money at my disposal, I'd be going to the ER. But, reality is... I don't have a job... have NO income... and as sad as it is for a 25 year old in college, rely solely on the help of my parents to manage, and I just couldn't burden them with an ER visit bill, when my insurance absolutely sucks.
The letter is being hand delivered tomorrow. I hope, if nothing else, at least to get an explanation from the Dr. himself after reading it.
I stopped taking the Lyrica the day I heard he wasn't seeing me. I had been taking it for 8 days... so I wasn't too concerned just stopping it. I didn't want to continue on it, without a refill and have to stop abruptly... so I figured the sooner the better getting off of it.
Again, I'll post a reply with how it goes tomorrow.
I hope it goes okay, because right now I'm in tons of pain... and if I had endless amounts of money at my disposal, I'd be going to the ER. But, reality is... I don't have a job... have NO income... and as sad as it is for a 25 year old in college, rely solely on the help of my parents to manage, and I just couldn't burden them with an ER visit bill, when my insurance absolutely sucks.
bulletinboard25
03-13-2006, 05:32 AM
Well another night of being up all night in pain.
Was hurting so bad asked mother to come stay up with me and talk to me...
Hopeful that my dad will be able to get a few answers from the PMC doctor about why he was so rude about everything.
I'm not necessarily hoping he'll take me back, because I know its just not possible. Once you're out, you're usually out.
I just wish it wasn't for something I had NO CLUE I'd be dismissed for :(
I mean if I would have been selling the meds or something and I KNEW I would get dismissed for such behavior, I wouldn't be so disappointed and saddened.
It's really tough when you feel like you've got nowhere to turn, and you're going to have to suffer through the pain again.
The sad thing was when my GF called the nurse to tell her I was in the BR puking from the Duragesic, the nurse had said... take it off, wait 4 days and try again. ( to make sure it wasn't the flu or something) And if it happened again they'd try Kadian, OxyContin, Avinza, or MS Contin... It's sad because she said they'd try something else and just treat me as a "long term CP patient". Exactly what I wanted to hear... that they'd TREAT ME.
then to get the call 2 hours later and hear that they were dismissing me... COMPLETELY devastating.
Was hurting so bad asked mother to come stay up with me and talk to me...
Hopeful that my dad will be able to get a few answers from the PMC doctor about why he was so rude about everything.
I'm not necessarily hoping he'll take me back, because I know its just not possible. Once you're out, you're usually out.
I just wish it wasn't for something I had NO CLUE I'd be dismissed for :(
I mean if I would have been selling the meds or something and I KNEW I would get dismissed for such behavior, I wouldn't be so disappointed and saddened.
It's really tough when you feel like you've got nowhere to turn, and you're going to have to suffer through the pain again.
The sad thing was when my GF called the nurse to tell her I was in the BR puking from the Duragesic, the nurse had said... take it off, wait 4 days and try again. ( to make sure it wasn't the flu or something) And if it happened again they'd try Kadian, OxyContin, Avinza, or MS Contin... It's sad because she said they'd try something else and just treat me as a "long term CP patient". Exactly what I wanted to hear... that they'd TREAT ME.
then to get the call 2 hours later and hear that they were dismissing me... COMPLETELY devastating.
Pdawg
03-13-2006, 10:39 AM
Im so sorry to hear your story. I cant believe it.
Maybe its a good thing to get away from this doc. In my opinion, he is a nut for starting you out on a Duragesic patch.
I take about 6 norco a day for a disk herniation. I was in horrible pain one day and went to the ER. The ER nurse slapped a duragesic patch on me, gave me a dilaudid and they sent me home. In the middle of the night I woke up feeling horrible, nausea, vomiting etc. I dont think I was even opiate tolerant enough to handle one of those patches.
Hope things work out for you.
p
Maybe its a good thing to get away from this doc. In my opinion, he is a nut for starting you out on a Duragesic patch.
I take about 6 norco a day for a disk herniation. I was in horrible pain one day and went to the ER. The ER nurse slapped a duragesic patch on me, gave me a dilaudid and they sent me home. In the middle of the night I woke up feeling horrible, nausea, vomiting etc. I dont think I was even opiate tolerant enough to handle one of those patches.
Hope things work out for you.
p
friendly_one
03-13-2006, 12:23 PM
Hi bulletin...I'm sorry to hear about what happened. I just wanted to ask a couple of things. The nurse told you were dismissed, right? Is this the same nurse that was rude to you? Did you talk to the doc firsthand? I really think you need to talk with the doctor, in person. I may be wrong, but this might just be a huge misunderstanding. This nurse might not have told the doc the reason you waited. So, in his mind, he could be thinking you don't need the pain medicine since you waited. Without knowing the reason why you waited, it would be the first thing he thought of.
Please, don't ever take information from a second hand source. If he wants to dismiss you, he needs to be the one to tell you. If this were me, I would make an appointment, or the very least, talk to him on the phone about what happened. The reason why you waited, and the nurse's response of what to do. This could truly be just a huge misunderstanding. Another thing he might of thought of is this....if you are asking to try something else after just getting the patches, he might think you sold them. Please don't think I'm implying anything, ok?? There are some people that con their way into PM so they can sell the PM meds to buy illegal drugs. It happens, although rare. I'm just saying that could have happened to your doc. You never know.
If it comes down to it that you were dismissed, and he knew the whole story of why you waited, then you are probably better off without him in the long run. I know this doesn't help you now or comfort you in any way. In PM, the majority of us don't stay with the first doc, for various reasons. Some of us are on our 2nd or 3rd doc, or even more. For me, this is my 3rd. The first one was a total a**, so I left. The 2nd one was GREAT, but closed his practice. This one is even better than the last (I thought I would never find a doc better than the last one). I don't think he will be closing his practice anytime soon, but you never know. The center I go to is part of the medical school/research hospital where I have been a patient at for more than 21 years for my kidneys.
Anyway, I'm so sorry this happened. Just try as hard as you can to get to the bottom of this and find out what happened. There is one more thing I wanted to tell you. I was also extremely nauseous and sick quite a bit for the first couple of months with the Duragesic. My body finally adjusted, and it went away (I'm on 150 mcg). I know people react differently, but most of the people I know that are on it, had the same experience. Also, they do make a lower dose of Duragesic than the 25 mcg. They make a 12.5 mcg, or at least they did a while back. I'm not sure if they still do, but I don't see why they wouldn't. Just something you might want to consider. Take care and let us know what happened, ok??
Please, don't ever take information from a second hand source. If he wants to dismiss you, he needs to be the one to tell you. If this were me, I would make an appointment, or the very least, talk to him on the phone about what happened. The reason why you waited, and the nurse's response of what to do. This could truly be just a huge misunderstanding. Another thing he might of thought of is this....if you are asking to try something else after just getting the patches, he might think you sold them. Please don't think I'm implying anything, ok?? There are some people that con their way into PM so they can sell the PM meds to buy illegal drugs. It happens, although rare. I'm just saying that could have happened to your doc. You never know.
If it comes down to it that you were dismissed, and he knew the whole story of why you waited, then you are probably better off without him in the long run. I know this doesn't help you now or comfort you in any way. In PM, the majority of us don't stay with the first doc, for various reasons. Some of us are on our 2nd or 3rd doc, or even more. For me, this is my 3rd. The first one was a total a**, so I left. The 2nd one was GREAT, but closed his practice. This one is even better than the last (I thought I would never find a doc better than the last one). I don't think he will be closing his practice anytime soon, but you never know. The center I go to is part of the medical school/research hospital where I have been a patient at for more than 21 years for my kidneys.
Anyway, I'm so sorry this happened. Just try as hard as you can to get to the bottom of this and find out what happened. There is one more thing I wanted to tell you. I was also extremely nauseous and sick quite a bit for the first couple of months with the Duragesic. My body finally adjusted, and it went away (I'm on 150 mcg). I know people react differently, but most of the people I know that are on it, had the same experience. Also, they do make a lower dose of Duragesic than the 25 mcg. They make a 12.5 mcg, or at least they did a while back. I'm not sure if they still do, but I don't see why they wouldn't. Just something you might want to consider. Take care and let us know what happened, ok??
tina76
03-13-2006, 02:25 PM
BB - I cannot believe that this happened to you! It's completely ridiculous in my mind. You explained to the nurse why you had waited. In my mind, any rational person would have understood this? Hopefully it will change once your Dad gives your letter to the doctor. I have had this sort of problem with nurses, etc... MANY times in the past. You may have explained the situation to her in full, etc... and in the way that made sense, etc... But that does NOT mean this is how she explained it to the doctor. She could have just told him that didn't trust his judgement and had waited to put it on (since you had called with questions after it was first prescribed) or something like that. Well, THEN you can understand the doctor thinking..."well I'm not going to treat this patient if they are going to second guess my orders to the point of NOT following instruction and refusing to take the meds I prescribe, etc... what is the point? I'm going to not treat them anymore since they aren't listening to my instructions". I just can't imagine the doctor NOT understanding your reasoning regarding your midterms, etc... and not wanting to be having problems etc.. so you decided to wait until the NEXT week to start. It isn't like it was weeks and weeks. SO...hopefully the doctor will read your letter adn that combined with speaking with your father will make him reconsider and accept you back as a patient. One thing that I WOULD do in the futre though would be ANY time you are not going to follow the doctor's orders you should call and check and make sure that is okay with them. For example, in this situation with your mid-terms, you would call the nurse/doctor and explain your situation ahead of time and then ask what you should do, if it is okay to wait on the meds and for how long, etc... that way they are informed of everything. And then you TOO are informed so that you know what their feelings are on these types of situations.
One thing that bothers me even more about this situation is that your GI doctor ALSO is now refusing to see/treat you. What is the deal with that? Yes, they are friends but THAT is completely unprofessional in my opinion. I really feel that your GI reacted that way because of the friendship. If it was ANY other PM doctor and this had happened (which ANY rational person can see that this situation was simply a HUGE misunderstanding!) I truly believe that your GI would have understood and would have tried to patch things up with the PM clinic or simply referred you to another doctor. I have never in my entire experience with doctors (and I've had a LOT of it!) ever heard of a specialty doctor (such as the GI) dropping you because another doctor and you disagreed on something and they are no longer treating you. Especially not when the doctor is refusing to treat you over such a trivial reason as what has happened with you.
I am so sorry that you are having to go thru this. The whole situation is so ridiculous in my mind. Your reasoning makes complete sense. Yes, you probably should have called the doctor ahead of time to tell them you were going to wait on the patch, just to keep both of you on the same page, etc... BUT, you didn't. Even if that is what your doctor REQUIRES and you didn't remember that or something.. it is still such a small mistake that caused NO ONE harm at all! It just delayed the starting by a week. I just really do not understand why this is a big enough deal for the doctor to drop you like that, no warning, no nothing. I can see them being annoyed, but NOT dropping you so completely and so suddenly. This is what truly makes me feel that your doctor was NOT fully informed of your reasons for waiting. It just doesn't make any sense. It's all so EXTREME.....
I really hope this works out for you and it turns out that your doctor just misunderstood what happened. If nothing else the doctor SHOULD have had the decency (and STILL should!) to speak to you himself if he was going to drop you as a patient. It should never have come from the nurse in the first place for something serious. It isn't like it is your primary dropping you and you have a the flu and have to go out and choose from one of a zillion NEW primarys.... You obviously NEED pain management or you would not have been referred to this PM doctor. That is a serious medical NEED and PM Clinics are NOT that easy to get into. Not to mention there aren't too many of them! They should have at least finished out the month or however long of meds they gave you and told you that you would need to find a new doctor at that time...
Let us know what happens. Was your Dad taking the letter over today? I sure hope you get some news soon! I'm very interested to see how this turns out!
And by the way... 25 is NOT slow to still be in college! ;) I went to college right out of high school but had NO idea what I wanted to do so I ended up quitting after a year and a half. I didn't go back until I was 24! THEN I was able to figure out what I was doing and to finish up, etc... So good for you! 25 is still incredibly young! I'm 29 and starting to wish I could rewind back to being 25 again.... ;)
One thing that bothers me even more about this situation is that your GI doctor ALSO is now refusing to see/treat you. What is the deal with that? Yes, they are friends but THAT is completely unprofessional in my opinion. I really feel that your GI reacted that way because of the friendship. If it was ANY other PM doctor and this had happened (which ANY rational person can see that this situation was simply a HUGE misunderstanding!) I truly believe that your GI would have understood and would have tried to patch things up with the PM clinic or simply referred you to another doctor. I have never in my entire experience with doctors (and I've had a LOT of it!) ever heard of a specialty doctor (such as the GI) dropping you because another doctor and you disagreed on something and they are no longer treating you. Especially not when the doctor is refusing to treat you over such a trivial reason as what has happened with you.
I am so sorry that you are having to go thru this. The whole situation is so ridiculous in my mind. Your reasoning makes complete sense. Yes, you probably should have called the doctor ahead of time to tell them you were going to wait on the patch, just to keep both of you on the same page, etc... BUT, you didn't. Even if that is what your doctor REQUIRES and you didn't remember that or something.. it is still such a small mistake that caused NO ONE harm at all! It just delayed the starting by a week. I just really do not understand why this is a big enough deal for the doctor to drop you like that, no warning, no nothing. I can see them being annoyed, but NOT dropping you so completely and so suddenly. This is what truly makes me feel that your doctor was NOT fully informed of your reasons for waiting. It just doesn't make any sense. It's all so EXTREME.....
I really hope this works out for you and it turns out that your doctor just misunderstood what happened. If nothing else the doctor SHOULD have had the decency (and STILL should!) to speak to you himself if he was going to drop you as a patient. It should never have come from the nurse in the first place for something serious. It isn't like it is your primary dropping you and you have a the flu and have to go out and choose from one of a zillion NEW primarys.... You obviously NEED pain management or you would not have been referred to this PM doctor. That is a serious medical NEED and PM Clinics are NOT that easy to get into. Not to mention there aren't too many of them! They should have at least finished out the month or however long of meds they gave you and told you that you would need to find a new doctor at that time...
Let us know what happens. Was your Dad taking the letter over today? I sure hope you get some news soon! I'm very interested to see how this turns out!
And by the way... 25 is NOT slow to still be in college! ;) I went to college right out of high school but had NO idea what I wanted to do so I ended up quitting after a year and a half. I didn't go back until I was 24! THEN I was able to figure out what I was doing and to finish up, etc... So good for you! 25 is still incredibly young! I'm 29 and starting to wish I could rewind back to being 25 again.... ;)
Pdawg
03-13-2006, 03:31 PM
wouldn't this be close to "medical abandonment"?
bulletinboard25
03-13-2006, 10:56 PM
Thanks so much again everyone for their replies. I had to cancel a dentist appointment today because I was in too much pain to leave the house. Story of my life.
jdawg, medical abandonment.. sounds like what he did to me! Definitely.
Tina, thanks for the long, thought out response. I can definitely see your sides. I didn't call in and ask for something else, though. I called in and asked the nurse what I should do about the "patch". We wanted to know if I should take it off, leave it on, stay sick... etc. The first thing she asked was "well has he taken it off yet?" I hadn't at that point in time.. but did after she told me to. It was then that my GF mentioned the fact that we're now scared the Dr. won't want to see me since I'm so young and the oral medications have "highs and lows" like she previously said. She said... NO don't worry, he'll treat you with an LA med like MS Contin, Kadian, or OxyContin and "treat" (yeah right) you as a long term chronic pain patient. That's what made me happy.
I have the patches sitting in my drawer. There's a side of me that wants to throw them down the toilet, but then there's that side of me that wants to keep them for "evidence." If this was to be put on my records as "didn't follow instructions" and they thought I "abused" the meds, I would kind of want the proof that I still had all 9 of the remaining patches left.
I don't know what I should do.
If at the next appointment I have to just completely not even discuss what happened with that PMD, or discuss it and let them know how stupid it was, and show them that I still had all of them, and give them to the office to dispose of after they treated me.
I don't know what I'll do.
Thanks a bunch jdawg and Tina and Kstone Queen... glad to see there are great people out in the world that take the time to really help a person at his lowest.
jdawg, medical abandonment.. sounds like what he did to me! Definitely.
Tina, thanks for the long, thought out response. I can definitely see your sides. I didn't call in and ask for something else, though. I called in and asked the nurse what I should do about the "patch". We wanted to know if I should take it off, leave it on, stay sick... etc. The first thing she asked was "well has he taken it off yet?" I hadn't at that point in time.. but did after she told me to. It was then that my GF mentioned the fact that we're now scared the Dr. won't want to see me since I'm so young and the oral medications have "highs and lows" like she previously said. She said... NO don't worry, he'll treat you with an LA med like MS Contin, Kadian, or OxyContin and "treat" (yeah right) you as a long term chronic pain patient. That's what made me happy.
I have the patches sitting in my drawer. There's a side of me that wants to throw them down the toilet, but then there's that side of me that wants to keep them for "evidence." If this was to be put on my records as "didn't follow instructions" and they thought I "abused" the meds, I would kind of want the proof that I still had all 9 of the remaining patches left.
I don't know what I should do.
If at the next appointment I have to just completely not even discuss what happened with that PMD, or discuss it and let them know how stupid it was, and show them that I still had all of them, and give them to the office to dispose of after they treated me.
I don't know what I'll do.
Thanks a bunch jdawg and Tina and Kstone Queen... glad to see there are great people out in the world that take the time to really help a person at his lowest.
friendly_one
03-13-2006, 11:33 PM
Hi Bulletin....did your Dad give the doc your letter? Is the doc supposed to call you? If you don't hear anything in the next couple of days, I would call the office. Like I said before, you need to talk with the doc, preferably in person. DEFINITELY SAVE THE PATCHES!! You may need them as "evidence" that you were not abusing them or doing anything else with them. Please keep us posted, ok?? Take care :angel:
tina76
03-14-2006, 01:15 AM
Hi there,
Any news at all? I agree with Kstone... Save the patches! Most definitely. The fact that you still have ALL of them except what you used helps to show how ridiculous the whole thing was. There was NOTHING that was not on the up and up about your reasons to wait, for calling, etc... And another thing... the negative reaction you DID have to the patches just goes to show all the more reason why you wanted to WAIT to start using them until AFTER your mid-terms. Can you imagine if you would have started them when they wanted you to? You would have been too sick and miserable to have handeled school on top of it all. If anything you would expect the doc to say "oh good thing you waited to start them so you didn't miss school due to your negative side effects...".
Honestly... I am still just in shock over this whole situation. It is so unbelievable. It really is. But I guess you can use it for future reference... always discuss EVERYTHING you decide to do regarding your treatment/medications with your doctors before doing it. Just because you never know when and what is going to make them freak out and get upset with you. It is so sad that you (we, as I have learned the hard way as well) have to think like that. Unfortunately these PM doctors hold ALL the control regarding our pain relief. It's their way or the highway quite often.
Not fair, not fair at all.... Post as soon as you hear something, anything! Talk to you soon!
Tina :)
Any news at all? I agree with Kstone... Save the patches! Most definitely. The fact that you still have ALL of them except what you used helps to show how ridiculous the whole thing was. There was NOTHING that was not on the up and up about your reasons to wait, for calling, etc... And another thing... the negative reaction you DID have to the patches just goes to show all the more reason why you wanted to WAIT to start using them until AFTER your mid-terms. Can you imagine if you would have started them when they wanted you to? You would have been too sick and miserable to have handeled school on top of it all. If anything you would expect the doc to say "oh good thing you waited to start them so you didn't miss school due to your negative side effects...".
Honestly... I am still just in shock over this whole situation. It is so unbelievable. It really is. But I guess you can use it for future reference... always discuss EVERYTHING you decide to do regarding your treatment/medications with your doctors before doing it. Just because you never know when and what is going to make them freak out and get upset with you. It is so sad that you (we, as I have learned the hard way as well) have to think like that. Unfortunately these PM doctors hold ALL the control regarding our pain relief. It's their way or the highway quite often.
Not fair, not fair at all.... Post as soon as you hear something, anything! Talk to you soon!
Tina :)
bulletinboard25
03-14-2006, 05:59 PM
Thanks Kstone and Tina!
I'm glad you agree that I should keep the patches... I only used one, because 12-17 hours after I put it on was when I started to have the negative reaction.
So I've got 9 out of the 10 just sitting in my closet now, actually.
I'm still a little baffled by the whole thing, too. Because I did get a little delusional when I started to vomit and get nauseas, when I was told that the Dr. wouldn't see me, I wasn't sure if it was real or if I dreamed it.. It just didn't seem possible that he'd actually release me.
On a site note, I got into the ONLY other pain management facility within an hour of my house (all the others are like 5 hours +). I don't know how my dad pulled it off, but he went into the GI office and worked some kind of magic and they agreed to refer me to the next clinic.
I called to schedule an appointment and got in this Friday at 10am. It seems like it's soon, but waiting sucks!
They are sending me the patient packet, and I'll go in for my consultation.
I'm still nervous as how this one will go.
I'm not sure if I should bring up my previous appointment. They ask all different things you've tried for pain; I'm not sure if I should say Duragesic because I'm not sure if he'd ask who prescribed it. That's pretty much the only opioid I've used in awhile... but if I don't mention it, and he prescribes it, that wouldn't be good.
I guess I could list it along with the Vicodin and Percocet I previously tried (which was a year ago at least, and with a Dr. who wasn't comfortable prescribing them long term).
Again, I'm not sure my pain issues will be treated with what helps ME, narcotics.. because the last guy was the first doctor out of 15 that even cared enough to try.
Oh well, the good news is I got in... only "bad" part about it is the waiting! I hate hate hate waiting and wondering if they'll be able to help me.
I'm glad you agree that I should keep the patches... I only used one, because 12-17 hours after I put it on was when I started to have the negative reaction.
So I've got 9 out of the 10 just sitting in my closet now, actually.
I'm still a little baffled by the whole thing, too. Because I did get a little delusional when I started to vomit and get nauseas, when I was told that the Dr. wouldn't see me, I wasn't sure if it was real or if I dreamed it.. It just didn't seem possible that he'd actually release me.
On a site note, I got into the ONLY other pain management facility within an hour of my house (all the others are like 5 hours +). I don't know how my dad pulled it off, but he went into the GI office and worked some kind of magic and they agreed to refer me to the next clinic.
I called to schedule an appointment and got in this Friday at 10am. It seems like it's soon, but waiting sucks!
They are sending me the patient packet, and I'll go in for my consultation.
I'm still nervous as how this one will go.
I'm not sure if I should bring up my previous appointment. They ask all different things you've tried for pain; I'm not sure if I should say Duragesic because I'm not sure if he'd ask who prescribed it. That's pretty much the only opioid I've used in awhile... but if I don't mention it, and he prescribes it, that wouldn't be good.
I guess I could list it along with the Vicodin and Percocet I previously tried (which was a year ago at least, and with a Dr. who wasn't comfortable prescribing them long term).
Again, I'm not sure my pain issues will be treated with what helps ME, narcotics.. because the last guy was the first doctor out of 15 that even cared enough to try.
Oh well, the good news is I got in... only "bad" part about it is the waiting! I hate hate hate waiting and wondering if they'll be able to help me.
bulletinboard25
03-14-2006, 06:26 PM
Okay, so you're not going to believe this... RIGHT AFTER I posted that thread my mom walks in with the phone and says I have a phone call from the nurse at the old PMC.
They got the letter that I wrote and the Dr. completely understood my concerns, and wanted to continue to see me. Next time, he wanted better communication. (obviously I know that now).
They are going to just go with the 12.5mcg patch, and a nurse is bringing it to my house tonight!
How awesome is that?!
WHOA... I'm SO GLAD people on here told me to write a letter.
They got the letter that I wrote and the Dr. completely understood my concerns, and wanted to continue to see me. Next time, he wanted better communication. (obviously I know that now).
They are going to just go with the 12.5mcg patch, and a nurse is bringing it to my house tonight!
How awesome is that?!
WHOA... I'm SO GLAD people on here told me to write a letter.
Pdawg
03-14-2006, 06:33 PM
No way. Im sorry you had to go through all that.
Blasterboy
03-14-2006, 06:35 PM
I'm so glad for you BB25, this is great news, no more tears, although you still might take time to settle into that patch, it's a strong opiate anyways.
Best Wishes with your pain management! Remember your doctor is in control of your pain management, not you; howewever you're his most important partner and his nurse is next in line, lol....
Best Wishes with your pain management! Remember your doctor is in control of your pain management, not you; howewever you're his most important partner and his nurse is next in line, lol....
bulletinboard25
03-14-2006, 07:03 PM
Yeah, it was crazy...
I definitely didn't expect that. The reason why I said I would continue there was because the Dr. I saw was really cool; I knew he probably wasn't hearing exactly what I was saying.
They said to try the 12.5mcg/hr patches and see if I react the same way to them; if I do I can discuss with the Dr. the other LA options.
So yeah, the highs and lows of life. Go from totally helpless, to a nurse driving to your house to bring you the prescription to save you the trip. The clinic is an hour away from my house, so that's just unbelievable... compared to where I was at at the beginning of this thread.
The progression from beginning to end on this thread is completely unbelievable.
Thanks to everyone who had suggestions, and to whoever told me to write a letter and/or call, THANK YOU. I'm SO SO GLAD someone mentioned I should.
*edit* Blaster you responded right when I was... Thanks for the kind words! I laughed when I read the end part, lol.
It's a strong opiate, so I'm hoping the adjustment with the 12.5mcg will be easier for me. If not, he's willing to work with other LA's. Woohoo.
I definitely didn't expect that. The reason why I said I would continue there was because the Dr. I saw was really cool; I knew he probably wasn't hearing exactly what I was saying.
They said to try the 12.5mcg/hr patches and see if I react the same way to them; if I do I can discuss with the Dr. the other LA options.
So yeah, the highs and lows of life. Go from totally helpless, to a nurse driving to your house to bring you the prescription to save you the trip. The clinic is an hour away from my house, so that's just unbelievable... compared to where I was at at the beginning of this thread.
The progression from beginning to end on this thread is completely unbelievable.
Thanks to everyone who had suggestions, and to whoever told me to write a letter and/or call, THANK YOU. I'm SO SO GLAD someone mentioned I should.
*edit* Blaster you responded right when I was... Thanks for the kind words! I laughed when I read the end part, lol.
It's a strong opiate, so I'm hoping the adjustment with the 12.5mcg will be easier for me. If not, he's willing to work with other LA's. Woohoo.
friendly_one
03-14-2006, 07:50 PM
Hi Bulletin...glad to hear everything worked out!! I knew they made a 12.5 mcg patch, that's why I mentioned it. Hopefully, you won't have the nauseous feeling. If you do, ask your doc if they can call in some phenergan for nausea/vomiting. Like I mentioned before, it took me a couple of months to overcome the nausea. Sometimes I still get a bit queasy, but nothing like before. The nauseous feeling is a hell of a lot better than excruciating pain!! Anyway, please, please, please, keep the line of communication open with your doc, ok?? I have a feeling you will. :) Also, I think it's a good idea anytime you need to talk to the office that you are the one doing the talking, and not anybody else. They want to hear from you, the patient, ya know? Just give it time with the patches, as well, ok? Have a good night!
theweaver2
03-14-2006, 09:42 PM
Your story broke my heart. You want so much to be relieved of pain, but with your history of bad reaction's to many things you hesitated to apply the patch because you were trying to LIVE your life... and deal with college.
I suggest you ask around and seek a new doctor and start from scratch. I know it sounds like a lot of trouble. But, you don't have doctors now that believe in you and trying to convince those arrogant doctors otherwise would be a waste of your energy.
Try to find a doctor with some compassion. Maybe a friend has a doctor he can introduce you too?
I wish you the best.
I suggest you ask around and seek a new doctor and start from scratch. I know it sounds like a lot of trouble. But, you don't have doctors now that believe in you and trying to convince those arrogant doctors otherwise would be a waste of your energy.
Try to find a doctor with some compassion. Maybe a friend has a doctor he can introduce you too?
I wish you the best.
friendly_one
03-14-2006, 10:13 PM
Hi Bulletin....I'm going to have to disagree with weaver. Now is NOT the time to start over. It was just a misunderstanding with your doc. It's been settled and now it's time to move forward with your treatment with this doc. You mentioned how difficult it was to find a doc willing to treat you with opiates. Do you really want to start searching again??? You have a doc willing to treat you with opiate therapy, so why start from scratch all over again. I wouldn't. Take care and have a good night. :)
choctaw_n_ok
03-15-2006, 12:16 AM
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theweaver2
03-15-2006, 08:53 PM
Hi Bulletin....I'm going to have to disagree with weaver. Now is NOT the time to start over. It was just a misunderstanding with your doc. It's been settled and now it's time to move forward with your treatment with this doc. You mentioned how difficult it was to find a doc willing to treat you with opiates. Do you really want to start searching again??? You have a doc willing to treat you with opiate therapy, so why start from scratch all over again. I wouldn't. Take care and have a good night. :)
I am sitting here this evening reading this thread which replied to last night. I'm saying "Where is my post? I know I posted one..."
Well to all who read my post, I was shocked to see it was #15.... My husband was yelling for me to "get off the computer", so perhaps didnt get the "whole" story.
Now knowing the fact you cleared up the misunderstanding with your doctor I would have never told you to START OVER.... I probably was responding to your initial posts w/o reading your whole story.
At first the doctor's office sounded indifferent to your situation and I felt that kind of attitude is hard to overcome. After hearing your whole story I am thrilled you got such considerate treatment from your doctor and his staff.
Kudos also for your family being there for you. When your in such pain, its very difficult to be your own advocate.
I hope you find something that helps your pain and I apologize for posting prematurely...
I am sitting here this evening reading this thread which replied to last night. I'm saying "Where is my post? I know I posted one..."
Well to all who read my post, I was shocked to see it was #15.... My husband was yelling for me to "get off the computer", so perhaps didnt get the "whole" story.
Now knowing the fact you cleared up the misunderstanding with your doctor I would have never told you to START OVER.... I probably was responding to your initial posts w/o reading your whole story.
At first the doctor's office sounded indifferent to your situation and I felt that kind of attitude is hard to overcome. After hearing your whole story I am thrilled you got such considerate treatment from your doctor and his staff.
Kudos also for your family being there for you. When your in such pain, its very difficult to be your own advocate.
I hope you find something that helps your pain and I apologize for posting prematurely...
Kissa
03-16-2006, 09:23 AM
What a heartbreaking story. I'm glad it appears things have worked out.
I would talk with the doctor when you do see him and really let him know how badly you were treated by his nurse (he may alread know). If he isn't aware of how she treats his patients it's a good time for him to know. Chances are the entire situation occured not because of what you didn't do but because she may of said something to the doctor that wasn't appropriate making you look bad. Sadly some nurses have a knack of doing this and I too have been on the short end of the stick because a Nurse thought she knew what she was doing.
I would also talk to your GI and just let him know you straightened the situation out with his first referall and thank him for being so kind in trying to help you. It will go a long way trust me. If something by chance does occur with this doctor again (and we're all praying it doesn't, you will need him to refer you again)
I hope the patch is working out for you but in case it doesn't be sure to keep a clear line of communication with the Doctor, not the nurse. Sometimes as patients we need to be assertive and talk to the Doctor himself.
Best of luck to you and keep us updated on how you are progressing
Barbie
I would talk with the doctor when you do see him and really let him know how badly you were treated by his nurse (he may alread know). If he isn't aware of how she treats his patients it's a good time for him to know. Chances are the entire situation occured not because of what you didn't do but because she may of said something to the doctor that wasn't appropriate making you look bad. Sadly some nurses have a knack of doing this and I too have been on the short end of the stick because a Nurse thought she knew what she was doing.
I would also talk to your GI and just let him know you straightened the situation out with his first referall and thank him for being so kind in trying to help you. It will go a long way trust me. If something by chance does occur with this doctor again (and we're all praying it doesn't, you will need him to refer you again)
I hope the patch is working out for you but in case it doesn't be sure to keep a clear line of communication with the Doctor, not the nurse. Sometimes as patients we need to be assertive and talk to the Doctor himself.
Best of luck to you and keep us updated on how you are progressing
Barbie
theweaver2
03-16-2006, 10:49 AM
I hope I am forgiven for posting prematurely... :D
I am just starting MScontin every 12 hours and am afraid of how it will affect my body. I even considered the patch...
I was wondering about the patch... since you had such a bad reaction the doctor prescribed a lower dose. Is that working for you? Have you asked your doctor about cutting the patch in two pieces and using halves?
I would think your metabolic rate affects all these "long acting" drugs.
Please let us know how your new appointments go and whether you find a road to relief...
I am just starting MScontin every 12 hours and am afraid of how it will affect my body. I even considered the patch...
I was wondering about the patch... since you had such a bad reaction the doctor prescribed a lower dose. Is that working for you? Have you asked your doctor about cutting the patch in two pieces and using halves?
I would think your metabolic rate affects all these "long acting" drugs.
Please let us know how your new appointments go and whether you find a road to relief...
feelbad
03-16-2006, 11:16 AM
Sooo glad things worked out for you.ya know,you still having those patches in your possession really really seems rather bizarre as I know for a fact at my clinic.when you even go off of a new med to be switched to a new one,they DEMAND all of the old meds back,and with some people, before they will actually start them on the new one.that alone seems really really odd to me.If this came from the doc i am wondering just why you were never told to turn them all in,I mean geez,thats fentanyl ya know?i wonder if this even ever came from the doc himself and was something that nurse decided to do all on her own ya know/something just doesnt seem right there at all.I cannot imagine any pain clinic upon terminating a pateint,not demanding that very very strong med back.
one HUGE thing I found out while being at my pain clinic is that my doc was not aware of alot of the things that went on between his patients and his NPS who are the ones who you actually see.I don't know if you ever read my post about two months back about how this NP who was not my normal one,just sat there duting my appt and totally lied to my face about the cieling effect on oxycodone in order to try and justify not giving me a very very badly needed raise i just soo definitely needed.this was after I tore the meniscus in an already severely excruciatingly bad knee that already also needed surgery.The worst part was when I told her that I knew differently,she reiterated the lie and looked me right square in the eye and told me i was wrong,that oxy did have a cieling effect.I was just totally shocked that any medical professional who was in charge of my healthcare would do this.she made me feel soo completly and totally powerless and insignificant.it was really sooo unprofessional.I wasn't sure just what to do as my actual doc was not there that day so I just had to take it.I ended up needing some trigger point injections a few weeks later as my c spine decided it was time to also go insane,well,since my actual PM is the one who does them and this guy is really really a very caring guy,i mean when he came into the room, he gives me this great big old hug.
i ended up telling HIM just what this lying witch did to me,and wow was he ever pissed.he told me that he wa sorry that this happened and he would most definitely "straighten this out" and he also gave me the raise with no problem at all. he is just such a truely caring guy,but what I don't understand is how different the NPs are that usually are the ones I see?i think he also must have totally and completely told my normal NP just how all of my actual spinal cord damage and the sns damage is affecting my pain as this last time I saw my normal NP,geez,she was like she couldn't do enough for me.what a difference that was let me tell ya.my pain is getting worse and worse and I am in a holding pattern for surgery.two weeks ago when I saw her,she even told me she wanted to actually raise my then 80mgs (my midday dose) up to 100mgs!for some reason,they are just totally phobic when it comes to BT meds and would rather raise the OC than to actually Rx me more than my usual two oxy IRs per day??wierd.i was just shocked when she said that after the way i have been treated by her and the other witch when I first needed that raise.this was also the first raise in my OC that I had ever asked for in over a year and a half and was denied and lied to by that other NP.go figure.
but the moral of the story is to not take everything you hear from others such as the nurses and the NPs as gold unless you hear it from your OWN docs lips.Your doc IS the one who calls the major shots and the one that all of the underlings have to answer to.I f anything is not right from now on,I am going straight to the top.
I really am soo happy for you BB that you are finally being treated like a human being with pain.You did absolutely nothing wrong to deserve that horrible type of treatment.some nurses really DO need to take a reality check from time to time and remember who they are answering to.hope the new patch is working for you.I still cannot understand just why they would not demand those other patches back.I wonder if that is even leagal actually?strange.Marcia
one HUGE thing I found out while being at my pain clinic is that my doc was not aware of alot of the things that went on between his patients and his NPS who are the ones who you actually see.I don't know if you ever read my post about two months back about how this NP who was not my normal one,just sat there duting my appt and totally lied to my face about the cieling effect on oxycodone in order to try and justify not giving me a very very badly needed raise i just soo definitely needed.this was after I tore the meniscus in an already severely excruciatingly bad knee that already also needed surgery.The worst part was when I told her that I knew differently,she reiterated the lie and looked me right square in the eye and told me i was wrong,that oxy did have a cieling effect.I was just totally shocked that any medical professional who was in charge of my healthcare would do this.she made me feel soo completly and totally powerless and insignificant.it was really sooo unprofessional.I wasn't sure just what to do as my actual doc was not there that day so I just had to take it.I ended up needing some trigger point injections a few weeks later as my c spine decided it was time to also go insane,well,since my actual PM is the one who does them and this guy is really really a very caring guy,i mean when he came into the room, he gives me this great big old hug.
i ended up telling HIM just what this lying witch did to me,and wow was he ever pissed.he told me that he wa sorry that this happened and he would most definitely "straighten this out" and he also gave me the raise with no problem at all. he is just such a truely caring guy,but what I don't understand is how different the NPs are that usually are the ones I see?i think he also must have totally and completely told my normal NP just how all of my actual spinal cord damage and the sns damage is affecting my pain as this last time I saw my normal NP,geez,she was like she couldn't do enough for me.what a difference that was let me tell ya.my pain is getting worse and worse and I am in a holding pattern for surgery.two weeks ago when I saw her,she even told me she wanted to actually raise my then 80mgs (my midday dose) up to 100mgs!for some reason,they are just totally phobic when it comes to BT meds and would rather raise the OC than to actually Rx me more than my usual two oxy IRs per day??wierd.i was just shocked when she said that after the way i have been treated by her and the other witch when I first needed that raise.this was also the first raise in my OC that I had ever asked for in over a year and a half and was denied and lied to by that other NP.go figure.
but the moral of the story is to not take everything you hear from others such as the nurses and the NPs as gold unless you hear it from your OWN docs lips.Your doc IS the one who calls the major shots and the one that all of the underlings have to answer to.I f anything is not right from now on,I am going straight to the top.
I really am soo happy for you BB that you are finally being treated like a human being with pain.You did absolutely nothing wrong to deserve that horrible type of treatment.some nurses really DO need to take a reality check from time to time and remember who they are answering to.hope the new patch is working for you.I still cannot understand just why they would not demand those other patches back.I wonder if that is even leagal actually?strange.Marcia
Fabrashamx
03-16-2006, 01:54 PM
Hi BB! I agree with marcias post :::waving at Marcia :wave: ::: I would stay with this guy for sure. If it ever happens that a doctor or nurse seems to turn on you suddenly like that for no good reason, and you can't get them to even listen, you might want to demand a look at your chart. I had one doctor who called me a histrionic drug seeker in his notes (oddly enough this was AFTER the 'torn muscle' he was treating me for turned out to be a ruptured cervical disc) And a few times I noticed new doctors kind of had an attitude with me until they got to know me and read the other stuff from doctors who had known me longer. I agree fully with the posters who said never take a nurses word for it, insist on getting a closing appointment at the very least and at every opportunity, even if you are forced to see a new doctor, take all your left over narcotics, that goes a long way toward showing them you are not a drug seeker or selling them or any of the other foul things they accuse us of. I'm so sorry you went through this, I cant imagine trying to go through school and deal with all of this and pain as well. I'll pray for you, best of luck, Your friend, Fabby :wave:
bulletinboard25
03-16-2006, 11:06 PM
Hey everyone, didn't realize I'd see more responses to my post.. Wow, i'm glad!
theweaver, you are totally forgiven ( i wasn't ever mad at you, though); i figured you hadn't read the whole thread... sometimes it gets difficult reading every post in a 27 topic thread!
i can't cut the patches in half, just because that would cause too much of the medicine to be released into me at once. they have to stay intact, otherwise I could, well.. OD! Don't want that!
As far as how I'm doing, I think it's too early to tell. I put it on Tuesday night the SECOND I got the prescription, and the I have to replace it Friday. I'm super super super nauseas. If this side-effect doesnt' pass by my appointment next Thursday I'll definitely ask about it. Because you know some people just don't do well with certain medicines. I don't think I could tolerate the nausea as bad as it is, because it's hard to get any of my classwork done.
Marcia, when the nurse was on the phoen with me she said there was the 12mcg/hr patch that I could try. I heard her call the Dr. over to sign the prescription slip; I know he knows I got it; I just don't know if he knows I hadn't given back the other ones.
When the nurse came over I asked her if she wanted my old patches back and showed them to her, but she said that she couldn't take them and that I'd have to bring them to my next appointment to sign over to the Dr.'s office. I don't know what the legality of that is, but I'm sure it wouldn't be good to just hand over the old fentanyl to the nurse (even if she worked at my Dr.'s office).
Your story was classic. Sounds exactly like what's happened to me. I really need to talk to the Dr, because this Dr. is seriously super cool. I know that it was because I had such rude nurses.
I mean when you call the first day you gert a prescription concerned saying it says for use in opiate tolerant patients only and the nurse says in a sarcastic/mean tone "Fine don't take it," as if she's throwing a hissy fit, you know you're not dealing with the most compassionate nurse in the world.
I should have just said, well... Dr. the nurse told me "fine don't take it" when I asked a simple question so I definitely didn't think you'd release me for that.
I mean, I was just following the nurses instructions!
Fabby, thanks a bunch for your post, too. I"m going to work and try to get to talk to the Dr. directly.
theweaver, you are totally forgiven ( i wasn't ever mad at you, though); i figured you hadn't read the whole thread... sometimes it gets difficult reading every post in a 27 topic thread!
i can't cut the patches in half, just because that would cause too much of the medicine to be released into me at once. they have to stay intact, otherwise I could, well.. OD! Don't want that!
As far as how I'm doing, I think it's too early to tell. I put it on Tuesday night the SECOND I got the prescription, and the I have to replace it Friday. I'm super super super nauseas. If this side-effect doesnt' pass by my appointment next Thursday I'll definitely ask about it. Because you know some people just don't do well with certain medicines. I don't think I could tolerate the nausea as bad as it is, because it's hard to get any of my classwork done.
Marcia, when the nurse was on the phoen with me she said there was the 12mcg/hr patch that I could try. I heard her call the Dr. over to sign the prescription slip; I know he knows I got it; I just don't know if he knows I hadn't given back the other ones.
When the nurse came over I asked her if she wanted my old patches back and showed them to her, but she said that she couldn't take them and that I'd have to bring them to my next appointment to sign over to the Dr.'s office. I don't know what the legality of that is, but I'm sure it wouldn't be good to just hand over the old fentanyl to the nurse (even if she worked at my Dr.'s office).
Your story was classic. Sounds exactly like what's happened to me. I really need to talk to the Dr, because this Dr. is seriously super cool. I know that it was because I had such rude nurses.
I mean when you call the first day you gert a prescription concerned saying it says for use in opiate tolerant patients only and the nurse says in a sarcastic/mean tone "Fine don't take it," as if she's throwing a hissy fit, you know you're not dealing with the most compassionate nurse in the world.
I should have just said, well... Dr. the nurse told me "fine don't take it" when I asked a simple question so I definitely didn't think you'd release me for that.
I mean, I was just following the nurses instructions!
Fabby, thanks a bunch for your post, too. I"m going to work and try to get to talk to the Dr. directly.
jules1
03-16-2006, 11:44 PM
BB - see if you can't get a prescription for some phenegren (sp?) as it will help with the nausea. Or you could just try some benadryl, because that helps with nausea too! It might make you tired, but it will help while your body adjusts to the meds.
theweaver2
03-17-2006, 09:02 AM
BB (seems to be your nickname now lol),
I'm so happy you have things worked out with your doctor's office. A special bonus to that "incident" is that they will now probably bend over backwards to take care of you.
As for cutting the patch in half, I didn't even think of that effect. I just yesterday got script for MScontin and was told NOT to cut the pills and now I remember reading somewhere that ishow oxycontin got such a bad rep because users can crush the pill and get a high. Hell, the only high I want is low pain.... lol
I agree on the phenergan? Be sure they are in suppository form as when your so nauseated it won't absorb very well. I have always thought it strange to use a pill for nausea and vomiting when you are sick to your stomack. Anyhow, phenergan works wonders for me.
Doctor's nurses can be BIATCHES... best to make gooood friends of them. I even told my pain specialists nurses when I got to feeling better I would bake cookies for them as I love to bake but havent been able to because of so much pain and restriction in my shoulder.
Keep us posted. I have only belonged to this forum for about a week and the people have helped me understand narcotics a lot so far. This kind of suppot is what we need when in pain.
take care
I'm so happy you have things worked out with your doctor's office. A special bonus to that "incident" is that they will now probably bend over backwards to take care of you.
As for cutting the patch in half, I didn't even think of that effect. I just yesterday got script for MScontin and was told NOT to cut the pills and now I remember reading somewhere that ishow oxycontin got such a bad rep because users can crush the pill and get a high. Hell, the only high I want is low pain.... lol
I agree on the phenergan? Be sure they are in suppository form as when your so nauseated it won't absorb very well. I have always thought it strange to use a pill for nausea and vomiting when you are sick to your stomack. Anyhow, phenergan works wonders for me.
Doctor's nurses can be BIATCHES... best to make gooood friends of them. I even told my pain specialists nurses when I got to feeling better I would bake cookies for them as I love to bake but havent been able to because of so much pain and restriction in my shoulder.
Keep us posted. I have only belonged to this forum for about a week and the people have helped me understand narcotics a lot so far. This kind of suppot is what we need when in pain.
take care