Sage48
03-05-2008, 02:27 PM
Wow, I had a visit with my "newish" PM Dr. (have seen him for proceedure - SI injection..previously) This is my first visit with Pm Dr. regarding medications. I have been on oxycodone 10/325 4 tablets a day..(somedays I only take 3)...Ok...he starts off telling me that he will not prescribe anything stronger...and that he wants me on 3 tablets a day (to which I replied, I don't know about that...I take 3 some days...but the pain requires 4 on more days.)..He says that he will not fill more that 100 tablets for 30 days..and if I run out...so be it. He says if the medicaton stops working..well, we will do a drug holiday (I asked what that was...and he said we would stop meds. for 2 or 3 weeks....I told him...that may not be possible, not because I can't stop the meds. but because of the return and amount of pain..it may not be very livable..) Well, he is very unmoving on all of this...basically take it or leave it. So for now, I grabbed my script and ran...yikes... I felt very threatened by this interview. I have been in pain mgmt. for over 4 years...and never had an experience like this...this scared me. The thought of just having my medication stopped...for a "vacation"...well I don't think would be good...I'd probably be crying and rolling on the gound by day 2 or 3.... Would not a change in meds. be more appropriate???? The other seems rather barbearic.. I have been on the same dose of meds. for almost 2 years...and I told him this..and I really haven't asked for any extra meds...EVER.. He has my records...so why am I being treated this way. I am not 20 years old...closer to 60...and I found this entire episode very insulting.....besides scary.
Anyone else been treated this way?? If my neurosurgeon doesn't find a solution for the pain in the near future..well, we will have to have a discussion as to a new PM Dr. I don't care how well trained & recogonized this one is...this is not a nice way to treat a patient.
Leslie
Anyone else been treated this way?? If my neurosurgeon doesn't find a solution for the pain in the near future..well, we will have to have a discussion as to a new PM Dr. I don't care how well trained & recogonized this one is...this is not a nice way to treat a patient.
Leslie
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ozzybug
03-05-2008, 03:07 PM
Sage-
Hey there. Wow, I know this had to be shocking for you- especially since you've been taking these meds for a couple years now. To go in and be treated by the doctor like you are some kind of criminal? Ouch!
Were you seeing a different PM prior to this one, or being treated by your neuro? If you had been seeing a different PM, why the change? If not, and your neuro has been treating you and referred you to this PM, I'd recommend getting a referral to another, more compassionate PM doctor who won't treat you like a criminal.
I understand the need for rules & guidelines by doctors, but instead of treating everyone as a "one size fits all" kind of thing, they really should take some time to read your file & background/history and the treatments that have been and are currently successful.
I would have been put off by his actions too!
Hey there. Wow, I know this had to be shocking for you- especially since you've been taking these meds for a couple years now. To go in and be treated by the doctor like you are some kind of criminal? Ouch!
Were you seeing a different PM prior to this one, or being treated by your neuro? If you had been seeing a different PM, why the change? If not, and your neuro has been treating you and referred you to this PM, I'd recommend getting a referral to another, more compassionate PM doctor who won't treat you like a criminal.
I understand the need for rules & guidelines by doctors, but instead of treating everyone as a "one size fits all" kind of thing, they really should take some time to read your file & background/history and the treatments that have been and are currently successful.
I would have been put off by his actions too!
123dietdrpepper
03-05-2008, 03:20 PM
Sage - This is terrible. I am amazed at how pm doctors treat their patients. The more I read the more frightened I get of our futures as chronic pain patients. I agree take your medicine and run.
In the mean time I would try to take your pian meds as directed and if you find that you are needing more days of 4 pills I would call and let him know. Hopefully he is just being hard nosed up front to set up a firm set of rules/boundaries. I know my current doctor was hard nosed in the beginning but each time I ask to increase my meds temporarily because of a flare, he agrees and tells me to take the least amount possible.
I would also explore other pm options. In my case because I am on an HMO, I don't have the flexibility to see others so I am stuck with what I have.
In the mean time I would try to take your pian meds as directed and if you find that you are needing more days of 4 pills I would call and let him know. Hopefully he is just being hard nosed up front to set up a firm set of rules/boundaries. I know my current doctor was hard nosed in the beginning but each time I ask to increase my meds temporarily because of a flare, he agrees and tells me to take the least amount possible.
I would also explore other pm options. In my case because I am on an HMO, I don't have the flexibility to see others so I am stuck with what I have.
Sage48
03-05-2008, 03:34 PM
Thanks Ozzy & Diet...
Well, I was in PM management with one PM Dr. for over 4 years...he reached the end of this limits - knowledge (whatever) He was tired of seeing me...and discouraged that I wasn't getting better (how does he think I feel..??) Well, after about 1 1/2 years of hearing him say...why not see what someone else can do...I went to this new PM Dr...at the request of my neurosurgeon...This PM Dr. is the SI joint injecton - and supposedly confirmed the SI joint problem. I was on the same med. for almost 2 years....I do not abuse my meds.....I do not take more than 4 tablets a day....NO MATTER WHAT kind of pain I am having. Some days are pretty bad too...but I would not take a 5th tablet. Now with this new PM...wow....taking the 4 tablets may be a problem for him...ouch.
Diet...I was so diappointed in this Dr. I do not deserve to be treated this way...but until I get it figured out...with the neurosurgeon....I will stay with this guy..for a couple of months anyway. I do not like his attitude. I am not a criminal... I do not get any enjoyment from taking pain medications (wish I did)...it just helps me function and have a life, up to a point. I over did it yesterday...and am paying the price today....I was up half the night & my meds are not all that helpful today...guess I have to stay out of the gardens..I do love to work in them...but they are really not liking me.. BUT, I would not dream of taking an extra tablet...this increase in pain is my own fault...so I will be suffering for a few days...then hopefully back to the normal pain. But to be told he could take me off of my medications for a "holiday"...ha...don't think so...I'd be in the hospital very quickly...my daughter saw what I was like when I tried to wean down last fall...it wasn't the not taking meds., it was the pain caused by my not taking the meds. that had me nuts. She said I can't do that again. She is a paramedic and knows what pain looks like..she also teaches the courses at the college, so she is pretty smart..if I do say so myself!! Best part is she loves her Mama!!!
Off tract there....I was just so shocked...I did not appreciate the scare part...it is causing me anxiety...and we know that is not good.
Thanks for replying.
Hope you both have a good day...
Leslie
Well, I was in PM management with one PM Dr. for over 4 years...he reached the end of this limits - knowledge (whatever) He was tired of seeing me...and discouraged that I wasn't getting better (how does he think I feel..??) Well, after about 1 1/2 years of hearing him say...why not see what someone else can do...I went to this new PM Dr...at the request of my neurosurgeon...This PM Dr. is the SI joint injecton - and supposedly confirmed the SI joint problem. I was on the same med. for almost 2 years....I do not abuse my meds.....I do not take more than 4 tablets a day....NO MATTER WHAT kind of pain I am having. Some days are pretty bad too...but I would not take a 5th tablet. Now with this new PM...wow....taking the 4 tablets may be a problem for him...ouch.
Diet...I was so diappointed in this Dr. I do not deserve to be treated this way...but until I get it figured out...with the neurosurgeon....I will stay with this guy..for a couple of months anyway. I do not like his attitude. I am not a criminal... I do not get any enjoyment from taking pain medications (wish I did)...it just helps me function and have a life, up to a point. I over did it yesterday...and am paying the price today....I was up half the night & my meds are not all that helpful today...guess I have to stay out of the gardens..I do love to work in them...but they are really not liking me.. BUT, I would not dream of taking an extra tablet...this increase in pain is my own fault...so I will be suffering for a few days...then hopefully back to the normal pain. But to be told he could take me off of my medications for a "holiday"...ha...don't think so...I'd be in the hospital very quickly...my daughter saw what I was like when I tried to wean down last fall...it wasn't the not taking meds., it was the pain caused by my not taking the meds. that had me nuts. She said I can't do that again. She is a paramedic and knows what pain looks like..she also teaches the courses at the college, so she is pretty smart..if I do say so myself!! Best part is she loves her Mama!!!
Off tract there....I was just so shocked...I did not appreciate the scare part...it is causing me anxiety...and we know that is not good.
Thanks for replying.
Hope you both have a good day...
Leslie
ihavtwins
03-05-2008, 04:13 PM
sorry post went in the wrong place- don't know why
Baybreeze
03-05-2008, 04:19 PM
Hi Sage, I saw your post on the other board so I had to come here to find out what happened. It really is a shame the way people with real chronic pain get treated. It seems this happens alot, at least what ive read on boards. I've never been on pain meds for long spurts & the one who usually gave them to me without asking was my rheumy. My first PM who did my first injections before I had surgery, he never suggested any meds and didnt even want to do any follow up with me after my 3rd injection. That was it..i called their office several times, no one ever called back. I never did ask for pain meds, though. I get get some small qty pain meds from the walk in places twice, but they always said I should be seeing a PM and even referrred me to the same one.
Then this Novemeber when I was sick of getting soem pains back again, I first called my surgeon's PM, couldnt get in for 2 months. Then I broke down & called the first PM but he was booked up for a while. But they had a new doc, so I got a quick appt with him. When I went to the office, there were signs all over the place, very direct and almost condescending regarding medications and in big capital letters " YOU WILL BE DRUG TESTED", blah blah. The new PM at least did a follow up appt with me, butkept asking if ibuprofen was okay. I said no, it doesnt work. Not much really works anyway. But he gave me Soma for spasms, which isnt working that much either lOL.
And I think with all these people, especially celebrities dying of prescription med overdoses, etc..it's really been in the spotlight alot lately. And everyone seems to want to jail the doctors. But for some of these people, and even others who fake things just to get meds, some of them don't even need the drugs. And the doctors are really being under scrutiny anymore, that I think many are afraid of prescribing them. And I bet many think alot of people are faking or exaggerating their pain. And it's not fair to people who really do need them. I mean no doctor or anyone else in this world can tell any individual how much pain they have or should be having. ANd especially if they dont find enough evidence (such as on an MRI) of something that could cause great pain, they think people are just looking for meds to get high or something. I don't know...do burn victims get denied pain meds? How about people with broken limbs and things of that nature? Just b/c it's back related, it doesnt mean pain cant be that great. Ahh now Im ramblig as usual, sorry. But it really irks me. I wonder what they would do if suddenly they developed such pain that didnt go away and started sucking life and happiness out of them?????
Then this Novemeber when I was sick of getting soem pains back again, I first called my surgeon's PM, couldnt get in for 2 months. Then I broke down & called the first PM but he was booked up for a while. But they had a new doc, so I got a quick appt with him. When I went to the office, there were signs all over the place, very direct and almost condescending regarding medications and in big capital letters " YOU WILL BE DRUG TESTED", blah blah. The new PM at least did a follow up appt with me, butkept asking if ibuprofen was okay. I said no, it doesnt work. Not much really works anyway. But he gave me Soma for spasms, which isnt working that much either lOL.
And I think with all these people, especially celebrities dying of prescription med overdoses, etc..it's really been in the spotlight alot lately. And everyone seems to want to jail the doctors. But for some of these people, and even others who fake things just to get meds, some of them don't even need the drugs. And the doctors are really being under scrutiny anymore, that I think many are afraid of prescribing them. And I bet many think alot of people are faking or exaggerating their pain. And it's not fair to people who really do need them. I mean no doctor or anyone else in this world can tell any individual how much pain they have or should be having. ANd especially if they dont find enough evidence (such as on an MRI) of something that could cause great pain, they think people are just looking for meds to get high or something. I don't know...do burn victims get denied pain meds? How about people with broken limbs and things of that nature? Just b/c it's back related, it doesnt mean pain cant be that great. Ahh now Im ramblig as usual, sorry. But it really irks me. I wonder what they would do if suddenly they developed such pain that didnt go away and started sucking life and happiness out of them?????
cmpgirl
03-05-2008, 04:48 PM
Hi Sage: Wow, there has been a nightmarish amount of posts similar to yours since I've been a member here. There a several threads here on the PM boards that will show that.
My biggest concern is that a lot of these docs aren't even trying to be helpful, in any way at all. Have they even given you other options for pain management? Is your condition, operable or cureable? I know mine isn't, and I really don't know what I would do if my doc just left me hanging in the breeze, so to speak.
I've rambled on a lot about this in other threads, but I just wanted to give you a little support here. I am truly blessed to have a kind, caring, compassionate PM and my heart just breaks for everyone who goes through this ordeal. I wish I could offer you a different suggestion, but I absolutely agree with previous posters. As pain patients, where are our rights. What ever happened to the Patient Bill of Rights that we all see hanging in our doctor's offices?
Sorry for the rant, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please keep us posted and I hope you can find a decent PM soon....cmpgirl
My biggest concern is that a lot of these docs aren't even trying to be helpful, in any way at all. Have they even given you other options for pain management? Is your condition, operable or cureable? I know mine isn't, and I really don't know what I would do if my doc just left me hanging in the breeze, so to speak.
I've rambled on a lot about this in other threads, but I just wanted to give you a little support here. I am truly blessed to have a kind, caring, compassionate PM and my heart just breaks for everyone who goes through this ordeal. I wish I could offer you a different suggestion, but I absolutely agree with previous posters. As pain patients, where are our rights. What ever happened to the Patient Bill of Rights that we all see hanging in our doctor's offices?
Sorry for the rant, but please know my thoughts and prayers are with you. Please keep us posted and I hope you can find a decent PM soon....cmpgirl
Sage48
03-05-2008, 05:33 PM
Gosh Guys...I really appreciate your support here. I was just stunned, really stunned, today regarding the PM Dr. and his actions. I have never done anything to deserve this kind of "lecture". He also mentioned that he does not prescribe any long acting medications(drugs)... I have never been on any long acting medications...so I don't have to worry about that, thank goodness!! If ones body is requiring more and more of one type of medicaton, well, would it not seem logical to try another medication on that person...rather than just cutting him/her off??? I can understand some people trying to get meds...just for the fun of it, obviously, they are not in the kind of pain some of us are experiencing. Unfortunately, I have never had that kind of reaction to medication...it just relieves my pain...or as much relief as it can offer....and I accept that. (wonder what those people get....how the meds make them feel...other than pain relief??????) I will be speaking with my neurosurgeon after my standup MRI...I may have to mention to him this new developement about this PM Dr. My neuro. is new in this area...but he is so nice...I actually found him another Dr. to treat SI joint problems...he was so happy and impressed!! (I got the Drs. name from another one of our board members...thanks Lisa!!) So we have a pretty good relationship...and I believe he will believe me, when I tell him why I may be in the market for a new PM Dr.... After all, who needs this kind of stress. To threaten to cut me off of my meds????? For no good reason...and to tell me I only need 3 pills a day...when I have been taking 3 or 4 pills a day...I do undertand the body can build up a tolorance...but I do not believe I have done that yet... I have cut down on occasion...and the pain is not fun.. Oh well, not going to ask for more problems than I have already.
I also wonder about rights...guess I don't get any in that office...just a dictatorship!! His way..or no way...oops...can't be negative here!! Thanks again..I really, really appreciate your input...it reaffirms that I am not basically nuts..paranoid etc. Thank you thank you...etc.. Hope you all have a good night...
Leslie
I also wonder about rights...guess I don't get any in that office...just a dictatorship!! His way..or no way...oops...can't be negative here!! Thanks again..I really, really appreciate your input...it reaffirms that I am not basically nuts..paranoid etc. Thank you thank you...etc.. Hope you all have a good night...
Leslie
123dietdrpepper
03-05-2008, 05:34 PM
Sage, I want you to know that I do not approve of the way that you were treated in anyway. I don't think I stated it correctly so I will try again. Sometimes doctors are very firm on the outside and come across gruff and firm but they are not - for example: when I first saw my doctor, he said Mrs. DietDrPepper you are on to much medication, I was taking 5 percocts 5-325 mg. a day for pain and he cut my meds. I told him that I would try to cut down but I was not sure that I could manage on 3 5-325 mg. of percocet. I called him 3 days later and told him that his exam caused a flare and that I was in severe pain and 3 pills are not cutting it. He raised me back up to the 5. Then on my next visit he said lets try 10-325 mg instead. Then I had surgery and he upped the surgeon oxycontin dosage. He has been nothing but compassionate the entire time. Last month, he said the Mrs. Diet Dr. Pepper thing and reduced my meds. Here I am having issues and he raises it right back up. He has never let me sit in pain.
brianpain33
03-05-2008, 06:00 PM
sage:
Trust me I know exactly how you feel. I saw one PM doc that had me "endure" the nice wait of minimum 3 hours and the longest being 4 hours 15 minutes total being in the office. He also would not prescribe anything stronger than tramadol (Ultram) and I was taking 400mg/day of that along with 3200mg/acetaminophen. He also was big on doing injection which I went through 2 which did absolutely nothing and actually set off my sciataca which I rarely have problems with. Of course he said there was no way this could happen becuase he wasn't near the sciatic nerve. Ok, whatever I just like feeling burning stinging pain run down my hip and leg to my knee. I fired that guy. Oh yeah because I am a recovering addict he treated me like I was a criminal. I wasn't responsible enough to handly anything stronger than tramadol. I found another, more caring, more humane, and understanding doctor that took a look at all my medical records and put me on the fentanyl patch. I was thinking wow this is amazing and I am truly careful concerning it with all of my meds locked in a safe bolted to the floor. I would definitely look around for another doc and maybe post a thread asking if anyone knows of a PM doc in your area or check this out to find one hyperlink.to/wr.
Brian
Trust me I know exactly how you feel. I saw one PM doc that had me "endure" the nice wait of minimum 3 hours and the longest being 4 hours 15 minutes total being in the office. He also would not prescribe anything stronger than tramadol (Ultram) and I was taking 400mg/day of that along with 3200mg/acetaminophen. He also was big on doing injection which I went through 2 which did absolutely nothing and actually set off my sciataca which I rarely have problems with. Of course he said there was no way this could happen becuase he wasn't near the sciatic nerve. Ok, whatever I just like feeling burning stinging pain run down my hip and leg to my knee. I fired that guy. Oh yeah because I am a recovering addict he treated me like I was a criminal. I wasn't responsible enough to handly anything stronger than tramadol. I found another, more caring, more humane, and understanding doctor that took a look at all my medical records and put me on the fentanyl patch. I was thinking wow this is amazing and I am truly careful concerning it with all of my meds locked in a safe bolted to the floor. I would definitely look around for another doc and maybe post a thread asking if anyone knows of a PM doc in your area or check this out to find one hyperlink.to/wr.
Brian
Sage48
03-05-2008, 07:44 PM
Thanks Diet & Paul...
Diet, I really did understand what you ment. I just could not believe that I had been "lectured"...and warned. Could not believe it. I understand they have to be careful....but really, after over 4 years of PMgmt....I do get the big picture...their license is at stake...but I on the other hand have my life at stake...and how I live it. I made the choice to take the pain meds....so that I could have a "life" rather than laying in the chair or bed and having pain. I do understand the consequenses of my actions...I choose to live to the best of my ability with the assistance of medications. I do not abuse them. Never have... I hope that I was not being just too sensitive...naaaa....nope....I just felt truly insulted. Still do to a degree. Right now, I am giving this "man" a chance - until my next appt. - if he carries on in the same fashion, well, we will just have to have a parting of the ways as soon as I can find another PM Dr. Diet, I know that you have been through some really bad stuff...and I know you understand what I am saying...I appreciate you caring so much...in wanting to make sure that I get the best care from my Dr. Thank you...for all of your advice and concern.... Please feel well tonight....
Brian...I am sorry that your situation caused you to have to endure such pain..thank goodness you found another Dr. to help you. I do hope that your future will be much easier and treated with more concern and respect.
Leslie
Diet, I really did understand what you ment. I just could not believe that I had been "lectured"...and warned. Could not believe it. I understand they have to be careful....but really, after over 4 years of PMgmt....I do get the big picture...their license is at stake...but I on the other hand have my life at stake...and how I live it. I made the choice to take the pain meds....so that I could have a "life" rather than laying in the chair or bed and having pain. I do understand the consequenses of my actions...I choose to live to the best of my ability with the assistance of medications. I do not abuse them. Never have... I hope that I was not being just too sensitive...naaaa....nope....I just felt truly insulted. Still do to a degree. Right now, I am giving this "man" a chance - until my next appt. - if he carries on in the same fashion, well, we will just have to have a parting of the ways as soon as I can find another PM Dr. Diet, I know that you have been through some really bad stuff...and I know you understand what I am saying...I appreciate you caring so much...in wanting to make sure that I get the best care from my Dr. Thank you...for all of your advice and concern.... Please feel well tonight....
Brian...I am sorry that your situation caused you to have to endure such pain..thank goodness you found another Dr. to help you. I do hope that your future will be much easier and treated with more concern and respect.
Leslie
Executor
03-05-2008, 08:59 PM
I agree with one of the other posters that a LA med is probably very appropriate. In PM, almost all patients start out with Tyl 3, Lortabs, Lorcet, or Vicoden. Then, they move to percs, or something similar. At some point, if the pain is shown to be long term, or life long, then a move to a LA med is appropriate. First, you want to avoid the needless anc constant exposure to Tylenol, and secondly, after a while on pills, the "ups and downs" kick in....You feel ok when you take the pill, then a couple of hours later, you feel bad again. The longer you've been taking the meds, the shorting acting they become....What once lasted 4-6 hours, now becomes a 2-3 max, maybe even shorter in some people.
Thus, this is where LA meds come in.....Not only do they level you out, but eliminates the need for regular pill usage. If the pain is bad enough, or gets worse, then something for BT can be provided.
As far as your Doc goes, I think he is completely out of line. Good Docs don't lecture someone right off the bat. I'd go back to your specialist and start looking for a new PM Doc.....Even if you have to travel a bit, it's worth it. The DEA issued new rules of post dating, and many good PM Docs now give patients 2-3 months of scripts which cuts down on the visits....Very appropriate for those who are in the maintenance mode.
Hope this helps.
Ex
Thus, this is where LA meds come in.....Not only do they level you out, but eliminates the need for regular pill usage. If the pain is bad enough, or gets worse, then something for BT can be provided.
As far as your Doc goes, I think he is completely out of line. Good Docs don't lecture someone right off the bat. I'd go back to your specialist and start looking for a new PM Doc.....Even if you have to travel a bit, it's worth it. The DEA issued new rules of post dating, and many good PM Docs now give patients 2-3 months of scripts which cuts down on the visits....Very appropriate for those who are in the maintenance mode.
Hope this helps.
Ex
Fabrashamx
03-06-2008, 02:45 AM
Sage.
I am so sorry you had to go through that, I recently went through something similar myself, so I really do understand how having your doctor speak to you like that just undermines all your confidence and makes you feel horrible.
The funny thing is the people who are lying to get meds, prolly have much smoother stories and answers, sometimes the truth is messy, so we end up getting yelled at more than the person with 14 doctors. :mad:
I hope you can try a long acting med soon, they really do work much better.
Hang in there, Your friend, Fabby :)
I am so sorry you had to go through that, I recently went through something similar myself, so I really do understand how having your doctor speak to you like that just undermines all your confidence and makes you feel horrible.
The funny thing is the people who are lying to get meds, prolly have much smoother stories and answers, sometimes the truth is messy, so we end up getting yelled at more than the person with 14 doctors. :mad:
I hope you can try a long acting med soon, they really do work much better.
Hang in there, Your friend, Fabby :)
sammyo1
03-06-2008, 08:54 AM
Oh my gosh, that is down right terrable. To even suggest that this doc. would let you go for any length of time with no meds for pain is unacceptable. I would definantly talk to your nuero, if he recommended this pm. I was treated like that when I was only on vicodin & not only did that doc make me feel like a drug seeker but left me in some nasty pain. I could not imagine going without anything for pain & what happen to that oath doctors take "do no harm". I am still considered to be recovering from surgery & am praying my pain goes down as I heal but this is what scares me about PM docs & that is where I will end up if this surgery is not a success. Good luck Leslie, no one should be made to feel that way & to have your meds threatened to be taken away, I would run from the room to. After all another doc. put you on those meds to begin with, so surely he knew you were in some major pain, why the heck else would you be in pain management.
Let us know what you decide to do. Sammy
Let us know what you decide to do. Sammy
Sage48
03-06-2008, 11:26 AM
oh my gosh....exectuor..., Fabby...& Sammy... Wow...what a support group you are... You do get the picture I was trying to relate. Thank you. I am just so afraid at this moment..yup, I do have another month's worth of meds..wow...but I will have to go back there the beginning of April...and that is what is frightening me.
I am on oxycodone 10/325...that is it for pain medication. Have been on it for almost 2 yrs...so it's not like I have been pestering for different medications.. It works ok..most of the time..but sometimes...we do have our flare ups...like right now..cause I was dumb and worked in my gardens..yikes am I hurting! BUT, I am not asking for more or stronger meds...I live with it. The new PM Dr. said last visit he would not ever increase the dose that I am currently on...and this visit he said basically if it isn't working...we'd do the drug holiday...YIKES....nope...can't do that..talk about pain...oh no...that would be awful. And that is what keeps running through my mind...the pain I would have if I had no meds....tylenol doesn't work - not for this...have already tried that! Aleve does help my bum knee..but not the back... and my innards do not like antiinflammitories....
The PM stated he does NOT do the long acting medications. So that is that. I have nothing but my one med. I take that anywhere from 5 to 6 hrs..apart..if I have "breakthrough" pain...oh well...never had anything for it before. I kind of was negative when he suggested taking only 3 tablets a day.. That was when I told him..I have taken 3 on good days...but basically need 4.. Cutting down isn't much of an option...on bad days. Would be happy to throw the entire bottle of pills out...if I didn't have pain...who would want them...not me.
EX...thanks for the news about the DEA saying we could get our meds. for 2 or 3 months...my old PM gave me 3 months script..not this one ..... be there every 4 weeks or else.
Fabby..No long acting meds. in my future...
Sammy....I do hope that you feel better soon...and that you won't need pain managemetn...
Thank you all for your advice and caring...
Leslie
I am on oxycodone 10/325...that is it for pain medication. Have been on it for almost 2 yrs...so it's not like I have been pestering for different medications.. It works ok..most of the time..but sometimes...we do have our flare ups...like right now..cause I was dumb and worked in my gardens..yikes am I hurting! BUT, I am not asking for more or stronger meds...I live with it. The new PM Dr. said last visit he would not ever increase the dose that I am currently on...and this visit he said basically if it isn't working...we'd do the drug holiday...YIKES....nope...can't do that..talk about pain...oh no...that would be awful. And that is what keeps running through my mind...the pain I would have if I had no meds....tylenol doesn't work - not for this...have already tried that! Aleve does help my bum knee..but not the back... and my innards do not like antiinflammitories....
The PM stated he does NOT do the long acting medications. So that is that. I have nothing but my one med. I take that anywhere from 5 to 6 hrs..apart..if I have "breakthrough" pain...oh well...never had anything for it before. I kind of was negative when he suggested taking only 3 tablets a day.. That was when I told him..I have taken 3 on good days...but basically need 4.. Cutting down isn't much of an option...on bad days. Would be happy to throw the entire bottle of pills out...if I didn't have pain...who would want them...not me.
EX...thanks for the news about the DEA saying we could get our meds. for 2 or 3 months...my old PM gave me 3 months script..not this one ..... be there every 4 weeks or else.
Fabby..No long acting meds. in my future...
Sammy....I do hope that you feel better soon...and that you won't need pain managemetn...
Thank you all for your advice and caring...
Leslie
Frosty6
03-06-2008, 12:36 PM
Leslie,
Oh my gosh! I cannot believe this man? I am so angry for you I am seething! GRRRRRRR I don't know how I would have handled that. You definitely need to me on LA meds. My PM Doc (salahi) told me he didn't like the fact that I took meds all day long and my previous pm doc was not consistent in the strength he prescribed from month to month either. You have been on them quite a while now so you really need something different for your pain. I can't believe him, here your neuro is talking surgery and this jerk wants you to take a break from the pain meds. It doesn't take a degree to know that isn't right. My doc switching my meds to an LA really changed my pain. I was so scared at first because I thought it was something far more than it is. He tried a 24 hour single dose and it worked only for about 8 hours. Then he switched to two 12 hour tablets and I was totally pain free for a few weeks without having the foggy or excited feeling from the percocets or hyrocodone you sometimes get (I would get hyper). It has been amazing not to pop pills all day too. I have breakthrough pain sometimes but very rarely. I have other pains it doesn't touch but I have other meds for them. The one I am on is a stronger class, but combined, I am on a lower dose than with the percs as well. So sometimes, different is better. My dear friend, I sure hope you get the solutions you need. Perhaps your Neuro will take over until after the surgery? Or, he could call the pm and give him a what for? ha ha I still can't believe the nerve of him.
You did the right thing coming to the board! So many responses. See how you are loved?
I read the last post on your other thread. Man, that was alot of great information Kmac (is that right) provided on the SI surgery and recovery. I'm not far away so I can help you if you need additional help too. ;)
Love,
Lisa
Oh my gosh! I cannot believe this man? I am so angry for you I am seething! GRRRRRRR I don't know how I would have handled that. You definitely need to me on LA meds. My PM Doc (salahi) told me he didn't like the fact that I took meds all day long and my previous pm doc was not consistent in the strength he prescribed from month to month either. You have been on them quite a while now so you really need something different for your pain. I can't believe him, here your neuro is talking surgery and this jerk wants you to take a break from the pain meds. It doesn't take a degree to know that isn't right. My doc switching my meds to an LA really changed my pain. I was so scared at first because I thought it was something far more than it is. He tried a 24 hour single dose and it worked only for about 8 hours. Then he switched to two 12 hour tablets and I was totally pain free for a few weeks without having the foggy or excited feeling from the percocets or hyrocodone you sometimes get (I would get hyper). It has been amazing not to pop pills all day too. I have breakthrough pain sometimes but very rarely. I have other pains it doesn't touch but I have other meds for them. The one I am on is a stronger class, but combined, I am on a lower dose than with the percs as well. So sometimes, different is better. My dear friend, I sure hope you get the solutions you need. Perhaps your Neuro will take over until after the surgery? Or, he could call the pm and give him a what for? ha ha I still can't believe the nerve of him.
You did the right thing coming to the board! So many responses. See how you are loved?
I read the last post on your other thread. Man, that was alot of great information Kmac (is that right) provided on the SI surgery and recovery. I'm not far away so I can help you if you need additional help too. ;)
Love,
Lisa
Sage48
03-06-2008, 02:03 PM
Awww Lisa....ya know, it takes a lot to make me cry...and I don't do that ....well...guess what...my makeup is going to be ruined!! I have to go pick up my youngest grandbaby..10 1/2 years old..or I would be here all day..
The info. Kmac shared was wonderful...if it would get rid of this pain..you betcha..I'd be signing up today..and they could do it tomorrow. I will find a way to have the correct recovery..if I am deemed in need of this surgery...but, I love that you offered...with all of your problems...can we go to the beach??? aww.
I cannot believe the support and kind words I have gotten from this board...it is totally amazing..I feel so much better, and so much stronger. I ran to my puter when I got home from that Dr.s office..I needed to tell someone/anyone what had happened...and here all of these kind wonderful board mates came to my rescue....and helped lift me up and made me feel so much stronger again...and I will have the ability to tell my neuro. about this...not hide like I felt like doing. Hey, I did nothing wrong...what do I have to be embarrassed about...or worried about...(well, worry, maybe!!)...I followed all of the rules...all of them...and to be treated that way is just shocking..and hurtful...but, my friends have rescued me...and now I can have a conversation with my neuro...and let him know that this is not going to be a good match. I have never asked for meds....and I do need stronger ones...but I hesitated...to ask...I think the LA meds. may be better for me..not having the highs and lows...and the constant pill taking every 5 to 6 hrs...such a pain.. Well...I will be following up on all of this...when I get in to see the neuro again..hopefully soon. (still waiting for them to schedule the standup MRI..)..
Thanks you...Lisa...my buddy... What would we do without these boards??? Gosh, I don't want to think about that. Thank you all..take care and have a great day.
Leslie
The info. Kmac shared was wonderful...if it would get rid of this pain..you betcha..I'd be signing up today..and they could do it tomorrow. I will find a way to have the correct recovery..if I am deemed in need of this surgery...but, I love that you offered...with all of your problems...can we go to the beach??? aww.
I cannot believe the support and kind words I have gotten from this board...it is totally amazing..I feel so much better, and so much stronger. I ran to my puter when I got home from that Dr.s office..I needed to tell someone/anyone what had happened...and here all of these kind wonderful board mates came to my rescue....and helped lift me up and made me feel so much stronger again...and I will have the ability to tell my neuro. about this...not hide like I felt like doing. Hey, I did nothing wrong...what do I have to be embarrassed about...or worried about...(well, worry, maybe!!)...I followed all of the rules...all of them...and to be treated that way is just shocking..and hurtful...but, my friends have rescued me...and now I can have a conversation with my neuro...and let him know that this is not going to be a good match. I have never asked for meds....and I do need stronger ones...but I hesitated...to ask...I think the LA meds. may be better for me..not having the highs and lows...and the constant pill taking every 5 to 6 hrs...such a pain.. Well...I will be following up on all of this...when I get in to see the neuro again..hopefully soon. (still waiting for them to schedule the standup MRI..)..
Thanks you...Lisa...my buddy... What would we do without these boards??? Gosh, I don't want to think about that. Thank you all..take care and have a great day.
Leslie
tbreeze27
03-28-2008, 07:14 PM
:mad:OK, there is something wrong with Doctors these days. I am on this "holiday" as I type this. I called my back doctor, he was in Mexico, talked to his assistant, she said no. I have been explaining to my doctor over and over. . . Probably started in Jan of this year. . . that I am no longer responding to Oxycontin 10mg Prude anymore. It offers NO relife at all. March 14 I was taken off of them and told that I would need to go to go until April 18th ! ! ! I mean. . . What in the world did I do to be treated like this? I fill on time, I follow all the rules. I have been on Narc's for almost 4 years without this type of problem. I just couldn't take the pain two weeks ago and not one person would do anything or attempt to help me. So. . . . I got sent to the ER. . . . BAM ! ! ! What a waste of time that was. I was laying on the bed there crying. . . and being a 28 year old male, I was mortified by people looking at me. I was told by the ER doctor that I was "ADDICTED" and that I was going thru withdrawals because I had build up a tolerance. He kept telling me how he could see I was in sooooooooo much pain. I left there with Norflex and Prednisone 20mg, Oh, and one other stupid thing that had nothing to do with pain management. He saw all my records and my treatment plan, all the medications I was on. . . But did not one thing but lecture me and told me he was going to put everything we talked about in my medical history. He advised me that the medication Oxy is waaaaay to strong for me to be on and that he could not believe I was driving and going to work on this. I was sicken to death by this doctor who was CLEARLY showing that he has the IQ of a TIC-TAC. In the end, my back doctor was contacted in Mexico and I was placed on this "Holiday" and advised not to treat at this current time. This healthcare system is soooooo messed up ! ! I was let go in intense pain, throwing up from the pain, and dizzy. . . Oh, and I have no medication right now. . . I have left work 2 times within this "holiday" period. . . I can't be with my friends, my Mom is freaking out and extremely upset with what went on. They go into this field to treat and help. They need to have some ability to trust in people who have their complete medical records ava for them to see. I sleep now about 2 or 3 hours a night because I can't stand the pain. I spend my nights walking around the house, talking to the cats. I have not had any withdrawal feelings. . . my pain is sitting at 8 right now. I do not know what else to do or that I can do? I laid in bed last night tearing up and tossing and adjusting from side to side. I feel so inhuman and degraded. :(Tony:(
Executor
03-28-2008, 11:47 PM
EX...thanks for the news about the DEA saying we could get our meds. for 2 or 3 months...my old PM gave me 3 months script..not this one ..... be there every 4 weeks or else.
Docs who permit their patients to have post dated scripts, not only trust them, but equally important, realize that there is no reason to make a patient come in each month and realize higher cost and inconvenience for "maintenance" meds. Many national organizations, such as the American Association of Pain, and others, successfully lobbied the DEA to change it's rules for schedule II meds. And, given the very conservative nature of the DEA recently, this was a huge decision.
Conversely, Docs who require their patients to come in each month either (1) Don't truly understand the concept of pain management, or (2) Wish to incur higher billing rates by needlessly requiring the patients to make monthly appointments.
I'd be looking seriously at finding a new Doc.
Good luck.
Ex
Docs who permit their patients to have post dated scripts, not only trust them, but equally important, realize that there is no reason to make a patient come in each month and realize higher cost and inconvenience for "maintenance" meds. Many national organizations, such as the American Association of Pain, and others, successfully lobbied the DEA to change it's rules for schedule II meds. And, given the very conservative nature of the DEA recently, this was a huge decision.
Conversely, Docs who require their patients to come in each month either (1) Don't truly understand the concept of pain management, or (2) Wish to incur higher billing rates by needlessly requiring the patients to make monthly appointments.
I'd be looking seriously at finding a new Doc.
Good luck.
Ex
trowftd3
03-29-2008, 01:19 AM
Sorry if I'm not understanding but, this is something new the DEA approved??
My doc has been doing this for years!
My doc has been doing this for years!
sammyo1
03-29-2008, 10:41 AM
Sage, yours is the second post I have read this morning involving being treated so poorly (trying ot be lady like here) by you doctor.
First of all seen the tv special on stars in rehab. last night, saying prescription drugs are the drug of choice. I saw red, to say the least. I can't help but worry how this may effect people who really suffer from CP.
I just don't get it, people like you & me & so many others are treated so poorly, & the proof is right there for these doctors to see. You follow the rules do everything your suppose to do, what else do they want.
As far as this "drug holiday" goes OMG, I would bet anything any doc. who does that has never suffered from pain like you & I. There is no way you should be left to suffer like that, I would have ran to, my friend.
I know it does not help you out here but I am so angry on your behalf!
If I were you & I would probably just start looking, just in case, that drug holiday thing would scare the heck out of me. Who in their right mind wants to suffer for any length of time? Good luck Leslie, you were one of the first people on the boards that I met & you were a huge support for me so I am here for you. Sammy
First of all seen the tv special on stars in rehab. last night, saying prescription drugs are the drug of choice. I saw red, to say the least. I can't help but worry how this may effect people who really suffer from CP.
I just don't get it, people like you & me & so many others are treated so poorly, & the proof is right there for these doctors to see. You follow the rules do everything your suppose to do, what else do they want.
As far as this "drug holiday" goes OMG, I would bet anything any doc. who does that has never suffered from pain like you & I. There is no way you should be left to suffer like that, I would have ran to, my friend.
I know it does not help you out here but I am so angry on your behalf!
If I were you & I would probably just start looking, just in case, that drug holiday thing would scare the heck out of me. Who in their right mind wants to suffer for any length of time? Good luck Leslie, you were one of the first people on the boards that I met & you were a huge support for me so I am here for you. Sammy