Sera2003
08-28-2003, 05:43 PM
I've been seeing a pain specialist for Fibro and he said that he no longer can prescribe without seeing me. I lost my medical insurance and he's way too expensive. I just now called and left a message to see if he could rx at least 20 till next week when I see a PCAP doctor. If he doesn't, you think ER will? thx - sera
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hottrodd
08-28-2003, 05:48 PM
Hi,
What kind of meds are you on? I think the ER will unlikely give you pain meds, but really depends what they are. Your going to go in there sounding like a drug seeker, even though, most likely your not.
I'm sorry to hear that your in pain, it's really no fun. I am sure someone with more insight then myself will be along shortly to add to this. In the meantime what is the med? I doubt if they will give anything besides a one time shot, codiene 3, or vicodin 5/500
Hottrodd
------------------
* 27 years old, male
*Chronic upper back pain for about 6 years, recently getting really bad, really stiff in the morning takes forever to get going, lasts all day everyday.
*Crackling sounds from rib cage area across upper and middle back when stretching.
* Pain, tightness and burning all day long, usually ranges from a 4 through 9 depending on the day and how my body wants to react. Usually it's at least a 6/7 all day recently, used to be an annoying 3/4 all day, which I lived with but hated.
*Problem areas are mainly around breastbone area of chest, across shoulder blades, dead center upper back, upper shoulders and back of neck. Feels as if it's muscles and bones/joints, possibly ribs.
*Muscles spasms, had a couple that were severe enough to go to ER, felt like I was having a heart attack, pain radiated through upper back to chest area.
*Taking Vicodin 5/500 Soma 350 and Celebrex 200, which also helps somewhat but not to where I am not bothered by the pain, burning, tightness ect..
*Chiropractic 3 years, PT on and off again, all of which produces results that do not last for more than the day I have them.
*Can't remember any trauma I had that would have caused all this. Don't understand how it's getting worse.
*Can't really do anything, lifting, heavy physical ect.. Try and walk and stretch when I can.
*Still undiagnosed and waiting
What kind of meds are you on? I think the ER will unlikely give you pain meds, but really depends what they are. Your going to go in there sounding like a drug seeker, even though, most likely your not.
I'm sorry to hear that your in pain, it's really no fun. I am sure someone with more insight then myself will be along shortly to add to this. In the meantime what is the med? I doubt if they will give anything besides a one time shot, codiene 3, or vicodin 5/500
Hottrodd
------------------
* 27 years old, male
*Chronic upper back pain for about 6 years, recently getting really bad, really stiff in the morning takes forever to get going, lasts all day everyday.
*Crackling sounds from rib cage area across upper and middle back when stretching.
* Pain, tightness and burning all day long, usually ranges from a 4 through 9 depending on the day and how my body wants to react. Usually it's at least a 6/7 all day recently, used to be an annoying 3/4 all day, which I lived with but hated.
*Problem areas are mainly around breastbone area of chest, across shoulder blades, dead center upper back, upper shoulders and back of neck. Feels as if it's muscles and bones/joints, possibly ribs.
*Muscles spasms, had a couple that were severe enough to go to ER, felt like I was having a heart attack, pain radiated through upper back to chest area.
*Taking Vicodin 5/500 Soma 350 and Celebrex 200, which also helps somewhat but not to where I am not bothered by the pain, burning, tightness ect..
*Chiropractic 3 years, PT on and off again, all of which produces results that do not last for more than the day I have them.
*Can't remember any trauma I had that would have caused all this. Don't understand how it's getting worse.
*Can't really do anything, lifting, heavy physical ect.. Try and walk and stretch when I can.
*Still undiagnosed and waiting
Sera2003
08-28-2003, 05:52 PM
vicodin es for fibromyalgia. I can take the empty bottle with doctors name on it so they'll know I'm not a drug seeker. I would hate to sit in Urgent care for four hours for nothing. :(
HikingFan
08-28-2003, 06:15 PM
I would try the ER and be completely honest, bring all your medical info with you, ie, Dr.s name and location, any diagnosis charts (your old doctor is obligated to give you your record and charts), and a prescription summary from your pharmacy showing what you take, and for how long.
If you do this, you should be able to get something. If you don't have records to show them, or a pharmacy print out, they won't. They see way too many drug-seekers to just take your word for it. If you at least have your chart, and a phone number of the pharmacy so they can verify your last prescription, that might even be enough. But if you don't have at least that, they will send you away.
Legally, your doc has to give you your chart when you leave his/her office. YOu've paid for those visits, and are entitled to the proof so you can get continued medical care.
Let us know how it goes, and good luck!
SAra
If you do this, you should be able to get something. If you don't have records to show them, or a pharmacy print out, they won't. They see way too many drug-seekers to just take your word for it. If you at least have your chart, and a phone number of the pharmacy so they can verify your last prescription, that might even be enough. But if you don't have at least that, they will send you away.
Legally, your doc has to give you your chart when you leave his/her office. YOu've paid for those visits, and are entitled to the proof so you can get continued medical care.
Let us know how it goes, and good luck!
SAra
MaryT
08-28-2003, 07:57 PM
Hi, Sera,
If you are broke and have no insurance, how are you going to pay for the ER visit? It costs several hundred dollars just to walk through the door of an ER. Chances are they won't prescribe anything for you you anyway, as they will not consider chronic pain from an ongoing problem an "emergency."
You might try an "urgent care" type facility. However, you are rights that you might sit there forever and not get anything as most of them will not prescribe opioids for any reason, even if you bring your records with you.
This is one of those sitations that really s***s for us chronic painers. Your best bet may be a walk-in type clinic. Is the "PCAP" a primary care physician that you already have an appointment with next week? Is there any chance you can get in earlier? Can you call them and ask them what they suggest?
I'm sorry I can't think of anything better for you to try. I do hope your former PM doc does give you a break and prescribes enough to hold you over until next week.
Best wishes.
If you are broke and have no insurance, how are you going to pay for the ER visit? It costs several hundred dollars just to walk through the door of an ER. Chances are they won't prescribe anything for you you anyway, as they will not consider chronic pain from an ongoing problem an "emergency."
You might try an "urgent care" type facility. However, you are rights that you might sit there forever and not get anything as most of them will not prescribe opioids for any reason, even if you bring your records with you.
This is one of those sitations that really s***s for us chronic painers. Your best bet may be a walk-in type clinic. Is the "PCAP" a primary care physician that you already have an appointment with next week? Is there any chance you can get in earlier? Can you call them and ask them what they suggest?
I'm sorry I can't think of anything better for you to try. I do hope your former PM doc does give you a break and prescribes enough to hold you over until next week.
Best wishes.
sassymomof2
08-28-2003, 08:19 PM
Sorry to hear your in such pain, I hope your dr gets you a refill , I would just call them and be totally honest that you no longer have money to continue treatment, It seems if he has been giving your meds he shouldnt have a problem getting you by till your next visit to your new dr, I wish you tons of luck I dont know what i would do if this happened .
Sassy
Sassy
Autumn Angel
08-28-2003, 09:12 PM
I cant believe you people from the States have such a medical system. I am in no way trying to be mean here but you have to pay through your nose for a Doc or ER visit and God help you if you need a hospital stay.
Here In Canada we have a "health card" and all doc and hospital stays and Er visits are free. Alot of meds are free too..Certian biggies like all the "contins" arent covered and some of the other biggie drugs like Cipro arent either.
I was in Missouri and I needed my meds and did not have any with me and it was time for my refill. I went to a Family clinic there the "new patient visit" cost me 80 bucks and he gave me my percocet "Roxicet" in the states with no problem at all. I gave him my docs name and phone number and a brief medical history and he didnt even check it out he just asked when I was able to get in to see my doc when I got home and I told him I was leaving in about a week and he gave me 30 tabs not a prob at all.
Where are you in the states?? Just curious...this doc of yours should give you a script though instead of making you go to the ER. Dont they have mini merg walk in clinics there? If you happen to be in our near Independence MO I will give you the name and addy of the clinic and Doc he was awesome and kind and I didnt feel out of place either. God bless and I hope you get what you need and treated with the respect you deserve take your prescription bottle to prove you are being prescribed them and your docs name and number and you should be ok.
Autumn.
P.S. I am really sorry what I said about your medical system but it ticks me off so bad when my friend Steven was still alive and having a heart condition like he did his meds cost him thousands and the frequent Doc visits cost alot too thank God he had medicaid for most of it and was on disability. I miss him so much. He died in May of a heart attack I am sure some of you remember when I was going through that grief. I was actually chatting with Matt (Grizz) from this board when Stevns mother called me with the bad news. Matt and you all were a big help to me when I was going through that my pain level went through the roof and I was put on 8 percs a day 2 tabs ...4 times a day. I am back down to 6 now and hoping to get a bit lower. Thanks for listening I wish everyone a pain free evening...Luv ya all.
Autumn.
[This message has been edited by Autumn Angel (edited 08-28-2003).]
Here In Canada we have a "health card" and all doc and hospital stays and Er visits are free. Alot of meds are free too..Certian biggies like all the "contins" arent covered and some of the other biggie drugs like Cipro arent either.
I was in Missouri and I needed my meds and did not have any with me and it was time for my refill. I went to a Family clinic there the "new patient visit" cost me 80 bucks and he gave me my percocet "Roxicet" in the states with no problem at all. I gave him my docs name and phone number and a brief medical history and he didnt even check it out he just asked when I was able to get in to see my doc when I got home and I told him I was leaving in about a week and he gave me 30 tabs not a prob at all.
Where are you in the states?? Just curious...this doc of yours should give you a script though instead of making you go to the ER. Dont they have mini merg walk in clinics there? If you happen to be in our near Independence MO I will give you the name and addy of the clinic and Doc he was awesome and kind and I didnt feel out of place either. God bless and I hope you get what you need and treated with the respect you deserve take your prescription bottle to prove you are being prescribed them and your docs name and number and you should be ok.
Autumn.
P.S. I am really sorry what I said about your medical system but it ticks me off so bad when my friend Steven was still alive and having a heart condition like he did his meds cost him thousands and the frequent Doc visits cost alot too thank God he had medicaid for most of it and was on disability. I miss him so much. He died in May of a heart attack I am sure some of you remember when I was going through that grief. I was actually chatting with Matt (Grizz) from this board when Stevns mother called me with the bad news. Matt and you all were a big help to me when I was going through that my pain level went through the roof and I was put on 8 percs a day 2 tabs ...4 times a day. I am back down to 6 now and hoping to get a bit lower. Thanks for listening I wish everyone a pain free evening...Luv ya all.
Autumn.
[This message has been edited by Autumn Angel (edited 08-28-2003).]
Sera2003
08-28-2003, 09:42 PM
thanks to everyone for your posts, and, yes, Autum - I agree - US sux when it comes to health care. I meant to say Urgent Care, not ER (could never afford that nor want to go!) Still waiting to see if doc will call in a few. He was stern last time saying he will not Rx anymore until I go in and see him as it has been awhile - well, I'm without a job right now due to mornings when I can't get up, lost my job - no insurance, whahh, whahh, whahh. Will see a sliding fee scale doctor next week and hope he can help me. Until then, don't know how to handle this pain as my stomach is totally messed up with so many ibuprofens pretty much every hour. Wish me luck - hope this doc says yes.
Autumn Angel
08-28-2003, 09:52 PM
Oh Sera I am so sorry plz be careful with the Ibuprophen they can damage the stomach so badly thats what happend to mine after using that and other NSAIDS for 10 years thats how I ended up on Narcotics. Praying for you that your doc has a concience and gives you some...Let us know ok?
Autumn.
Autumn.
keg1234
08-29-2003, 01:26 AM
Hey Autumn,
Don't take this wrong but....
Your doctor had you on NSAIDS for ten years and it messed up your tummy..... over here our doctors run tests to make sure our medications are not damaging our bodies.... I think I'll stick with our heathcare system.
Don't take this wrong but....
Your doctor had you on NSAIDS for ten years and it messed up your tummy..... over here our doctors run tests to make sure our medications are not damaging our bodies.... I think I'll stick with our heathcare system.
keg1234
08-29-2003, 01:46 AM
Hey Autumn,
I just read my post and it sounds awful! I was not meaning to cap on your heath care system. I just wanted to point out that over here the heath care costs but you get good/great care or at least I always have.
Everyone needs to be pro-active with their heathcare. If you think the doctor should do something and he is not then you need to push and bug him until he does.
As with most people we get coverage from work and get to pick our doctor.
Our system is not the best but it's really good.
As far as people is Sera's position, yes, that does suck, like I said it's not the best.
Likely there is a program that can help her, if she can find out where to go...... best of luck to her.
and best to you too.
I just read my post and it sounds awful! I was not meaning to cap on your heath care system. I just wanted to point out that over here the heath care costs but you get good/great care or at least I always have.
Everyone needs to be pro-active with their heathcare. If you think the doctor should do something and he is not then you need to push and bug him until he does.
As with most people we get coverage from work and get to pick our doctor.
Our system is not the best but it's really good.
As far as people is Sera's position, yes, that does suck, like I said it's not the best.
Likely there is a program that can help her, if she can find out where to go...... best of luck to her.
and best to you too.
HockeyCrystal
08-29-2003, 02:20 AM
keg,
There are OTC nsaids too!!!! Most docs would NOT keep someone on nsaids for 10 years!
There are OTC nsaids too!!!! Most docs would NOT keep someone on nsaids for 10 years!
Autumn Angel
08-29-2003, 03:17 AM
Its Ok Keg I wasnt knocking your quality of healthcare at all I was seen by a great American doc in MO 2 weeks ago. I meant the money end of it.
My doc is a great doc I was on the NSAIDS 10 years yes and when one bothered me I was switched to another some were ok for a year or more. But 2 years ago it finally all came to a head and my stomach just got destroyed. The ER doc said it was the NSAIDS that was the possible cause so I am not allowed to take them anymore...The first Narc they put me on was Tylenol#3 and after less than a week it started to hurt my stomach too the doc figured it was the caffiene in it and switched me right to percocet. We dont have Vicodin here or thats probably what I would have gotten and probably still been on. There are quite a few drugs you all have that I wish we did. Anyway have a good night.
Autumn.
My doc is a great doc I was on the NSAIDS 10 years yes and when one bothered me I was switched to another some were ok for a year or more. But 2 years ago it finally all came to a head and my stomach just got destroyed. The ER doc said it was the NSAIDS that was the possible cause so I am not allowed to take them anymore...The first Narc they put me on was Tylenol#3 and after less than a week it started to hurt my stomach too the doc figured it was the caffiene in it and switched me right to percocet. We dont have Vicodin here or thats probably what I would have gotten and probably still been on. There are quite a few drugs you all have that I wish we did. Anyway have a good night.
Autumn.
Oldtimer
08-29-2003, 10:09 AM
Sara,
do you think you can at least get a prescription?? Someone told me about a web site that could be extremely helpful--it's called Needymeds.com
If not, often the drug company itself has help, for instance Pfizer offers their drugs for $20. Just a thought.........Linda
do you think you can at least get a prescription?? Someone told me about a web site that could be extremely helpful--it's called Needymeds.com
If not, often the drug company itself has help, for instance Pfizer offers their drugs for $20. Just a thought.........Linda
Karine
08-29-2003, 11:03 AM
Sera sorry to hear you are i so much pain. Try going to welfare tell them you need med covarage, they will set you up for basic health. I was told I needed $2500 in med bills, so that is what I did, started in ER. I know I hated waiting for 3 hours at a time but I had to get the covarage I needed.
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Cronic pain from tendonitous in right elbow 1996, left elbow 1998, shoulder pain within that time, neck pain the hole time. Docs would not give pain meds because of cronic pain and would not help. Could not take tha pain anymore 2003. Until I went to welfare and ran up $$ for med covarage.
Have a good day.
Kari
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Cronic pain from tendonitous in right elbow 1996, left elbow 1998, shoulder pain within that time, neck pain the hole time. Docs would not give pain meds because of cronic pain and would not help. Could not take tha pain anymore 2003. Until I went to welfare and ran up $$ for med covarage.
Have a good day.
Kari
Shoreline
08-29-2003, 01:35 PM
Hey Sera, I just happenned to read your post. I am sorry you having to suffer due to the costs of medical care and prescription medication. I did want to let you know that there is a maximum amount of relief you can obtain from Ibuprofin. They have done studies that showed that exceeding 2400mgs of IBU does not give you any additional relief.
Taking more than 2400 mgs per day will not help and only damage your stomach and kidneys. The most relief your going to get is by taking 600mgs 4 times a day. Any more won't add any additional relief.
More people die each year from OTC meds than die from prescribed opiate overdoses. People on their own think taking more, will help more, and that's just not the case. Try alternating tylenol and IBU every 4 hours not exceeeding 2400mgs of IBU or 4000mgs of apap per day until you find a more reasonable doctor.
There are cheap alternatives. 100 10mg methadone tablets cost less than 100 name brand Tylenol tablets or 100 IBU tabs. Good luck, Shore
Taking more than 2400 mgs per day will not help and only damage your stomach and kidneys. The most relief your going to get is by taking 600mgs 4 times a day. Any more won't add any additional relief.
More people die each year from OTC meds than die from prescribed opiate overdoses. People on their own think taking more, will help more, and that's just not the case. Try alternating tylenol and IBU every 4 hours not exceeeding 2400mgs of IBU or 4000mgs of apap per day until you find a more reasonable doctor.
There are cheap alternatives. 100 10mg methadone tablets cost less than 100 name brand Tylenol tablets or 100 IBU tabs. Good luck, Shore
keg1234
08-29-2003, 06:04 PM
Autumn,
I should have introduced myself before I jumped in. My name is Kent and I live in Ventura Calif.
My first experience with chronic pain was in 1999 when I was T-boned in my car from a old guy that should never have been driving. I had soft tissue injuries and a sore back. The doctor treated my whiplash and after a year it felt much better. I was taking 2400 mgs of ipu and 5 mgs vicodin when I needed it until it felt better. Then about 2 years ago I started having major lower back pain so the doctor did an mri that showed DDD, a bulging disc and sciatica. He put me on norco 10 mgs. I have now had 6 ESI’s with some relief. The doctor wants to put me on oxycotin but I am not ready for that.
Sera, The IBU worked OK for me but I know your pain is past that. I hope you find some help and feel better.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself.
Kent
I should have introduced myself before I jumped in. My name is Kent and I live in Ventura Calif.
My first experience with chronic pain was in 1999 when I was T-boned in my car from a old guy that should never have been driving. I had soft tissue injuries and a sore back. The doctor treated my whiplash and after a year it felt much better. I was taking 2400 mgs of ipu and 5 mgs vicodin when I needed it until it felt better. Then about 2 years ago I started having major lower back pain so the doctor did an mri that showed DDD, a bulging disc and sciatica. He put me on norco 10 mgs. I have now had 6 ESI’s with some relief. The doctor wants to put me on oxycotin but I am not ready for that.
Sera, The IBU worked OK for me but I know your pain is past that. I hope you find some help and feel better.
Anyway, I just wanted to introduce myself.
Kent
Sera2003
08-29-2003, 06:17 PM
Thanks Kent and welcome! Yeah, am feeling better since my doc rx'd 20 vicodins which I am spacing out carefully as I have a doctors' appt this Thursday...don't know what she'll say as she is new. I want to try Bextra, a non-narcotic I hear works well.
Thank you Shoreline for your info on ibu as I thought that the more I gulped down like M&M's the better I'd feel, and, believe it or not, with the power of suggestion - I did (for awhile) then no longer worked.
anyway! you guys have a great weekend. We're taking a ride up to Mt. Lemmon, a piney forrest mountain where it's nice and cool - respite from the hot desert heat. Nice weather out now, we were having monsoons big time! take care ya'll! sera
Thank you Shoreline for your info on ibu as I thought that the more I gulped down like M&M's the better I'd feel, and, believe it or not, with the power of suggestion - I did (for awhile) then no longer worked.
anyway! you guys have a great weekend. We're taking a ride up to Mt. Lemmon, a piney forrest mountain where it's nice and cool - respite from the hot desert heat. Nice weather out now, we were having monsoons big time! take care ya'll! sera