Ok here goes. I was wondering if it is legal to rx pain meds in IM/SC forms. Most of you that know me know that I have trouble with malabsorbtion so I don't respond to regular oral meds very well. I'm currently using Duragesic 50mcg and Oxycodone Hydrochloride Elixir 20mg every 8 hrs. I know I need an increase in my Duragesic. I am seeing a new PM tomorrow, I don't know if he will make any changes in my meds tomorrow or not. I'm assuming tomorrow will just be an information gathering session. For those of you who don't know, I had a lumbar spinal fusion with cages on Jan. 22nd 2004. I am currently doing PT. It's just heat and massage, but we will soon be working up to stretches and some strengthening.
As far as my malabsorbtion goes, I have had intestinal blockages and adhesions. I have had 90 percent of my stomach removed and most of my small intestines also. I have severe malabsorbtion. It is a struggle to maintain a weight of 90 to 95 pounds because I don't absorb my food. I am also severely anemic, my protein levels are also in the trash. I hardly absorb any of the nutrients in the food I eat. So it stands to reason that any meds taken by mouth also are not absorbed. My gastroenterologist has me do injections of vits because I cannot get high enough levels swallowing pills. Thats why my first PM put me on Duragesic patch. The patch has worked well for me. I have been on it almost 3 years with one short hiatus, so I don't think I have done too bad as far as increases. I know it needs to be increased now because I am having to use so much BT med. The BT meds are another problem. I use a liquid because a pill would basically pass through without being broken down. This brings me to my question. Is it legal for them to rx the same med (oxy) , if its even available in this form, in either IM or SC injection form? I'm used to giving myself injections so that wouldn't be a problem. The more I thought about it though I thought perhaps they wouldn't rx it that way due to chance of abuse. I guess if its legal and I develop a really good relationship with the new PM then perhaps he might work with me? My PCP says I am his most difficult patient to treat. But I have to say he is the best. I just wish he could be my PM.
Any suggestions Dave? I know I am going to have to educate this new guy on my insides. LOL. I always hate to do that. Docs don't like it when you know more about your condition than they do. I know there are tox screens they can run to see how much drug is actually being absorbed but I don't know if my stingy HMO will pay for that. I guess its worth a try if I can get the PM to go for it. I just want them to understand I am not trying to pull their leg. I want them to do tests to see how much I am actually getting, I don't have anything to hide. It's horrible how they make us feel dirty or like we are doing something wrong. You truly have to swallow all your pride when you become a chronic pain patient in pain management. All of our dignity disappears and for the most part we are treated like criminals from the very beginning. It's like being guilty until proven innocent. I know you all know what I mean. Ok, I turned a question into a rant. LOL. I guess I'm just a little apprehensive about this appointment tomorrow. Thanks for any information any of you can give me.
God Bless,
Sherry
P.S. I thought I might add this stomach, intestine thing is sort of a family problem. My moms sister had stomach cancer, had 90 percent of her stomach removed and the majority of her small intestines. Just like me. So I'm not really that much of an oddity.
I remember when I was a child my mom would take her for her B-12 and Gold injections. Back then they wouldn't let you do it at home. She also had RA and DDD. When she died, we were in the same hospital only 2 doors apart. It was in January of 97. I was there for a massive DVT. I felt horrible for my mom. Her sister was dying and they were telling her that I probably wouldn't make it either. Well I survived that and a whole lot more besides.
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