Good PM Dr's Hard To Find

Jim,
I'm not implying that you're a drug seeker or addict. I was more addressing the depression aspect, which nearly all of us chronic pain patients (myself included) experience not only because of what CP does to our lives, but the same biochemistry that creates pain in the body also creates depression - and depression is as physical as it is mental. So that's what I was referring to. And when we're depressed we sometimes don't think clearly and having a weapon around is risky. Add to that taking other medications that affect our thinking and you have a potential recipe for disaster with a gun around.

That being said, I and many others here know what it's like to have had a life of integrity, honesty, etc. tainted by this whole CP business. One of my doctors accused me - inaccurately - of "possibly" being dishonest with her because SHE screwed up some of my medical records. Once it's in the record, it's in the record, and that one little statement contributed significantly to my losing a worker's comp case. Plus it was viewed by my part time employer, and since I didn't work enough hours to be covered by FMLA they laid me off first chance they got - while I was out on leave from lumbar fusion surgery. I now feel like the life I've lived - not perfect, by I've always tried to be honest, working to help other people - for nealry 6 decades has been destroyed in nearly every way by one injury. Once you end up in chronic pain land, it seems to me only a matter of time before you're viewed suspiciously by medical professionals (even ones who know you), some family and friends. I don't think this happens to a lot of others with chronic illnesses in the same way, because of the medications we often need just to get through a day. So what you're experiencing is, sadly, not an aberration.

If there's any kind of semblance of a relationship with your PCP, that may well be where to start. As I said, may a comprehensive but succinct list of how this all has progressed, a clear statement that you're just trying to get your life/work back, and how your lack of insurance complicates all of that. In these days at least economic realities are (again, sadly) more the norm for lots of people, so your doctor may be more sympathetic if you tell him you're having to live off your 401k. But if you're not old enough you may be paying penalties doing that (I know!!) and plus it's draining your future retirement (I have none left). So maybe ask your doctor directly (the staff often will say no and don't have the authority to do this anyway) if he would be willing to take as payment in full the same amount he would have received from your previous insurance. If you have old EOB's (explanation of benefits) you can usually see the difference between the amount charged and the amount paid. The amount paid is what you want to negotiate for. He may say no, but it's worht a try. And you can try that with other doctors, too. Like someone said earlier, the tone you use to approach them will help (or hurt). And if a doctor isn't at all sympathetic to your situation, then maybe that tells you he/she's the wrong one for you.

One more thing re: pain specialists. Many of them now only do the high tech procedures. It sounds like you've run into some of that. They'll do injections and such, but don't prescribe narcotics long term. Sometimes, if you have a good relationship with your PCP, and you get a pain management specialist to get you started on the right medication regime, your PCP will agree to take it over - but this with a recommendation from a pm specialist. it all depends on the doctors, various state laws, etc. Hopefully, others will continue to provide you with more info.

Good luck.

PaLady

Jim, you're the victim of opiodphobia, which is rampant in our society. Some doctors are just ignorant and believe narcotics are evil and will kill us, even though when used properly, the drugs are safe. Other doctors know you need narcotics for your pain, but fear the DEA, who is waging a war on prescription drugs. Finding a doctor who will prescribe enough to keep chronic pain patients in comfort is getting harder by the day. The brave and compassionate doctors often face prosecution. Forget this doctor.

Chronic pain indeeds makes us depressed. How could it not? Who can be expected live to pain like this 24/7 and be happy?  What's happening to Americans in this day and age is unfathomable, but it's happening to millions of people. Anguished cries of pain being ignored. Patients made to jump through hoops, with all these procedures. Most of us simply need pain meds to take our pain away. The depression will usually lift after that. Doctors are running scared. I've had two doctors tell me flat out that they're scared to prescribe what I need. So, I'm under-medicated. Given just enough so I won't jump off the roof, but not enough to give me any quality of life. Yes Jim, you are living in an alternate universe. There are no cures or surgery for my medical problems. Only narcotic pain medication will help.

Jim has awakend the chronic pain people.

Post Edited (Pamela Neckpain) : 12/13/2008 10:15:33 PM (GMT-7)

My post is up for grabs for anyone. Thanks for the compliment, but I'm not a professional writer, although I wish I was, lol. Pamela, you could sign it, Anonymous. In fact, you could end the letter with "It's a sad day that I'm afraid to even sign my name to this letter for fear of retribution."

 

 

Jim M.

Thank Goodness you finally had a Doc show some well deserved mercy...That makes my day.  My day was pretty good too.  I went to my Pain Doc and he changed my meds to something that will hopefully work better then Lortab 10's.  he gave me Roxicodone 15mg.  So, maybe we will both have a better night tonight...

 

Me.

good advice skeye....i never thought about that....

have a painless and wonderful day everyone.....

me.

"Jim,

I'm sure your doctor mentioned this, but just a word of caution: since oxycontin is a time released pill, do NOT under any circumstance cut them in half. That will destroy the time release mechanism & could potentially kill you from an overdose. Also, check you pills before you take them. If they have even a chip in them, don't take them, as the same thing could happen. I always inspect as well as count all of my pills when I get home from the pharmacy.

Skeye"

This all depends on the brand of pill. Some Oxycontin pills have the release "mechanism" within the binder of the pill, so in theory a chip won't harm the integrity of the medication. It's a good idea though, just in case. It's a fairly common misconception that the pink (or whateber color) coating on the pill is the time-release part of the pill. Now I'm not saying to take the pill but just an FYI. What do the people who take these pills out of ortation do with them? Do you take them back to the pharmacy?

Jim,
I know how much these pills help, but PLEASE be careful!! Use as little of it as you can. If you don't need to take them both, I wouldn't! If you can avoid taking it do it. Unfortunately opiates have a few cruddy side affects.. One being that overtime the meds will become less effective, so the 40mg a day you get now won't have as good of a relief feeling as it will 6 months from now. So if you can keep the use down I would. I'm now experiencing this exact problem. The meds I get don't cut it anymore. I'm on the same dosages I started on (pretty much anyways) and my doc isn't comfortable upping it. So I'm now dealing with some pretty intense pain, and it sucks!! I'm sure you pretty much know this, it's just something I feel strong about... I wish I could just go back in time and tell my doc "no thanks" when he offered up the meds!! I'm now too dependent on this stuff and it controls my life just as bad as the pain did. the whole thing is very frustrating.

I don't want to sound preachy, I just care about all CPers and wanted to give a heads up! Hope your having a pain free day...

frances,
I did try that once last year. The pain was just way too bad though. I work full time at a pretty demanding job and go to school 3/4 time, so I really need to be able to function ya know? The Clonidine helped with the withdrawal but it knocked me on my butt with lack of energy. I just need to find a way to get off the meds all together. thanks for the info though frances! take care!

How much is one mg. oxy, Jim. Does your doctor prescribe them one at a time??
or two at a time? I mean, do you have to go to the pharm every-single day?
Pam

Jim I am very persistant.... look what I found for you:

Company: Purdue Pharmaceutical, Inc.
Title of Program: Patient Assistance Program
Drugs Covered: Variety
Contact: [888] 726-7535, Option #4