Hey Gang,
Just wanted to update you guys on my previous posts about my problems with being undermedicated for my current pain issues. All of my specialists (Neurologist for migraines, Pain Management for bad back, orthopaedist for bad knees) require that my primary care physician (PCP) handle writing all my prescriptions for pain medication. My PCP has kept me at the same level of medication for the past several years, which was #30-Lortab(5/500mg) every 7-10 days and #50-Tramadol(50mg) every 30 days. In addition to the medication being insufficient, I also had the hassle of having to manually get new scripts every time, as my PCP would never include any refills. Note: I don't take the opioid pain meds for my migraines(I take Seroquel) unless I have to get an injection, but that's a whole different issue.
I finally decided to schedule an appointment with my PCP specifically to discuss these issues. I prepared for my appointment by writing out a three page document covering all my information so I would have the best chance of being successful. I started out with the reason why my medication needed to be reviewed, I listed all of my locations of/conditions that cause my pain, then I followed up with all the things I do to mitigate my pain, in addition to my medication, like using a TENS unit, doing YOGA, hydro-therapy, meditation, etc.... Next, I listed all the reasons my current level of medication is no longer sufficient and what I have to go through every time I need a new prescription(it's a real ordeal). Then I made a table showing my doctor exactly how I take my medications, which is different than prescribed, but factual and representative of why I need more medication than I am being given. I finished up with a copy of a equivalency chart of opioid medications to show him that I had done my research on the topic.
This may sound like a lot of information, but it only took my doctor two or three minutes to read and it summarized everything I needed him to know without my having to remember it all. He just asked me a couple of questions to clarify a point or two, then he agreed to bump me up to #2-10mg Oxycodone per day, with #30-5/500mg Lortab (as needed for breakthrough pain) every two weeks, and kept my Tramadol the same.
I have a follow-up appointment with him in two weeks to verify that this change has resolved my undermedication problem. After a day and a half, already I feel like a new person. Yesterday, I was able to completely clean my kitchen, including mopping the floor and cleaning the glass in the sliding glass doors, did a sinkful of dishes, and cleaned the oven. I can't tell you how long it's been since I've been able to do that much activity in one day. I'm taking it a little easier today, but I am so thankful that when presented with the facts of my situation in a logical format, my doctor found my request to be perfectly reasonable.
Maybe this approach will help someone else.
Leigh Ann 