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Posted 8/1/2013 11:32 PM (GMT 0)
Just want to wish you the best of luck mthixton! I know how stressful it can be to find a new doctor to manage all this pain.
Posted 8/1/2013 11:35 PM (GMT 0)
I've been reading the thread and catching up to what has been happening. I just wanted to make sure that you send a certified letter terminating your relationship with this PM effective today.

Otherwise, it will look like you are getting pain meds from two Drs. at the same time since you are filling this new prescription and the other one ran out too quickly but the dates for both meds are concurrent.

Just want to make sure you do everything by the book as all of this will be in your medical records when you seek out a new PM and they will be asking about it as there are databases now in most states that show all Scheduled medication prescriptions.

Good luck and hope the new PM will work out better!
Posted 8/1/2013 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
I will call my Primary and get the certified letter sent out tomorrow as I am running on 2 hours of sleep and need to get some rest before work tonight. Besides its after doctors business hours anyway and I can get it done before open of business tomorrow. What all needs to go into a certified letter? I am new to all of this and it sucks trying to get it going when I haven't a clue as what the procedure is. You all are so much help to me on making sure I don't screw up and making sure I know what to do to get the care I need. I just hope this new doctor will help me get the quality of life back so I can start living again.
Posted 8/2/2013 12:02 AM (GMT 0)
Just make it short and sweet. State your name, birthdate, and name of Dr. that you were seeing. Tell them that as of today's date (even though it will be mailed tomorrow) that you are terminating your patient/Dr. relationship and will be seeking care elsewhere.

I actually would add in "that you appreciate their time with you but feel that you are on different pages when it comes to an overall treatment plan."

Then sign your name.

You want to do things in the most professional and courteous way. Just like you would leaving a job as this will reflect better on you.

I'm just speaking for myself, but at this point, I really would not bother with trying to write them up with the medical board because it really came down to a misunderstanding with the amount of meds that you were to take and since you are already in litigation with another Dr., you don't want to seem like you are doing this with everyone as you are the common denominator and as I mentioned, things can "get around" and could cause all other PMs to not want to take you on as a patient.

Again, that is your choice...but I would just take time this weekend to write notes for yourself to possibly show a new Dr. about exactly what happened with this PM as far as when you got the prescription, when you called them asking to take more and exactly what time/date it was, who you spoke with, what they told you, how many you took, and when you ran out. That way you are covered on your end IF the new PM asks you about it.

Just my thoughts/suggestions:)

**just adding...you talk about contacting your Primary tomorrow...this letter should come from you as it's your "contract" so to speak with the PM Dr.

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 8/1/2013 6:11:14 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/2/2013 12:36 AM (GMT 0)
You will need to go to the post office and pay several dollars (not sure how much, but the united states postal services website should be able to tell you) You will need to fill out a card that goes on the envelope with your name & address so that you can be mailed the signature of the person that signs for it at your PM dr office.

As has been already stated you have no need to contact your PCP regarding the mailing of this certified letter. This is a termination of the contract between you and your PM dr.
Posted 8/2/2013 1:40 AM (GMT 0)
SB brought up excellent points. My initial reservations were precisely for the reason of how words get around between doctors,...not just what's written on your chart, but to our dismay, in conversation. There are also certain words that are used that to us, would not stand out, but between doctors is a form of code or understandings. It's a type of doctor's shorthand if you will.

My concern was that too much in writing can backfire and make you seem overly anxious over the topic of narcotics, or defensive. And that could damage you.

However as SB outlined it, I think that sounds like a much better way to cover yourself. First of all it will be YOU who initiates the termination (it looks better that way), do not get into a great deal of detail about the narcotics, (focusing more, as was said, on not being the same page with regards to management of your care), and being as brief, polite, respectful and prompt as possible, not getting emotional or risk coming across as volatile.

It feels good to relay your feelings but as SB pointed out, this does follow you around. And if, even through misunderstanding, it comes across as you're being litigious or verbally combative with your prescribing doctors, other PM doctors may not want to risk the potential liability.

Not only can you fire your doctor, they can also fire you as their patient.

Good luck to you.

Sookie
Posted 8/2/2013 6:30 AM (GMT 0)
Make sure you get that letter out as soon as possible since your pcp wrote you meds!!

Until one of you terminates the relationship your still under contract and taking meds from another Dr after who knows what they've documented about the early refills and taking more meds. Your going to need his records on you at some point and you don't want that in there as well.

I think trying another Dr is a wise choice but as you've been advised, you don't want to come out the bad guy. Everything you send him should be short, sweet, and as accurate as possible.

Good luck
Posted 8/2/2013 7:14 AM (GMT 0)
The reason why I am calling my pmcp is to let him know that this has been sent and to add a copy of the letter if he wishes to my records there. I of course will have a copy for my records and the copy sent to my horrible now ex pain management doctor. It is short and to the point stating that I feel I am not receiving the care I need due to the high volume of patients, the lacking one on one care stemming from this as well as the length between appointment times. (3 1/2 weeks between a 2 week spinal injection) 4 weeks when I was told to see him in 2 weeks but there were not any appointments available at all. Then as you suggested "I appreciate your time but I feel we are on different pages when in comes to an overall treatment plan pertaining to managing the pain from my significant back injury."
Nothing at all said about the lacking management and the huge screw up on his end. Make it about the patient load and wanting a more one on one approach that a smaller clinic can give. Sound good?
Posted 8/2/2013 7:28 AM (GMT 0)
The PM dr may never see this letter or be aware of it. But the fact that it is in your medical records is whats important.
Posted 8/2/2013 8:18 AM (GMT 0)
Pcp not pmcp. Typing this from my phone and it has a habit of auto correcting my words. I want my primary care doctor to know it's been sent so he stays abreast of my situation and so he can also add this letter to his records to show that he prescribed the medication same day as the termination with this pain management doctor if the dea decides to audit his records. I don't want him being penalized for actually being the one doctor who is helping me. I wish he could be my pain management doctor but alas I am not that lucky. He is a great doctor who has helped so much in restoring my sanity by believing that I was really injured instead of being like the last one in Washington who said it was in my head.
Posted 8/3/2013 3:34 PM (GMT 0)
Wow, after reading about what happened to you I wanted to scream.. I have been through having to find a new PM Dr. after seeing one for over 8 years.. The one I was seeing stopped taking my insurance and I got notice 3 days before my next appt. by certified mail... They wouldn't even let me talk to a nurse when i called... so I went for a month with no pain meds.. I was taking 60 mg. Methadone and 4X30 mg. Oxycodone a day at the time..and went to 0... The first PM Dr. I saw said they would take me as a patient... after they saw my medical records they changed their minds... stating "You have too many problems and we couldn't do anything to make you better". Duh...I knew that... Then I finally went to the ER and they actually gave me enough Perc. 10's to get me through til my appt, That's one of the ONLY times the ER has helped me. So I went to see my new PM Doc... he said he usually doesn't take patients that have been dismissed for any reason but he saw my records and lengthy MRI's and said he would... Unfortunately he is one that starts you out at the bottom of the pain med ladder... it helped, but not enough... After 1 year he has increased me from 4Xperc. 10 mg. daily to 6X15 mg. Oxycodone daily... but next appt. I am finally being changed to a LA med... Opana ER if my Medicare will cover it... if not I might go back to Methadone... I don't want to...

Anyway, I know how you feel..not only do you have to be made to feel like a 5 year old..you have a Dr. that won't admit to anything..then you have to worry about not having meds... it's so stressful being in Chronic Pain...and having to deal with narcotics and Dr's that are scared of losing their licenses...

Some of us don't have options to get better...nothing else can be done so we are told we will be on pain meds forever...then we are treated badly because of it... It goes in phases...eventually the PM system will get better again...Good Luck..
Posted 8/3/2013 8:21 PM (GMT 0)
I've also had the experience of being told, by a few different practitioners, that I had "too many problems," and they couldn't (wouldn't?) take me on. The first time I heard it was from when I was trying to find a therapist to work with. She used those exact words. Not exactly encouraging or giving me faith that I'd, maybe, eventually, find someone. The next therapist didn't say that, but our (short) treatment time was spent with her agenda of trying to convince me that I should stop my medications, she didn't approve. She also didn't approve of my lifestyle and tried to force her agenda on me as well. Two smackaroos back to back. It's so tough to keep hope, keep trying, when you get hit with a mallet over the head repeatedly.

I have been extremely, extremely fortunate (and I don't know how, and I thank God daily for this), that I've had excellent experiences with my PCP's over the past 20-25 years especially. I hear horror stories, and I'm reminded of my fortune, and simultaneously terrified about what's before me with our out of state relocation coming up.

If it's any consolation, the 3 PCP's I had over that time all started me on "low doses" (low to us) and I had to suck it up and partake in the process without being defensive so that I had the fortune to eventually reach the point of trust and confidence. It's a price I anticipate paying, and understand. I'd rather that, than being turned away at the door for being "too complicated" for them to want to deal with.

Best of luck to you.

Sookie
Posted 8/4/2013 6:32 AM (GMT 0)
I hope that my new pain management doctor will be liable and I can connect with him and feel at ease enough to share what's going on with me knowing he is listening. I hope he cares enough to actually open my file and read what's going on with me instead of assuming I an a drug addict faking injury like the last one made me feel. I know I have to stick it out and suck it up for a time. But as you guys could see I shouldn't have to deal with all the added bull that this ex pmcp was putting me through. Thank you all for your advice, words of wisdom, support, love, care and so much more. Your experience is helping to guide me and keep me from stepping on to many toes plus making sure I don't lose my pain management before it's really begun.
Posted 8/4/2013 7:41 PM (GMT 0)
That's good news. ()-()
( . . )
() ()
()

Sounds like a good place.The one I'm in is pretty big.Lots of Pts.I haven't seen the Doctor since my 1st day 14 weeks ago and don't expect to see him at tomorrows appointment.I'll see a P.A.,probably get a drug test and won't see them again for 2 months unless I ask for a change in medicine,which I'm thinking about.
Posted 8/5/2013 5:39 PM (GMT 0)
I have been doing research on this new pmcp and he sends to have mixed reviews. Some really good others not so much. He seems to favor spinal injections but I hope he doesn't do those on me. Found out I am modic type 2 so the usual cbp fixes don't work for me. Only thing that does is spinal fusions. I can't do disc replacements because of the tiny fractures on my end plates that are filling with fatty material. -le sigh- life just keeps throwing curve balls. I will keep seeking opinions about spinal fusions and maybe get a spine doctor who will have a good idea instead of sorry no luck maybe if you are lucky you will get a 50% pain reduction but he doubts it. But because of that diagnosis I know that my old pcmp never even cracked my file.
Posted 8/6/2013 10:00 AM (GMT 0)
Your doctor should be more willing to join your MED, make use because he is a doctor, who told you to use more. Does not make sense to me. I feel very sad for you, this is totally unfair.

(Please remove your advertising link from your signature.  This is against the Forum's rules.)

Post Edited By Moderator (LanieG) : 8/6/2013 8:50:16 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 8/7/2013 1:00 AM (GMT 0)
It is unfair loreal, which is why I fired him and I am waiting on a new pain management doctor. The hold up right now is the records being sent to him. Fingers crossed that he and I have a "connection" and I feel comfortable with him. I also hope he actually takes the time to look in my file.
Posted 8/7/2013 3:00 AM (GMT 0)
truly hope this new doctor works out for you. totally unfair situation from any angle. no one deserves that. let alone someone in so much regular pain.

david
Posted 8/7/2013 3:07 AM (GMT 0)
My mother in law thinks it's because of my age. At 24 I shouldn't be in chronic pain let alone up for a spinal fusion. She also thinks that since my age group has such a huge opioid scam that the doctor thought I was one of them. I could tell that he never opened my file because last I checked you don't stick a spinal block into a torn desiccated leaking disc you go to the first whole disc above it. But doctors know best right...
Posted 8/7/2013 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Some obviously do, and others by their actions or lack of actions - don't. Finding the great doctors and keeping them is a skill worthy of obtaining, in my opinion. I have had a great many good doctors, but only a small handful of great doctors over the years, and fortunately, a lesser group of terrible doctors.

Some of the bad ones, makes me wonder why they ever went to medical school, as they acted like they hated and despised their patients.

david
Posted 8/7/2013 3:14 AM (GMT 0)

mthixton said...
My mother in law thinks it's because of my age. At 24 I shouldn't be in chronic pain let alone up for a spinal fusion. She also thinks that since my age group has such a huge opioid scam that the doctor thought I was one of them. I could tell that he never opened my file because last I checked you don't stick a spinal block into a torn desiccated leaking disc you go to the first whole disc above it. But doctors know best right...


Same exact boat as you...depresses the hell out of me. cry

Doesn't help that there are a crap ton of alcoholics in my family...so supposedly that disease is in my genes.
Posted 8/7/2013 3:27 AM (GMT 0)
I agree. I miss the doctor I had growing up. That man was amazing. He would step in with my mother when her reverse hypochondria (nothing wrong) would get in the way of real care (stated age 16 with my knee injury). He would set up the appointments for me and I would take the car and go to the specialists. Despite my mother going off on me for being a hypochondriac and that I don't have any issues.
I am fighting depression right now because looking back right now my mother, the army pa, and my old pmcp all said our actions indicted it is in my head. My husband is blowing up on me right now because apparently I am reciting so many old stories and I am a little sob princess sharing these for attention and I need to get my arse in therapy right now. He also wants me to go see a psychiatrist.
What brought this up was I was sharing about you guys and some of the stories that are similar to what happened to me and wasn't it interesting that we all have similar correlations of growing up with families who have the blind eye mentality and our chronic pain issues now. He said I share these stories at least once a week with him then he turns around same breath saying last time he heard them was months ago. He then starts texting his guy friend and leaves the phone open so I can see in big bold letters how hurtful he is being in the text. Then he says it's my fault for snooping on his phone. (Left it on face up and asked me to get in the front seat to roll down the back window. Like I am not supposed to see a bright safety yellow background with black letters right in front of the switch for the rear window) it's just hell week. Sorry for the vent but I needed to share with someone. No friends or support system here yet.
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