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been gone, but I'm back. advice?

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 4/2/2014 5:25 PM (GMT 0)
Hi all... i been gone for quite a while and I'm sorry but I'm back now and need some advice.

First off, i finally have my social security hearing on May 20th! Yeah!
Anyone have advice? I do have an attorney, really crossing my fingers!

Secondly, my meds have been being prescribed by my reg family dr for few years now, But they just this morning informed me that he can no longer do it!!
So I'm trying find a pain clinic. How can they do this? I'm so so scared! What if they won't take me? I know i will be in horrible pain, horrible withdrawals and I'm sure my hearing would get denied if I'm not taking my pain meds... right?
Idk Wjat to do. I'm freaking out.
Thx
Donna
Posted 4/2/2014 6:59 PM (GMT 0)
First, stay calming nothing is going to help by getting all freaked out!
Second, look on line and on your insurance web page to see if you can find a pain management doctor, if not then call your pcp office and simply ask for a referral and please do this nicely, as you can get more help by being nice.
Third, make sure to have all your paperwork in order for your hearing and that's about all I know on that.
It's great that you have a hearing date! Keep composed and make sure you do not have a huge purse or anything heavy at your hearing. If you have a cane use it going to your hearing.
Keep us posted and many many well wishes...
Don't be a stranger...hope you'll posts more often...
Posted 4/2/2014 8:51 PM (GMT 0)
Unfortunately, i don't have insurance... this will be a self cash pay.
I found a PM clinic, printed my online chart records Adnd dropped off.
They said dr needs to review first and decide if they want to accept me.
This takes 7-10 days is what i was told... I'm worried because my current rx runs oit on the 12th.... hoping they accept me and i can get an apt soon And they will refill at my first appointment... I'm also in a horrible living situation and honestly waiting for my hearing date so i can get outta this horrible nightmare. (My Spouce is Not aware of my hearing date!! He is another problem)

Idk, at this point it seems like anything that Can go wrong, does!
Posted 4/2/2014 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
A new dr probably won't give you the same meds you've been taking if any on the first visit. Many of them prefer to start out with meds that aren't strong and go from there. The reason I'm saying this is so you can begin to cut back on what you take every day now, just in case he won't prescribe what you've been taking.

Be sure and check with the ALJ's office and verify that they have received all of your most recent medical records. Even if your attorney said they would send them, it won't hurt to verify they have been received. Also be sure to get copies of your medical records between the last date records were submitted from and when you have the hearing and send them to the ALJ's office.
Posted 4/3/2014 5:51 AM (GMT 0)
Welcome back Donna yes it has been a long time since you have been here! Did your doctor give a reason why he would not care for or treat your pain anymore? Did he bother to give you a referral to a pain clinic? And did he at least give you a months script for your pain meds to control your pain till you got another doctor?

Depending on your condition and if your new pain management doctor accepts you. If he does there is a good chance he might continue at least at first your present medication and dosage. But after your evaluated by him he might want to change your medications and or dosage or possibly just leave them the way they are. Allot of it will depend on how well your pain is being controlled. Just be honest with him and follow their pain contract to the Tee ( if they have you sign one) and hopefully every thing will work out well for you!

As for your SSD hearing they will be more interested on what you can and cannot do and how your medical condition affects you in relationship to being able to work, than whether your on pain medications for it! Also if it is denied that doesn't mean that's the end of it .I will just mean it might take longer and might be allot more hassles. Mine was denied the first time around, and the second time around had a different judge and had to have more test done but when it was approved it was back dated two years and I was awarded medicare at the same time I received the disability.

. Just hang in there, and glad your back with us! Good luck to you!

White Beard
Posted 4/3/2014 1:39 PM (GMT 0)
Welcome back Donna. Dont put all your faith in the one PM. Start looking for a back up just in case. Also ask your Pcp if you could please have a script to carry you to the PM appt. He shouldnt have a problem unless he has been sanctioned or you did something to warrant his not prescribing. Make sure you let him know you have an appointment set up and when it is.

They do not need to know your not currently on pain meds unless they ask. Like WB says they are more concerned with abilities.

Good luck with both endeavors.
Posted 4/3/2014 5:54 PM (GMT 0)
Idk What happened. I got a call And was told this. I asked what I'm supposed to do, and was told to start weaning. So, no, no more scripts. I Can only assume he got looked into or sanctioned.?
I asked about a referral and was told to just look one up on my own. This is Ridiclous. I've been with this dr since 1995 for everything! He even delivered my children!
So i called to get my most recent records but they say it takes 7-10 business days... no time... so i printed my online my chart dr records that show last few appointments, medical history list, current health issues, current medications, etc and immediately took to Pm office for review. Really crossing my fingers!
Posted 4/3/2014 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
It usually takes 7-10 days for the medical records to be ready. Personally, I think the Pain Dr will want more info. Ask about signing a Release Form for them to get your medical records. There is a charge for the medical records if you get them.

You will need detailed medial records regarding how your impairment affect you. You also need diagnostic test results, treatments tried and their outcome, meds, etc. The medical records have to say more than patient can't stand due to severe back pain. The reason, the time frame you can stand and exactly why you can't stand any longer. Being diagnosed with an impairment won't get approval. It is the level of severity as documented in your medical records along with your age and education. If you have only been seeing a PCP, you need to see a specialist.

Post Edited (Mercy&Grace) : 4/3/2014 12:25:05 PM (GMT-6)

Posted 4/4/2014 5:23 PM (GMT 0)
I've decided to start weaning.... just in case... boy this sucks! !
After being on it for so long, even the slightest decrese is horrible.
The WDs have officially kicked in. **Sigh**
Posted 4/10/2014 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
Got a call from PM.
They will accept me!
However....
I have no insurance and this is how they work:

First apt. Consultation $300
Second: Required psychological apt$150
Third : PM. Apt to discuss treatment options $156

And then the cost of my scripts! $95

That's $700 in one month!!

How in the world am i supposed to do this?
I can't work, my disability hearing is next month.
Im just at a loss for words... smh..
Posted 4/12/2014 2:22 AM (GMT 0)
Pain Management is expensive. Some pain management drs won't take patients unless they have insurance and/or some won't take a patient without a referral.
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