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Pill Count problem, I'm confused!

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Posted 9/14/2012 2:21 PM (GMT 0)
I basically feel like I'm missing a ton of pills and now I'm panicky, but I'm thinking it's just a math error and I can't figure it out.

I was prescribed 90 Morphine on August 28th and do not get a refill until September 25th, and I take 3 a day. I also began taking them on August 28th, so I was down to 87 by August 29th.

Not counting today's 3 it seems like I should have 30 left. That's September 15th - September 25th.

However, I have 26 left, and I cannot figure out why. I haven't taken extra. According to 18 days passing and taking 3 a day I should have taken 54.

I really think it's just a math mistake that my tired brain can't figure out, but it's bothering me. I have 11 days to go and 25 pills left, why does it seem like I'm 6 short?

It's okay if you can't figure it out either, I'm just venting confusing kind of.
Posted 9/14/2012 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Hmm...

My math comes out to you should have 39 left as of today (not counting any pills taken today)..

You started taking them on August 28th you say...at 3 pills a day.

That is 17 days...again...not counting today....that is 51 pills taken so far...90-51 equals 39

So you are 13 pills short (if you say you only have 26 left).....Either you are taking one extra pill here and there without realizing it. Or you haven't had them secured and someone who has access is stealing your pills...

If all you have left is 26 pills then to make it to the 25th...you should only take 2 a day for the next 8 or 9 days to catch back up again.

Because you don't want to get all the way to your appt. and have run out days beforehand and they do a urine test and it comes up negative.

People who are prescribed opiates need to treat these like gold. You have to have a locked safe to keep them in as well as keep good logs if you have a bad memory and accidentally take more than prescribed.

Drs. do not go for the excuse of "oops...I don't know what happened"...If someone is stealing from you and you know who it is, you need to call the police and file a report. This is the only way a Dr. will accept someone who says their pills are being stolen.

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 9/14/2012 8:36:20 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2012 2:45 PM (GMT 0)
There's no way I'm taking more than 3 a day, and taking 2 a day would only be to make them even out. They already don't work at 3 a day.
Yeah, I know what doctors do. Something is wrong here though. I even added back in the ones I left behind as extras, and it brought me UP to 26.
So I'm thinking I didn't count right before and the pharmacy shorted me, no one's been around that could have stolen them from me.
Since I started taking them on the 28th, if I only take them until the 24th, I should only have 30. That's counting from Sep 15th on the calender to the 24th.
That leaves me off by 4, which is still a full day + 1 and that doesn't make any sense.

I need one of these, but that's not the point of the image. Looking at that organizer, I would have 21 pills a week, right?
21 per row at 3 a day x 4 weeks = 84 = 6 I seem to be missing? This brings me almost exactly in line with what I'm missing and makes it okay.
Still, if the counts are getting this confused, how do doctors count it?
Posted 9/14/2012 2:46 PM (GMT 0)
Cave, my calculations came up the same as snowbunny's. Also 8/28 to 9/25 is only 29 days, so technically you should have 3 left when you refill on the 25th. I hope you figure it out, good luck to you.
Posted 9/14/2012 2:50 PM (GMT 0)
Alsoinpain...good point about the final count...

CJ....are you just picking up a prescription on the 25th or do you have an actual appt. with the DR.? If it's an appt. then you need to have the 3 pills for the 30th day (the 26th) as well as one or two more based on what time your appt. is on the 25th. If it's in the morning...then you should only have taken one for that day and have two more for the rest of the day.

 

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 9/14/2012 8:54:03 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2012 2:52 PM (GMT 0)
I don't have to do pill counts unless they ask, so I won't bring them with me. I'm thinking the pharmacy shorted me, and now I'm going to have to count anything I get, right after I get it. I've never once been short, I'm usually far and away ABOVE what I should have, or was years ago. I would know if I took extra, I had even set aside the extras and put them back in.

I need one of these, but that's not the point of the image. Looking at that organizer, I would have 21 pills a week, right?
21 per row at 3 a day x 4 weeks = 84 = 6 I seem to be missing? This brings me almost exactly in line with what I'm missing and makes it okay.
Still, if the counts are getting this confused, how do doctors count it?
Posted 9/14/2012 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
You are taking a big chance not having the pills to bring with you in case they do a pill count. Just because they haven't done it before doesn't mean they won't that day.

Same thing with a random urine test...

And I don't click on any links or images....but I assume it's a pill organizer....

If you only count 4 weeks which you keep doing with your math at 7 days a week ....that is only 28 days... So yes..that would only be 84 pills because there is 6 leftover for day 29 and 30. Pill organizers are weekly...they aren't set up for a 30 day prescription. You have to do the math on this yourself with the extra two days.

But I don't see why you are so confused....A prescription is meant to last for 30 days...If you have 90 pills...that is 3 a day.

oday is day 18....and as you stated earlier...not counting today was 17 days at 3 a day...that is 51 pills. So 90-51 is 39...

Simple math....

As mentioned....the 25th is day 29 of your prescription and you should have 3 pills for that day, and 3 leftover for the 30th day...

Drs. and Pharmacies always go with a 30 day prescription.

At this point to all of a sudden claim that the Pharmacy made an error is not going to fly with the Dr.

That's why I said your only choice is to spread the rest out that you have and take 2 each day or else you really risk a urine test or pill count and being out completely.

Posted 9/14/2012 3:03 PM (GMT 0)
No you don't get it, I don't have to bring them with me. My contract says they can do them, but they have to tell you ahead of time. So they can do one, but I'm in no way required to bring them.

Also, I understand what I should do to balance them out, and I know the doctor wouldn't listen.

The point is, I didn't take more than I should have, so either someone broke in my house magically or the pharmacy shorted me. If that's the case, I'm counting them as soon as I get them next time and calling the cops if any are missing.

Also the 3 extra is confusing, if I could out 3 a day from 15-25th on the calender, I get 36.

I *should* have 54 gone. 54 + 36 = 90. When I go to get my refill, I'll have maybe 1 left by that point in the day.
Posted 9/14/2012 3:08 PM (GMT 0)
Cave, I count my pills as soon as i get home, i have actually been shorted by 2 pills one time. I didn't say anything because i couldn't prove it, but i have changed pharmacy's. Now may i ask a really dumb question, is it possible that you may have dropped some or mis-counted? Again, this happened to me where i found pills in the bottom of my purse because i didn't close the cap correctly and was in a hurry, (it was my baclofen, those don't get counted at my appointments, that's why i didn't realize they were missing). Regardless, I wish you the best.
Posted 9/14/2012 3:12 PM (GMT 0)
No, it's not possible I dropped them, and while I live with my girlfriend and other people have been in my apartment, I don't think it was any of them stealing 10 from my pill bottle or weekly organizer.

I'm basically missing 9-10 right now, and there's no way I took 9-10 extra. They barely work as is, but with every past prescription I've had far more left over than I should have. When I lost my insurance in 2010 I had enough to wean myself off over the course of two months.

I've posted about how these don't work at all, and hopefully they'll change it, but this is giving me a severe stress headache.
Posted 9/14/2012 3:26 PM (GMT 0)
I don't see how you are getting 54 should be gone if you aren't counting today.

From August 28th to September 13th is 17 days. 17 times 3 is 51. So, starting this morning, you should have had 39 pills left. If you only have 26 pills left...that is 13 pills missing.

We can't figure out how you are doing your math as it doesn't add up.

As I said...you can't count the 7 a day pill containers for 4 weeks as that only adds up to 28 days and not 30.

And yes....most people either count their pills while at the pharmacy, in their car, or as soon as they get home.

As well as you need to have a safe to keep them locked up at home.

*And will try to explain again why you should have pills leftover when you go on the 25th...

You get 90 pills....That is for a 30 day prescription. (This is what the Dr. counts on....your prescription reads 3 pills a day...)

So....from August 28th until Sept. 25th...that is the 29th day.

So that morning you should have the 3 pills for that day (Sept. 25th), and 3 for day 30 (Sept. 26th) if you are only taking 3 a day.

Because 3 times 28 days (the night before your appt.) equals 84 pills taken.

That leaves 3 for the day of your appt. and refill, and 3 more the next day (day 30 of your prescription)

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 9/14/2012 9:33:38 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2012 3:32 PM (GMT 0)
Bunny, I'm counting today. 54 including today, I said that in the very first post. I'm counting today because I've already taken 1 and it throws off the "By 3s" count.

Oddly enough, the number missing almost comes to 3 days worth EXACTLY. If that's the case, i'm positive it was the pharmacy.

Why? Well when I was originally getting it filled they were going to do a 3 day supply first because my insurance was held up on authorizing the prescription. I then called back after speaking with the insurance and told them to do the entire month's worth.

So it would be odd if 10 (3 days + 1 pill) was missing. Also bunny, I understand that the doctor wouldn't believe it, but if you don't...you should read the news.

Apparently CVS has a massive problem with stealing pills, there's an entire website dedicated to it and a pharmacist in my state just got caught stealing pills after doing it for a long time.

They apparently don't control their inventory as well as they say.
Posted 9/14/2012 3:41 PM (GMT 0)
Just FYI but in your first post you say "not counting today" and you don't mention at all about taking the first one already.

So we have all been doing the math based on your first post.

This has nothing to do with what I think or believe....We are trying to help you based on your post and having pills missing and what we would do if we were in this situation.

As I wrote, I would cut down and only take the 2 a day until you catch up so that you don't run all the way out, go into withdrawal, and yes, perhaps have a urine test or pill count. I don't know of any PM or Drs. who say that they will notifiy you of any pill counts as that defeats the entire purpose. Most all pain contracts state that they can do this randomly.

That is great that you aren't concerned. I'm just sharing what I would do to catch up.

I never said that a pill count is never wrong at the Pharmacy. I stated that it may be too late to try and tell your Dr. this or try to contact the Pharmacy as it's been so many days. You certainly can do this if you choose.

And from now on, just count your pills while at the Pharmacy or in your car, or at home.

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 9/14/2012 9:45:42 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2012 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
Not counting today = Should have taken 54 = Pretend I took all 3 today. I've taken one but pretend I've taken 3 for the sake of keeping the number in line.

90-54 = 36 I should have left

26 = What I do have left

36-26 = 10 pills not accounted for = 3 days + 1 extra pill

By saying "notify for pill counts" that means call you and tell you to come in, that's notifying you. Otherwise they'd just be showing up at your house bunny. The contract states a DRUG TEST may happen on prescription pick up, not pill counts. I do not have to bring pills to my monthly pick up. Plus if I did, I'd have 3-6 left...that wouldn't tell them anything.

The no drugs in urine, cut down to 2, I get it. That's not what this is about, you don't need to keep repeating it.

This is about why am I missing 9-10 goddarn pills.

I'm also sure I did count them, but I think I miscounted or planned for 90 pills to be used on the 24th when I go back to the doctor. That's not correct, but it would account for how I could be missing 9 and not notice.

Post Edited (CaveJohnson) : 9/14/2012 9:51:52 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2012 3:59 PM (GMT 0)
Well, considering you seem to be taking this out on me with a bit of anger for whatever reason....Alsoinpain and myself have just been trying to help you.
Posted 9/14/2012 4:02 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not, you just keep repeating things that aren't important to this. Of course I'm angry, I'm missing pills! I can get kicked out of Pain Management and it isn't my fault!

I want to talk to CVS but I'm concerned they could call my doctor and blame me, and get me kicked. I'm technically missing 3 days exactly, which was the amount I was originally supposed to get.

I think they screwed up, but they won't admit it.
Posted 9/14/2012 4:08 PM (GMT 0)
Then if you are worried about possibly getting kicked out....this is why I made all the suggestions I did...

Take less pills the next days until you catch up so that the few days before the 25th you are back to 3 a day so if they do a urine test you will be fine. That was my suggestion all along. Same thing with having the pills you should have for the 30 day count IF for some small reason they call and tell you to bring your pill bottle in. Then you are covered on both bases....

You have to decide whether you want to call CVS or not. I said that I personally wouldn't because it's been so many days and that looks fishy. But it's your choice.

And then I suggested what to do from here on out starting at your next prescription.
Posted 9/14/2012 4:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'm going to ask CVS. I was originally supposed to get only 9 pills for a 3 day supply while waiting, and then got the "whole" prescription instead.

I think they filled for 9 and never gave it to me. I'm only worried about them calling the doctor and saying I'm missing pills or something.

That seems to be the only explanation. Why would someone steal exactly 9 pills from me? Especially when it's the exact amount I was supposed to get.

The only confusing part is my "Whole" bottle states it has 90.

I wish I saved the receipt I got when I had my credit card reimbursed for the original cost.

Post Edited (CaveJohnson) : 9/14/2012 10:21:40 AM (GMT-6)

Posted 9/14/2012 4:54 PM (GMT 0)
Now I'm just...what the hell is going on?

I signed up for CVS's online prescription management service to see if it would give me any insight and it says I picked up my prescription for the Morphine on September 5th and a refill is ready today?

Wow...I need to call them and figure this out, I'm lost.
Posted 9/14/2012 5:04 PM (GMT 0)
What was the date when they were supposed to fill the 9 pills?

I think that is just a "time" reminder as morphine isn't a medication that has actual refills on it as it's a Schedule 2 so there shouldn't be any pills that are waiting to be picked up.

Hopefully you get answers when you call.

Posted 9/14/2012 5:06 PM (GMT 0)
They botched it somehow at the register, because it says the full thing is ready to be picked up today despite no prescription being given to them.

I decided to ask if they shorted me, they said no their inventory is perfect. Then again they say that every single time someone says they've been shorted.

I'm thinking of switching pharmacies, but I want to do at least one more here and see. I'm extremely angry right now and my head is pounding.

If I was missing 1, 2 or even 3 I would say it was me taking extra for sure. Not this many though.
Posted 9/14/2012 5:09 PM (GMT 0)
What is ready to be picked up....a full 90 count or the 9 that they were supposed to fill?

I would think that if you speak with the manager about this prescription not being valid and that you aren't picking it up. This would lend credibility to you about talking about the possible misount of the last prescription.

The manager should speak with the techs because that could get you into trouble as well as them with having a prescription sitting there when there aren't any refills allowed and there wasn't an actual hand delivered prescription given to them.

Posted 9/14/2012 5:16 PM (GMT 0)
It's all set now, someone didn't ring it up originally but did when I got reimbursed apparently.

That doesn't explain why it was ready today though, the full 90 amount was ready. I printed and took a picture of the page with the mistake in case this comes back to blaming me.

The fact that they had a prescription sitting there that wasn't put in by me or my doctor makes me 100% sure this is their fault.

I'm going to take 2 a day until I'm in balance, but if it's off again they're going to have to run and hide. This has never once happened to me before, and I was in PM a long time prior to losing my insurance. I even had times where the pharmacy ran out of my meds, or only have me partial scripts and I had to go to different pharmacies and tell the doctor.

My current doctor doesn't have a pharmacy requirement on his pain contract, so I can switch at will.
Posted 9/14/2012 6:30 PM (GMT 0)
It keeps getting worse, now after fixing the dates on the website's calender, it now says I've PICKED UP the Morphine TODAY!

This could all get me booted from pain management or labeled a drug seeker in a PMP! I've had it, I want to go to CVS and start screaming at them.

But then they'll have me on camera and probably say it was then, I just...ugh.

I called my insurance and no one has tried filing any prescriptions, that's good. That means it's just confined to these IDIOTS at CVS.

They've lost my future business if my insurance is accepted at another pharmacy.
Posted 9/14/2012 6:54 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Cave, just wanted to offer the suggestion that perhaps they put 9 in one bottle, and 81 in another, and the bottle with 9 has been waiting for you to go pick it up.
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