I'm trying to read between the lines.

As some of you guys may know I'm in the process of changing States and Doctors. The pain mang. program I'm in at the, University of Virginia says I need a PCP to monitor me on a month to month basis. So. I've been looking for a PCP that is reasonable for self pay and willing to work with PM at UVA.

After 20 or 25 calls One doctor agreed to see me. During the appointment she she talked to me about more than just the pain. We discussed my life style, how this has affected my life in general. What limits I have as far as being able to work self employed. Certain positions and situations to avoid working alone. All the things I expected from my Pain Mang. professionals. but haven't received yet.

Then she goes on to explain she doesn't do pill counts, no urine test, no pain contract. Why? Because she doesn't prescribe the kind of meds I'm on. She was concerned about my blood pressure because it was 185 over 105 and a little higher the 2nd time. I explained That I weaned off my meds and the big pain is back and that usually will drive up my blood pressure.

We talk some more about the PAD I have in my legs and because of infection and bad circulation they took my little toe. So after spending 45 mins with me, as I go to leave she says " I never do this but I'm going to give you a month supply to hold you over until you see the Doctors at UVA. Then she says make an Appointment in 6 weeks I want to check your blood pressure again.

I'm trying to read between the lines. It seems everything about Pain Mang. has become like a ritualized Kabuki dance. So do I take them as prescribed then worry about withdrawal next month if they still decide not to use opiate meds at UVA. or do I hold out till it's hard to stand, then take some meds then wait a day or two before I take more. ( that's hard to do) anyway that's it I still can't figure out how to double space sorry

Post Edited By Moderator (Blessedx8) : 10/18/2013 10:46:50 PM (GMT-6)

Ok, I've now tried twice to do another post - and lost both. My computer is not liking me tonight. Frustrated!

Unfortunately it sounds like you are going through all the normal hoops of trying to find a new doctor.... and I agree - it's very frustrating!

One clarification - once you get in to the pain program - are they wanting the PCP to script you the meds each month? Or how will that work? Is this new woman willing to do that? Sort of confused on all of that....

All that said -- while I think it's wise that you are looking ahead somewhat.... there are many unknowns at the moment for you.... While I'm not glad you have HBP - at least this new doc was able to see the outward sign of what the pain is doing to you.... and at least she was willing to give you something for the month. I have HBP too that also soars when I'm in pain.

Re: your question about taking the meds... I undestand your concern. What I would do is take the meds... but take them as conservately as you can (ie - if you are given 4 a day, try to get by on 2, or whatever the case may be). Do you mind me asking what she gave you? I'm assuming a short acting med?

Sorry that you are having to go through this all.... but try to hang in there.... and I hope the meds work to drop your pain some.

--Tina

Gary, it really is a bad spot that you are in no doubt. If this were me I sure would use the least amount possible. She has already said she will not rx anything strong. Had your BP not been elevated I am sure she would not have written that script. She was not trying to be extra nice, she is concerned about the high BP.

After what you went through with WD's I sure would not take these meds as written for 30 days because you will be right back like you were not long ago.Why put your body through that again.

Susie

I have to agree. Take it as sparingly as possible. If I recall you've not had any meds and gotten thru the rough parts of w/d right? Keep those horrendous days in mind and use it when all else fails to help the extreme pain only.

You didnt say what she gave you so we've no way to direct you on how sparingly.

Yeah I'm as confused as you guys are and it's my life. The pain Doctors at U.V.A. say we don't "take over writing prescriptions" I don't know if that means they just don't, or They expect the PCP to do it, or they access the case themselves and do what they think is right. I will be more prepared this time with a list of questions. This doctor I saw yesterday was great. She was very thorough she took the time to get the whole story. and she listened to what I had to say about my symptoms and what I thought. Instead of talking at me she gave me her opinion. But she also made it clear this was a one time thing. If UVA feels I need the Meds they can prescribe them. She will see me every month to watch my blood pressure and general health, but not "babysit". `````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````````My normal meds are Methadone 10mg tablet 4x daily Duladid 4mg tablet every 4hrs. as needed. I told this doctor I had backed down myself to no methadone and only 1 duladid every couple of days when things got bad. and that could be why my BP is so high. She said my tolerance should be down and I should be fine on 1/2 dose. So she gave me 2mg duladid and 5mg Methadone, and she was right worked fine

I don't think most people realize or understand the impact of the half life with Methadone.

Susie

To Rocckyd; actually I'm north close to Berryville VA. it's a 2 hour drive to Charlottsville. Winchester is the closest City to me. But Charlottsville takes me as a charity case. It's free. except my meds.