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Posted 12/3/2012 4:33 AM (GMT 0)
I signed a contract with my neurologist that I would only get my narcotic medications ( usually used just for horrible migraines). I thought it was a good idea, and I still do. My only issue is because of other issues ( no NSAIDs because of kidney issues and no Tylenol because my neurologist said it causes rebound headaches) I don't have any options when I get intense pain.

Since the miscarriage I've had migraines, fibro flares, severe cramping in the pelvic region that my muscle relaxer isn't helping. Because of all of these things all at once I had to take my pain pills. I was very careful about dosing and tried to wait the pain out but a lot of the time it would become overwhelming. So I used 15 pills in a little over 2 weeks.

I feel bad about how I've taken so many pills. I feel like I should call his nurse and explain. I love this dr and I don't want him to think I'm just a drug seeker. I guess I was curious how those of you have a contract go about telling your dr that you've had a particularly bad few weeks? I still had a refill which I'm getting refilled now because I do need them to combat my migraines. But after this I have no refills and I'm curious if anyone has been in the same situation.
Posted 12/3/2012 5:21 AM (GMT 0)
I've never done a drug contract, but I assume you need to discuss with him what's going on and make sure it's okay. He will probably fuss some but maybe he will understand.
Posted 12/3/2012 5:53 AM (GMT 0)
Where are your migraines at? The trigger points.. back of head? Front? Middle? Forehead?
Have you considered a preventive migraine medication, such as topamax?
Posted 12/3/2012 6:15 AM (GMT 0)
Angelic- you will have to call the office and talk with the nurse. She most likely going to talk with the Dr. or some of the nurses have lots of authority to say sorry you took them as mis directed. It depends on your history if this has happen before and how long have you been taking narcotics. Most Dr's don't want you to go into withdrawls, so they might scold you for taking too much. They might not want to fill them either. They sometimes ask for a drug screen to. Just be honest with the Dr. I think if I were you. I would call for appointment and not mention your low on meds till you talk with your Dr. Maybe he can adjust your meds better.
Posted 12/3/2012 8:03 AM (GMT 0)
I get hemiplegic migraines. They Start above one eye. Well, actually they start with tingling in my fingers. That is my warning. Then I lose my vision and I start to feel pain. Sometimes after that I lose the ability to speak. I can think words but can't verbalize them.
My neurologist said to not drugs like maxalt or imitrex. He says those could give me a stroke. I take 100 mg of zonasimide every night which works usually. Extreme stress, hormone changes (ie miscarriage) , or weather changes can bring them on.
He handles my fibro, too. He normally lectures me about being in pain too long before I treat the problem. He doesn't know about the miscarriage. I think I'd be ok with a drug screen. I only took one a day to handle pain. (one pill I dropped down the sink drain). My pain is leveling out now so my refill should last. I just didn't know the
protocol. I've never needed a refill this quickly and he just put me on pain pills back in October.
I guess I will worry when I'm getting close to out of refills. Thank you all for your input.
Posted 12/3/2012 3:04 PM (GMT 0)
You asked about how we go about informing our neurologist or other pain medication prescribing doctor about our pain medication use and the symptoms and scenarios that drove the need for its use?

We run a report. The report shows the names of all pain medications taken, date/time and dosage for all pain medications used, provides detailed symptom and treatment notes for the date and shows all active symptom inputs within 5 minutes of the time when the pain medication was taken. Medical care providers also have the option of logging into our fibromyalgia tracking system and reviewing all symptoms in detail and all notes entered relative to different medications. They can also review our complete active treatment program and run reports that detail all symptoms progression over whatever time frame they wish.

We can show the doctor exactly when all pain medications were taken, why they were needed and what their impact was. We also show how symptom have interacted and responded to different treatment efforts. Tracking pain medications specifically is just one function of the tracking system we use.


Terry
Posted 12/3/2012 3:44 PM (GMT 0)
Terry....It sounds like you are promoting a "product" here....and not talking as someone who has Fibromyalgia...Even your member name suggests this "tracking program"....

This is not what the boards are about here....this is a forum for people with Fibromyalgia....

I haven't read anywhere that you have this yourself...

So I'm not sure what you are referencing in this post as it seems like your business is to sell this tracker to Drs. and/or patients...

**To Angela...The biggest thing is to talk with your Dr. and let them know that you had a rough week or two with everything going on...As long as you have not taken the meds more than directed on the bottle than you should be ok...This would only be a problem if you are meant to show up at your Dr. appt. with your bottle for a pill count and you don't have any left but are supposed to.

In the future though, the best thing is to call the Dr. right when you feel you need to take the medication for something else besides the migraines and make sure that he oks you doing this...

Drs. have to be accountable to the state and the DEA for all patients on controlled substances and make sure that their patient is not running out of meds before they are normally due...and that they are being taken for the specific diagnosis they were given for originally.

It's the same thing if you needed to go to the ER/Urgent Care for pain...you would contact your Dr. before going there and let them work with the ER Drs. with any medications that may be given..

It's all about transparency.
Posted 12/3/2012 3:57 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you, snow bunny. That was a big help. I have never done the contract do I didn't know how to handle other types of severe pain. I did turn down the pain script from my obgyn because I knew that was against the script.
I will call him now and explain the circumstances. Hopefully, he will understand especially since normally my narcotics last for months.
He also works in the hospital where I had my d &c so it's possible that he already knows. I know in the past he's know and actually come to check on me when I was admitted for other issues.
Posted 12/3/2012 4:06 PM (GMT 0)
My wife Michele has fibro - I live with its reality every day.

A question was asked... I answered it.

I have never posted a link or even mentioned a website address relative to any product I may have to offer. I have - repeatedly - tried to contact Peter Waite (owner of Healingwell) and also requested admin help for that purpose but so far I have yet to receive any response or reply of any kind at all.

I get that selling and products are viewed as a bad thing here, that is why I have never mentioned a product name or posted any links. Nor would I without the impossible to obtain permission. Besides, that is not why I read this forum anyhow. I have followed posts here for years but rarely post myself.

I find it interesting that people support more research being done for Fibro. But why? Research only leads to help if someone takes the research results and develops a product from it. So research is good... but products are bad. Then why bother with research?
Posted 12/3/2012 4:30 PM (GMT 0)
I know that your wife has Fibro as you mentioned this once in the sleep study thread....But I guess I am reacting to this particular thread in which Angela is asking us...patients....what we do with our Drs...

But you answered based on your program that you sell. I'm assuming this is your business and you profit off of this "tracker" because it's also your member name...So if I am wrong, then please say so.

Is there a reason that your wife does not want to come on the boards so that she can share her experiences and journey with Fibro?

Obviously I am not a Moderator nor do I have any ownership in this site and I am just speaking as a member of this site. It just tweaked me the wrong way in which your post seemed to not be personal but about a product..

You ask why research is ok but selling products is not...It's because we all want to feel like a "family" here when we share things....This is a safe place to tell the good, the bad, and the ugly of living with Fibro..No one here wants to feel like someone is just posting out of an "agenda"..

I will back off as I don't want to hijack this thread and apologize to Angela for these few posts...

**Angela....I think your Dr. will understand this situation with your miscarriage and the other pain issues all happening at once. He sounds like a very good and caring Dr...

I am truly sorry for your loss...I had a miscarriage when I was married so I know how traumatic that can be. For me...I don't have any other children and this is not in the cards for me in the future as my medical issues now prohibit this...

So I'm sending you some hugs (( ))

Post Edited (Snowbunny21) : 12/3/2012 9:33:22 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 12/3/2012 4:55 PM (GMT 0)
My wife does read this board from time to time... but were she to post she would not be able to refrain from mentioning the unmentionable as it is a fundamental part of her treatment approach.

My user name is NOT my product name. In fact - if you were to google my user name you will find a product that is NOT mine!

An agenda... well, I do admit to having an agenda. Helping people to overcome fibromyalgia. If that is a negative then call me bad.

Anyhow... I also did not mean to hijack a thread. I do believe that providing details about pain medication use is helpful for doctors who prescribe pain meds. Many have told me so. Anything you can do to help them understand why you needed to resort to pain meds is helpful. This could be with a simple pain diary.
Posted 12/3/2012 5:14 PM (GMT 0)
When I was prescribed my meds they were meant for my migraines and breakthrough pain. Before the miscarriage and mess with my family I very rarely felt like I needed to resort to them. Usually I'd stretch, use a heating pad, take a hot bath, or use my heating pad.
I think with all the stress my body just hit a wall with its coping skills. Everything was acting up. My fibro was flared up so badly that it was hard to ever be comfortable much less move, I was getting migraines daily, my arthritis was achey, and the Friday before my gastroenterologist found that the lower 2/3 of my throat was covered in thrush and he found a hiatal hernia, which do far just causes some reflux and light chest pain.
I already put a call into his office to explain the situation. I'm just waiting for the call back. I don't think I need any more pills but I want to be open because he really is a good dr. I'd hate to lose him as a dr because he was the first one to treat me like he believed I was dealing with pain issues. I'll let you all know how it goes. Thank you all for the advice.
Posted 12/3/2012 6:21 PM (GMT 0)
Mods don't delete me,

Angelic, in my medical opinion having more than one doctor rx'ing (prescribing) meds is not that good unless you keep every single doctor in the loop. You can get too much medication, not enough medication, get ones that should not be together, so on

IE: If my primary gave me oxycotin and my neurologist gave me morphine it wouldn't be good to take those two together, and you risk of getting too much. I am not the best, there are days that I even take more pain pills, but my doctor knows. If I had a patient on a pain contract and they were getting pain killers from someone else, I would call it a breach of a legal oath. Light chest pain? Can you take your pulse? Do you know how? I am wanting to check if you should be in a hospital. Chest pain is nothing to mess with. Reflux can cause chest pain like symptoms, and I know that personally mods, but the pain is different than regulary chest pain. Its like a coming and going chest pain, easing up and getting worse. However, it is critical with any chest pain for you to be checked. Don't wait for a call back, walk in and do an emergency appointment. You have two kids hon, think about them. With chest pain it is always critical to get medical attention.
I have a pain contract, and it means no medication from other doctors without permission, unless given in an emergency situation.
Posted 12/3/2012 7:19 PM (GMT 0)
My contract pertains to any opioids, pain treatment meds, any meds for fibro and migraines. My rheumatologist calls him and tells him what meds she thinks I need, as does my obgyn ( I saw a dr on call with the miscarriage). My primary dr does nothing except annoy me. I don't see him anymore. If I get sore throats or something that may need an antibiotic I just go to an urgent care. I always keep my neurologist updated on meds which was fun last time cause they had gotten a new computer system so we had to put my history in all over again. I see a therapist but she doesn't prescribe any meds. We're just trying to work on some of issues (like being a rug for certain family members).
I make sure if I have to go to the er, which I hate doing and fight hard against, I go to the one he works in so he can keep track of my treatment.
I just didn't know if I needed to call and explain why I took more pain pills in the past few weeks or if there was something else I'm supposed to do. I just want to handle it correctly. I don't want to lose this dr so I'm trying to follow the rules.
I tried to just not take anything at all and I was in so much pain. My husband threatened me with the yucky er so I caved. Anyway they haven't called back yet but they do lunch around now.
Posted 12/3/2012 7:33 PM (GMT 0)
Fibro Tracker,

In my opinion, which may be wrong, I thought you were trying to explain how the drug test works. Like I say, I could be wrong, I am rather naive about people and their agendas. I hope that is all it is. You do know the rules... Until I see more evidence about any motives that aren't on the up and up, I will just be watching this thread. If any other mods think that there is something going on, please do intervine... That is just my opinion... Sorry if I missed something...

I signed an agreement with my doctor's office. I agreed to be tested and a pill count at anytime...

Hugs, Karen
Posted 12/3/2012 7:51 PM (GMT 0)
Speaking from the health side, Karen anybody with or without a pain contract on pain killers are subject to a random UA (the drug test).

Angelic, you need to tell your doctor you took extra pills, and about the miscarriage. It is vitally important for doctors to know everything about their patients, health wise that is. It is very important to take your medication as prescribed. If the meds don't work, then you have to tell your doctor so you can get some pain relief. S/he doesn't know it isn't working unless you say so. There are things that can be done, like a different dosage or a different medication.
Posted 12/3/2012 8:11 PM (GMT 0)
I wasn't given any pain for my miscarriage because I have a pain contract with a different dr. I did call my drs office and left a message but his nurse didnt get back to me until Saturday. She said to just continue taking my pain pills.
I took them as prescribed. Never more than one a day, when it wore off I'd just lie in bed with my heating pad all curled up. My muscle relaxers weren't helping any of the pain so I quit taking even trying those after 3.
I still have horrific cramping but I'm just going to try and tough it out. Hubby's not home to be grumpy. Lol.
It's just stressful not knowing how he's going to see the situation. I still have no answer for the cramping. Is this month over yet?
Posted 12/3/2012 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Angelic,

What I have found that works for me in communicating with physicians of any type, is to type up my questions and concerns and then fax it to the office asking for a return phone call. This way, the nurse can't make a mistake in relaying the information. If he isn't clear on what I am saying, he can reread it until he understands what I am saying and have a reply for me rather than a "Let me get back to you on this". If I have not heard back within 36 hours after the fax, I call the office. I even have one doctor who has an email account only for his patients and we can email him with questions, minimizing the disruptions during the day for his practice with the knowledge that by bedtime, I will hear back from him. Give it a try, it can't hurt.

Posted 12/3/2012 8:47 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Angelic. In Fibro 101 you will find links to both a journal and a couple of links that describe the levels of pain. One has faces and they use these in hospitals so patients can accurately describe their pain to their doctor.

Print these out and keep a record, using the pain charts as a guide. Take all of this to the doctor and it will help them truly see what you are going through.

Terry, I know Peter is difficult to reach but he most likely wouldn't let you put your info up because you have vested interest in your product. That is against forum rules.

Smurf, when you go to the doctor's office, you fill out information as to what medications and supplements you take. This is how that particular doctor can see what other doctors have prescribed. I have made a list that has medications and doses in one column and supplements and doses in another column. I update this and print it out and take it with me whenever I see one of my doctors. They put it in my file so everything is up to date. This way, any of my doctors can prescribe things safely for me.

Sherrine
Posted 12/3/2012 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you! That sounds like a wonderful idea! I'd forgotten all about email.
My therapist reminded me to tell him that I quit all my meds as soon as I found out I was pregnant. So right up to my miscarriage I wasn't taking my Cymbalta, zonisamide (migraine prevention), or any of the others. She says it's important to let him know for a month and a half I wasn't being treated. She also he may be upset that I didn't tell him that and I can see that.
Posted 12/3/2012 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I think you will be perfectly fine with them as you took them as directed and this is from a prescription that was dated back in October...As you said...you usually don't take them very often and they know this...As well as you didn't accept any other pain meds from the OB/GYN which is following the contract so all of that is good.

I've had a contract at my PM for the last few years as our state just started requiring a random urine test once a year. We also have to bring in our bottles at appts. (I go once every 3 months)....Because I've been going there for so long and they know I've never tried to fill things early or have done anything for them to question me...they just ask if I brought my meds in but don't look at them..LOL...And they even ask me when it's time.."Do you want to take the urine test today?"...Because I don't have any insurance, my PM is also wonderful enough to write off the entire cost of the test as it's pretty expensive (over $800!)....

Anyway...my point is that it sounds like you have a great relationship with this Dr. and they will understand all that you went through that you needed to take them for your pain. As mentioned...the only thing different to do in the future is give them a quick call if you have another health issue come up...

So...I don't think you have any worries:)
Posted 12/5/2012 9:59 PM (GMT 0)
What is your script for? (how many) if it is for 30 pills for instance taken every 6 hrs, that's 4 a day, which would only last you a little over a week.

If you were running out earlier than how it was written, thats when you'd need to talk to the Dr. Needing more at certain times (more than you thought you would) isn't uncommon. Your pain is not under control.

The pharmacy won't fill your refill unless it's allowed (time wise) so you'd know right then and there if you were using too many.

I'm just wondering if YOU feel badly cause you've needed more or if you've really taken more than the Dr. allowed. Two different things.

I had a bad problem with my pain not being controlled and went the run around with a Dr. many years ago. I wasn't seeking drugs, I was seeking pain relief! Most chronic pain patients don't get any 'high' from their meds nor do they get an addiction.
Dependency is totally different than addiction and is just a normal body response.

I wouldn't worry too much. Talk to him at your next appt. or if you're really uneasy about it, give them a quick call to put your mind at ease.

Here's to being as pain-free as possible!
Jacey
Posted 12/6/2012 1:03 AM (GMT 0)
I did talk to him and I explained the situation. He was very understanding. I actually didn't even take the max dose so he said its fine. It was a prescription I've had since October and it's 15 pills and I'm allowed one every eight hours. I never took more than one because I don't like being drugged up but the pain was horrible because my fibro, migraines, and arthritis were all competing to knock me over plus some pain from the miscarriage.
I worried because I always worry. Lol I've had such bad luck finding good drs that are capable of helping. I usually just try heating pads or warm baths but with everything all at once I hurt so much I was miserable.
Anyway, thank you all for the help. I did get an email from him so now I can just email him about anything about my health come up. So I owe you all a huge thank you.
Posted 12/6/2012 1:19 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to hear you have an understanding and caring doctor.
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