September 13, 2009 - 3:01pm
Hello eveyone,
I am new here, but I recognize several screen names that are close to some of the ones I remember from Google's Chronic Pain Alternative Something Group. (Sorry that I can't think of the exact name of the group.)
Anyway, I joined this group because I was googling my situation, and it seems someone on here had my problem in the spring. I think I know enough of you to start by saying this - I am HONESTLY telling you the truth. I have no reason to lie. I have been in pain management with the same group for 5 years. I go for fibromyalgia, periphial neuropathy, a stabbing pain in my back to the front that no one has ever figured out (in fact, had my gallbladder removed for that & there was nothing wrong with it). That's another story.
Here is what happened. In all of the years I have been in pain management, I have NEVER done one wrong thing. I have never even asked for my meds to be increased. I am currently on 40 mg oxycontin 4 x's daily, and 30 mg oxycodone 2 times a day for breakthrough pain. The last PA I saw added Fentora - 600 mcg, 1 in the morning and 1 at night. I had never heard of that. My PC doc has never heard of it. It is very strong and usually given to cancer patients. The problem is that it only lasts about 30-45 minutes. In the morning, that was enough to enable me to get up and actually walk, and start my day. The thinking was it would work until the other meds kicked in. As it stands now, the oxycontin is NOT taking care of my pain, but I don't ask for more, only tell her that my pain is tolerable, if I don't do anything much. Can't clean my house. Can't cook a nice dinner. My whole life has changed due to this pain. I know I am lucky to get this much pain medication, after reading about other peoples' horror stories.
So I went in for a regular monthly visit. I know that every few months, I will have a urine test done. So I knew it was about time for one. The PA does know that my husband is looking for a new job. She asked if i had to pay for the urine screen out of pocket, because if I did, she was going to wait until next time for the urine screen because my husband's new insurance might pay for it. THIS IS VERY IMPORTANT. It is also the nicest thing she has ever said to me, because she usually acts like she is doing me a big favor to give me my scripts. I have been in this pain management a long time, but have seen many different PA's, so I haven't seen this woman that long and haven't developed a relationship with her. I told her that my insurance pays for them, so to go ahead - it didn't matter.
So in about 10 days I get a letter in the mail (not signed by anyone, interestingly enough), saying that they found Methadone in my urine and that I was being discharged from pain management! I freaked out and called. The doctor, whom I only see once a year as required, was out of town. I told them that there was NO WAY i had taken any methadone!!! I told them I thought my PA would vouch for me. Turns out, she was the one who did the discharge! They told me they would leave it for the doc to see. Called me back a week later and said that he agreed with the discharge! Also said that in my record I had another infraction. I didn't know what in the world. Turns out that several years ago I was off on my med count when I went in by ONE pill. When she said that, I did remember it and remembered getting yelled at for it. Can't remember why it happened. However, nothing like that was written in my letter. The person I talked with, btw, was the site manager nurse. My PA would not talk to me!
I have been a school teacher for 30 years. I had to quit 1.5 yrs. ago due to pain, and fatigue (also have Chronic Fatigue Syndrome). Fatigue is a bad word - I actually feel like I am going to faint if I do much. I have an Ed.S, which if you are not familiar with education degrees, is above a master's and below a PhD. I am telling you all of this so you will know that I am not an idiot which was my final argument to the pain clinic about this situation.
Since I realized I had no relationship with any of these people, I pointed out the info in the above paragraph. Told the nurse that if nothing else, I'm not stupid! Why would I do Methadone when I knew it was most likely time for a drug screen!!!!???? I have never seen Methadone except for a few years ago when they prescribed it to me when they were trying different meds. It made me nauseous and didn't help my pain at all!!!
I offered to come in and take another drug screen when I called the first day I got the letter, but she said I was already discharged. If they had CALLED me when their test came back, I could have gone in that day and retested. I did not get a copy of the test, but she said it is the kind of test that when they find something that shouldn't be there, they go back and look again and see the levels. She told me the numbers, which meant nothing to me.
I think they thought they did something wrong, because I just got another letter signed by the "Loss Prevention Coordinator" saying that staff involved in my care had reviewed my medical records and that I had violated my contract by taking a non-prescribed drug and that the lab verified its results (duh), and so the dc stands.
Sorry for this LONG post, but I thought I would go to my PC doc, get a referral to another clinic and all would be well. WRONG. My PC doc was VERY sympathetic. The clinic where he works goes not give narcotics. He immediately referred me to another place that would take me, but not my insurance! I can't pay cash. We are barely making it. Then I called several pain clinics here and turns out several of them only take cash. 2 of them have just closed. 2 only do injections. The big problem is the few that would take me and do give narcotics WILL NOT TAKE ME CAUSE I WAS DCed from somewhere else!!!!! My doc is very sympathetic. My meds run out 9-25. PM did say they would write me a taper script, but I can barely stand to live with this fibro pain as it is!!! (Let me say that I know that tons of people have fibro and don't have to take narcotics, but obviously there are different degrees of pain for different people. Same with my neuropathy.)
My PC doc said he would put in a good word for me. He believes me when I say that I absolutely didn't take methadone. Did my pm clinic do something wrong? Should they have called and let me retest? I don't want to go back there, but I would like that dc REMOVED from my record. Does that ever happen?
Get this: I asked my PC doc if he could call the PM doc, and he said that "he is just as rude to me as he is to his patients! It wouldn't do any good." That should tell you something. Can any of you think of anything I can do?
Do you think a new pain clinic (the very few left) will let me in even with this bad discharge? What about withdrawal? If I have to withdraw, I don't think I can stand to do a long taper off. I'd rather get it over with. Don't think i can stand what i have heard about wd along with my pain for a long period of time.
One more thing - someone suggested that I do go to the Methadone clinic. They say it is wonderful for pain and that I might have no nausea now. I'd have to pay some money, but not much. What are your thoughts? I very much respect your opinions here. I would love to see the doc that discharged me in person. Is that possible? He has another office not at the pain clinic. I "present well", if you kwim. What do you think?
Again - sorry this is so long. Please don't say that I must have done methadone, cause I just didn't. HONESTLY.
So what would you do? I am in a panic cause time is drawing near and my PC doc can't write me scripts for my meds. I didn't have a clue about all of this. HELP!
TIA,
Lynn
September 13, 2009 - 4:04pm
#2
I will only say this...
Very sad. But I wanted to point out to you that your PCP who is "VERY sympathetic" absolutely CAN write your meds for you...he obviously just WON'T. Now whether or not that is just his personal preference, office policy, or he is just trying to keep drug seekers and chronic non-payers out of his clinic is anyone's guess. You know, maybe you should just stop worrying about going to "pain clinics" and find another PCP who will write the meds that you need and have a history of responsible use of for many years based on your OP. You may be looking at this the wrong way. I will never again go to a "pain clinic" for exactly the reasons you mentioned, no relationship with constantly rotating PA's and NP's serving internships for a year etc. etc. Plus for me I guess it's just much easier to see a colleague at the clinic where I work...
But believe me, I can sympathize with your situation. Try asking your long time PCP if maybe since he *WON'T* Rx your meds if he could just refer you to a trusted colleague who may be willing to. Best of luck to you.
MF
September 13, 2009 - 6:11pm
#3
you are right about him not
you are right about him not wanting to write the scripts. it is the policy at the group where he practices. I guess I hadn't thought about changing PCP because he has been sooo nice to me. He gives me Provigil samples for free, since my ins. won't pay for it. (that's for fatigue and really helps.) he gives me everything he can for free, as a matter of fact. he is the doc that first diagnosed my fibro and sent me to pain management. i would really hate to change, but i guess that's a possiblility. I don't know where I would look, as in I don't know any PC docs that do that. Of course there are some, but i would have to find them!
as far as Methadone, I know there is NO WAY i took any. it's just impossible. at this point, even if i found out that I had somehow done that, it wouldn't matter. it would only confirm what they think. obviously they don't care why!
Thanks so much for both your answers.
September 13, 2009 - 6:51pm
#4
GO AND GET ANOTHER TEST DONE AT YOUR EXPENSE
PLEASE. DO YOUR SELF A FAVOR, EVEN THOUGH IT MIGHT BE A HARD SHIP, PLEASE PAY FOR ANOTHER MORE THOROUGH DRUG SCREEN AND ALL THE PILLS THE PHARMACY GAVE YOU. THIS IS A HORRIBLE INJUSTICE!!!!!! SORRY FOR THE CAPS BUT THIS IS EXTREMELY IMPORTANT!!!!!
BE PRO-ACTIVE LIKE YOU ARE!!!!!
OH MY GOD I AM SO SHOOKEN UP BY THIS!!!!
What about an out of state doctor, a state that has prescription tracking so that you can prove you are faultless.
p.s. could it be possible someone had taken some pills out and "replaced" them with methadone????
September 13, 2009 - 8:14pm
#5
That is crazyness...false
That is crazyness...false positive happens with urinealysis tests alot more often than most people think....there has got to be a way to have it retested. Maybe they still have part of the urine sample they could test again? I don't know...just a thought...
The other possibility is that maybe they wanted to discharge you for some other reason. Perhaps your insurance isn't paying as much as another patient's would...they seem pretty shady like that.
Sorry to hear about your situation...if all else fails at least try the methadone route so you don't have withdrawals...they are really horrible. Either that or ask your doctor about suboxone treatment for withdrawals...
September 13, 2009 - 10:01pm
#6
what a nightmare
I don't know what I would do if this happened to me. As previously posted, you might want to have an independent test done-it cost me fifty dollars for a nine panel screen at a local lab. Even if your pm doctor won't accept it, you may need it to see another doctor if they question your medical records. The fact that this doctor discharged you will probably raise questions and I would be awfully upset if I had to deal with this. More and more you hear of urine tests coming back incorrectly: I had been tested when I was hospitalized and the oxycodone did not even show on the "tox screen". And hear of situations like yours where you test positive for meds you did not take. I had been prescribed Methadone and there's no way it could be confused with 40 mg oxycontin or 30 mg oxycodone, so I don't see how the pharmacy could make an error...take care, Theresa
September 13, 2009 - 10:42pm
#7
did someone switch your meds
did someone switch your meds around....take the good and put in the bad?
September 13, 2009 - 10:46pm
#8
sounds like someone
either dispensed the wrong med.
or someone replaced a methadone pill for a oxyicontin, does your oxyi. look white an round
recently had trouble with bad screen, an afterwards after signing a new contract, My Dr. an I had a agreement that if I failed a drug screen for whatever reason, that I would be called in for a observation test, the problem was tests were showing neg., but Dr. agreed to it.
would try to find a pain management clinic that specializes in pain control but addiction/dependancy, if You cannot get the medication for the pain you would be treated for withdrawals.
the treatment of methadone has done wonders for pain but it can t compare to oxyi., the only other would be suboxone.
Woodstock
September 14, 2009 - 2:44am
#9
My PC doc said that he would
My PC doc said that he would give me a drug test now ( so there would be no cost - insurance would pay) but that it wouldn't matter because of the length of time since the original test. he said all it would prove was that I am not doing methadone now, but they can still say I was doing it when I took the original test. remember, pretty much time has passed. as i mentioned, I think they should have CALLED ME the second the bad test came back, so that I could have retested right then. Instead I get a non -certified letter 10 days later! Then the doc there was on vacation, so that was another week before he came back and looked at my chart and agreed with the dc! I pretty much knew he wouldn't go over his PA's head, but as I said, I assumed I would be able to get in another clinic with no problem.
Also, I guard my meds like they are solid gold. no one could have switched anything. I don't know anyone that would even have methadone. no mistake at the pharmacy, either. I know exactly what my meds look like and nothing was different. I do look at each one also, since I am taking several different meds, I look and make sure I am taking the right one so my count won't be off. Ha! Isn't that funny?
I did wonder if the PA I was seeing might have loved the opportunity from the bad drug screen to discharge me though, cause she is always saying she doesn't know what to do with me. She does not want to increase my meds, although she is the one that upped my oxycontin from 3 40's a day to 4 40's a day, since my pain just wasn't under control. Once again, I did not ask her to do this. I only told her how I felt. She acted ANGRY when she gave me the extra meds and said that was the highest that she could ever go. I know that is not true, but I just said that I understood. I was actually so happy that she finally upped my meds. I knew it would help, but I knew it still wouldn't be quite enough. I did not say that, however.
The thing about methadone - I always thought it was much stronger than oxycontin. If I went to a methadone clinic in order not to have to go through withdrawals, I thought I might actually be able to get adequate pain control IF i can even take it without getting sick to my stomach, which is what happened when they prescribed it to me years ago. I did some more homework, and it seems that the methadone clinic here won't take you for pain management. They will take you if you say that you are being discharged from pain management and are addicted and are considering buying it on the street so as not to withdraw. I don't know what I think about all of that! Except it is true that I am dependent on opiates and can't imagine withdrawal!
Several of you mentioned suboxone. That would help me withdraw fairly quickly, right? I know nothing about it really. But then I would still be in terrible pain!!! I can hardly stand my pain right this minute, WITH meds. It is always worse at night and keeps me awake. So wouldn't the methadone clinic be a better choice. At least I would get meds for pain. One thing though - I'm kind of scared of methadone. I have heard that it is the HARDEST thing to withdraw from. I have always thought that I would be on pain meds from now on though (unless a miracle happens!). Plus you have to go to the methadone clinic everyday for the first couple of months and are treated like an addict. At least that is what I have heard about the ones here.
One last thing - Flyer1976, what about out of state doctors that track your medication to prove you are faultless? How would I do that and how do they do that? If you are talking about a pain contract, I do have one of those. I only fill my scripts like I am supposed to and at the pharmacy I am supposed to. My pain contract was the problem in fact, cause they said I violated it and took methadone!!!! Maybe you are talking about something else. Whatever the case, thank you so much for caring. THANK ALL OF YOU SO MUCH FOR CARING AND TAKING THE TIME TO HELP! I'm not yelling either - just want everyone to see that!
One thing I am going to do is call a couple of places that won't take you if you have been discharged from somewhere else and ask them if it would help for my PCP to give me another urine test and vouch for me. Also going to see if the PM doc might see me at his other office. I keep thinking that if i can talk to him in person, he might at least reinstate me so that I could go somewhere else. I'm probably dreaming though. I don't really think he will talk with me. Pretty ironic that I am looking at a Methadone Clinic (as a last resort) since Methadone was the problem drug. Really would like to hear more about what you think about Methadone. and the Suboxone. isn't it just short term to get you over wd?
Thanks again. I truly appreciate your kindness!
Lynn
September 14, 2009 - 9:52am
#10
the problem
could be the lab. that performed the screen
when they find a postive test, they post examples of what the medication might be, you look on the test it may show oxycodone right beside it it may show ( perocet,roxicodone,oxyicontin)
I seen on another thread that anyone taking Clartin-D that it would show as meth--------------, an it is time for heavy allergies , have you took any medication in that line.
or is it possible that the pc was looking at a old lab report, 1 that you may have took while You were actually prescribed methadone, that seems would fit this scenerio because they would be digging into your file to show one pill short, an one pill could have been a pharm tech miscount.
Woodstock
September 14, 2009 - 2:23pm
#11
Who knows
Who knows exactily what happened. Anyone check out the magazine WIRED this month? It was about the placebo's vs. medication issue.They have said that placebo's work just as well as name brand medication.
There are issues with false positives, this I know but methadone out of no where is curious. No one could have touched your medicine and no one made a mistake at the pharmacy.
Check out the article in WIRED.
Take Care!
September 14, 2009 - 2:50pm
#12
they were looking back at my
they were looking back at my records because of the positive result for methadone. that's what they said, anyway. also, in the 2nd letter - they said they double-checked the lab results. I don't think they looked at an old test. I think there was just a mistake on this test, human error or I had been taking cold meds and nasal spray. I wondered about that for false positive. I actually didn't think a thing about the nasal spray. I googled cold meds and saw all over the place that certain nasal sprays turned out false positive for Methadone. the thing is - THEY DON'T BELIEVE THAT AT MY PAIN CLINIC! not yelling at anyone. yelling at my pain clinic!!! so frustrating and embarrassing. but much more than that, as I said I had no idea I'd have a problem getting in somewhere else. so it's like this could ruin my life! that sounds all dramatic, but it is the truth! I am getting ready to call my PCP's referral nurse now and see if she has any new info for me. Then going to call the methadone clinic and see what I have to do to get in there. As I said, I think I basically have to say I'm an addicted to pain meds to get in. Really embarrassing. I know I am DEPENDENT on my meds, and I guess I will say i'm addicted if i have to - to avoid going through withdrawals. However, we know dependent means we need it for our pain. Addicted means (to them) we want narcotics and if we can't get them, we will go out and buy them illegally - supposedly to get high. How embarrassing it all is! I think i can't really say I am needing methadone for my pain. That is the way these clinics work here from what I've heard. I just don't know what to do!!! Still hoping to find a pain clinic that will take my ins and take me with a "dishonorable" discharge!
Also, Woodstock, did you mean that suboxone is good for pain? or only to help with withdrawal?
Have you guys heard that Methadone is a good pain med but has the worst withdrawal if you have been taking it long term?
September 14, 2009 - 3:02pm
#13
Flyer1976, I have never heard
Flyer1976, I have never heard of WIRED, but will try to go to the bookstore and check it out.
btw, do you mean the article says that PLACEBOS are the same as name brand? or did you mean GENERICS are the same?
whichever, thanks for the info!
September 14, 2009 - 2:59pm
#14
If you are going to be on
If you are going to be on Methadone or pain meds for the rest of your life, I would not worry about w/ds. Did the nurse ask you what OTC and prescribed meds you take, how much and what time you took them? I'm always asked those questions and then I sign the form. Take care, htmom
September 14, 2009 - 3:24pm
#15
hi,
if you do choose to go the methadone route...maybee you pc doc will wright you a script for phenergan. Take that with your methadone and see if it helps with nausea. Just tryin to help :) Hope you find something one way or the other! t.k Deanna
September 14, 2009 - 6:26pm
#16
suboxone
is a pain medication, an a medication to treat addiction/depandancy, if You decide to go this route pay close attention as when trying to step down from this it has to be done very gradual.
Woodstock, no Dr., just a hillbilly
September 14, 2009 - 8:12pm
#17
TNLady, the medication
TNLady, the medication Dextromethorphan that is in almost every single OTC cough medication will show a positive for methadone since they are very closely related. Im pretty sure someone else mentioned Benadryl which is diphenhydramine also there is doxylamine succinate (Nyquil) these both have also been known to give false positives on instant test. If the lab really did go over your sample with a more indepth GC/MS test they will be able to tell the difference in almost anything you take and will actually know if its methadone or a false positive.
I do have a question for you though. What kind of urinalysis did they perform? Was it an instant test? 5 panel? 9 panel? 10 Panel? Do you remember reading the lab slip or them telling you what it was? The reason I ask is because at this point from what I remember Methadone has to be tested for by a seperate test. Im pretty positive it wont even hit as an opiate in normal urine tests since it is a synthetic Opioid. It needs to be tested for specifically with a Methadone Immunoassay. I did a little digging and I guess they are including it in some of the instant 10 panels though.
Now as for what you can try and do. You can go to the clinic in person and offer to take a hair folicle test to prove that you did not take methadone. Even though methadone has a super long half life you are right that it probably has been too long since the first urine screen. If they still wont budge ask them for a copy of the lab slip and results of the test, along with your entire patient file. You will need this to get into a new clinic anyhow. When they give you the lab slip and results, look and see what test they did on you. Once you know what kind of test they did you might be able to argue your way back into seeing this clinic. I personally will not go to a doctor of clinic that has PA's or NP's. They are not doctors, and IMHO I know more than they do about medications.
Deanna, phenergan is a good anti nausea med for opioid induced nausea from demerol ( hense the drug mepergan) but it should not be taken with methadone. Both methadone and phenergan by themselves can cause heart problems and when taken together it makes the chance of something bad happening much more likely. Plus methadone is much more sedating than demerol so combining phenergan with it will cause mega sedation compared to just a boat load like with demerol and phenergan.
September 14, 2009 - 9:28pm
#18
you stated
You stated that you had a rapport with the Dr since you were seeing him for 5 years. What is the deal with this? Tell him that you were on nasal sprays and etc.... I would alude that you looked on the internet and its siad that using nasal sprays was shown to cause false positives for methadone did he know that?
September 14, 2009 - 9:41pm
#19
September 15, 2009 - 12:24am
#20
a hair follicle test
That was a good suggestion and it will show this doctor that you are serious. I heard that they can be costly though it would be worth it to finally straighten this mess out!
September 15, 2009 - 3:19pm
#21
Flyer1976, my rapport is with
Flyer1976, my rapport is with my PCP who already believes me. I have been to the pain clinic for 5 yrs. but only see that doc once a year as required by law. I see a PA each time, and they keep changing just like Morfeen said. So I have NO rapport w/ Pain doc.
All of you who suggested a hair test - that sounds like the thing to do. Flyer1976, i appreciate your exact suggestions and all of your suggestions
I read online also that Methadone has to be tested for specifically unless it is a certain type test. I would say they did a 10 panel. I don't know. She did say on the phone that it was the very best test there is.
Here is what happened yesterday. The referral nurse from my PCP's office called and said she had referred me to a pain clinic here that I haven't heard of. That's because it is a new clinic opened by a doc who left one of the major pain clinics here (that won't take anyone that has been discharged from somewhere else), and he has started his own PM practice. She said that my PCP knows him and they have worked together before. She also said she felt pretty good about him taking me in my situation. I got the impression this is basically because my PCP put in a good word for me. So if this guy will take me, then YAY!
The only problem may be meds until I can get in, but the referral nurse said that she felt my PCP would write me a narcotics script, in spite of his policy, if it was just one script and I have a definite appointment set up.
She said this new doc's policy is to NOT write you a script the first visit, then you go back in 2 weeks and he will give you meds then. Whatever. It is all so crazy! It makes the methadone clinic look better and better, but it costs money plus you have to go every day at first.
Meanwhile, I will check out how much a hair follicle test costs. Remember, my PCP said he would redo a urine test, but figured it wouldn't matter by this time. So could HE order a hair follicle test? and would insurance pay for it maybe? I ask because we have NO MONEY. am on the verge of losing my house since I have been out of work. my husband is looking for a new job that pays better and has family insurance. bad time to be looking.
Also, I will ask for my records from the pain clinic as you suggested, Flyer1976. In person. I would like to do this, even if I get into another clinic because I would love to see what my records say! Although, how much will it cost? I remember getting my records from a neurologist years ago, before I went to this pain clinic, and it seems like it was very expensive. I also remember that the neurologist at that time REFUSED TO GIVE ME ALL OF MY RECORDS! I bet this pain clinic says the same thing. I can't believe how my life has changed. I used to be the person who would have said, "it's only about $100". now $100 is a huge big deal. that's a whole other story. hopefully, i will hear from this new pain clinic right away. I am in so much pain today, whether from stress or it's raining here, which makes it worse, but it is hard for me to even type this. So it is really hard to make PRO-ACTIVE plans, as Flyer1976 said, when i feel like this.
this is a wonderful group, btw. ya'll have been so supportive and you don't know how much I appreciate it! my husband doesn't even like for me to mention anything about my pain or any problems with it. he says he is tired of it. my son, who is 27 and wonderful, is someone i talk to about things, but he worries to death about me. He is so worried, angry, and stressed out about this PM discharge that I hate to mention it to him. Other people just don't understand. I realize I should be on these boards answering other people's questions and helping them like ya'll are helping me. I have a world of info about fibro and chronic pain, and that is one way I can make a difference in the world while I sit here on the couch. (Am so over that!). meanwhile, I am PRAYING that this new clinic will take my insurance, which I pay $457 a month for , btw, and will take me!
September 15, 2009 - 3:53pm
#22
right on...
im glad to hear some solutions begin to be opening up for you...hang in there
September 15, 2009 - 7:42pm
#23
TNLady, this explains how
TNLady, this explains how much you can be charged for your records if you really are a TN lady 
If you are not in TN let me know where you are either in PM or in the forum and I will let you know you can expect to pay. Also here is a pamphlet that lets you know your rights about requesting your medical records, it says the request has to be made in writing in the section titled Your Rights About Regarding Health Information About You. You can ask in person if they refuse, submit a letter requesting your records with a copy of the brochure with any pertinent sections hilighted and a copy of the legislation in the first link. Hope this helps along with what I said in my first post.
September 15, 2009 - 8:59pm
#24
the new clinic
an going every day, is the way a detox clinic works handing ouit methadone, they also test you like twice weekly
the nurse said it was the best UA they had avaiable it tests for 140 different compunds, the next lowest is a 14 panel, a hair test cost around $150 plus depending on cost of living an what they are looking for.
Woodstock
September 15, 2009 - 10:59pm
#25
TNlady,your most recent post
TNlady,
your most recent post sounds like you are starting to cheer up, as much as you can anyway in your situation, and I am so thankful for that. Pain takes so much out of us, if we dont try to stay positive its that much harder to keep on with the battle. I send positives wishes, hope, and prayers your way. Things WILL work out for you, the Lord works in mysterious ways.
As for your husband, negativity is hard to deal with after a while, but if all you are doing is looking for support, I think he needs to be more supportive of what you are going through. A few hits to the groin otta give him a taste of what dealing with chronic pain is like.
September 15, 2009 - 11:31pm
#26
:)
One of things I like most about pharmer is that it allows me to complain about my symptoms/side effects without wearing out my girlfriend's energy listening to me go on and on. I work with people who are medically and mentally unhealthy and it can drain my energy just being around it. Anyone who has taken care of a dying family member understands how it wears on you. So thanks to you all for hearing me b!tch and moan when I have a bad day...things have been tough but are getting better...compared to TNlady here my life is as good as it gets...I'm actually doing pretty well with tapering off oxycodone. I was taking about 180mgs per day and I've been down to 90mgs the last few days...before that I took 2 days off cold turkey just to establish where my pain is at and my pain was very low even without the meds (the wd's were terrible but my back and shoulder are finally healing)... ! :):):):):)
September 16, 2009 - 1:35am
#27
Hey NO PROBLEM Tnlady!!
NOOOO problem what so ever. Its just that I have seen the INCREDIBLE injustices done to patients who are in pain and have to FIGHT not only with their illness but with their doctors for care. Its a HORRIBLE plight on us and on those who WANT to treat us but dont know how to trust us. Its sad. But in regards to the doctor who didnt want to give you YOUR records. I would have asked if he was familiar with H.I.P.A.??!!!???!???In regards to the price for the records tho.... it depends... they might allow you to get your copies for free or charge .75 cents a page. Depends. I would explain this odyssey with this and explain that it would cause a financial burden on you (you have said that it might be extensive).
Thanks for the acknowledgement! I like helping people! We aren't uneducated or uninformed here! Although we have access to people's request for what they might have "taken at a party last night", we really are people who care and hope that we can help anytime or at least me heh hehh :)
Take Care!!!
September 16, 2009 - 3:26am
#28
False Discharge from Pain Clinic
Dear TNLady, I am truly sorry to hear your story and unfortunately this occurs far to often to people like us because of the prejuduses and labels placed upon us. First of all you have the rights to obtain copies of your medical records. Read all reports to see that all the information is accurate and it is a good bet that the report you speak of may not be in the file; it wouldn't be the first time I've seen that! Also how exactly was te urine screen handled, the rules coverning drug screens are very specific and if they were not followed to the tee, the test is invalid. Another person suggested that if a report was in the file, you could remove it and considering the lenght of time you have been treated; it would not raise an eyebrow to another doctor if you bring your records to a first appt. ; they would see a long term treatment program. That in its self shows you have been compliant our you would have been out a long time ago. Reasearch pain groups in your area and you will find people who have dealt with these type of doctors and they also know PM doctors that are sensative to your condition and the ones to avoid!!! That is the first and best advice I can give you and please trust me, it worked for me and I've been at this for approx. 20 years!!
I would be very interested in the exact way the test was handled, there are strict guidelines on this and if they did not follow them to the letter, the test is invalid!!! I am going to do something here that I have never done before and this information is has always stayed between the legal community, but no more. Everyone who reads this will now have the power to put the fear back into doctors for their misuse of power an intimidation they love to hold over our heads and keep us in a helpless state. Just so you know I have a relative who practiced law ( VERY WELL) and gave me the power to right the wrongs!!
We think doctors are intouchable an therefore we have no recourse to defend ourselves, you have that power. The MEDICAL QUALITY INSURANCE BOARD is the organization that oversees complaints against doctors and investigates all complaints made against them. This is not a coverup board to appease us, its power is to fix injustice and where doctors are held accountable for their actions. This board has the ability to tarnish or put black marks on doctors records for which they are accountable for and is part of their permenant records. If you ever feel you have been wronged or are not being treated as professionally as you should, badgered, whatever; you have the resource to change that. The # is 800-633-2322, use it wisely and have your detailed documentation and get to know your rights. For ex. the legal procedures of how urine screens are to be handled, under they type of conditions they are to be taken; basically the dues and donts and if they were not done under the strict guidelines; the doctor will have the problems.
I'm sorry it's late and I'm hurting, but feel free to touch base if I can be of any further help!!!!!
Wishing you the best,
BC
edit/number listed is for california residents
September 16, 2009 - 4:55am
#29
Awww TNlady, I'm so glad
Awww TNlady, I'm so glad you've found what looks to be a glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel. If you're looking for a great place to meet people who can understand what you're going through and don't get sick of hearing about it...you've found the right place. I came on this board about half a year ago thinking I'd just ask a question, see if I got any answers, and that'd be that. First of all, I was surprised at how quickly people gave me answers and how supportive all these strangers (now friends) were. I've been on this board almost daily since then. It's addictive, but that's only because the people on here are so awesome. I hope you stick around; you seem to have a great disposition and would be an asset to this board. Even when we have people in our lives who are supportive and understand (like your son) it is nice to have other people to talk to about the issues us CP sufferers go through. I worry about overwhelming my hubby by talking about my pain too much because he's such a sweety and really worries about my pain and the things I go through. Sometimes I have to hold back from telling him just how much pain I'm in so he can stay sane. That's what's so nice about this board...the people here understand. It seems that no matter what I've been through, someone here on the board has been through it too (or something like it) and can offer support and advice. Anyway, I really hope things work out for you. I am 100% convinced you are telling the truth and don't deserve this. False positives do happen, and doctors should give consideration to that.
One time I had a false positive UA for cocaine when I know for an absolute FACT I didn't have cocaine in my system! It devastated me to think that this could go on my records because I was a Kindergarten teacher at the time! How good would that look? To make matters worse I was in the ER with my hubby for anxiety (I have diagnosed GAD & panic attacks) at the time, so it seemed to fit what was going on and the doctor was ready to discharge me based on that! I knew it wasn't true though and really needed help. It really upset me because I was there with my husband and I didn't want him to think I was up to something like that. Long story short, I knew it wasn't true, my loving and sweet hubby knew it wasn't true, and begged the doctor to retest me. He really went to bat for me. I knew I hadn't though, so I was devastated. Of course the retest came back negative for cocaine. The doctor didn't even so much as apologize for making my panic attack a thousand times worse or for accusing me of something like that. I know he was just going off of what he saw on paper, but when a patient is accused of something like that and they say it's not true and they have no history of doing something like that then why not retest them? It seems the appropriate thing to do. The only explanation he offered me was that because I was having a panic attack my blood sugars were up, causing me to have some problems with my diabetes, which in turn affected my kidney or liver or something like that and caused a false positive. I dunno. I guess that's plausible and there seems to be a lot of information out there online to back up diabetes causing false positives on drug tests for all kinds of drugs. I just hope that I'm never accused of taking something I haven't because of it again. Fortunately I have a great pain management doctor who trusts me and has already shown me I'm pretty safe as a patient of hers.
I wish you the best of luck with the new pain management doctor. Please update us and let us all know how it works out. It seems that continuing in pain management would be a far better option than going to a methadone clinic. I think a lot of methadone clinics even have the goal of weaning people down off of it, so it may not even be a forever thing. Like you said, Methadone is probably the worst thing to come off of as well. It does wonders for pain, but I'm not sure that you'd get the proper care if they are giving you methadone as a treatment for addiction, rather than pain. You may find that the dose is too low, or over time you may build up a tolerance and need a higher dose, and as far as I know, that's not how methadone clinics work. If you tell them that your pain isn't being treated they will know you're not there for addiction as well. I think your life will just be a lot more simple if you stick with pain management.
One last thing. You mention that you have Fibro. If you can't get into pain management there are other non-narcotic treatments for Fibro. I'm not sure if you've tried any of them. Currently I'm on Lyrica and it's working great for the Fibro and neuropathy. There is also gabapentin. Have you tried either of these? You may want to give them a try even if you do get into pain management. Typically, opiates aren't the best form of treatment for Fibro and are often ineffective. For some, opiates do provide better relief if given in conjunction with something like Lyrica or gabapentin. Just a thought in case you can't get into pain management.
September 16, 2009 - 8:24pm
#30
Chain of custody is very
Chain of custody is very important when handling urine screens. I also don't burden my hubby with complaining. He knows when I hurt and no need to keep reminding him. I decided a few years back when I noticed that me complaining and him not sleeping were going hand and hand. No need for both of us to be miserable. He is very supportive. That's not saying that I never complain because I do. I am glad you got into a pm clinic. I also agree with Kelly about non-narcotics helping with pain. Lyrica is expensive and Neurontin (gabapentin) is cheap. I have taken TCA's and had success. Take care and good luck, htmom
September 16, 2009 - 8:34pm
#31
TNLady? Where you been? I'm
TNLady? Where you been? I'm curious to know how things are working out...update us!
September 17, 2009 - 9:08pm
#32
so much to say! sorry i
so much to say! sorry i haven't posted. we have been focusing on my husband's job search and figuring out money. I definitely know I sounded relieved last time I posted, since the referral nurse said she had found a pm clinic where she thought everything would work out. she also said that if it took a couple of weeks, she THOUGHT my PCP would write my scripts to get me through. The reason I am reviewing all of this is that I haven't heard from the clinic where she referred me. Now I know that's probably no biggie, but I started getting uneasy this afternoon. I think I will call them (the new clinic) myself tomorrow and ask when I can expect an appointment. Don't want to bug them, but my meds run out the 25th, and we are only GUESSING that my PCP will write me scripts until I can see the new doc. So I started thinking that the weekend will be coming up and that I better start trying to get this straightened out tomorrow, before it's too late! So I guess I am in a little bit of a panic. Speaking of that - I also have GAD and panic attacks, Kelly690! : )
also, while i am thinking about it, I have tried Lyrica. It made me sleepy and dizzy and sick. Tried Neurontin and gabapentin. both made me soooo sleepy on the very lowest dose that I couldn't hold my eyes open. that was before I ever took any opiates. so it wasn't a combo that was doing it. I have read about the Fibro and opiates also, but so far, I have tried everything.
solo5010, thanks so much for looking up the cost info for me and my rights! that was really sweet! and yes, i am from TN! lol
Thanks to all of you again for your encouraging words. It is nice to talk to people who understand. I feel so bad for my husband since he has to live with this situation. I know he doesn't want to hear about it, too! one thing is, i always feel so guilty about what i am unable to do, that I tend to tell him i am feeling bad so he won't think I am just being lazy! this has gone on so long, sometimes it's like I feel like I need to remind him that I am sick - not just some worthless person. it's that fibro thing, too. you know - the "you look so good disease", so I know that people around me do forget at times that I basically always hurt. which back to the subject at hand, I am terrified of w/d and being in worse pain!! so I have got to line something up tomorrow (I feel like).
oneir, i would like to hear more about your tapering down. i have gone off my meds before for 2 days also. well, i took 20 mg each day. my pain was sky high!!! I always asked addicts (remember, i taught problem kids for years) if one of their first w/d symptoms was any type of pain, and they always said no. the point was that i have wondered if the meds made things worse somehow, but I don't think that is the case with me.
kelly690, I have thought of everything you said about the methadone clinic. it would be the last on my list of choices, but if things don't work out, it could still be a possibility. I started thinking that if I told my PCP that I was thinking of doing this, maybe he would freak out enough to write that month's of meds!!!!
Brett, thanks SO MUCH for that much needed info! that is so great to know that there is something we can do. Thanks SO MUCH for the number!
There is more I wanted to say to some of you, and more to Brett about my urine screen. will try to take the time to google what should happen and see if there were mistakes that I saw. i DO THINK they did it right, but that is only the part I saw and based on what they have told me about it. but I absolutely have to go take care of some things right now. Will definitely be back on tomorrow to update after I call the docs.
Hope this all made sense, cause I am typing like a maniac! lol Thanks again!
September 17, 2009 - 10:02pm
#33
Right on...yeah call the
Right on...yeah call the clinic and just ask if they got your referral. When I got referred I gave them one day and then called. They scheduled me on that very call. You've got a week left on meds so its time to get the ball rolling before the week ends.
One thought on the lyrica and neurontin...given that you tried them before getting on the opioids might be reason to try them again. You may find that with your tolerance to the oxycodone that the other drugs might not make you as tired. It is at least worth a try. And if it still makes you tired then just take it at bedtime for a few weeks while your body adjusts to the drug. After a while it probably won't make you tired at all. The PM clinic will probably want you on some similiar type of medication and you gotta be willing to roll with the punches- but you know that already...
My taper is not going as smoothly as I hoped. I had 3 days at 90mgs... the last 2 days have been back up to 120-150. I was feeling pretty good one day so I went out and swung the golf club a few times (first time since surgery)...I over did it a little bit :(. Anyway...feeling ok tonight...tommorow is a new day....thanks for asking.
Keep us updated after you call...good luck with the job search
September 17, 2009 - 10:17pm
#34
Good suggestion Oneir,
Good suggestion Oneir, Neurontin is a god send for my sciatica related nerve pain that travels through my leg! Glad to see you are doing good. I too know what its like to feel good and over do it. Boy does your body remind you of the limitations chronic pain puts on you when that happens.
September 18, 2009 - 2:41pm
#35
possible new pain clinic
Though I have never been "dishcarged" from pain clinic, I did once voluntarily switch clinics and then tried to switch back to my original clinic. This was because the new clinic was very far from where I live and work, and I didn't realize just how bad the transportation would be until I had switched. My old clinic refused to take me back, so I ended up checking up most if not all clinics around my area, only to find that very few were taking new medication patients at all, and those that were had jerky policies like your clinic, to wit: pill counts, U/A drug screens, etc. To me, these kind of procedures are just a disaster waiting to happen because eventually there will be a minor error, and I don't want that error costing me my pain relief, which at this point, would essentially kill me.
Any way, to make a long story short, if you can get into a new, decent clinic but for insurance, I say do it, even if it means going into debt. You can later change your insurance to one they accept. If you have pain like me -- so bad that discharge from a pain clinic would result in my death (at my own hands if that is the only way I could end the pain) -- then it's very important to have a pain clinic or doctor who will reliably write you scripts. I don't quite get that you were only seen by PA's as that is shady, IMHO, as it makes the clinic look like a "pill mill". And, then, for them to take you to task for such minor problems is like the pot calling the kettle black.
Just my two cents.
September 18, 2009 - 4:40pm
#36
endoftheline, I have thought
endoftheline, I have thought alot about what you are saying. the problem is that when I say that I have NO MONEY, i really mean no money. i can't go into debt because i have horrrible credit to the point that i am about to declare bankruptcy - all of this due to having to quit teaching because of my fibro pain and all my other health stuff. this is why my husband's new job is such a HUGE deal. we are trying not to lose the house.
nevertheless, i have considered what i could possibly SELL on ebay or wherever to get the money to go to the good clinic that would have taken me except for my insurance. my huband has 2 job possiblities. one of them has blue cross. that clinic does not take blue cross! thought everyone took them! trying to find out what kind of ins. the other job has.
so, I thought if this clinic they referred me to now will take me, i will happily go. The first clinic that won't take my ins. is such a good clinic. they normally have a year wait! but they were going to take me because my PCP had said it was an emergency. instead to treating me like a bad person because of my discharge, they realized I needed to get in somewhere fast! still can't believe the ins. deal.
anyway, i called the new clinic i was referred to today and the woman i spoke with was so hateful. i told her that i had been referred there by my doc, and wondered what the status of that referral was and if there was anything i should be doing. she said in a monotone "when they send your referral, they will look it over, and someone will call you." i said (all cheerful) "well, the referral nurse has definitely sent the referral. it was several days ago." i figured i would say that since she said "WHEN" they send your referral. wanted to make it clear it had been sent. thought she might give me more info. instead, she said in a hateful tone " when we get the referral, they will look it over, and someone will call you." WOW. Is this the only sentence she knows? well, she changed one word!!! so i said (still cheerful) "oh ok, well, can you give me any kind of time frame? is there any kind of waiting list or anything like that?". she sat there in silence for about 30 secs., and then said (exasperated tone now) "It's a case by case basis." I cheerfully thanked her. ummm....my thoughts were not cheerful. why are people who work in pain clinics hateful? i assume this was someone who worked at the front desk. i felt like saying " I guess you are in a bad mood because you are only a CLERK!!!!!" A THOUSAND PARDONS to all clerks of any kind. my point is i want to remind these people that they have no reason to act holier-than-thou!
so now, I have to wait until Monday!!!!! drugs run out Friday. panic. panic. so the plan if they don't call is to call my PCP's referral nurse and see if she can talk to them, and then have her talk to my PCP or his nurse (who is sooooo sweet) and tell him that if he doesn't write me a month's scripts, I will end up having to dextox or go to a Methadone clinic. We were just hoping to wait until I had an appointment, thinking he would be more apt to write the script. I can also call my PM clinic and ask them to write me taper down meds (which I don't want, because I am already in extra pain cause of this stress. the meds i have now are not doing the trick AT ALL.) i'm sure it's the stress, cause i am not usually this bad. i know taper know meds are better than nothing, but don't know how fast they taper down. would bet it is FAST. maybe if i had the name of a new doc and an appointment, they would write me one month's meds, but I bet they will just say no, I am discharged from there.
Endoftheline, you are right about the deal about the NP's seeing the patients. They get away with it by the patient has to see the M.D. once a year. apparently, that makes it all legal. what a joke. although i have to say that I have had some PA's who seemed to know more than the doc. but not the one I have been seeing recently!!!! i undertand what you are saying about not having meds would kill you. I undertand every bit of it. that is why I HAVE to do something, even if it is look like a druggie and hang with the heroin addicts at the methadone clinic. one thing i did forget to do - CAN'T BELIEVE I FORGOT! - is to call my ins. and ask them if they would pay for a prescription from a doc who is not one of their docs. i guess i forgot because i am pretty sure that they are going to say no.
oneir, I have thought about asking about the Neurontin again while on the opitates. The pain in my feet is horrible! it feels like my feet are on fire. only the Fentora touches it. plus, i can't sleep anymore, so maybe i could take the neurontin at night and sleep! will ask that if i ever get to see a doc.
will get back to you all. thanks again for all the support!
September 18, 2009 - 5:09pm
#37
I really hope things work out
I really hope things work out for you. I would try to ration out my remaining meds as much as possible, because IMO a fast taper is better than a cold turkey withdrawl. Not that either are pleasant. What a mess. Do you think your PCP will give you Tramadol? Its in no way comparable to any good pain med, but many agree it will help if you have to go into withdrawl. Anything that can make you a little less than insanely miserable is a plus in my book. I wish the best for you! (fingers crossed)
September 18, 2009 - 7:37pm
#38
Not all NP and PAs are
Not all NP and PAs are horrible. In my state, not sure if it state laws has anything to do with it, but you can see a NP and PA without ever seeing a MD or DO. I know people in PM that see a NP and have never seen the MD in the practice. The NP signs all scripts and they love the NP. I know a few people have unfavorable experiences with NP and PAs. I thought I would share what people have told me about their experiences with their NP and PAs. Take care, htmom
September 18, 2009 - 8:19pm
#39
I see a PA only and he is
I see a PA only and he is more knowledgable than any of the MDs that I've seen...you never really know....
TNLady,
brandman is right about the tramadol...but I wouldn't do that as a first choice. If I were you I would keep praying for the new clinic to call you early next week...maybe try calling and hoping for a different person to answer the phone. Just say 'sorry wrong number' if it sounds like the same person. That way you don't risk sounding pushy. I'd say if they don't call you by Tuesday evening then start seriously considering either getting the taper down script or seeing if your doctor will give you a month's worth. If there is no way to then take the taper down script at the very least. This along with a secondary med like tramadol will be a million times better than withdrawling.
btw, I am pretty sure that insurance will pay for medications prescribed by a non covered doctor. The prescription drug contract your insurance company has is with the pharmacy, not the prescribing physician.
September 18, 2009 - 9:29pm
#40
so how is everything so far Ms. TNLADY?
Hope its going well. You can PM me anytime that you need to. I can offer you referals and advice. I see that you are a thorough thinker and a lady who is in need of some understanding when it comes to this. I made this short and sweet for ya so the offer stands...
Sincerely,
Flyer
September 20, 2009 - 2:56am
#41
Flyer, thank you for your
Flyer, thank you for your offer. That is really sweet and I will keep that in mind. what oneir just said really blew me away! if that happens to be correct about ins. paying for the scripts so matter who writes them, then i will sell something if i have to and go to the original clinic. they have an unbelieveably great reputation. so if i could see them and get my scripts paid for, I would do that at least for now and maybe it would work out after my husband gets his new job with new insurance.
otherwise, it is a good idea, I think, to call the clinic back (the one I am waiting to hear from) like oneir suggested, if I don't hear by Tues.
One new thing happened that might be good. my PCP's nurse called Friday evening. I knew that was weird already. turns out my 2nd Cholesterol test came back really bad. It's really weird cause I barely eat, much less eat bad stuff. Of course i don't exercise. but anyway, the numbers are so sky high that my PCP is really worried and wants me to start on Crestor immediately. He wanted me to do that before, but i had asked to be retested cause i thought my high cholesterol test before was some kind of mistake. Crestor and the statins are known to cause muscle pain in lots of people. if you already have muscle pain like I do, well, too bad. So since he is REALLY worried about my dropping dead or something, I'm hoping that will make him more willing to write me a month's worth of my pain meds, cause he knows I don't want to take this and won't be able to stand extra muscle pain without my meds. as i said before, i can hardly stand it now. so maybe my sky high cholesterol will be good news for this situation, kwim?
just a thought. about the Tramadol - i am going to have to google it because i know i have taken it before. just can't remember why or who gave it to me.
as far as stretching out the meds i have now, i am already trying to do that, but i am having a terrible flair up, so I keep taking what I'm sposed to cause i am in so much pain. as i said, it's bound to be cause of stress from EVERYTHING. but if I don't get a call Monday or don't find out my insurance will pay for my meds from a clinic not on their list, I will start tapering what I have along with whatever else happens.
I went to another message board about the methadone clinic here in my fair city and it has a terrible reputation - more than most. you have to go daily for a LONG time before you get take homes, and they throw you out for whatever they want. then i'd be in the same situation and have to withdraw from the worst thing to withdraw from. what a mess is right. if you pray, please pray that that clinic will call me Monday or my ins. will pay for the meds from the other place. i am pretty sure I can get in there right away.
Thanks again to all of you!
September 20, 2009 - 3:01am
#42
TN, I'm almost certain
TN, I'm almost certain insurance companies don't pay or not pay for a prescription based on whether or not the doctor is covered, unless the doctor requires you to get the meds from their office or something. Otherwise the doctor doesn't bill the insurance for meds that he/she writes. The pharmacy takes care of that so as long as you use a pharmacy covered by your insurance you should be fine.
September 20, 2009 - 8:08am
#43
Sorry this happened to you
Hi. Wow, I am so sorry your PM doc did this to you. I don't know what to tell you that hasn't already been said, but I will send you ((HUGS)), and hope you get this straightened out soon.
September 20, 2009 - 11:00am
#44
I really agree with Oneir on
I really agree with Oneir on the pharmacy covering any rx. I have limitations as to seeing my PCP, and dealing with referrals to go anywhere else, and even a "preferred hospital" to go to. However I have had to use out of town ERs during severe cases of BTP and filling their rx for a little extra meds to get me through was not an issue. After, my case manager would call and ask if everything was ok & if there was anything she could do, but that was it. She calls once a month/every other month anyways to see if she can help me out with expediting any referrals, or helping me out with anything. I think he made the best point of as long as the pharmacy is covered (and the medication to add) you should be fine.
September 20, 2009 - 9:57pm
#45
I only know how my insurance
I only know how my insurance works, so I can't speak to others, but with my insurance there actually are certain presriptions I can't get unless they're written by a particular doctor that I see. It has to do a certain condition I have (diabetes), but one time recently I had to have my PCP write the prescriptions for my diabetes prescriptions because my Endocrinologist stopped practicing and I was in the process of getting in to see a new one. My insurance actually rejected payment for them because they said that to receive these prescriptions they had to be written by an actual Endocrinologist. They were adamant about it, so fortunately my PCP was able to get an Endocrinologist who works at the clinic to write the scripts after he spoke with me on the phone so he at least had some contact with me. I can't imagine that many doctors are willing to write scripts for patients that they aren't seeing. I agree with everyone else that in most circumstances it doesn't matter what doctor wrote the script when it comes to getting it paid for, but also wanted to just share that there are some circumstances where they may not cover a med. I think in the case of pain medications they wouldn't have any restrictions though.
September 21, 2009 - 3:25am
#46
Maybe this mistake is a wake up call...
Maybe this mistake was a wake up call to you to make some changes in your life. It is not acceptable that someone as smart and as gifted as you, that can draw so much love from so many people(some total strangers), be sitting on a couch, not being able to share her gifts with the world. It's sad to me that you talk down about "druggies" and it makes me wonder why you have to take a stance that anyone is better than or less than anyone... much like the clerk comment. I think that was your addiction showing threw... Anyone in the world that takes pain medication on a daily basis is an addict. All people that go to PM clinics or show up to a methadone clinic everyday or once a month, do so because they are in pain... or find themselves in the very bad situation of not being functual without their medication. You were not being properly treated if you had to quit your job because of pain. A methadone clinic would knock out all of your pain... for a while. However, there is no cure from pain with pain meds, in the long term. The body at some point after long term use of opiates, synthetic or natural, will stop using pain medication the way it is supossed to be used and it has an opposite reaction, creating more pain in the unfortunate persons life. Have you ever tried Acupuncture? Massage Therapy? Have you ever been a patient of an Endocrinologist? Maybe now is the time for you to turn your life around, not just look for the next "fix". Or maybe not... maybe after your husband gets a job and things settle down a bit then that will be the time. I say none of this with any disrespect. The pain you have is real, as it is for everyone that attends a methadone clinic, picks up their prescriptions at the pharmacy or cops their meds on a street corner. Maybe you are learning the hard way that poor people in the U.S. get their pain medication off the street, as rich people or middle class go see their doctors. The health care system in the U.S. has stopped trying to cure the main problem, it simply only wants to treat the symptoms with many prescription drugs, helping pharmacudical companies make loads of money. As for info. about methadone clinics, in many areas the government will pay for it, if you can't pay for it yourself. Methadone is about the cheapest/strongest pain medications available. There is no kick worse than withdrawal off methadone. If you could do anything in the world, which is said to be true if you believe it so, you should get off opiates all together, get Acupuncture and Massage Therapy and be under a Endocrinologist and Nutritionists care. The longer you sit on the couch in pain, the longer you are going to be in pain and the more pain you are going to be in. You don't have to live that way, really. I truly hope that you recover your life and brake the pain cycle that is in motion in your body/mind/spirit.
September 21, 2009 - 11:11am
#47
New Oxycodone 30Mg. pill?
It's bright blue with a fancy " V " on the front, and a split line with 4812 on the back.
Any idea who manufactures these?
September 21, 2009 - 11:09am
#48
Qualitest makes them. Here
Qualitest makes them. Here is the link to the pics courtesy of LocoMente.
September 21, 2009 - 11:13am
#49
Thanks A MOM
How do U think they match-up to the Amides or Malleys?
This is the first i have gotten them.
Thanks in advance.
September 21, 2009 - 11:41am
#50
I haven't taken that
I haven't taken that particular brand of oxycodone, so maybe someone else can chime in and help you out there.
Are you sure all your pills are OC, oxy and Fentora(I know not a pill)? Could you have possibly been given, by mistake, Methadone? I have read other posters who got their MR and took out the pages that disclosed the discharge and it worked. Take care, htmom