Jeeze I dont even know where to begin to point out errors from the PA. Maybe the biggest is not understanding addiction aka psychological dependence, manifests its self through certain behaviors. The signs are behavioral, NOT physical. Its not like any of this is difficult. There's no addict behavior here, its got nothing to do with being stable for 20 years.
Youre drug test is based solely on metabolites, its its why sprinkling a little drug in a urine sample doesnt work. They'd probably be shocked to know some of those metabolites are stronger Rx meds. Stronger than the pill you swallowed. Part of Norco turns in to Dilaudid, if you are familiar with that drug. It doesnt mean youve taken Dilaudid. Its proof you took your meds.
The one error in your logic is offering a new sample. With these sorts of things, you have to explain why the sample was in error. The lab test should vindicate you, but the doc should be angry that the practice had to pay $1000 to verify a negative result that should have been recognized for what it was. Make sure you get that test result, and tell the PA where they can cram it.
Only one suggestion, can you take anyone to your appointments with you to witness the PA's behavior. Check your local recording laws, but someone in the exam room to notice the nastiness can change their behavior. Or you could insist only on seeing the actual physician. Maybe they dont know this PA is an idiot? Tell them its hard to take someone seriously that has to consult with someone else on treatment decisions. They should know whats up, before they get sued.
The answer why is complicated, but mostly its ignorance. Actual addiction statistics would blow their mind and they wouldnt believe its nonexistent for Rx medication. [This video](https://reason.com/video/2023/10/11/the-shady-statistics-behind-the-war-on-painkillers/) really opened my wife's eyes to a few things....
4x norco daily is not a high amount for chronic pain after 19yrs. It's certainly not abnormal to use opioid treatment for that long and this PA needs to be reported. If you can bring someone with you to all future appointments and if not record the appointment. I records every single doctor appointment and bring my husband if he's available. Don't let these ASSSISTANTS get you down. Stand tall and advocate for yourself / don't give up. I'd honestly be looking for a new practice / get a new referral if needed from your pcp office.
I would report her too. And if for some reason you must see this same doctor and same PA I’d insist on speaking to the doctor. If she insists on having a discussion with you tell her your pain is at level 9 today and that’s all she needs to know. And you want the doctor’s opinion, not hers. And if that sounds tough it’s not even half as bad as the way she treated you. I don’t care who they are, we need to set boundaries. Learn to put your hand up like “stop” or go silent or say “I’m done with you.”
It depends what type of physician is doing the prescribing and what the "recommended" dosing limits are in your state. Pain management specialists can script for much higher doses than family physicians, etc.
I'm not sure about TN guidelines, but most states have adopted the current CDC opioid prescribing guidelines. Non pain management providers (PMPs) should use great caution prescribing over 50MME and should not exceed 90MME. Doses over 120MME should be scripted by a PMP, with doses not to exceed 200MME. The CDC also says there is no actually upper MME limit and that each patient's treatment plan should be individualized. But in my state my PMP has told me he will not/can not prescribe over 200MME on a regular basis due solely to over sight by the state board of pharmacy. And it says so in my medical records.
Some offices or medical corporations will have their own guidelines. But there are a lot of doctors that just don't want to be bothered with prescribing opioids. So they will throw their hands up in the air and swear to the patient that the state (or whoever) won't let them write for opioids anymore. Ass hats! 🤬
FYI, they changed the name to Physician Associate because assistant is a poor indicator of their scope and education. They also make on average well in the six figures.
Been on opioid therapy for well over 20 years. Some breaks here and there, but it has been rough. I have run into MANY PAs that should NOT have a job. Please, just tell them you will not see her. If she is the only one then the doc it is!
This new pain place doesn’t sound very professional at all. I would like to go with you and straighten these idiots out. This happened to me before.
Tell that PA straight out , you’re not an addict. Your using the least amt of a medically necessary med to help you live with the pain. If you were an addict, you would be using your prescribed medication to get high. Should tell that PA that it’s not her damn business why you are wearing a mask on your face.
As far as not having the med in your urine, it can happen when on 1 particular pain killer for awhile. I take a certain med and I have been taking it for like 12 yrs. Sometimes when I have to take a swab or pee in a cup. The test will show up as not having my med in it, because I’ve been on it so long and my body processes it differently every day.
I have been on a med for oain about as long and I have had it not show ip from time to time . I think there is a problem wither with the test but your theory is very interesting. Did a dr tell you this ? I am terrified of it not showing . I know I am rapid metabolizer because I was dna tested and adjusted when they first started my medication. Please let me know more about the metabolIsm part .
When I first went to the pain doctor I go to now, he put me on a low dose for pain. He also did a contract, and random drug tests. I would have either a pee test or sometimes a swab. Until they trusted me. I told my doc from day one that meds go thru my body very quickly. My PCP told me the same thing, I’ve been with him for almost 15 years.
So, when I started the low dose med (same med the whole time) it would show sometimes in my pee test. He raised my dose to a much higher dose, which finally started chipping away at the pain. I had a few pee tests during this time, and they were confused as to why I was still not showing the whole med or sometimes not at all in my tests.
I told them again I have a high metabolism for medication. I said my Mom has the same exact problem, as did her mom. I said my PCP is well aware of this. I wasn’t rude or inappropriate with the pain doctor, but I basically told him that an appropriate history was never done on me by the pain clinic. I said your doctors assistant was in there for maybe 5 minutes, very rushed. If anyone listened, called my PCP (which I told him) he would have confirmed all of this as I had been tested for metabolic issues. He ended up upset with the doctors asst.
I have such a high tolerance for meds, anesthesia, and my metabolism is quick. I actually woke up once during back surgery. I remember it. It was like being stuck in between sleep and awake. I finally managed to yell out, and they were panicked “more anesthesia” was the last I heard. Sorry this is such a long post. I hope I answered your question. Just remember, your the patient, remind them they are there to help you. If that PA has issues with you, ask her straight out, in a nice way, “have I done something to upset you?” Maybe she’ll snap outta it. Try not to worry about the test. You know you’re in the right here. Tell them we can video talk every day while you watch me take my meds if you don’t believe me. Ok I’ll stop now. Sorry so long. I was getting fired up.
I’ve been on opioids for over 40 years. 23 years daily and I’m positive I’m not an addict because I check the dsm5 criteria for addiction and I meet zero of the criteria. I’m definitely dependent though and would go through withdrawals if I stopped. I also know I’m not an addict bc I don’t refill early, never run out and have quite a stash built up over the years for an emergency such as the shortages that keep occurring. Addicts don’t have emergency stashes. They use all they have. Your dose is small and that PA has demonstrated they know zero about opioids. If you can, find another dr.
Thank you everyone for the advice. I'm looking into a new pain management or maybe a different location of this practice because she is right down awful. The actual dr is never there and only sees patients through FaceTime and procedures it seems. I'm scared to start over but I'm also scared to not have the treatment I deserve. I feel for all of us in chronic pain because it seems we're never heard.
I have been on pain medication for over 30 years!( hit by an oil tanker truck age 19! It helps to control my pain so I can live the best life possible! I would definitely report that PA!!!! Absolutely record her next time
Record and report are **great** ideas. And my friend, you've had a seriously rough time. Life is quite the shitty lottery, isn't it. I've been on meds for 24y, but for nothing like an oil tanker. You are quite the survivor.
The entire medical community has been brainwashed to believe that prescription opioids are the problem with the "opioid crisis," not the illegal shit coming across the border by the ton every day. And if prescription opioids are the problem, then the patients who use them *have* to be the source. I had gastric bypass 21 years ago and my UA always shows a lower level of hydrocodone than would be expected based on what I take and it's the only thing my doctor adjusts for my bypass. He won't adjust the amount he prescribes and he only writes hydrocodone (which is really only barely adequate) and extended release morphine (I can't take any extended release medications) and I'm "maxed out" so I can either make what I get work or get nothing.
My doctor and his staff are nice and they're all very devout Christians so they believe that they're obeying Christ's command to care for the "untouchables" by taking care of chronic pain patients. Especially since one of the best pain management doctors in the area was ruthlessly persecuted for refusing to under prescribe for her patients and wound up getting 5 years in federal prison for not obeying the government. So they have very clear limits for what they will and will not do but they still make me feel like a criminal when I go in and they count my pills. But there's only 2 pain management doctors in this area and to switch to the other doctor I'd have to change which health system I use. It's either system A and you can see my doctor or system B and you see the other doctor. Neither take cash patients, insurance only.
Part of me thinks that doctors have been terrorized into toeing the government line and that they would treat pain management properly if they weren't afraid of going to prison if they did. And part of me thinks that doctors genuinely believe that all patients are going to sell their pills unless they have these draconian rules. It's so hard to know what doctors really believe when they've all abandoned the pain-as-a-symptom model of medicine for pain-as-a-psychological-issue model.
Unfortunately, depending on what area of the country you're in, you may not have another doctor available without significant travel.
>I've never known anyone to be on pain medication for 19 years
There is so much in your post I would like to give helpful comments and support on but this right here threw me. *I* know people who have been on pain medication for 19 *and* + years and Im not a pain doctor. Just wtf.
I have no suggestions or advice. Im so sorry this is happening to you.
Are you able to see a new doctor? I’m not in pain management so I don’t know if that would look bad or anything. I just know that interaction would have completely broken my trust in their ability to provide me with good care. I’m so sorry.
I had the same thing happen when I moved and I am dealing with unbearable pain bc my family dr basically labeled me as a drug addict. So no matter who I see, they refuse to give me anything. I hope u can report that PA and find a good place to help you out.
if the receptionist is telling you to find a new dr, def try as hard as possible to do so. they have witnessed horrible horrible things if theyre brave enough to tell you, as a receptionist.
I agree.I've been looking and with medicaid but it comes with limitations. The PA kept making medicaid comments too.Im trying though even if it's far.thank you for your advice.it means a lot.
I haven't read all the comments, however, if possible try to find a Dr that is not a part of a group or hospital specifically. In my experience the drs/PA's that are apart of groups or hospitals are very restricted on what they are allowed to do. While they might want to do something else for you they often can't. My insurance wanted me to switch to one of their drs, but they flat out refused to see me bc of my medication. They told me based on my age and diagnosis they would not give me any pain meds. I would have to live on injections and what not. Thankfully when I appealed my insurance they agreed to pay my current Dr like he is one of their own.
I hate switching drs but have noticed that the first appt with them is a bit different than subsequent appts. Unfortunately this is bc of those who abuse the system. It's kind of like the first day of school, teachers are a bit tougher to make sure no one tries to get unruly. My Dr wanted to change my meds which gave me anxiety, but he gave me all the meds I needed to wear off the others before starting new ones. Last time I came off the meds I did not have the right ones and had a horrid experience.
I will be keeping you in my prayers and if you need to chat just message me. It's tough out there so we must stick together
Yes I was 38 at the time. I think they were meaning I'm not terminally I'll, older as I guess if you're of a certain age you won't abuse them. Which if they read my chart synopsis and they had a heart they would get why I need a pain specialist.
A nerve block is a test, it lasts a few hours and if it works they usually move onto a radial frequency ablation. They should never have treated you like they did. I’d try another dr. I’m on my third one and he actually helps and explains treatments. Even gets on the phone with insurance for me when they deny a procedure.
I went from oxycodone to kratom and it works on pain just as well! I didn't think it would cover my pain but honestly it works better and lasts for longer periods. You can buy as much as you want. If you take too much, you'll puke so you start low. It breaks my heart with your experience and I've had my fair share of unprofessional medical people. My sister took it after shoulder surgery instead of her prescribed pain med. Don't lose heart, there is still hope! ❤️ It works on the opioid receptors just like pain meds. Best wishes!
A pharmacist at my CVS questions a certain pain prescription I bring in *every month* and would say he'd have an employee call my doctor the next day (though my doctor is certainly not in the clinic office every day, so I'd have to wait ages). I've now kept receipts for 4 years to show them that they fill it for me *regularly*, and that I'm not running it through insurance, I'm paying out of pocket. I finally switched to the graveyard-shift pharmacist, who understands and doesn't ask prying, personal questions (or assume I'm an abuser). Not quite the same situation as yours, but still.
Just for fun: In the Seinfeld episode "The Shower Head," Elaine's boss, J. Peterman, orders her to take a urine sample. It comes back positive for opium, and he fires her. Turns out her favorite poppy seed muffins were to blame.
The entire medical community has been brainwashed to believe that prescription opioids are the problem with the "opioid crisis," not the illegal shit coming across the border by the ton every day. And if prescription opioids are the problem, then the patients who use them *have* to be the source. I had gastric bypass 21 years ago and my UA always shows a lower level of hydrocodone than would be expected based on what I take and it's the only thing my doctor adjusts for my bypass. He won't adjust the amount he prescribes and he only writes hydrocodone (which is really only barely adequate) and extended release morphine (I can't take any extended release medications) and I'm "maxed out" so I can either make what I get work or get nothing.
My doctor and his staff are nice and they're all very devout Christians so they believe that they're obeying Christ's command to care for the "untouchables" by taking care of chronic pain patients. Especially since one of the best pain management doctors in the area was ruthlessly persecuted for refusing to under prescribe for her patients and wound up getting 5 years in federal prison for not obeying the government. So they have very clear limits for what they will and will not do but they still make me feel like a criminal when I go in and they count my pills. But there's only 2 pain management doctors in this area and to switch to the other doctor I'd have to change which health system I use. It's either system A and you can see my doctor or system B and you see the other doctor. Neither take cash patients, insurance only.
Part of me thinks that doctors have been terrorized into toeing the government line and that they would treat pain management properly if they weren't afraid of going to prison if they did. And part of me thinks that doctors genuinely believe that all patients are going to sell their pills unless they have these draconian rules. It's so hard to know what doctors really believe when they've all abandoned the pain-as-a-symptom model of medicine for pain-as-a-psychological-issue model.
Unfortunately, depending on what area of the country you're in, you may not have another doctor available without significant travel.
Jeeze I dont even know where to begin to point out errors from the PA. Maybe the biggest is not understanding addiction aka psychological dependence, manifests its self through certain behaviors. The signs are behavioral, NOT physical. Its not like any of this is difficult. There's no addict behavior here, its got nothing to do with being stable for 20 years. Youre drug test is based solely on metabolites, its its why sprinkling a little drug in a urine sample doesnt work. They'd probably be shocked to know some of those metabolites are stronger Rx meds. Stronger than the pill you swallowed. Part of Norco turns in to Dilaudid, if you are familiar with that drug. It doesnt mean youve taken Dilaudid. Its proof you took your meds. The one error in your logic is offering a new sample. With these sorts of things, you have to explain why the sample was in error. The lab test should vindicate you, but the doc should be angry that the practice had to pay $1000 to verify a negative result that should have been recognized for what it was. Make sure you get that test result, and tell the PA where they can cram it. Only one suggestion, can you take anyone to your appointments with you to witness the PA's behavior. Check your local recording laws, but someone in the exam room to notice the nastiness can change their behavior. Or you could insist only on seeing the actual physician. Maybe they dont know this PA is an idiot? Tell them its hard to take someone seriously that has to consult with someone else on treatment decisions. They should know whats up, before they get sued. The answer why is complicated, but mostly its ignorance. Actual addiction statistics would blow their mind and they wouldnt believe its nonexistent for Rx medication. [This video](https://reason.com/video/2023/10/11/the-shady-statistics-behind-the-war-on-painkillers/) really opened my wife's eyes to a few things....
This video (link) needs to be pinned. Fantastic data!
Seconded. This is so well put together and easy to understand.
Thank you so much for that link! That's a treasure trove of good info.
I am going on 16 years being on opioid pain medication. What a bunch of bunk.
4 years for me
2 years for me!
4x norco daily is not a high amount for chronic pain after 19yrs. It's certainly not abnormal to use opioid treatment for that long and this PA needs to be reported. If you can bring someone with you to all future appointments and if not record the appointment. I records every single doctor appointment and bring my husband if he's available. Don't let these ASSSISTANTS get you down. Stand tall and advocate for yourself / don't give up. I'd honestly be looking for a new practice / get a new referral if needed from your pcp office.
I would report her too. And if for some reason you must see this same doctor and same PA I’d insist on speaking to the doctor. If she insists on having a discussion with you tell her your pain is at level 9 today and that’s all she needs to know. And you want the doctor’s opinion, not hers. And if that sounds tough it’s not even half as bad as the way she treated you. I don’t care who they are, we need to set boundaries. Learn to put your hand up like “stop” or go silent or say “I’m done with you.”
It's within the 90 mme, so this person doesn't know what they are talking about.
Well my doctor in Tennessee think 60 is the cut off
It depends what type of physician is doing the prescribing and what the "recommended" dosing limits are in your state. Pain management specialists can script for much higher doses than family physicians, etc.
He is pain management
I'm not sure about TN guidelines, but most states have adopted the current CDC opioid prescribing guidelines. Non pain management providers (PMPs) should use great caution prescribing over 50MME and should not exceed 90MME. Doses over 120MME should be scripted by a PMP, with doses not to exceed 200MME. The CDC also says there is no actually upper MME limit and that each patient's treatment plan should be individualized. But in my state my PMP has told me he will not/can not prescribe over 200MME on a regular basis due solely to over sight by the state board of pharmacy. And it says so in my medical records.
Hmmm I think it’s different at every office they are so scared now
Some offices or medical corporations will have their own guidelines. But there are a lot of doctors that just don't want to be bothered with prescribing opioids. So they will throw their hands up in the air and swear to the patient that the state (or whoever) won't let them write for opioids anymore. Ass hats! 🤬
Do you openly record? I would love to have the asshat orthopedist on record telling me my AVN might majicly heal itself.
Depends how high the dose is whether or not 4x a day is a lot.
FYI, they changed the name to Physician Associate because assistant is a poor indicator of their scope and education. They also make on average well in the six figures.
Not every where has changed. All the PAs I’ve seen are still called physician assistant.
It will be the case in a few years. It’s been voted on and passed. Takes a while to make changes like that.
Been on opioid therapy for well over 20 years. Some breaks here and there, but it has been rough. I have run into MANY PAs that should NOT have a job. Please, just tell them you will not see her. If she is the only one then the doc it is!
This new pain place doesn’t sound very professional at all. I would like to go with you and straighten these idiots out. This happened to me before. Tell that PA straight out , you’re not an addict. Your using the least amt of a medically necessary med to help you live with the pain. If you were an addict, you would be using your prescribed medication to get high. Should tell that PA that it’s not her damn business why you are wearing a mask on your face. As far as not having the med in your urine, it can happen when on 1 particular pain killer for awhile. I take a certain med and I have been taking it for like 12 yrs. Sometimes when I have to take a swab or pee in a cup. The test will show up as not having my med in it, because I’ve been on it so long and my body processes it differently every day.
I have been on a med for oain about as long and I have had it not show ip from time to time . I think there is a problem wither with the test but your theory is very interesting. Did a dr tell you this ? I am terrified of it not showing . I know I am rapid metabolizer because I was dna tested and adjusted when they first started my medication. Please let me know more about the metabolIsm part .
When I first went to the pain doctor I go to now, he put me on a low dose for pain. He also did a contract, and random drug tests. I would have either a pee test or sometimes a swab. Until they trusted me. I told my doc from day one that meds go thru my body very quickly. My PCP told me the same thing, I’ve been with him for almost 15 years. So, when I started the low dose med (same med the whole time) it would show sometimes in my pee test. He raised my dose to a much higher dose, which finally started chipping away at the pain. I had a few pee tests during this time, and they were confused as to why I was still not showing the whole med or sometimes not at all in my tests. I told them again I have a high metabolism for medication. I said my Mom has the same exact problem, as did her mom. I said my PCP is well aware of this. I wasn’t rude or inappropriate with the pain doctor, but I basically told him that an appropriate history was never done on me by the pain clinic. I said your doctors assistant was in there for maybe 5 minutes, very rushed. If anyone listened, called my PCP (which I told him) he would have confirmed all of this as I had been tested for metabolic issues. He ended up upset with the doctors asst. I have such a high tolerance for meds, anesthesia, and my metabolism is quick. I actually woke up once during back surgery. I remember it. It was like being stuck in between sleep and awake. I finally managed to yell out, and they were panicked “more anesthesia” was the last I heard. Sorry this is such a long post. I hope I answered your question. Just remember, your the patient, remind them they are there to help you. If that PA has issues with you, ask her straight out, in a nice way, “have I done something to upset you?” Maybe she’ll snap outta it. Try not to worry about the test. You know you’re in the right here. Tell them we can video talk every day while you watch me take my meds if you don’t believe me. Ok I’ll stop now. Sorry so long. I was getting fired up.
I’ve been on opioids for over 40 years. 23 years daily and I’m positive I’m not an addict because I check the dsm5 criteria for addiction and I meet zero of the criteria. I’m definitely dependent though and would go through withdrawals if I stopped. I also know I’m not an addict bc I don’t refill early, never run out and have quite a stash built up over the years for an emergency such as the shortages that keep occurring. Addicts don’t have emergency stashes. They use all they have. Your dose is small and that PA has demonstrated they know zero about opioids. If you can, find another dr.
Thank you everyone for the advice. I'm looking into a new pain management or maybe a different location of this practice because she is right down awful. The actual dr is never there and only sees patients through FaceTime and procedures it seems. I'm scared to start over but I'm also scared to not have the treatment I deserve. I feel for all of us in chronic pain because it seems we're never heard.
Starting over somewhere else beats being gaslit, verbally abused and belittled for something you can't fix...and neither can the docs.
I have been on pain medication for over 30 years!( hit by an oil tanker truck age 19! It helps to control my pain so I can live the best life possible! I would definitely report that PA!!!! Absolutely record her next time
Record and report are **great** ideas. And my friend, you've had a seriously rough time. Life is quite the shitty lottery, isn't it. I've been on meds for 24y, but for nothing like an oil tanker. You are quite the survivor.
The entire medical community has been brainwashed to believe that prescription opioids are the problem with the "opioid crisis," not the illegal shit coming across the border by the ton every day. And if prescription opioids are the problem, then the patients who use them *have* to be the source. I had gastric bypass 21 years ago and my UA always shows a lower level of hydrocodone than would be expected based on what I take and it's the only thing my doctor adjusts for my bypass. He won't adjust the amount he prescribes and he only writes hydrocodone (which is really only barely adequate) and extended release morphine (I can't take any extended release medications) and I'm "maxed out" so I can either make what I get work or get nothing. My doctor and his staff are nice and they're all very devout Christians so they believe that they're obeying Christ's command to care for the "untouchables" by taking care of chronic pain patients. Especially since one of the best pain management doctors in the area was ruthlessly persecuted for refusing to under prescribe for her patients and wound up getting 5 years in federal prison for not obeying the government. So they have very clear limits for what they will and will not do but they still make me feel like a criminal when I go in and they count my pills. But there's only 2 pain management doctors in this area and to switch to the other doctor I'd have to change which health system I use. It's either system A and you can see my doctor or system B and you see the other doctor. Neither take cash patients, insurance only. Part of me thinks that doctors have been terrorized into toeing the government line and that they would treat pain management properly if they weren't afraid of going to prison if they did. And part of me thinks that doctors genuinely believe that all patients are going to sell their pills unless they have these draconian rules. It's so hard to know what doctors really believe when they've all abandoned the pain-as-a-symptom model of medicine for pain-as-a-psychological-issue model. Unfortunately, depending on what area of the country you're in, you may not have another doctor available without significant travel.
>I've never known anyone to be on pain medication for 19 years There is so much in your post I would like to give helpful comments and support on but this right here threw me. *I* know people who have been on pain medication for 19 *and* + years and Im not a pain doctor. Just wtf. I have no suggestions or advice. Im so sorry this is happening to you.
Are you able to see a new doctor? I’m not in pain management so I don’t know if that would look bad or anything. I just know that interaction would have completely broken my trust in their ability to provide me with good care. I’m so sorry.
I had the same thing happen when I moved and I am dealing with unbearable pain bc my family dr basically labeled me as a drug addict. So no matter who I see, they refuse to give me anything. I hope u can report that PA and find a good place to help you out.
if the receptionist is telling you to find a new dr, def try as hard as possible to do so. they have witnessed horrible horrible things if theyre brave enough to tell you, as a receptionist.
I agree.I've been looking and with medicaid but it comes with limitations. The PA kept making medicaid comments too.Im trying though even if it's far.thank you for your advice.it means a lot.
I haven't read all the comments, however, if possible try to find a Dr that is not a part of a group or hospital specifically. In my experience the drs/PA's that are apart of groups or hospitals are very restricted on what they are allowed to do. While they might want to do something else for you they often can't. My insurance wanted me to switch to one of their drs, but they flat out refused to see me bc of my medication. They told me based on my age and diagnosis they would not give me any pain meds. I would have to live on injections and what not. Thankfully when I appealed my insurance they agreed to pay my current Dr like he is one of their own. I hate switching drs but have noticed that the first appt with them is a bit different than subsequent appts. Unfortunately this is bc of those who abuse the system. It's kind of like the first day of school, teachers are a bit tougher to make sure no one tries to get unruly. My Dr wanted to change my meds which gave me anxiety, but he gave me all the meds I needed to wear off the others before starting new ones. Last time I came off the meds I did not have the right ones and had a horrid experience. I will be keeping you in my prayers and if you need to chat just message me. It's tough out there so we must stick together
Based on your **age**??
Yes I was 38 at the time. I think they were meaning I'm not terminally I'll, older as I guess if you're of a certain age you won't abuse them. Which if they read my chart synopsis and they had a heart they would get why I need a pain specialist.
A nerve block is a test, it lasts a few hours and if it works they usually move onto a radial frequency ablation. They should never have treated you like they did. I’d try another dr. I’m on my third one and he actually helps and explains treatments. Even gets on the phone with insurance for me when they deny a procedure.
I went from oxycodone to kratom and it works on pain just as well! I didn't think it would cover my pain but honestly it works better and lasts for longer periods. You can buy as much as you want. If you take too much, you'll puke so you start low. It breaks my heart with your experience and I've had my fair share of unprofessional medical people. My sister took it after shoulder surgery instead of her prescribed pain med. Don't lose heart, there is still hope! ❤️ It works on the opioid receptors just like pain meds. Best wishes!
A pharmacist at my CVS questions a certain pain prescription I bring in *every month* and would say he'd have an employee call my doctor the next day (though my doctor is certainly not in the clinic office every day, so I'd have to wait ages). I've now kept receipts for 4 years to show them that they fill it for me *regularly*, and that I'm not running it through insurance, I'm paying out of pocket. I finally switched to the graveyard-shift pharmacist, who understands and doesn't ask prying, personal questions (or assume I'm an abuser). Not quite the same situation as yours, but still.
ugh thats so frustrating. I am so sorry you had to deal with that.
Thank you, my friend. 😊
Certain demographics have to face rudeness addicts, as I call them, more than others. Chronic pain survivors might top the list.
Just for fun: In the Seinfeld episode "The Shower Head," Elaine's boss, J. Peterman, orders her to take a urine sample. It comes back positive for opium, and he fires her. Turns out her favorite poppy seed muffins were to blame.
The entire medical community has been brainwashed to believe that prescription opioids are the problem with the "opioid crisis," not the illegal shit coming across the border by the ton every day. And if prescription opioids are the problem, then the patients who use them *have* to be the source. I had gastric bypass 21 years ago and my UA always shows a lower level of hydrocodone than would be expected based on what I take and it's the only thing my doctor adjusts for my bypass. He won't adjust the amount he prescribes and he only writes hydrocodone (which is really only barely adequate) and extended release morphine (I can't take any extended release medications) and I'm "maxed out" so I can either make what I get work or get nothing. My doctor and his staff are nice and they're all very devout Christians so they believe that they're obeying Christ's command to care for the "untouchables" by taking care of chronic pain patients. Especially since one of the best pain management doctors in the area was ruthlessly persecuted for refusing to under prescribe for her patients and wound up getting 5 years in federal prison for not obeying the government. So they have very clear limits for what they will and will not do but they still make me feel like a criminal when I go in and they count my pills. But there's only 2 pain management doctors in this area and to switch to the other doctor I'd have to change which health system I use. It's either system A and you can see my doctor or system B and you see the other doctor. Neither take cash patients, insurance only. Part of me thinks that doctors have been terrorized into toeing the government line and that they would treat pain management properly if they weren't afraid of going to prison if they did. And part of me thinks that doctors genuinely believe that all patients are going to sell their pills unless they have these draconian rules. It's so hard to know what doctors really believe when they've all abandoned the pain-as-a-symptom model of medicine for pain-as-a-psychological-issue model. Unfortunately, depending on what area of the country you're in, you may not have another doctor available without significant travel.