Aa
So FRUSTRATED!!!
So I just got back from the doctor. I went there for pain I have been having in my hip and leg. But I have also been having horrible stomach pains that are really starting to concern me. They have been going on for about 3 weeks. I posted about a week ago that my husband has been worried because I have been losing weight without trying, no matter what I eat. At first I was like eh, so I get to eat what I want and lose weight, why should I complain about that? But then I started keeping track and weighing myself daily and I was getting worried myself.
While the med assistant was writing my bp down, I looked at my chart. Since my last appointment, less than a month ago 24 pounds. 24. This was before I even stopped the hydro so I can't even say it's from going through w/d. I told her these pains have gotten so bad that I have literally doubled over. She completely blew everything off. Did a ua and said I didn't have a UTI so she didn't know. She just shrugged and said if it keeps hurting to go to the ER. No bloodwork? No tests???
For the first time I wasn't there for drugs. I was there because I am WORRIED. But you know what? As an addict we cry wolf so many times that when we really need help we have screwed ourselves.
So I left with no answers, no explanation of what might be wrong.
I would find another doctor but of course it would look like I was just "doctor shopping" like I have so many times.
Now I don't know what to do.
While the med assistant was writing my bp down, I looked at my chart. Since my last appointment, less than a month ago 24 pounds. 24. This was before I even stopped the hydro so I can't even say it's from going through w/d. I told her these pains have gotten so bad that I have literally doubled over. She completely blew everything off. Did a ua and said I didn't have a UTI so she didn't know. She just shrugged and said if it keeps hurting to go to the ER. No bloodwork? No tests???
For the first time I wasn't there for drugs. I was there because I am WORRIED. But you know what? As an addict we cry wolf so many times that when we really need help we have screwed ourselves.
So I left with no answers, no explanation of what might be wrong.
I would find another doctor but of course it would look like I was just "doctor shopping" like I have so many times.
Now I don't know what to do.
That's funny you say that - that he must really love me. He is such a private, show no emotion type person so when he does something like this I know it's his way of saying he loves me. Either that or he's sick of hearing me complain! LOL
I can't believe that with your step dad. Well actually yes I can. And it is horrible. I'm glad your mom spoke up and that it wasn't cancer. How horrible to have to go through that while you're also trying to deal with your pain.
I just realized the block thing is on my work computer so I'll have to email it to you tomorrow when I get in.
I can't believe that with your step dad. Well actually yes I can. And it is horrible. I'm glad your mom spoke up and that it wasn't cancer. How horrible to have to go through that while you're also trying to deal with your pain.
I just realized the block thing is on my work computer so I'll have to email it to you tomorrow when I get in.
GOOD JOB HUBBY----that is awesome he did that, he must really love you girl...I am with you on the ER thing..They always say that, yet this doctor told you to go there, that is such BS....Well i hope you get to see someone tommorrw that will treat you right..
Once that happened to my step dad, and my mom was so mad she called
then went in and filed a complaint and they did not have to pay for the test..The bad thing is he is not a complainer and was in alot of pain..They said what do you want a pain shot, or pain killers??? this man never takes medicine..They ran no test at all...5 months later he was having surgery to remove a hugh tumor on his spine..it wasn't cancer thank god..
Good luck
R2R
oh yes email it to me please
Once that happened to my step dad, and my mom was so mad she called
then went in and filed a complaint and they did not have to pay for the test..The bad thing is he is not a complainer and was in alot of pain..They said what do you want a pain shot, or pain killers??? this man never takes medicine..They ran no test at all...5 months later he was having surgery to remove a hugh tumor on his spine..it wasn't cancer thank god..
Good luck
R2R
oh yes email it to me please
Hey hun.... congrats on staying strong. Tapering is one thing, but to do it without someone holding them for you - that is AWESOME. You are doing great! Also I saw awhile back you asked for my block chart I did when I quit. If you still want it I can email it to you.
I don't know if this doctor knows about my addiction or not. I think they suspect but I have never TOLD them (I say them because I see different NPs, etc in the office). One time I told them the vicodin I was taking wasn't working so I wanted to try something else. They said they needed to see my records, past MRIs, etc. I never had my records transferred so they weren't sure how to treat me I guess. But they were prescribing me 120 7.5s/month for the two months I have been going there. Since it's been almost three months since I've been going there I don't know if they received a letter from my insurance saying I had been getting prescriptions from the ER, etc. It is almost time for my next refill but since I won't be calling in the request I don't know if they are "on" to my addiction or not. If they denied the refill, etc. I would know for sure. But since they haven't said anything outright I don't know. I just know that today I got the same addict treatment from doctors who HAD verbally told me I had a problem. And the way she just dismissed everything also made me think that.
My husband has been upset about what they did (or didn't do for that matter) and finally told me HE was going to call the office. He talked to someone in the office and told them what happened at the appointment. She asked if I wanted another appointment with someone else, a referral or what. He said a referral was fine. That way I can get the ultrasound, bloodwork, etc. that I need. He told her everything - including the fact that at the appt I was told to go to the ER if the pain kept going on when it should be THEM that figures out what is going on. The ER even states that you should not use them in place of a primary care physician, etc and yet my PCP TELLS me to go there instead of their office. So the girl said she would put in a referral and for me and to call back at noonish tomorrow to see what the status is. I guess I will find out what is going on then.
*sigh*
I don't know if this doctor knows about my addiction or not. I think they suspect but I have never TOLD them (I say them because I see different NPs, etc in the office). One time I told them the vicodin I was taking wasn't working so I wanted to try something else. They said they needed to see my records, past MRIs, etc. I never had my records transferred so they weren't sure how to treat me I guess. But they were prescribing me 120 7.5s/month for the two months I have been going there. Since it's been almost three months since I've been going there I don't know if they received a letter from my insurance saying I had been getting prescriptions from the ER, etc. It is almost time for my next refill but since I won't be calling in the request I don't know if they are "on" to my addiction or not. If they denied the refill, etc. I would know for sure. But since they haven't said anything outright I don't know. I just know that today I got the same addict treatment from doctors who HAD verbally told me I had a problem. And the way she just dismissed everything also made me think that.
My husband has been upset about what they did (or didn't do for that matter) and finally told me HE was going to call the office. He talked to someone in the office and told them what happened at the appointment. She asked if I wanted another appointment with someone else, a referral or what. He said a referral was fine. That way I can get the ultrasound, bloodwork, etc. that I need. He told her everything - including the fact that at the appt I was told to go to the ER if the pain kept going on when it should be THEM that figures out what is going on. The ER even states that you should not use them in place of a primary care physician, etc and yet my PCP TELLS me to go there instead of their office. So the girl said she would put in a referral and for me and to call back at noonish tomorrow to see what the status is. I guess I will find out what is going on then.
*sigh*
i am doing ok---i am on a taper , today being my second day..So it is going ok..i feel it but not bad..i got out today and went visit my dad and took the kids get a snowball so it was nice..i am going to keep doing this until i am down to a low dosage which may take a little longer than i want but i have to because i was on such a large amount...so hopefully i can stay with it..But girl it is hard because i have them and wish i could tell someone so they can give them to me and hold them..BUT i can't so i will be strong..And so far so good.
jen, did this doctor know about your addiction ?? I found out in rehab that it is against the law( at least in this state) for any doctor to treat you any different if you are a recoverying addict or alcoholic...That was just wrong..And you are right this doesn't sound like the strong Jen i got to know..But i know what you mean about walking on eggshells...Every doctor i ever see now, or pharmacist, i feel like i have addict written across my forhead...But i do think it is in our heads...So you go back girl, and demand testing..just to be sure you are ok..
let me know
R2R
jen, did this doctor know about your addiction ?? I found out in rehab that it is against the law( at least in this state) for any doctor to treat you any different if you are a recoverying addict or alcoholic...That was just wrong..And you are right this doesn't sound like the strong Jen i got to know..But i know what you mean about walking on eggshells...Every doctor i ever see now, or pharmacist, i feel like i have addict written across my forhead...But i do think it is in our heads...So you go back girl, and demand testing..just to be sure you are ok..
let me know
R2R
You are completely right. It's weird because I've never been one to be afraid to stand up to someone and tell them exactly what I feel, but after being an addict for so long I think I have gotten used to walking on eggshells with doctors. Always afraid of doing or saying the wrong thing. And in a way I feel like they don't view me as a real patient in need because of my past. But regardless, I'm the same as any other person and my problems are just as real.
Thank you for your advice and telling me to stand up for myself.
By the way, how are you? I've missed you!
Thank you for your advice and telling me to stand up for myself.
By the way, how are you? I've missed you!
if i were you i would march my butt back in the same office with the same doctor and tell him you want test done, that you are not there for narcotics....That is not right what he did..if you are feeling like something is wrong he should of ran every test..First off a blood test..
i would not let that go, and i would not try to find another doctor...
Good luck
R2R
i would not let that go, and i would not try to find another doctor...
Good luck
R2R
Thank you everyone. Your comments, concerns and suggestions really mean a lot.
Hubby suggested I call the office tomorrow and demand bloodwork and an ultrasound. They can't argue with that, and it has nothing to do with narcotics or any type of medication. Then maybe that will show them that I really am in pain and just want to get to the bottom of it and that I'm not just seeking pills.
I feel like I'm finally trying to take care of myself and now I'm falling apart! Who knows what I did to my body by everything I've done. My stomach could be anything - I've abused my body so much.
As far as the pain in my hip/butt and down my leg she said it has to do with my buldging disks in my back and the sciatic nerve. To be honest I don't know how long it's been like this since I've always been on narcotics. I know when I first started on pain meds for my back things weren't this bad. I haven't had an MRI for 7 years so I want to have another one done to see if things show that they have gotten worse. I want to try steoroid injections and see if that helps. But just like my stomach pain issues she just shrugged and said oh well. I'm actually trying to do things the right way - you'd think they'd be a little more helpful!
I had my mind made up about not going to the other doctor I have been seeing for years (for those of you who don't know - last year when I got off the pills the first time I told him I was an addict and asked him to never prescribe me narcotics again. After relapsing I started going to him again for my "fix" and he immediately prescribed me any and everything I wanted. Even when I was pregnant he gave me Norco 10s, 100 at a time with refills). The only good thing about him was that I could go in and ask for any test and he would do it for me. He is the one who did my origional MRI and has always been good about doing bloodwork, etc. when I have had any type of issue. So on one hand he takes my problems seriously, but on the other hand going to him is like going to one of my dealers.
So I guess I will deal with the stomach pain first and do what I said earlier - call and request an ultrasound and bloodwork. Then next month I can switch doctors and deal with my back issues. Hopefully by then I'll know what's going on with the stomach.
Sorry for all the rambling - I'm not used to actually DEALING with things. Before if I felt any type of pain it was just more reason to pop more pills. Now that I don't have that anymore, everything that is going on is jumping right in my face and needing to be dealt with. It's not a bad thing, just different.
Hubby suggested I call the office tomorrow and demand bloodwork and an ultrasound. They can't argue with that, and it has nothing to do with narcotics or any type of medication. Then maybe that will show them that I really am in pain and just want to get to the bottom of it and that I'm not just seeking pills.
I feel like I'm finally trying to take care of myself and now I'm falling apart! Who knows what I did to my body by everything I've done. My stomach could be anything - I've abused my body so much.
As far as the pain in my hip/butt and down my leg she said it has to do with my buldging disks in my back and the sciatic nerve. To be honest I don't know how long it's been like this since I've always been on narcotics. I know when I first started on pain meds for my back things weren't this bad. I haven't had an MRI for 7 years so I want to have another one done to see if things show that they have gotten worse. I want to try steoroid injections and see if that helps. But just like my stomach pain issues she just shrugged and said oh well. I'm actually trying to do things the right way - you'd think they'd be a little more helpful!
I had my mind made up about not going to the other doctor I have been seeing for years (for those of you who don't know - last year when I got off the pills the first time I told him I was an addict and asked him to never prescribe me narcotics again. After relapsing I started going to him again for my "fix" and he immediately prescribed me any and everything I wanted. Even when I was pregnant he gave me Norco 10s, 100 at a time with refills). The only good thing about him was that I could go in and ask for any test and he would do it for me. He is the one who did my origional MRI and has always been good about doing bloodwork, etc. when I have had any type of issue. So on one hand he takes my problems seriously, but on the other hand going to him is like going to one of my dealers.
So I guess I will deal with the stomach pain first and do what I said earlier - call and request an ultrasound and bloodwork. Then next month I can switch doctors and deal with my back issues. Hopefully by then I'll know what's going on with the stomach.
Sorry for all the rambling - I'm not used to actually DEALING with things. Before if I felt any type of pain it was just more reason to pop more pills. Now that I don't have that anymore, everything that is going on is jumping right in my face and needing to be dealt with. It's not a bad thing, just different.
Hang in there Caligen we are with you .Hank your a true caring person .Thank God for people like you ..Jim
Remember all of the pain killers you took have some kind of other pain reliever aspirin ibuprofen acetaminophen all of which have some if not all of the side affects you mention. Acetaminophen not supposed to take over 3000 mg a day. The pills I took had 750 each and I was prescribed 6 a day that's 4500 mg. If you add up the amounts of them you took you might feel different about it. If you drink a glass of milk when you have the pain it could tell you something maybe not everything? Ulcer's seem to be a by product of everything we put in our body's. Also I would go back and tell the doctor your not looking for a pain killer you want to find out what is wrong! Why do you think they put cafeine in Excedrine it says pain killer aid HA. It just get's you feeling up and after a while adicted to Excedrin. Remember what happens when you quit taking them or drinking coffee you get a head aches?
Hank
Hank
Hank - the only thing I've taken in quantity are narcotics. I don't take aspirin/ibuprofin, etc because of a stomach surgery I had. I can count on one hand how many times I've taken anything but pain meds in the last few years. I was too busy to take them to care about anything else. Sad but true. I wonder if excessive (and I mean EXCESSIVE with me) can cause stomach problems? Ulcers, etc?
Hopeless - I thought about finding another doc but my insurance is through my husband and he has an HMO. That means we can only change docs once a month and it doesn't take effect until the beginning of the next month. If I don't like the new doc then I have to do it all over again and wait another month. The only other thing I can think of is contacting my insurance and letting them now I need to switch NOW. I know they can override it or make the switch if it is an emergency.
I'm just afraid of going through all that just to find another doctor who doesn't care.
Hopeless - I thought about finding another doc but my insurance is through my husband and he has an HMO. That means we can only change docs once a month and it doesn't take effect until the beginning of the next month. If I don't like the new doc then I have to do it all over again and wait another month. The only other thing I can think of is contacting my insurance and letting them now I need to switch NOW. I know they can override it or make the switch if it is an emergency.
I'm just afraid of going through all that just to find another doctor who doesn't care.
Same thing has happened to me many many times...When i really was in pain and had to go to the dr. nothing was done, they thought i was just there to get pills. So i looked around and found another dr.. then another....Finally i found a dr. that actually cares about me, i had to tell him my history - everything, that way he knew i was there for real this time...
I suggest to you that tomorrow morning call a few different dr. explain your situation and let them know you are going through the w/d and don't want to come for narcotics, but you know that you have something wrong with you. Be honest with him/her about everything....You will find the right dr. who does care about you....
Hope
I suggest to you that tomorrow morning call a few different dr. explain your situation and let them know you are going through the w/d and don't want to come for narcotics, but you know that you have something wrong with you. Be honest with him/her about everything....You will find the right dr. who does care about you....
Hope
I was just reading about Advil or neproxen it some of the complications were stomach pain lose of weight. I am no doctor but have you been taking NSAIdS over the counter or prescription? If you have are you using more than recommended for along time? Here is a link http://www.nexium.net/patient/AboutNexium/NSAIDs-and-stomach-ulcers.aspx?mid=20&c=patients-nsaid
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