Flagged

I went to the doctor this morning.  I have a very big addiction problem.  He told me I had been flagged and that I wouldn't be able to find a doctor that would see me anymore.  He did get me in touch with an addiction clinic and I have an appointment for tomorrow.  I know I have a big problem and need to have it taken care of but does this mean that I now will not be able to see a doctor or go to a pharmacy?  I realize fully that this is something I have done to myself and will accept the consequences for my actions but would like to at least know what I am up against.  Any help is appriciated.  Thanks!

[liscamdave]

I am not too sure about this one...someone will help you soon I am sure..

[avisg]

I am not sure I am assuming they are talking about no doctor or pharmacy will prescribe you narcoics anymore.What state are you in.

[hopinforhappy]

I am in Utah and I think that is what the doctor ment that told me that today.  

[gina1978]

Were you doctor shopping?That happend to my brother but he has chronic pancreatitus (pancreatitis)(that is not how you spell it) but he found one dr and stuck with him and is still getting his pain meds.I got flagged from calling 2 dentists but it didn't stick.Right now my bro is on methadone and it's really helping his pain and he doesn't even need his oxy anymore.I don't know what your on but what about a methadone clinic?

[avisg]

I would think so .I would not recommend methadone it is soooo hard to get off of .How much have you been using how much and how long ?

[gina1978]

That's so true.If your going to stop then it's best to stop everything.My sister in law has been on methadone for 6 years and she hasn't even tried to lower her dose.

[spacecadette]

can u explain more as to what happened? were u going through 2 different doctors? were u getting a lot of narcotics from both? was one of them your PCP? were they both through your insurance? Have you been doing this for a long time?

[bobby139]

I know that when i was using i got flagged too but what it meant in my case was no pain pills. My files actually have a red flag on them to let doctors know im a addict, so maybe that is what it means for you. good luck to you. It is scary i know but it is so worth it to feel normal agian. many prayers your way

[Holliee]

why did you get flagged?

[hopinforhappy]

Aparently (which is the case) I have habitual seeker tendencies.  I was going through more than one doctor I am totally scared but realized that is what I have needed.  He gave me some good information.  They have a program for $75.00 a week you can get daily methadone treatment and counseling.  I called but am hesitant to start methadone.  I was going to call back tomorrow and see if they have a program for just therepy I know I need some becuase I have tried numberous times and couldn't quit on my own.  My DOC is hydrocodone.  I usually take 5/350, 12 a day on average sometimes more sometimes less.  It was stupid and now I am trying to pick myself up tell myself I am not a waste and move on and get better.  

[avisg]

No plz don't go on methadone your usage is low defianlty get into counseling but I would try that first for at least several months before i would consider methadone treatment.

[Holliee]

I agree with avisg and I am on methadone you are on such low dose to get on methadone and if you did want to get off would be hell more so than hydro's

[thephdtobe]

Hey there,

          Listen there is something that can be done.  In fact I was recently flagged while spending time out of the country.  I was supposed to be gone for a few years, but I'm back to have some surgery as my insurance did not cover the surgery out of the US.  I am on methadone, and I had spoken to doctors in the place where I was going before I left.  After seeing my records they were more than willing to write my methadone prescriptions.  However, the rules are different in that country, and methadone only comes in liquid, and you can only get it for 10 days at a time unless your doctor writes a note.  Anyway, the doctors I saw wrote the prescription without reviewing the rules  They kept writing them wrong.  In the meantime I went into withdrawal and I was flagged, as it was thought I was writing the prescriptions for myself. Through speaking to the right people and pushing extremely hard I was able to set up a meeting with the head of opiate control in the country.  We met, he listened to me and examined me, reviewed my records, spoke to the doctors and the pharmacy, and now not only am I not flagged, but I can get a full month rather than 10 days.  

         Now if you know you have a problem, the treatment center is the right place for you, and they will help you in terms of withdrawal and dealing with your issues.  However, if you have a doctors who are willing to prescribe for you because they think it's necessary, then that's all you need.  You need to find out who is in charge of monitoring opiate distribution and activity.  Set up a meeting, bring the proper documentation, and make sure you can reach your doctor so he can vouch for you to the authorities.  They are not going to deny someone who is getting legitimate prescriptions for a legitimate reason, they just flag when something doesn't seem right.  It is the law though, they cannot prevent you from being treated, they have to treat you, especially if the doctors back you.  You just have to make the efforts to go through the bureaucracy, it can be accomplished rapidly.  All the best