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Here's my dilemma, I have severe Rheumatoid Arthritis for 7-8 yrs. now, I'm 29 yrs. old. I now see a Pain Specialist Clinic, I really dont like my doctor because he's very insensitive! Very. Before going there I was downing around 12 - 18 vicodins 7.5 or 10/660 a day to keep sane and somewhat painfree. So my I finally admitted to my doctor that I had a problem with this medicine not doing it for me anymore so now I see the pain clinic. Before I saw them my Rheumy gave me oxycontin 20mg 3xs a day (just for that week until I saw the Pain Clinic), but that didn't help and gave me panic attacks. Until I saw the "Clinic". So they started me on Kadian 50mg 1 a day, 3 norco for breakthrough and some sleeping aid that did nothing. I tried to go 4 days and I was in pain with no relief so I went back to the pain clinic. They bumped me to 50mg of Kadian 2 a day at around 5-8pm so it would peak around morning. I tried for a week and nothing too. Maybe I was hopeing for a miracle or something since it was Morphine!! So I went back, they were a little disturbed that this hadn't helped and started making threats that maybe nothing would help me, of course I cried, so he said take 3 50mgs with 3 norco for breakthrough and Klonipin for sleep. The clonipin helped, and for 2 days it seemed that I could feel a difference. But then it died away, and the weather is changing really bad with the rain and storms and I'm suffering. I just went back to the pain clinic cause I went through a really hard weekend, and on Tuesday I wanted to tell them what I went through. The doctor was so cold, and told me that, "Do you know your taking the most medicine here in the clinic, not even the Cancer patients take this much." I felt so terrible. I didn't ask what others were on. And I'm sorry I dont care at this point, I wanted him to feel the popping in my shoulder, the way it gets like it's dislocated, and up to me to place it back, I wanted him to suffer like I was, instead of lecturing me. He said well if what were giving you isn't working then lets just stop it all together, I asked wasn't there some other approach we could try, "No, no we've tried everything." He's a D _ _ N! Lie cause I've only been there about 1 1/2 months.
Why doesn't the Kadian help? Is it cause I was taking so much vicodin for so many years? It is a strong dosage but when times get rough, I cant feel it help any. And then I want to pop pills of norco like I use to. I've really been good not too. I do go to 4 or 5 pills but thats like 2 x's a week, then I suffer when I run out. What else can I suggest to him withough him jumping on my back. My husband is coming to my next visit. And he said rest assure, NO ONE was gonna make me come out of that office crying.
I could use some advice. Is Kadian stronger than oxycontin, maybe I could take that again but at a higher dosage,(like he would really listen.) Why can these doctors be so heartless and then just leave you there, with your pains and sad thoughts, they know your already depressed. I hate it. I just want to take something that will last.
HELP!
***@****
Doctors won't fight this problem, because they feel their hands are tied. They are already afraid to prescribe the meds in the first place. First the insurance companys are telling the doctors what they can and cannot do, and now the pharmacy. This is so unbelievable!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I stopped using Wal-Mart a long time ago.....cause they started printing your history on the medication info. print out. Like be aware of the medication you have taken, or something. I dont think they do this anymore. It may have been one particular pharmacist that did this.
This is what I'm thinking of doing. What do you think. My husband wants for me to start halfing my norco and that way I'll be taking 6 dosages throughout the day. He said that the body can make it self get use to anything as long as its still being fed something. I'm sure it'll be okaaaay for the days that the weather isn't really bad, but on days like these past few weeks my pain runs from my wrist, shoulder and hands, plus I have a 10mth old baby who is a whopping 24lbs, and thats alot of lifting, and she perfers me over my husband, even though he tries.
What about this MS Contin and the other drug you mentioned, do you think that would work a little bit better than 150mg of Kadian and 3 norco a day? I so do hate this so much!!!! I pray for all of us on this forum as much as possible. But I believe God put us all here together in the meantime to give each other help, love and support. I hope that one day I can do the same for someone else.
I'm afraid of taking Kadian for too long cause I dont know if I mentioned but in a year I'll be ready to start trying again for another child. This one has given my life so much hope an joy even on the bad days. That was my God sent.
I'm so confused I know that what I'm taking right now is just not really cutting it and now I'm finishing the clonipin way to early hoping that taking that with the norco will make my day seem more copable.
What do you suggest, should I stop taking the clonipin before that becomes a problem, and 1/2 my norco's, and then little by little tttrrrryyyy to go from 150 to 100mg of Kadian, anyways I'm doubting that they are really doing all that much, but I guess they must be cause I went from downing almost 20 10/660 hydrocodones a day to maybe 4 maybe 5 a day. I just dont want to suffer more in the long run when I get pregnant and they only want to give me 1-3 vicodins a day. Does it sound like the Kadian is really helping cause I'm not downing 20 vic's a day? Is there something else I could try that you know of or can you ask your friends here on the forum for me. Thank you J.B. so much, I know its just advise but it means the world to me. So much that I believe that God is going to Bless you for just being here and listening to me and others that need someone to give advise to. Tonight and tomorrow I'm praying for your blessings to be expedient and abuntfull! I'm not a radical, but honestly I have great belief in God, but I still go through day to day realities. But whenever I pray and ask God for help or need him to take me out of a jam, he always has done it. In my family I'm the go to person for prayers. Doooeesn't mean I'm super duper or anything, but what it does mean that he brought you and this forum in my life for a reason, so believe I've been praying for relief and peace of mind for many of you and you nameless people rest assure that he's listening.
Let me stop jabbering on and on, please give me more input on what I had asked earlier J.B. Thanks again to you.
Please email me privately if you ever feel the need or think I could use some advise, which I always do. Like right now I'm typing over here at 2:46am. Cant sleep.
Take great care everyone!!! ***@****
You have the right idea. We need to bring this story out to the public. I say let's make a personal goal on behalf of humanity to report these so called pharmacist. We need to take this serious, because it could very well be one of our children, grandparents, parents, etc. etc. that they refuse next. This is inhumane. This is the world we live in, and it's up to us to make some changes. Now I've seen it all!!!!!!!!!
DEE DEE,
How are you feeling. I know your still recouperating. Just thought I'd ck in on you. Hope your doing ok.
Annie
PS
The Pharmacy Board may be a good place to start, then 20/20, then Primetime, Dateline, local news.....and on and on..(:
Annie
I say just tell your doctor, casually, about this. I've never had to give my license to the pharmacist, but had it photocopied at the doctor's ofc. Makes you feel like a criminal dont it.
I hope times will get better for chronic pain patients and addiction.
Annie
I tried tapering from my meds today, and found myself extremely tired and nauseaus. I guess I am an official addict now, or as common opinion would see it. I hope the procedure works for you.
I know how hard it can be to cope w/ life and pain all in the same time frame. Good luck w/ your recovery.
Annie
Annie
K.I.T.
Annie (:
Also walk out without paying.
Maybe it is time we released our information to the public about the names of these PROMINENT people who also abuse drugs,we?--(PRAY)-- have got the records,data bases are not secure,all have been hacked,the games over.It was a boring game anyway.
How can we tell if someone is "ABUSING" or "addicted" to drugs?
</b>
Diagnostic and Statistical Manual - IV(Psychiatrists Reference Manual)
A maladaptive pattern of substance use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress as manifested by three (or more) of the following, occurring at any time in the same 12-month period:
1.Substance is often taken in larger amounts or over longer period than intended
2.Persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control substance use
3.A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain the substance (e.g., visiting multiple doctors or driving long distances), use the substance (e.g., chain smoking), or recover from its effects
4.Important social, occupational, or recreational activities given up or reduced because of substance abuse
5.Continued substance use despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent psychological, or physical problem that is caused or exacerbated by use of the substance
6.Tolerance, as defined by either:
need for read amounts of the substance in order to achieve intoxication or desired effect; or
markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount
7.Withdrawal, as manifested by either:
characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance; or
the same (or closely related) substance is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms
<B>International Classification of Diseases - 10</B>
[ICD-10 research criteria differ from the clinical diagnostic quidelines listed here.] Three or more of the following must have been experienced or exhibited at some time during the previous year:
1.Difficulties in controlling substance-taking behavior in terms of its onset, termination, or levels of use
2.A strong desire or sense of compulsion to take the substance
3.Progressive neglect of alternative pleasures or interests because of psychoactive substance use, increased amount of time necessary to obtain or take the substance or to recover from its effects
4.Persisting with substance use despite clear evidence of overtly harmful consequences, depressive mood states consequent to heavy use, or drug related impairment of cognitive functioning
5.Evidence of tolerance, such that increased doses of the psychoactive substance are required in order to achieve effects originally produced by lower doses
6.A physiological withdrawal state when substance use has ceased or been reduced, as evidence by: the characteristic withdrawal syndrome for the substance; or use of the same (or a closely related) substance with the intention of relieving or avoiding withdrawal symptoms
Thank you for your time,
Annie (:
i also have worked in a pharmacy in ohio as a tech for the past 7 years. i wanted to tell you that yes, the pharmacist does have the right to refuse to fill any prescription. this is not because he/she just doesn't want to fill them or just want to be evil--they have a license to protect just like a doctor. they had to go to school for 5 years and continue to do credit work every year to obtain the license so they are not going to chance loosing it, just like the doctors. there are also very strick laws they have to follow and the state board of pharmacy does come in and do audits on the rx's we've filled. there are many people who do not need the meds, but take them to get high or sell them. that is why there are so many guidelines to follow...because of these types of people. there have also been times when the pharmacist questions the doseage or flling it too soon and the patient has been taking the wrong amount and didn't know it. this could cause problems for the patient so the pharmacist is just interested and concerned with their well-being. ususally the only customers we wonder about are the ones who go to many different doctors for the same drug and go to different pharmacies. if a doctor or pharmacy finds out about someone illegally getting prescriptions, they are required to report them to the state board and then they start a hot-line where we call 5 pharmacies, then each one of them call 5 diff pharmacies, and so on. it is also reported to the area doctors. but if a person does take may dif meds that are controlled or narcotics and they are from the same doctors office, then they are not questioned. sometimes if we question a customer about their meds, they get angry and start yelling, but it is usually not to accuse them of anything, but just to make sure they are not harming their selves. many pain pills are not very kind to your liver and other internal organs. if the pharmacist was rude to your husband, i think you or he should say something--especially if it is your regular pharmacy. just talk to your pharmacist so they know your situation--why your take so many meds, why sometimes you need them early, or anything like that. really the pharmacist is there to help you. they might even have some suggestions about your meds to help you. there are just so many dishonest people today that they do sometimes have to use their judgement and question people. i understand the patients point of view because i have to take so many meds myself, but i also understand the point of view from the other side of the counter.
if i can help with any other pharmacy questions, just let me know. :)
susie
I have heard horror stories also. One of our employee's relatives is a pharmacist, and talks bad about the patients all the time. People over-hear this. THIS PROBLEM IS A REALITY!
Annie
Ps....I dare one of them to deny my medications...with all the problems I have. Look out! Pain gives life to great vengeance...lol
Yet I am Morally Correct(read the 10 commandments,n.b. not that I subscribe in it absolutely,I require around 16 commandments to exist in MY Moral Paradigm) in my use of them although legally incorrect,following this logic,if the real purpose of Criminalizing These Pleasure and insight inducing drugs is because they are Addictive and can be Abused,then cleary for ME anyway I am denied my `~Basic Human Right~` to alter my Level of Consciousness and Cognitive/emotive STATE.
I could challenge the very laws of prohibition,with Psychiatric evidence that the LAWS are defective and Discriminatory and Are Materialist Autocratic mechanisms of Social control and manipulation.
Your points are valid and correct.My point is according to my?`illicit` drug use patterns and Psychiatric Diagnosis and Prognosis,I am neither "abusing" nor "Addicted" to the drugs (or never will be) I "occassionally"(when I feel like it) use,those being :LSD,CANNABIS,HEROIN,ALCOHOL,BENZODIAZEPINES,COCAINE(not- CRACK),2-CB,Methylamphetamine,Multitude of Opioid Derivatives.[(note I do not use MDMA(XTC) because it is Neurotoxic-(serotonin)].
Yet I am Morally Correct(read the 10 commandments,n.b. not that I subscribe in it absolutely,I require around 16 commandments to exist in MY Moral Paradigm) in my use of them although legally incorrect,following this logic,if the real purpose of Criminalizing These Pleasure and insight inducing drugs is because they are Addictive and can be Abused,then cleary for ME anyway I am denied my `~Basic Human Right~` to alter my Level of Consciousness and Cognitive/emotive STATE.
I could challenge the very laws of prohibition,with Psychiatric evidence that the LAWS are defective and Discriminatory and Are Materialist Autocratic mechanisms of Social control and manipulation.
Here we go again w/ O tolerance. The Bible says in the end times man will call good..evil and evil..good. This is what has taken place for years now. Oh and by the way...We are living in the "grace-age"...Not under the law which includes the 10 commandments. But you mainly, believe in the old Testament...right? The 10 commandments are good guidlines...simple and matter of fact. Oh here I go again. Cant' help it. My biblical beliefs and my societal bashing. LOL
Your Friend,
Annie
I stole some minor things as an adolesent (adolescent)(mars bar etc),it was accompanied by quilt and had lust without love.As I say again I have a mechanism to bring BIG BROTHER to its knees,only I fear for my life,with what I know Of the Hypocrasy and corruption inherent in that system of social control and the double agents within these structures,first of all the people of this world must unite and infiltrate all GOVT dept then the take over will proceed fatality free.The leader will collect up his flock and lead them to safety.I am not the leader only the messenger.Be patient.
Try it, you'll like it. Even if you have to drive an hour to get to your teeny tiny pharmacy - you'll get your medication.
N.B>Pathological relulctance to dispense Opioids has now been recogised by Psychiatrists as an illness,it seems to occur as a result of Government Propagander and armed robberies,many chemists are reluctant to seek help for this Pathology.
Like if I needed to refill a scipt early,I could say,I am going to a place(holiday/work whatever) where there is no Pharmacies and they go-"like cool","here you are", "sign here","have fun".
If a drug addict has their supply permanently terminated are they cured?,does prohibition address the human side of the issue?,does prohibition cause more problems than it cures?.
Will humans ever awake from their nightmare of ignorance?.
Will the sun eventually vaporize Planet earth?
What are we really fighting for?.
What is life for anyway?.
Who am "I"?.
If anybody else also knows the answers to the above you have my sympathy,we can only hope and PRAY it is in human nature not to destroy ourselves.
Now, as far as doctors are concerned, I can't say that brushing off a patient's pain or concerns is something remotely acceptable. However, I can sympathize by telling you that many doctors are reluctant to prescribe certain potent pain medications because they are under similar scrutiny as pharmacists. No physician wants the "Dr. Feelgood" reputation. However, both pharmacists and physicians make it a goal of their practice to relieve the pain and suffering of those they serve. I hate to be slightly coarse with you folks, but neither of us are there just to give people the stuff for which they are looking. If we are ever under inspection we have to be able to justify everything we do and, often times, one can't simply say, "Well, the patient told me they were in pain," and have it be an acceptable excuse. I am sorry to hear that there are those of you out there whose pain is uncontrolled. It must be a terrible cross that you all have to bear and I deeply sympathize with you -- but at the same time, you must also understand that we have a duty to practice our respective professions to the best of our ethical and legal responsibilities.