What's going to happen to me?

[GrammieK]

Rheumatoid Arthritis has changed my life in many ways!  I have been being treated with hydrocodone, for my RA pain, for the past 5 years.  I take (1) - 10/500 tab every 6 hrs.

My Rheumatologist only prescribes the RA drugs (Humira, Methotrexate, Plaquenil).  She insists that I see my family doctor for pain relief.  Last week my family doctor lost her license due to prescribing Methadone to a known herion user.  I read in the paper that my doctor didn't have the proper license for distributing Methadone to a known herion addict.

My question is this ............. do I need to be hospitalized for the withdrawal?  I was only able to be without the hydrocodone for 24 hrs. before I went to the ER!  I'm 61 years old and scared that my heart isn't going to hold up to this  ............... my blood pressure went to 159/104.  

I live in a very rural little town and no other doctors or clinics or anyone will let me be seen or prescribe hydrocodone.  I hear that the "drug enforcement officers" are in the area and all the medical personal are scared to prescribe pain meds. even though I have a real need for them.  I feel lost and abandoned by my health "professionals".  I have been treated very rudely by doctor office personnel and even called a drug addict!

What is going to happen to me?  How can this even be lawful?  I thought that doctors sign a document to "help and not harm".  I am working out of town and have been in this little community for 3 years.  Needless to say, I'm all alone here and I am very scared  ........... what's going to happen to me?

[dominosarah]

http://www.medhelp.org/forums/Pain-Management/show/53

Here is the link to the Pain Management forum also.  They may have some suggestions for you too.....sara

[IBKleen]

Hi & Welcome,

I am sorry to hear about your pain.

Please understand that while doctors do take an oath, they are under no obligation to prescribe narcotic pain medication and doing so is on the decline because of the high rate of RX abuse in this country.

I wanted to ask---have you gone any length of time without the pain medication to see if you can control it by any other means? Many pain patients are finding alternatives.

This withdrawal seems inevitable because of your situation and I think it would be best to speak with your doctor and explain your symptoms. They can prescribe something to help regulate your bp during this phase.

Keep talking here and listening to the members. There is a lot of support here.