need advice to help an addict

[JeremysMom07]

Ive never posted here, although I have read a lot of the topics & I think you all have great advice for others....

I need some help.
I know someone who was seeing a primary doctor for about 2 years, & the DR was prescribing her pain meds(large amounts of them), for a back injury & migraines. She took them the way he prescribed them, and became addicted. After 9 months on them, the doctors office suddenly decided to discharge her from their practice, saying she was abusing their narcotic policy & had commited 'fraud'. (they said that because when the DR couldnt see her, she went to the ER & they prescirbed something for her pain she was having-she had severe bronchitis)  So, they cut off her pain meds-- no weaning down or anything- they stopped them suddenly- and she has had severe withdrawals & her pain has gotten so severe that it interacts with her job & family life.

She doesnt have another doctor she can see. She went to the ER last week, & was barely able to walk because her back was bothering her so bad. They saw her, but then said they wouldnt give her anything because of what her previous doctor is claiming.  She has called other primary doctors to see if they would take her as a patient & after reviewing her records, noone will take her. (& to see a pain managment doctor you have to have a referral from a primary doctor)

Im very worried about her.  Im afraid she wont be able to handle it if she continues feeling the way she does. (this is my very best friend in the world, so Im trying to help her)  

Does anyone have any advice or suggestions? Or has anyone else been in a similar situation?
Im already helping her file a complaint against the doctor who got her in this situation, but its a slow process & it doesnt really help her right now.....

Thank you so much

[confused456]

If you click on my name, it will take you to my profile and click on the friends tab, that takes you to the list of my friends, and they are all on there.

[JeremysMom07]

THANK YOU!!!
I appreciate that-- I'll see if any of them have any advice... I gotta figure out how to use this site still...

[confused456]

I have also noticed that GoingToMakeIt is very smart about almost everything and his wife is also a Nurse. Just trying to give you some help if possible.

[confused456]

I really am not sure if there is or not. If she could get her foot in the door somewhere and explain the circumstances but it doesn't sound like anyone is willing to listen. I am so sorry for this, not really sure what to do or to say. I hope someone else has a better idea for you soon. I do know that Jacqui805 and 1234betterlife are both nurses and they may be of help to you. You may want to send them a personal message. Both of them are in my friends list. Sorry I wasn't much help. Best of luck to you and your friend.

[JeremysMom07]

Thanks for replying...
When she asked the doctors for help she told them she didnt care if it was narcotic or not, she just needed something to releive the pain, and I think they gave her Ibuprofen800.... Whatever it was, it didnt help....

Im a recovering drug addict--I was addicted to narcotics pain meds, coke, etc for a few years....
Its really hard for me to watch my friend in this situation, and I dont want to encourage her to be on narcotics, but I know that with her condition, its really the only thing she can do...
Regardless of everything else, the main problem is that she cant find a doctor that will even see her now, all because of what they put on her medical records. (& I know she wasnt abusing the meds- she took them the way that the doctor said to take them)

Is there any way to get around that?

[confused456]

That is a tough situation. Are there non-narcotic meds that can help?

Maybe if she tells the Dr. that she is willing to try non-narcotics, they may see her again? I am really sorry but hopefully someone will have more info for you soon.