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1495443 tn?1326759493

Help! Need advice or encouragement

My story is too long and probably all too familiar.  I'll spare all the details.  I've been in pain management for 7yrs.  I've been traveling FAR to see this doctor.  I've known for years that I should find another doctor, but procrastinated...it's the "I'm forever in your debt scenario and you really got me where you want me now" LOL.  I have SEVERAL pain conditions (one may be fatal), and have been increased over and above the legal allowed limit on a very strong pain medication.  NO doctor will continue my current trtmt, I'm sure.  There have been strange incidents w/this doctor and you'll have to private msg. me, if you would like an elaboration or explanation, because I’m thinking of securing litigation against this dr.  There was a recent incident between us and he sent me on my way w/no medication (after I paid) and told me he would think about continuing me on as a patient.  I’ll be out of meds soon and waiting on a call from a NEW pain clinic (local)….WHAT would you do in my case and just a little support would be nice! I’m really scared.  PS/Old dr. not returning my calls...writing is on the wall!!
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1495443 tn?1326759493
I'm sure your finding out that your in one of the worse states for the treatment of chronic pain.  I'm not sure how long (you've recently moved there) you have been in Fla., but the attorney general so proudly announced on a nighttime news talk show that she shut down every pain clinic from north to south and there was ONLY one remaining.  I'm sure she gets a vote of approval from the life long pain sufferers of her state.  I was infurriated when I heard this.  I wanted this posted on the forum. Now I'm sending you a msg.  I have some info. for you. I really hope it helps.
Helpful - 0
1495443 tn?1326759493
I was just re-reading your post again.  I've had surgery many times while under contract.  Depending on the severity, the CP dr. usually took care of the post-op pain, but NOT always.  This didn't seem to be a problem and I disclosed to the old dr. that I was having these procedures and HE NEVER asked for verification.  It wasn't until the "screen" that it became a problem?? I WILL SAY this...all my specialists...(I have SO many problems) did raise an eyebrow at the fact of my being in PM, but it all worked out.  My spouse says old dr. was just looking for a reason to drop me?  I don't know?
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1495443 tn?1326759493
Hey thanks for the information, because I've been totally out of the loop on all of this.  I've been with the old dr. for nearly 7yrs.  I've traveled several hours to see this dr.  I am sure feeling like I'm dropped b/c of being ignored, but who knows.  NOW according to the details in your post, I'm sure that I've messed up, but it's the doctor that put me in this position...sending me away with: "0" medication.  What in the world was I supposed to do?  I would have ended up in the ER and I've read horror stories about that also.  DId I happen to  mention that I may have cancer (not what i'm currently being treated for)?  I'm revolving from specialist to specialist because my situation is unique, but will be going in the hosp. for verification of that in a few months. Too make a long story short....ea. doctor has do their exploration? I've been through the mill and back again.  I do appreciate ALL your advice.....I just may be a little too late.  I'm afraid to post too much info.  If my messages seem vague, please priv. msg. me for clarification.  Thanks! I appreciate it (:
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1495443 tn?1326759493
Hey thank you so much for your time/response.  So your an RN.  Well you see both sides of the spectrum or each perspective.  The points you listed are all good advice and it's noted!!  I did not mention any problems w/the old dr. to the new dr.  These doctors are pulling pharmacy history right from their offices now.  I'm hoping if anyone is not aware of this (as I was not--been w/same dr. for years and out of the loop) they are seeing this post.  I was literally blown away!!! Things sure have changed.  Ea. dr. said I was "good" so to speak, because it reflected just what I had disclosed.  BUT I'm definately in a predicament now.  B/C fam. dr. did take care of me till new dr. makes up his mind. Only I'm having to come down to a fraction of what I was on and I'm feeling pain I didn't even know existed.  I'll surely keep you posted, because I think we can all learn from one another and support ea. other as no one understands more what a CP'er goes through than a chronic pain pt.  (: Thanks YOU so much!! ((: esp. for all the good points!!!!
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Avatar universal
Catching up with your story here...

Are you staying with the Dr. that you just saw yesterday? Did you sign a contract in your paperwork they gave along with the urine test?

If so...then you CANNOT accept any narcotics from your PCP....This is absolutely not allowed as it would be considered Dr. shopping. Even if he didn't give you any...the contract would state that you are now being treated by him and not to get any of these from any other Dr.s

Unless he specifically said that you have one month to receive narcotics from other Dr.s until he starts prescribing...

You need to make sure of this either way immediately...

It's extremely common that a PM Dr. will not prescribe narcotics on the first visit...So don't feel this was singling you out.

They don't do this specifically to not have people who are Dr. shopping and just show up once, get their narcotics...then off to another Dr...they need to review your chart...which you said that you didn't provide for him before your visit...As well as do the urine test to make sure you are not on anything illegal or using medication that isn't prescribed by you...

I know it seems tough...but even the best PM's in the US are under the same scrutiny by both state and federal agencies when prescribing narcotics...Unfortunately we live in a time when abuse of narcotics are one of the top killers in the US....more than many cancers combined...

Just 15 years ago...the most a Dr. would prescribe for pretty much everything from after surgery...to chronic non cancer pain was 10mg Percocet...

Now...people walk into Dr.s with a sore back..and expect to get Morphine or Oxycontin....

I'm NOT saying you....just in general...people think that a Dr. owes them narcotics as their treatment....When most great Dr.s will work their way up to these but only have them as one SMALL way to treat chronic pain...

There are dozens of modalities that need to be included into a comprehensive chronic treatment plan.

For your Dr. to say that he would consider the pain pump...that is a good sign!....He just wants to evaluate you on his own...and come up with what he feels is an appropriate treatment...It's not his 'duty' to just have you come in as a stranger and immediately start prescribing what your other Dr. used to do.

It's very possible that your old Dr. had you on too much medication...or the wrong type...(As in not long acting but short acting)...

What other things do you do daily/weekly/monthly to help treat your pain?

I know it's frustrating...but just know your appt. was completely normal for a new patient...

Keep us posted..
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Avatar universal
I really do understand how scared you are. I am an RN. It is very difficult in this day and age to get properly managed care. First of all, never mention the possiblity of litigation to a physician - they will avoid you like a scared rabbit. In your profile, you do not say where you are from. To avoid future trouble, if you are in the USA, first of all make sure your physician is licensed and is in good standing. You can do this on the internet. Also, make sure the physician is board certified in the specialty you need. Google this physician and dig up all the info you can about him or her. When someone has chronic pain, a physician may assume you are just drug seeking and/or doctor shopping and avoid taking you on as a patient. Explain to the doctor in detail your past experiences with pain mgmt. docs & are committed to follow a PLAN OF ACTION. You are in danger of withdrawal - if have symptoms go to the emergency room. I am your friend.
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1495443 tn?1326759493
Things did not go well at the appt.  This new dr. was not happy about taking me on as a patient but said he would not turn me away ( which is basically what he did).  He did assure me he would NOT continue my current treatment and said at some point he would discuss a pain pump w/ me.  This is all bringing back memories.  I have NO SAY in my own treatment.  The kicker is that he wants a copy of my chart from the old doctor.  I never brought up all the issues w/ the old dr.  I did say that it was just time for me to  change.  WELL he said he does not write scripts on the first visit and that taking me on as a pt would put me as his highest dosed patient....the worse. I had to take a urine screen and he said he would wait for the results and see me in two weeks. Seeing PC dr. tomorrow I'm just about out of meds.  I cannot believe old dr. sent me off w/ no meds. Will see what PC dr. says. Thanks
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1495443 tn?1326759493
Thanks for responding.  I worried ALLL night.  In reading your response, I'm just amazed at what we pn. patients have to endure.  I feel somewhat better after your response.  I will let you all know how my appointment goes this afternoon.  I am sure he will not continue my current trtmt.  BUT heck anything he can do is better than nothing.  I'm just about out of my meds.  THANKS! Much appreciated
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1495443 tn?1326759493
Thanks! I am worrying myself to death. ha!  I can tell you this; after reading your responses I do feel somewhat relieved.  It's great to have people who understand your issues like no other.  Thanks so much! I'll stay off the subject unless pressed and that was my thought to...just say we had a misunderstanding or disaggreement.  I appreciate it!
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547368 tn?1440541785
Forgot to respond to your last question. I think the new PMP will probably  order medications for you.... but just what is the real question. That's a one I can't answer with any certainity.

So again I hope you'll share with us the results of your appointment!

~Tuck
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547368 tn?1440541785
Sorry for the tardy response. I'm having some pain issues too.

I think you'll be fine. I wouldn't complain about the old PMP to the new one. Try to minimize problems and never mention legal action. That's my opinion. Obviously I don't know the details. If you are pressed for more information I'd say something like we had a disagreement.... and I think at this point it's best we part ways. Be brief and don't linger on the subject.

If this physician has a bad reputation or questionable practices his colleagues will know about it and you don't have to say a thing.

Please let us know how your appointment goes.

Good Luck,
~Tuck
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Avatar universal
Hey cp,
My thought is that you're worrying about this too much.  I was in a similar situation meeting my doctor at random places and only paying him cash.  I knew something wasnt right about it and finally switched after over a year.
I quietly explained my medical condition to the new doc and he put me on a strong enough regimine that I was not sick at all when switching.  He also asked about my experience with pain meds but nothing about my doctors.  Just as you though I worried myself to death. Dont bring up the subject of your doc unless asked and just explain your pain situation and what you have been taking.  He understands that you're the patient and the doctors are the ones responsible for.taking care of your pain issues.
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1495443 tn?1326759493
Thanks Tuck!  I have noticed that your responses are very good and appreciated here.   I have ONE dilemma (don't we all) w/ seeing the new dr. tomorrow.  My meds should have been refilled today, so I'll be just about out by Monday.  I'm afraid to mention to the new dr. all the problems w/the old and I've read and downloaded the new pt. forms and it seems I don't have a choice but to disclose the old dr.  If he decides to call the old dr. (whom I do not trust) I think he will have doubts about treating me.  Also, will a new doctor cover you with SOME meds till he is confident enough to pick up your treatment?  This is all new to me, eventhough I've been in pain mngmt. for quite some time, I've only been with ONE dr.  I'm in a great deal of pain and have a very hectic week ahead.  Depression is creeping in.  Makes you just want to 'throw in the  towel"on the whole ordeal.  Thanks much appreciated!
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hell and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. Please excuse my tardy response.

I sounds like you are doing the right thing with a physician change. Although my opiates are at very low doses I do know the fear and concern that comes from changing physicians. I think it's difficult even when you are not a Chronic Pain patient.

When this is all over and the dust settles you will most likely wonder why you waited so long to change physicians.

Let me share with you that I recently had to change too. My treating physician who was the best ever took a Directorship position. I also now split my time between two states ... so that means several physicians.  Initially it was tough. Rebuilding a patient/doctor relationship is not easy. I was blessed to find great replacements. I wish the same for you.

Feel free to post again even if it is to just vent. We're a supportive community and welcome new members.

Peace,
~Tuck
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