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11168641 tn?1439497990

I dont know why I was dropped....

Hello, my name is Chelsea. I have been on Hydrocodone for almost 5 years now for Bursitis, Syatica, Scoliosis, and Fibromyalgia.  In addition to this I have been on a nnon-narcotic medicine for anti-anxiety (buspiron), and Soma for muscle spasms. I am 28 years old. I have been with the same dr for 3 years.
Here is my situation:
Today I was called by my doc's office to reschedule the appt. - no problem. About 5 mins later I received a phone call from their Office Manager stating I had been dropped from their practice. I immediately asked why. She stated that is was because I was "not willing to try different meds". As I told her and now you, I have no idea what she was talking about. I saw my (now past-tense) doctor on the 27th of last month and everything went as usual. We did not discuss other medications -at all- (NONE). I even asked her if there was a listed medication he was talking abt; there was no specifics.  But I have noticed since the new law went into effect on rescheduling that he looks at me a little different than he has in the past 3 years. He did make the comment that I was probably addicted to these now and I stated it was called dependence and that's what happens after 5 years of treatment. The only other thing that comes to mind is I asked to just take my buspiron instead of being placed on another medication. This was met with no resistance. My other concern is that my husband, whom is also on hydrocodone for a broken tail bone earlier this year, is going to see him on Friday - funny that he didn't drop my husband but dropped me. Obviously this will probably be the last time my husband sees him as well due to such a weird situation. I don't know how he will be treated as the Dr knows we are married. ( Luckily, I do have an awesome Pharmacy that I called up and explained what had happen (I only use one and they are so nice to me) and they gave me the number to a new dr that they felt would be 'more compassionate'. I am still very confused to why I was dropped.... I would be okay if they gave me a legit reason but the mumbling she did was not helpful at all and did not resolve my curiosity. Could it be because he is just afraid of the FDA/DEA? I think I would've taken it better had he had the balls to just tell me "Look I cant treat you anymore." instead of taking the coward way out he did. What do I do? Am I going to be redflagged even though there is no specifics of why I am dropped? I am so worried. You do not drop someone out of the blue that has been on a medication for almost 5 years. Its cruel and inhumane. Can someone help me pls?
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Avatar universal
Where you able to get an appointment with the new Dr yet? I really hope you can get in to see him.
Yes, this is happening a lot. Patients being dropped and not given a reason why. I would imagine it's the new laws. The least your Dr could have done was given you an answer as to why he was not going to continue to treat you and recommend another pain specialist. They have to realize how upsetting this is to the patient and with cutting off their medication it can cause withdrawals. Yet, it seems that they don't care because they're so afraid of these new laws. You have been seeing the same Dr and taking the same medication and same dose for all these years. It's not like you're a new patient with no history of any medical problems asking for medication.
I hope things will go well for your husband on Friday. If they don't you will most likely have to make an appointment for both of you with the new Dr.
Please keep us up to date on how everything is going with you and your husband.
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11168641 tn?1439497990
Thank you for your kind words. I really don't know why this was done. My husband has an appt on Friday and I am waiting to see how he will be treated vs how I was treated.  Hes more level headed than I so hopefully he will be able to keep a kind demeanor should it go south. I would hate to see him to suffer for something that was aimed at me. My father said it was probably nothing personal, with all my issues that he just didn't want to take the risk any longer. Im unsure, and really I don't know I will ever find out.
You are not the first person who has said that this is happening all over. I agree whole heartedly that these laws are making it hard for us that actually need them. I noticed they haven't been reporting on it much this...I wonder why (sarcasm).
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I am so sorry you're going through this. The stories I've been hearing about this happening with people is just terrible.
My own primary Dr was treating me for chronic pain and a couple of months ago I went to her office as usual and she flat out told me she would no longer be prescribing my pain medication. And, to just deal with the pain. This was right after the new laws. After trying to get in to a pain management Dr, with sending all my records from my primary and GI dr and waiting almost a month I called only to find out she would not take me on as a new patient. So, I went back to my primary and she was much different this time and did refill my medication. I'm not sure how long she will continue to do this. I told her the stories I've been reading about pain clinics and people getting treated badly or dropped for no reason and my fears about all of this. It's just crazy. It makes me so mad that the Dr patient relationships have been destroyed by these laws. I do believe Drs are so scared to treat chronic pain patients that they will just let those patients live in pain. It's just awful.
I do hope the Dr your pharmacist recommended can help you.  I'm sorry for the very long post. When I read a story like yours it just breaks my heart knowing the stress and pain you're going through.
Please keep us up to date on how things turn out.
Helpful - 0
11168641 tn?1439497990
And thank you so much for replying quickly. I really appreciate it.
Helpful - 0
11168641 tn?1439497990
I did forget to mention I am a cash pay pt and that I have been having headaches. I asked to go to a neurologist 2 mos ago but even he said "Best of Luck" bc specialist will not typically see cash pay pts. I am trying to get insurance but it hard as no one really wants to insure me with all my issues (he knew all of this). I am on Norco 6 x a day (he moved it up 1 two months ago) and soma 3 x a day. Before that I was on Norco 5 x a day for 4 years.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I forgot to add - my PM doc also felt the need to reduce my dosages a little on my last visit too as his "limits" have been squeezed. He wasn't pleased with it either but said there wasn't anything he could do but comply.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
This is a bit strange. Just for our understanding, have you been on the same dosage levels the entire 3 years and how high are the levels? From what I've been seeing, the max equivalent levels (per our gov friends) have recently been lowered (is this true and how much?) and this may have flagged you as your doctor's patient to the DEA?
Helpful - 0
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