Pain Management Today

[designgyrl]

Ok, so I know you're all wondering how it went at the pain dr. today.  It went a lot better than I ever thought it would.  I got in and brought all my meds with me (as some of you told me, mama Sherry, Jamie, Sara) and the first thing when I walked in the door the nurse came up front and said our dr. has you fill out a prescription list everytime you come in.  So of course I thought something was wrong, but I said in an even voice, oh great because I brought every single medicine that I take and I did.  I wrote everything down, what my pain level was ( I have never had to do these things before, ever, so I was thinking about that little sheet of paper flying around somewhere) and I finished the paperwork, paid my copay and waited a long time.  Very unusual for him to keep me waiting, I was in there worrying, I weighed myself twice, 115, then 114 and thought, oh crap, he always weighs me, I'm out of luck on this.  He finally came in, and said, hey dilated eyes, want some more tramadol? And we just started cracking up.  From there I asked him if he could still treat me?  He said, of course why not?  I said well my mri on my back isn't good, and he said Karen, you are not a candidate for surgery, no one will touch you because of your age and what's wrong with your back because it may not help.  I asked him if I may become permanently disabled and he said probably.  I told him about the new Psychiatrist, and he said he was very glad of that because of when I got physically attacked in my house last September that I needed it since then but maybe now is the time I can handle it. So, I told him, you told me you have more options for me, he said yes, we can't do, lyrica or gabepentin, or neurontin, because of your thyroid, we can't do celebrex because your allergic and I don't feel comfortable with giving you NSAID because of your hernia and the lining of your stomach.  He said there are narcotics, I said yeah Vicodin, and he said no I'm talking about heavy duty narcotics,like fentanyl patch, oxycontin, oxycodone, and I told him I haven't taken those and don't feel comfortable with taking anything but Vicodin.  He said I agree with that.  He then told me he has one other option, a spinal stimulator, he spent about thirty minutes explaining this stimulator that would run up from my back up to my neck and have a battery in my butt and it would send signals to stop the pain going down my back and my arm.  I said heck yeah, that sounds good.  He then told me I have to be cleared from the psychiatrist and that may be a few months but it's an option.  He then gave me a cd disc to watch of the spinal stimulator and then talked to me about my weight,  he said it's the lexapro and to not lose any more weight because I was starting to look skinny.  I told him I would try.  He then wrote me a prescription of Vicodin 7.5. 3.5 1-2 every four to six hours so I can take six a day (180) and with 1 refill  We had an amazing talk and I just had to update EVERYONE.  Jamie, my heart goes out to you, I wish you could come to Kansas and I could get you into my dr. he doesn't do drug tests or contracts, I brought my vicodin from the psychiatrist and told him why he wrote it and he had absolutely no issue.  But I was wanting to rush home and tell you guys all of this because I've been so worried about nothing, but I was totally scared when they had me fill out that paperwork, I thought he read the note, but I really don't think anyone else has it.  I went to CVS pharmacy, took it to the counter and they said 10.00 please.  They didn't give me a hard time, but I did see the pharmacist on the phone after I left but I don't give a crap, it's alll legitimate.  But I was sitting thinking of you Jamie, and how much problems you're having.  I wish I knew where you lived, it would almost be worth getting you here to see him for some pain control if only for one time until you get a real pain management doctor.  

Thank you everyone in believing in me, sorry so long, but I hope some people respond....

[namnam46]

I'm sure it's probably why. They are required by CVS to check it out EVEN tho they know you and me. If they don't they can be fired. (Just like when she gave me 100 too many pills.) I asked my Pharmacist about it and she told me that you would be SHOCKED at how MANY people come in with FAKE prescriptions.  She told me NOT to be upset by it as it ACTUALLY protects us! Otherwise they would quit carrying the Schedule II Narcotics (many of the Pharmacies ALREADY don't carry them and have signs on their doors saying just that). Think how difficult it would be to get your meds THEN!!!

She thanked me for understanding and NOT being upset and I thanked her for protecting us!!

I'm so glad that you talked to your Dad about that. I hope it gives you the relief that you need and deserve.

JAMIE, Please hang in there and eat as much as you can. IF anything happened to you it would DEVASTATE all of us here.

WE LOVE YOU JAMIE!!!   And we love you designgyrl.:)....Sherry

[designgyrl]

So, I'm wondering if that is why I saw the pharmacist on the phone?  Remember I made that comment about the pharmacist was on the phone, sure makes a lot of sense.As Tuck said I think I've found the right doctor, I totally think he knows, and understands what is happening to me, he's empathetic. He's on of those doctors that sits down with you, kicks backs and has a total conversation.  I was attacked in my home last September and I had an appointment with him in October and he was an old Navy man and he spent probably thirty minutes just talking about that with me.  I'll never leave my primary doctor or this doctor.  I talked to my dad last night, and he thought the stimulator is a good idea.  Thank you everyone for all your thoughts and comments, and especially Jamie when we all know your having a difficult time.  

[namnam46]

Hi Sweetie,

Today when I had my scripts filled at my CVS I noticed a sign that they have stating that ALL narcotic scripts WILL be verified by CALLING the Doctor. It's a CVS policy and that way they STOP bogus scripts.

I think it's a WONDERFUL idea as that way they are catching some of these people and in the long run it will PROTECT you and me and ALL of the CP Patients that bring in the legitimate scripts.

So you should be glad that they are protecting you!!

(((HUGS!!)))....Sherry

[Tuckamore]

I just had the opportunity to read this....sorry I am so late to this great news and a happy conversation.

Wonderful, wonderful! As I have said before there are great physicians out there. Kind hearted empathic, good listeners that honestly get it!!! I am so glad you found one. Bless him and you.

All that worry is behind you. You can sleep better and breath easier knowing that you have a physician that will take care of you. I can't express enough what a luxury and comfort that can be. It should be true for everyone. I no longer worry that my PCP (who is also my PMP) will ever leave me in a lurch. When no one else gets it or beleives me, she does. I have a feeling that your PMP is cut from the same lot as mine.

I will rest better knowing that another of you have found that Doctor Wonderful.


Celebratory Hugs to You,
~Tuck

[melissaky]

I am so glad everything worked out for you ! Jamie I also hope and pray you can find a wonderful PM to manage your pain .You have been through so much .My heart goes out to you .Take care Melissa

[jamlws]

Karen,
I am just so happy you have a great doctor like you do. I really wish I could just fly to see him but once a month there is no way I could do that. Don't worry about me I will be fine some way some how, it will all work out, not sure how at the moment but I know it will.
CVS might of been calling about another script or just a personal call you never know.  If there was a problem they wouldn't of filled it. You are doing great and don't worry about anything cause the more stress you have the more pain you have and beleive me I know about all that right now.
I am just so happy your pain is under control that is all I can ask for is for my friends pain to be under control so they can live a somewhat normal life. I will get treated soon, not soon enough for me but I will someday or some year. And try not to lose anymore weight girly lol My friend lost alot of weight and I told her I won't be able to see her anymore if she loses anymore.
Thanks karen and I hope you have a great pain free night.
Jamie

[designgyrl]

Thank you everyone, yes I'm staying with CVS pharmacy, where I got the filling was at Hy-Vee pharmacy and the lady Cathy said oh-oh  red flag, and I said what?  She didn't say anything after that and I said my primary doctor filled one perscription of vicodin 10's for the hernia, and they were two strong, so he went down to 7.5.  My pain management doctor knew I had the medicine and wanted to try me on something different.  That's how it all started over 1 stupid oh-oh, red flag. I know exactly who did it, when it happened, everything.  I had to pick up my synthroid (I have two prescriptions left there) and she said, oh Karen you aren't talking today.  I glared at her and said, no not to you, ever again.  I then talked to one of the store managers and she told me that absolutely they turn people in all the time because they think they're god.  She said she even got yelled at from one of the pharmists asking her why she was getting a 25 day prescription of percocet filled, and she said because that's what my doctor wants me to have.  I thought that was a funny comment.  Thank you guys for all your great support, thanks  so much!!!

[RunningMom]

Oh, I'm so happy your appointment went well!  Yay, the doctor is willing to work with you!  This is wonderful news!

[geminigirl1963]

I'm so happy that your appointment went so well and that your doctor has some great sounding options for you.

I agree that it's not unusual at all to have your doc request you fill out paperwork regarding your medications at each visit.  While my doctor doesn't have me fill out paperwork at each visit, they do go over all my meds verbally with me to make sure nothing has changed since my last visit (99.9% of the time not an issue as it's my PCP and she also treats my CP - only time it changes is if I've ended up in the hospital and end up on prednisone or an antibiotic).  Don't fret over it - it's a good safety measure - for you as well as them.

You don't have anythign at all to worry about regarding the letter - if CVS had had an issue, they wouldn't have filled your script today.  They most certainly would not have filled a narcotic script and then give you a hard time after the fact.  Whenever you hand in your script to be filled and it's entered into the computer, they immediately receive a message if there is any question or concern about the script, so it wouldn't have even gotten to the pharmacist if that was the case.

Again, I'm very happy for you :)

[Sarajmt]

Karen:  This is such wonderful news!!!  I am so happy for you.  I've heard many people really like their spinal stimulators.  And putting them in isn't bad at all.  Actually I hardly remember mine going in!  They tried it for adhesions and it is not meant for that.  Didn't work.

But I am truly delighted to hear this.  He sounds like a wonderful doctor.  I just wish everyone here could find on as good as yours.  It does seem things are turning around for you.  And that is a very good thing indeed.
Sara

[designgyrl]

I know, I'm happy but at the same time feel so sad for Jamie.  I just want to help her some way.

[namnam46]

Sweetheart, it's NOT unusual for your Dr.'s to have  you fill out ALL of your meds EVERYTIME because some of your REGULAR meds for BP, etc., MIGHT change and they need that information each time. If something changes it might effect that way some of your Pain Medications might work. My Cardiologist has me do it and my PCP has me look over everything each visit to be sure that nothing has changed on the Pain Medication side.

PLEASE don't worry about that letter ANYMORE!!!! There is NOTHING to worry about!!!!

The Stimulator sounds like a VERY interesting option for you!! I'm so VERY glad that EVERYTHING worked out just like we thought it would. It's so nice to hear a SMILE in "your typing"  :).  I love the opening statement about "hey dilated eyes". That's hilarious!!
I'm so glad that you can relax now and enjoy your life!!! And see you EVEN found out what the culprit is in your losing your weight!!

You accomplished EVERYTHING that you set out to do!! GREAT JOB!!!!

Sending you CONGRATULATORY (((HUGS!!)))....Sherry