Ran short, now scared to approach doc

[Dorkismas]

First and foremost, I've been on narcotics since 2009, had surgery 2009 of that year...after the post OP, pain was gone and weaned under doc's supervision,...in 2012 the pain was back!  I've never ran short before, but I'm almost a week before my fills...oxy 15 x 2 daily and 4 norco, 10/325 x 4 daily.  Pain was definitely intensified earlier this month, and because of that I've already had the doc refer to a different surgeon, and had another MRI.  First surgeon said because of my previous surgery and level it fell under, he wouldn't go back in...nor would insurance cover it.  Also, this was not told to me before my surgery..basically that if the pain came back..I was s.o.l.   I was suppose to have a good 6-8 years before major disc degeneration, not so...obviously.  I'm angry, but scared...I had to sign that contract back in March.  I'm sure it would be ok, but I also first started seeing the doc because I was drinking to self medicate back in '09 for the pain before seein a doc, so I've been flagged as an alcoholic.  Hence my apprehension.  I hate lying to the point of panic attacks, but to be honest scares me...I wouldn't be able to work, or hardly move without the meds...   I'm at the point to where the pain is either worse or my tolerance is screwed.   Any advice?  I have to call tomorrow ...

[BrooklynOxy]

I've been a PM patient for 11 years and my doctor told me that he can always tell when a patient is lying—so I do not recommend that you do that!  Because the medication you're taking happens to be under increased DEA and FDA scrutiny nationwide and states like New York are strongly considering blacklisting oxycodone and placing hydrocodone medications like Norco into a Schedule II category, I believe that honesty is the best policy here.

You said that this was the first time you ran short.  To me, that sounds pretty good.  I would call your PM MD's office and make an appointment so you can explain this situation to he or she.  I would guess that you would get a refill on the two medications as well as some advice from your MD about to not have this happen again since he or she will not be able to give you a second refill again.

I wish you the best and remember, there is a first time for everything.  You took a bit too much,  Your pain doctor knows that this happens every now then with pain patients...

[trixy71]

I agree with Phil, either spread out what you have left or just deal with it for the few days your going to be out. Personally I don't think the risk is worth losing future pain management over. If you do have a few left, break them in half and spread them out to help with the withdrawals. But if you don't, get some Imodium, ibuprofen and pedialyte and just stay home for those few days.

Try to keep in mind that its only a few days, you can make a few days. just do whatever you can and keep that in mind, even if you have to write it on sticky notes and post them all over the place, just a few days.

Good luck and let us know how it goes.

[philnoir]

Are you keeping a pain diary?

Pain diaries document daily pain levels, and your activities that help or exacerbate pain.

If you have increased pain, the diary will show it.

However, you are probably under a controlled substance contract that limits your pills to whatever is prescribed. Violating that contract by running short can get you cancelled.

You can of course call the office complaining of increased pain, and aks to be seen early.

Personally, I would try to make what you have, last, and just put up with the increased pain. I wouldn't have always acted this way, but the adversarial nature of pain practice today may require that you tough it out.