Still confused

I went to my PCP on friday and he told me that the urine drug test that he did the other day on me also came up NEGATIVE. I dont understand this. Im taking the pain pills that he (my PCP) gave me. Vicodin10/325 4 times a day. 6 hours apart, the flexeril 3 times a day and the vistaril, 3 times a day. My PCP is stumpped and so am I . I also went to a chiropractor on friday and he did a exam on me and told me that my RSD now spread into my left sholder and arm. So not only is it in my right leg and foot I now have it in my left sholder and arm. I have NO PM dr cause he refuses to see me. I dont know what to do. The paper work that my ExPMdr gave me when I picked up my records on friday stated that I could be seen there until I was able to find anouther dr. But when I told them I wanted to be seen they refused to give me an appointment. I also told my ExPMdr that I wanted something for withdrawls on friday and AGAIN he said to me ,"your not going threw withdrawls cause your tests came back NEGATIVE". I really think its f*cked up because my PCP even said that what Im going threw is withdrawls. Like I said my PCP is stumpped on why my test came back negative he knows that I take my pills. He even talked to my ExPM dr and that didnt even work. Im going to have to goto my PCP on monday and show him all the paperwork that my expmdr gave me cause so much of its untrue. Im in sooo much pain and I cant get anyone to help me. I called anouther PMdr and he refuses to see me cause I was on Methadone for the pain and Im going threw withdrawls from it. Im going to end this now Im in too much pain to be sitting here.
Thank you all for listening to me.
Again is anyone here from or near SULLIVAN COUNTY. IN NY STATE???????

[sandee1818]

Dr. Ali Davachi
21 Mill St
Advanced Medical
Liberty, NY

You can try this one he also has a office in middletown.
http://www.ucomparehealthcare.com/drs/new_york/pain_management_physicians/

Here is a web site that has the pain mgmt Dr's in your area.
Did he PCP have any ideas as to why these negative results keep occurring?

[sandee1818]

The cutoff level for methodone is thre hunred ng/ml. These levels are reviewed and updated to conform to new data on drug dev, new data,  tech and testing statictics.
Methodone will be in your sysyem in as little as 2 hours and remain 2-6 days.

Another option is hairconfirm it is a hair analysis which will tell evey drug used within three months. Now if your willing to prove your taking your meds ( or were) get this at home test and take it to your PCP and have him do it so he can confirm itis your hair being analyzed and then when you get the results you will have undeniable proof you have been taking your meds. the test is $75.00.

This ONLY a suggestion!

[sandee1818]

I wanted to add that having three ( right) false negative results is very rare if not impossible so something is going on here. Besides the fact that you need pain management you also need to find out what is causing this. I did a little research on it and am continuing to do so as it interest me why this is happening to you. Please don't give up find out why and keep looking for some help. It seems like your PCP is helping you , you do have at least one advocate so have him help you try and figure this out. I have never used the hairconfirm and to be honest it is for abuse and a test to check for it. In your case I guess you could say your looking for the abuse, to confirm what you have been telling the Dr's all along and you will have proof right there in your hand. Results are back in 48 hours or less.

[babydm29]

thank you sending me a link to a dr in my area. Im gonna check it out. I know that it is strange that these test keep comming back negative. I know that I sound like a lyer now cause this rarely ever happens if ever. I will look into getting that hair test that you are talking about cause I really need to prove to Pm that I was taking my meds. Like I said my PCP believes me and he is on my side. I dont know if I will ever go back to my old PM again cause of all the stress and agrivation that he has caused me. Im tired of crying and tired of the pain But I am going to fight this cause I know deep in my heart that I am in the right here and Im doing everything that I was told to do. I am going to go now and look at that web sight that you gave to me. Thanks again.

[mcclos10]

For your own piece of mind I would buy a urine test at the drug store and do it myself as well.  The urine tests used to screen for Hydrocodone levels which is the drug you have in the Vicodin 10/325 is the one you will want to make sure to get.  You have to read the boxes carefully as they don't all screen for that drug.  They aren't very expensive and then you will have the ability to urine screen yourself once and see how the test comes out for yourself.  If it were me I would do it just to make myself feel better and have the piece of mind.  I really feel for you becuase this has to be getting very frustrating for you.  I would ask for the hair test as well or buy one like sandee said.  I agree that at least you have a doctor on your side and you do have some medications so although that isn't as good as it can be you do have something.  I have been written scrips for methadone many times by primary care physicians is your PCP still not willing to help you until you find a new PM?  I know that they may not deal with those drugs all the time but are they not willing to make an acception based on your tough circumstances?

[babydm29]

Thanks to the websight that you sent to me on here I found a new Dr. I goto him on Weds. I hope that all goes well Im scared and worried all at the same time. I havent had to go to a new dr in 5 years.. I worry about it cause I dont know what is going to happen or what they will do... Am I just being a Chicken or is this normal. I have never felt this way about going to a dr before??? I really hope that they help me. and dont turn me away. I will keep you all updated on what happens.. Thanks again all of you for being there for me when I needed you all.
Donna

[mcclos10]

You have a more hopefull tone today and that is good.  I am sure just having that apt. coming up on Weds. helps a lot.  I am always nervous to see a new Dr.  I think that is very normal.  I think some of being nervous stems from the fact that we often know going into the doctors apt. what it is we want to get out of it or accomplish.  To me the nerve wrecking part is not knowing whether or not the new Dr. will meet our needs the way we hope.  I wish you the best of luck and try to take it in stride.

[babydm29]

Im trying.. Im still in alot of pain well thats a givin cause I dont have meds that work.. I need to find some kind of pain med that works really well for RSD and I have tried alot of them and the only one that really gave me any kind of relief was the methadone. I dont know if the new dr that im going to on weds. will give me that or not. I dont even know if I should say anything about that.. I know that this pain is threw the roof and I know that I will have RSD the rest of my life I just want comfort from this pain that I cant seem to get right now.. My old PM dr wanted me to go for the SCS and I thought about it for a while and then I decided against it. I heard alot of horror stories about it. I think that I am now in the middle of stage 3 with this RSD.. Well Im gonna go try and relax for a little while I will be back soon.. Again thank you all for listening to me. And being there for me.

[Toomanyadvil]

Hi babydm

I'm happy you were finally able to get an app. I think n=mcclos is right. We hope that the DR will meet are needs and are afraid well walk out dissapointed.
I still get nervous to go to my PM DR sometimes because I'm worried I'll have to leave feeling helpless to do anything for myself and having to rely on someone else for help. When pain gets to the point of visiting a PM its frustrating to know its no longer in your hands. At least for me.

My advice would be to just write the beginnings of a pain journal. Exactly how it feels, what can or cant you do. Maybe your pain is worse at different times.
It will help you make sure you dont forget something(I do that all the time)
and just be honest. Be honest about what is going on and why you had to leave your other PM. The DR will apprciate your honesty instead of having to read it from your records.

I will be thinking of you and hoping the DR meets your expectations and then some. Please let us know how it goes:)

TMA

[sandee1818]

I am glad my research helped you. I know your nervous but hang in there and tell the new Dr everything that has happened because you don't want to end up in this boat again.
I wish you good luck and hope your appt goes well!

[ACHILDOFGOD]

wow i've been reading this from the beginning and just wanted to add how sorry i am for you that this is happening.  you know those of us with chronic pain go through enough on our own,with having guilt feelings about having to live on drugs without a doctor enforcing negative feelings like that.  one suggestion i have that i havent seen mentioned is counseling.  i have a psychiatrist that i see twice a month that i deal with my pain mangement issues psychologically.  he really helps me to be able to accept my chronic pain and that it does really exist(it's not in my head and i am not drug searching no matter what people say or think)  and then he helps me to kind of put it into a little box and put it on a shelf, to open if I want to but I don't have to ( in my mind of course not literally)  so that i can go about my life without having to dwell so much on it and put others through the "poor me syndrome" and always talking about it  because I can talk to him about it.  he also has told me that chronicpain gets to be a basic survival problem in the psyche and all consuming, where almost like food or air or water, you need the pain meds to survive and it's not an addiction problem needing the meds its now a survial problem within the psyche. That made sense to me because I do get nervous dealing with doctors and afraid they are going to judge me and mess with my pain meds, and its almost like threatening me with taking away my food or something I need to survive.  I almost panic and i get very scared and I'm not a drug addict by any means just someone with chronic pain that's become a major part of my life forever. I hope this makes sense because it works for me. sometimes it's not always about the pain but also about me and how i am dealing with my pain and others around me.  for example if I am making everyone around me miserable by complaining about it constantly, then it does come back on me(others start showing their disapproval or they get bored already with my pain problems, and who could blame them afterall they've only heard how much I hurt every minute of every day for over two years now) and before you know it I'm off on a tangent that nobody cares blahblahblah etc....... and makes my pain worse. anyway just a thought.  Maybe if you don't have a psychiratrist available just check into maybe a pain support group.  hope this helps    hang in there   I am so curious though as to why the ua's come back negative.  keep us informed.  

[babydm29]

Im even more depressed now then I was the past few days. I really dont know what im gonna do.. I went to that new dr today. OMG. I didnt see the dr right away I saw a pt. they did this long sesion with me that put me in more pain then when I got there, Then I had to see a chiropractor there. then the Dr. The dr took all my info, I told him about all that I have gone threw and he told me to go back to the PM dr that trew me out of his office. I told him like 5 times IM NOT ALLOWED and he didnt want to hear it. Im in sooo much pain right now I have been in tears since Im starting to loose hope.. I know that I shouldnt be but I am. Well I gotta go for now. I will try to be back on here in a bit.. Thanks again for all your support. I know that you all are trying.

[sandee1818]

I am so sorry:(
You need to look into getting into a methadone clinic, have you tried? I think they would accept you. What did the new doc have to say before he told you he would not help?

[babydm29]

that he thinks that the RSD spread into my left sholder and upper arm. No I havent tried a methadone clinic. Im really loosing hope...

[sandee1818]

So he knew you had pain/a reason for the pain and Even said it was getting worse and still refused to treat you? Did he offer you any other treatments that you could use besides the methadone? I can't understand why he would tell you your getting worse then refuse to treat you, WOW! I am sorry just don't give up hope!

[sandee1818]

I forgot to ask I assume he took your money then refused to treat you?

[extrmeski]

Happened to me, I paid my money and the doctor refused to treat me and that was that I was irate and demaned my money back but it was worthless time effort and emotion.  I hate doctors..

[Toomanyadvil]

Hi babydm,

    I agree with Sandee's suggestion of maybe finding a methadone clinic. Have you looked up any that may possibly be in your area.

The closes one to you is in Poughkepsie. I'ts on 203 North Road. [phone](am I allowed to give that info)
Anyway..
They dont have any pain management professionals there are do maintanence for addiction. But they may take you. The problem your in is that you have no other options at this point.
From what you've said your only choice has been to try and cope with the pain which can really be bad for both your body and your psychological well being.

Its true going to a clinic is a huge step and not the right option for everyone. It can keeo you from getting treatment in the future through PM with some(but not all) DR's. But if your medical records show that you have been prscribed methadone in the past by a private DR for pain management then your obviously there for pain help and not addiction and in the future another DR may be willing to help. But from the sounds of it no DR is giving you any other options right now except to deal with it.

If you can tolerate the pain then you may not even need to consider something like a clinic, but if you cant you should at least look into it.
Theres no harm in calling and asking them a few questions about the clinic and if they would even accept you. Calling doesnt make you one of there patients or commit you to anything.

Other than that I think were all out of suggestions. But we are always here for you and were sorry this has happened. It's a terrible and frustrationg thing to be dealing with whe you cant find someone to help you.
I am really confused though as to why this DR would agree that your in pain and its getting worse and tell you to go back to the DR that refuses to see you.
Was this a PM DR or a regular DR?

I hope you feel better and can find someone to help you

TMA

[Mollyrae]

Hey there Baby, I'm wondering if there isn't something in your chart that you haven't seen. It sounds very much like you've been blacklisted. I'm thinking that your old pm dr. has put up a red flag for other docs and this is making it impossible for you to be treated. The new doc even said that your rsd has progressed and I think he has seen something he dosen't like so he does not want to be the one to give you pain meds. This may sound alittle deceiving but in your case maybe you should find a new doc, do NOT give him any info on previous diagnosis or docs and let him re-diagnos (spelling) you. Basically start all over. This way you won't have what ever is stopping your treatment in your way anymore. I know your in pain but maybe you can hang in there long enough to do this. It's just a thought. I'll be thinking of you. MollyRae

[Toomanyadvil]

Hi Everyone,

        I wanted to add something in here.
While people used to be able to visit different DR's and just leave out there medical info, if you have taking opioids and other controlled substances you may want to reconsider that.
   There has been a farily new program that many states are taking advantage of(I believe 24 states have put this into effect)I. Its a computer program that allows a DR, pharmacy or hospital to retrieve information regarding a patients use of prescription drugs like opioids and narcotics.
The program is used to try and stop people from DR shopping, pharmacy hopping and going into hospitals to get these drugs.
Its called PDMP or Prescripton Drug Monitoring Program or Electric Prescription Drug Monitoring Program. I'm not sure if it goes by different names in different states.
I am not sure which states have them but know many do. I have read that the program is designed to pick up any red flag behavior with pharmacy hopping and DR shopping. DR's, pharmacies and hospitals can access this info, but I'm unclear if they can enter in info themselves or if each precription filled gets entered and that is how they pick up red flag behavior.
I've read ever state that does have it includes the names and information of all patients who have recieved opioids and narcotics, the DR's name and the prescription info.
So if say your DR looks you up they can access exactly what you have had filled, the amount, how often and what DR's wrote the prexcriptions.

Thats why anyone thinking of holding info back may want to reconsider as if the DR finds out you have been prescribed narcotics and now your at there office, a flag may be raised as to why you didnt say anything about being prescribed these types of drugs.
As I've said I'm not sure which states have them...but know its something like 24. But even if your state doesnt have it, they may be getting it soon or at some point in the future and the DR will then see your past presciption activity and may terminate treatment for the simple fact you held back info that was important.


TMA

[mcclos10]

I agree with TMA and all of what has been said here but have something to add.  Something has gone wrong in the charting that is obvious.  I don't think all of this is just a coincidence.  The doctors are reading or looking at something that bothers them or sends up a warning signal to them.  Have you read your medical records yourself?  If you haven’t you have the right to and should.  Patients unfortunately for the honest people that are truly in pain have to be careful now days.  Make sure you go to the same pharmacies; don’t do anything that could be considered doctor shopping etc.  It seems everyday I read in the Indiana papers how much of a problem prescription drug overuse and abuse has become.  This makes things really tough for those who have chronic pain because you have to watch everything you do and say so that it can’t be interpreted the wrong way.  It’s sad but reality.  A patient does have rights and one of those is to your records so I would start by reading those and see what notes and comments have been made over time.  It may very well uncover the problem and then you can address it from there.  I am so sorry you have to go through all of this.

[sandee1818]

I will post a list of the states soon!

I agree 100% you are not being told something that is going on in your records, also the three false negative urine results is having a huge impact on the Dr's assessment.
When you start deceiving your Dr you WILL get caught and you do not want to end up in jail. I think the members who suggested this has their heart in the right place wanting you to get the obvious help you need.
I know everybody knows how I feel about the problems we pain Pt's face everyday, because I make a point of it every chance I get. So here is another chance:)
When Pt's deceive and tell their Dr's what they want to hear to get a script they will eventually get caught and when they do it affects EVERY SINGLE ONE OF US! ( oh what a tangled web.....) Just like someone said earlier everyday there is a story in the paper in the news about how someone has been caught getting pain meds illegally or selling/buying them and Dr shopping and even robbing drug stores! So this is the news that the public sees every single day and some wonder why these pain meds are so stigmatized. It makes me so angry that someone is taking my right to pain control away little by little everyday! It is bad now but it will get worse and then the PM DR"S are going to say enough we just can't put ourselves and our license and family's welfare on the line anymore. The ones who abuse this right we have now to have pain control is taking that right away and it is already at the point that there is so few willing to treat chronic pain Pt's now as babydm29 can attest to. There are few left and getting fewer by the day because of the people who abuse this right we have to pain control. I say every pain pt needs to educate everyone they know about this problem because it is only getting worst and when we have no pain control left it will be too late then. We need to be active in spreading the word about this issue and I will tell you I tell everyone who will listen. There are even people in severe pain that will not take the meds they need to control their pain because of how much they are stigmatized as street drugs. That is so sad and so very wrong that a person in pain will not take prescribed meds because their family's have heard the news about how it is so higly abused.
Does anyone else have anything to add? I would love to hear some of your opinions on the subject! PLEASE!

[CURLSNJ]

I read your comment on "patients" who decieve the doctor to  get pain meds..  I noticed other "patients" in the waiting room who looked high as a kite.. I may be totally out of place saying this but I  believe that if you are getting a buzz from these drugs you do not need them or are being over medicated .. I have never had any feeling of euphoria etc from my meds   the only thing they do is help with the pain.. I sometimes do get tired but thats a normal side effect.  When I speak to other legitimate pain mgt patients at the office they say the same thing..  Mydaugher is a Doctor of Pharmacy and she deals with addiction on a daily basis at work.  She  can tell that a person is scamming the system when they have come in the past 4 mths with perscriptions  for narcotics from various emergency rooms in the area..  she has patients who have run out of their drugs  a week or more early and come in strung  out  yelling at her to refill their rx  because they are going thru withdrawl (withdrawal).. of course she doesnt ..its totally against the law for her to refill a rx before a certain time.  Addiction is a sad horrible disease.. and I feel sorry for someone who is going through it.. I  guess when you are an addict you will go to whatever lengths you have to to obtain the drug.  You are so right Sandee that more education is needed in several areas of Chronic Pain and  narcotics.  

[cellie]

Im sorry that you are struggling with this problem.  I can tell you that if the methadose isnt coming out in your U/A either you are on too low a dose or your pancrease or liver aare not metabolizinbg it well.
I have known patients who didnt show positive on 40.  
The most important thing for you to do is ask yourself the questions that will help you to figure out what is happening.  Its not the answers that others give to us that usually help us to overcome challenge, its when we are able to ask the things of us that nobody else would have the nerve to ask us,    The last 9 days of W/D have helped me to find the questions that I needed, to ask of myself.  Now i know what lies ahead for me and i think for the first time, that I can actually get through this.  At least, i have hope now which was lost a week ago.   Please keep asking yourself what you want and what you are afraid of losing if you have to let go of this magic drug.  Thats when you can begin to review the many possible answers.   Be honesdt with you, more then anyone else woudl ever be with you.   Keep fighting this battle, i do believe that it can be won, i now have to find what i will put in its place.   I have begun to appreciate small things, and i am taking time to like people again.
My love to you all, and prayers for a blessed holiday weekend.
cellie

[CURLSNJ]

In 1999 I was out on disabilty an when I came back I was still on oxycontin for pain. I had to take a drug test to get back to work . .. but as long as I told before hand about the drugs I was on it would be fine.. I told the nurse and showed her my rx for the oxy .. she did the pee test in front of me and it showed no opiates in my system..  that really bewildered me..  I asked the nurse why didnt my oxy show up in my urine? She had no answer..  I had been on the drug daily for over 4 mths... I would love to know also how the heck that happened..  curls

[babydm29]

Thank you all for your comments. I am not a drug abuser.I didnt sell my pills I did take them. I didnt even get a HIGH from them they did in fact mute the pain. Im not up set at the fact that I cant get methadone. I am up set at the fact that I cant find a dr. Because I was on meth. no dr will see me. I have been off of the meth now 3 weeks and im starting to feel better as far as withdrawls, but the PAIN is unbearable. I never realised how much pain the methadone really took away until now that I dont have it. Yes my RSD spread. I called the dr that I saw yestureday back a little while ago and found out that he was affraid to treat me cause of all that is wrong with me. I dont understand why he just didnt tell me that yestureday while I was there instead of telling me to goto a dr that I cant. I feel like I am contagious or something, No one wants to be my dr. Right now as Im typing this letter Im on the phone with my ExPM dr. I dont know what else to do. Well Im back to square one. I was told that the RSD spread and that Im going to be in pain but NOONE will treat me... I am sooo confused as to why my tests came back NEGATIVE Im not a pill seller I took them all the time... Im really ready to go out there and see if there is someone out there that will sell me SOMETHING that would make this pain better.

[sandee1818]

These drug test vary in cutoff levels but if you had been on it for four months in would have been built up in your system so it should have shown up, now some drugs will cause a false negative so if you were taking other drugs maybe this happened.
I know methadone stores in your bones this is what causes brittle bones when it is used for really long periods of time. I have researched why one would have three false negative urine test and I cant find an explanation and that drives me crazy!  
CURLSNJ,thanks we do need more publicity and for the good these meds does, how many people have gotten back their life or at least a better quality because of these meds. You certainly don't hear about that on the six o'clock news or on the front page of the paper!
I also agree with the statement about these meds making you high, they really should not be , they should relieve pain. If you think about ritalin for example if a person who takes this drug and medically needs it it will not speed him up where if a person who did not medically need it it would be like speed, the same principal goes for pain meds if your in pain and take them as prescribed you will not get high where as someone taking them for other reasons will. I know there has been research done on this and it overwhelmingly shows that legit pain Pt's do not get high they simply get pain relief.
I think cellie mentioned the false neg happening to someone she knew , did you ever find out why this was happening?

[babydm29]

I was on Methadone for 3 years. I have no idea why it didnt show in my urine test. Im sooo confused. If I was in the wrong I wouldnt even be on the computer talking to all of you and trying to find a reason why this happened to me. All I know now is that Im in SEVER BURNING pain that the vicodin isent even cutting threw. I wish it was as easy as saying that I wasent taking them but I was... I am sooo depressed that I am going threw this I thought that I found a dr and he wouldnt help me.
At the time they did the Urine test I was on
Methadone 20 mil 3 times a day
Vicodin 10/325 2 times a day
Chantex to quit smoking
amoxicillin with potacium 875mil. 2 times a day
Lidoderm patch
I cant remember if there was anything else at that time I know in that month before the test I was on some other antibiotic for a kidney infection, and some other med but I only took it I think 3 times cause it made me really sick. I also was taking vitamin c tablets. I dont know if any of that could have caused a false negative or not. I dont know where to even look up false negative results. I know that one of the meds that im on now. you cant drink grapefruit juice with, and thats either the Vistaril or the flexeril, I cant remember which one. But I dont drink that nasty stuff any how..

[ACHILDOFGOD]

I have a couple of comments that I will bring up one that I've already mentioned but haven't seen anyone else comment about it.  That is getting some psycological help.  as I mentioned a couple of days ago in my comments, talking about the pain does certainly not take away the pain but it does help manage my emotions and like cellie mentioned you start asking yourself important questions which believe it or not do help put everything in better perspectives.  I know that when all of this started for me and the questions came out about me taking opiates my doctor was happy that I was already invovled in pain mangement counseling and didn't have much hesitation prescribing. He felt that having another doctor watching was insurance, and of course I signed a release so they could talk.

[ACHILDOFGOD]

my second thought was the fentanal patch.  I am currently tapering down from 160 mg oxycontin and using the pain patch, 100 mc  I still use the oxy but only 60 mg of it and I use the percocet 10's for breakthrough and the patch.My doctor said it doens't have much of a resale value which my doctor likes and it's cheaper for me and it seems to be alot cleaner without any stomach or other organ complications.  Have you tried the patch?  Maybe this would work for your doctors. I don't know if this helps but just thought I would throw in my two cents worth.

[Mollyrae]

I guess I didn't think about the aspects of people who dr shop. I guess I was thinking of ways to get the help deserved. Some drs don't take the time to think of what they have done to a patient when they chart their own opinions. I agree, thee different drug screens coming up negative is very unusual. It is going to make treatment very tough. Take care, MollyRae

[sandee1818]

I hope you were not offended in any way Mollyrae, It is a sore subject with me because I see all the damage it causes and it makes me irate. It is such a huge problem and it is just being overlooked by the news and media because they want the ratings and don't care much how they get them.

[Toomanyadvil]

Yes, mollyrea I'm sorry if what I said made you feel bad in any way.

TMA

[Mollyrae]

No, You two did not make me feel bad. I wasn't aware that drs have a somewhat national data bank that might really do damage to someone if not all is put on the table. But I do feel like I must be cautious about what I post and think about what I write before I send it. Have a nice 4th. MollyRae

[Tuckamore]

I absolutely agree 150% that there is something in your file that is turning other docs away or your last PCP has had a conversation with the new docs. Indeed this happens. I have wittnessed it and I have expereinced it. For lack of a better word it sounds like you have been "black listed". And you can probably thank your last PCP. I have wittnessed providers that are "sweet & kind" to a patient and than chart their opinions that are off the wall and not at all what they protrayed to the patient. You have a right to a copy of all your medical records and I would obtain them ASAP. In my experience I have never seen a false negative test but that doesn't mean it doesn't happen. I too have searched and can find nothing about it. Keep trying, continue to be honest and sincere and someone will listen to you. It may take awhile but don't give up. Hang in there.
Tuck

[sandee1818]

Mollyrae,
While you do want to try and be as informative as you can, this community is about experience and advice and support. Telling someone your opinion is not wrong here. I think you are very knowledgeable and offer a lot here. If we come too concerned with being right or correct all the time we will start to question if our experiences or opinions are right/correct and may hesitate to post information that could help someone.

[babydm29]

Listen I think all of you have great ideas.. Just that none of them are working. My PCP is on my side, He is trying to figure out why my tests came up negative. He told me to check into this one dr but I cant get an appointment until the 21st... I dont know if he is going to help me or not but I dont know what else to do... Im trying to hang in there and its really hard. Seeing this pain is threw the roof... I cant take it anymore. Im not a pill popper I hate taking pills But when they work for the pain s**t I take them.. I feel like everything is falling apart. I lost a dr that I had for 5 years due to a F**ked up drug test, And now Im with out one. Here where I am you cant get pain meds from just any dr. And the ones that will give it to you are very few and far between..I dont know if any of you in this group have RSD, but here where I am from most of the drs dont know anything about it. The only one that really knew anything about it was my PM dr (the one that threw me out). I goto the hospital and tell them that I have RSD they look at me like I have 10 heads... Thats anouther reason Im having sooo much trouble finding a new PM dr.

[Toomanyadvil]

Hi babydm

         I hope you havent gotten the feeling that anyone is saying your a pill popper. I think everyone is just amazed that you have had three UA's that have come out negative because it could happen to any one of us, and were all sorry it's happening to you.
I think everyome one of us fears losing our way of functioning or has feared it at some point.
I always thought Sullivan County was pretty big. I'm surprised more DR dont know much about RSD. Thats a terrible feeling to have something that no one around you understands. Belive me, I know. My bladder condition is one that most DR's have no idea how to treat or even understand. It kinda makes me feel like some freak that no one knows what to do with when I have to tell someone I have Interstitial Cystitis.

I'm happy you have your PCP on your side. Everyone should have at least one DR who is willing to go to bat for them.
I wish the way he felt about finding a reason for the failed UA'a was how he felt about finding a DR to treat you or treat you himself.
I cant belive these DR's are telling you that your RSD is getting worse but wont treat your pain. That is absolutly awful to say that and then send you out the door.
But I do agree that they must be seeing something in your chart or from somewhere that is conserning them.
I think these days even the mention or small insinuation of something in a chart can send a DR running.

I hope your feeling better tonight and were always here for you no matter what.

TMA

[sandee1818]

Babydm29,
First of all I must ask you to please watch your language, I know your in pain but it just really isn't appropriate. It does bleep it out even if you don't but the insinuation is still there and it does offend some members.
I am really sorry this is happening to you and that your in so much pain. There have been several members who have researched things to help and we all have done everything we can think of to help you. I just hope you get the help you need soon and the 21st is not that far off when you think of all the time you have spent in pain and it is a goal or at least hope you can hang on to along with the support the members have given you here and we will continue to. I always make a point to thank everyone here for the help and support they give me.
Just keep in mind that there is always tomorrow and with it new hope.

[janny21]

I just wanted to comment that I find your words very informative and supportive.  The fact that you research for others while going through your own pain is very commendable.  I only joined a couple of days ago.  I had an anterior cervical fusion c5-6,c6-7 on march 19th.  Also have herniated discs lumbar area with nerve damage and neuropathy.  I am in constant pain and now added to that I have no voice since my surgery.  I am getting that checked out now.  Have appt. with ENT and had a pulmonary function test Thurs as it feels as though my throat is closing up and cannot breathe.  Much of what you have said to others has been very comforting and I just wanted to tell you that.  I have a very supportive husband who is totally disabled (heart condition) and I never thought anything would happen to me.  I try not to stress my husband out so I thought joining a support group would be a good thing for me to do.  Not being able to speak has proven to be very lonely.  Cannot pick up a phone and call my son or father.  Seems like no one wants to talk to me because I can't talk.  (i do have the ability to whisper but that is about it).   I guess today I am having somewhat of a pity party.  Does everyone go through that sometimes?  I try to be strong but sometimes it is very hard.  Anyway I apologize for getting off track and rambling.  I just wanted to say having someone like you to be supportive as you have with so many others would be great.  Thank you for taking your time to be of such help to all.  At least that is what I have seen from your posts.
Your comment that there is always tomorrow and with it new hope gives me hope.
Also Babydm29, I do hope some how you can find a dr. who is understanding and can help.  Being in pain is an awful thing.  You may have mentioned it but have you gone to the ER to be treated?  Also what is RSD?  My heart goes out to you and hope and pray you will find comfort.

[sandee1818]

Thank you very much:)
I am so flattered! I am so sorry your going thru such a terrible time. it is terrible that you have lost you voice and I am sure you husband feels lonely without it too.
Sorry it took me so long to get back to you. I know the feeling of your throat closing is very scary, there are a lot of muscles in that area and after a traumatic event like surgery it may take a little while to get better. It could also be scar tissue building up there but I don't think this is this case since you recently had your surgery. Don't be afraid I know that is easy to say but this is normal after surgery. I would advise if your breathing becomes too labored you can panic and make it worse so try to be as calm as you can and if it is worse you should definitely call 911!
The recovery rate of gaining your voice back is high, don't give up let the surgeon know your really anxious to get your voice back and ask him to give you a time table so you will have a goal to look to. I know it may seem that people don't want to talk to you but it could be that they fear it is hurting you to try and communicate back so they try and keep their conversation short. Let them know you want to talk and feel lonely because they probably don't even realize this they think they are helping you by keeping the conversation down, I speak from experience. I had a friend who went through losing her voice and I felt it would just upset her if I talked and she could not respond so I keep it very short. She told me the same thing you say , so let your friends and loved ones know.
I want you to know we are always here for you and here you do not need a voice, I think your a amazing women to go thru so much and still be so positive. We all have our pity parties so please do not feel bad it is just human nature to feel bad because we lose something that is precious to us even though it will return it still is a huge loss to us. I have my pity parties at least once a month, we should make a section just for that:)
Do you have any help with your husband? That concerns me that your recovering from surgery and going thru and difficult time and also taking care of him too. You must remember you have to take care of yourself too. There are places that will help you with this , if you will let me know I will help you find some assistance.
When our bodies go thru major changes our brains will adapt and try and make up for it in a sense, your throat feeling tight and pressured will in time get less and less noticeable and you will need to continue to see your Dr and he will help with this too.
Don't get discouraged I know being in pain all the time is no piece of cake but we have to help ourselves get past it the best way we can. If your pain meds are not working properly let your Dr know so he can adjust it. While you may never be pain free you can strive to be as pain free as possible.
I am doing some research on your voice loss and will get back to you soon as I can. My Father is down visiting so I have not been on as much as I usually am. I hope you will stay , the members here in the community are great and will offer you everything they can to help you. We are a big family here and always welcome new members with open arms so your not alone and if you need anything at all or if I can do anything to help you please let me know. I am so glad you found us and that we can now get to know you. I know it takes a toll on you caring for someone else and when your hurting too it can be very hard to deal with but just know we are here for you and support is very important.

[babydm29]

Im sry for my language I thought that I bleeped it out.. RSD is reflex sympatetic dystophy. If you look at this web sight it will tell you more about it.. http://www.rsdhope.org/  I am really sry for making you all upset with me. I know that you are all in pain too.  Im just soo baffled by this drug test thing and then loosing my dr on top of it all is killing me.  Yeah these other srs that I went to told me that Im getting worse but they really dont know anything about RSD and the only dr that really does refuses to see me. I infact wrote him a nice long letter explaining myself and all that has been going on. I wouldnt be fighting it if I was in the wrong. Do you guys know what I meen? Im not on here either for a pity party, I just really need someone to talk to about all of this. I also thought that someone here might know what could have happened with the drug test. I know that you all gave good ideas as to what could have happened, and some of you even said that its imposible to happen. Thats why Im fighting my dr cause it must be posible cause it happened to me.. I gave you all a list of all the meds that I was taking at the time of the drug test, hoping that maybe one of them could have been the cause of it being messed up. I just dont know where to find info on false negative drug tests. Just what to do to make them come up that way.. Im sry if I always sound like Im in a really bad mood, Im not Im just in alot of pain that will not quit. PLEASE FORGIVE ME..

[babydm29]

Im sry for bothering all of you. I was just looking into other groups here and found the one for nerology and I read a post there about RSD drs. Someone had posted a sight to find an RSD dr in your area sight. I went on it and the ONLY dr within 50 miles of me is the dr that refuses to see me ever again. www.raceagainstpain.com, thats the web sight that was posted there. Now I dont know what Im gonna do I cant drive 50 miles one way to go to a dr every other day. My rsd wont let me becideds the out ragious gas prices. I really dont know what im gonna do now.. Lets just say im ****ed.....

[ACHILDOFGOD]

You mentioned "you just need someone to talk to"  and that's exactly what I've been saying in my previous postings to you about seeking counseling to help with your pain mangement, even just a support group, where you can talk. You have not commented that I've read about seeking out this addtional option so I don't know whether my comments to you have not been read or overlooked or maybe just not acknowleged as something that might work for you, but you just said you need someone to talk to so I'm resending my thoughts to you about counseling. Medication treats many things, but the body is made up of mental, physical, spiritual and pain meds just treats the physical. I found with my pain management that treating my mind is vital to keep my spirits up and it helped me put it into a different perspective that I do not overwhelm others around me anymore by constantly talking about it, (my family is very supportive but they get upset that they can't help me and after over 2 years of constantly hearing about it, they tend to turn me off for their own sanity, and then I don't feel that they care and then I get upset and cry, etc....and it's a never ending cycle) Also through counseling I have given myself permission that it's ok to take medication for my pain, without the stigma of others trying to make me feel guity about taking pills because the average person not with chronic pain does not understand that we must have our medication to survive and it has nothing to do with getting high.  My psychiatrist has also shared with me that chronic pain after awhile becomes a part of your psyche or basic instincts, like food, and sleep etc... and you will do whatever you have to to get your meds to have some kind of normal life. anyway rather than repeat everything again please just go back and reread my comments if you're interested in my complete messages to you.  I do find great solace in this forum and I also believe very strongly that everyone here posting comments is there to support you in your time of need. Thank you also for sharing with us from your heart. I unfortunately am sitting in a position of not knowing where my pain is coming from and so I have excessive worry about what's causing my pain along with the pain. My next option is the pain pump, but I haven't yet decided about that.I recently went through a trial of the nuerotransmittor device that didn't work and had spinal fluid leaking as a side effect and that was scary but I did come through it ok.If you have any faith at all you must believe things will be ok and you will come through this ok so try to be as postitive as you can through this whole thing and continue to share here as a support group, even though one on one is more extensive.  I just hope I have helped you in some way, because it helps to take my mind off myself and my pain,

[Toomanyadvil]

babydm, I dont think you upset anyone and your not bothering anyone either.. Thats what this community is here for.
I try to really stay away from words like "pitt party" because they tend to make yourself feel like your doing something wrong or are being selfish or ungrateful. And thats not true.
I think what many of us forget is that when we ger diagnosed with a chronic illness we go through a grieving process. The same one that happens when a loved one passes.

We go through denial and anger, begging and praying for it or the pain to go away, depression and finally acceptance.
But it can take years to reach acceptance. When you lose your way of functuning you get thrown back or stagnante in a cycle, and rightfully so. Its so hard to function in CP that the anger and depression praying and begging starts again.
Its normal and actually healthy. If you try to dent the feeling its going to take longer to come to terms with things.

Yes, alot of times a therapist to help us through this will help. But please dont feel that your pittying yourself in a way that is selfish or ungrateful. Losing functoning is a big deal. Sometimes we lose the life we once knew and naturally we are sad or mourn that. Its a normal reaction. And quite healthy as long as you dont sink so far in you cant get out and thats what a therapist is good for. I went through a time where I felt really angry and sad for what I was going through. I still have those days.  
You dont have to be strong or feel like you have to act a certain way. Your allowed to feel whatever your feeling.

You can always get someone to talk to if you feel that it will benefit you. I am a huge supporter of therapy and they can help you through what your going through. Sometimes people go into therapy thinking it will just be a little while and end up staying for years because they love it so much..I know, loving therapy??? I swear it does happen!
But also know you can come here and talk to us, about anything.  

TMA

[babydm29]

right now Im willing to try anything. I am going to have to look into a counseler cause even though I have had RSD for 5 years it really seems to be hitting me the hardest now. I dont know if that is bacause I dont have the support of my PMdr, my medication, or just because its starting to spread and I see my life flashing before my eyes. It kills me not to be able to do the things that I used to do, and not being able to do things with my kids. Having the meds for 5 years and then being dropped off of them just like that I think also plays a big part of it, because with the meds I was atleast somewhat able to do more and more able to cope with the pain. I also know that being called a lyer about taking my meds, really hurt me too, I never lyed to my dr, or anyone else for the matter. So I guess that all of this is just hitting me all at once and I cant handle it. My children understand what im going threw and they are supportive of me as well as my husband is, but when I say im in too much pain to do something they get upset cause there is nothing that they can do for me. So I try to keep the fact that Im in all this pain bottled up inside just so they dont have to hear or see me crying. And its gotten worse now without having my pain management dr. I dont even hangout with friends anymore cause they all walked out of my life, cause Im not the same person that I used to be. I never thought that I would be 34 years old and disabled, not being able to support my family, living on ssi-ssd. I was never able to meet my dreams, and that really hurts. The little things in life that used to come easy are now big tasks, that take me awhile to do.
Are these feeling that Im feeling now comming out cause of going threw withdrawl (withdrawal)? Or is it just that reality finally set in?? I wish that I could just wake up from this nightmare that Im living and be happy once again. Again thankyou all. you have been such a great help. I am going to go now and look up a few drs. and see about getting help one way or anouther. Im really glad that I can cry on all of your sholders, it meens alot to me. Like I told my husband. All my friends and people that understand me live in my computer..
Thanks again. talk to you all soon.

[Tuckamore]

It amazes me that I read these posts that could have been written by me. I was your age when my medical problems began. I know what you are going through. You will learn to live with your limitations and you will find things that make you happy again. They will just be different. And with time and teaching your family willl come to understand what you are experiencing.
You are entitled to cry and feel cheated but that will pass. As TMA said there are stages of this CP cycle that we go through and often we can bounce back and forth between stages. Just about the time I think I'm in the exceptance stage I "bounce" into the anger or denial. And part of what you are feeling maybe withdrawal. Are you having any physical symptoms?
I think you are going in the right direction. Make those calls and look for a new doc. Someone is out there that will listen and help you.
Tuck
  

[Toomanyadvil]

Babydm, you have no idea how much I understand feeling robbed of your dreams and what you have at a young age. The thought that my only way out of  some of this pain is a hystorectomy, kills me. There are a few things in this life that are truely unfair and being robbed of your dreams is one of them, and losing them at a young age is worse.
There is a reason these things dont happen to everyone, and its because were the ones who can handle it. Being in pain everyday for what may be the rest of our lives takes so much strength and fighting to turn things back around. Not everyone is capable of that and you should be proud of yourself for being able to keep going.
Thats how I have to think of losing my ability to have children, not everyone can handle losing that ability before they get the chance.  If I couldnt somehow handle that and make it through to the other end it wouldnt be happening.
Just know that you can get through this. The harder it is the brighter you become. And I swear I'm not just saying that. Its something I truely believe. I dont know how old your kids are but watching you fight through daily pain will let them know that they can fight through lifes ups and downs too and be okay. If I didnt see my parents fall and get back up I'm not sure I would know how to do that for myself.

I'm glad you feel like you have friends here, because you do. Were always here for you and you can always cry on our shoulders without being afraid to or of what well think.

TMA

[ACHILDOFGOD]

how true our friends seem to be here on our computer but being isolated like i am it has been a blessing that I've found this forum and people just like me.  I too have gone through alot of the same feelings of losing my life to chronic pain but like Tuckamore said we will find others things in life that will make us happy within our limitations and I agree but unfortunately we have to grieve the loss of the things that we loved before and can't do anymore before we can regroup and find other things that make us happy now within our life limitations.  I just lost my mother on June 13th. I had the funeral for her last week. even though she was 84 and had alzheimers she was still my only mom and it's hard to think she won't be there anymore. I bring this up here because like you said this seems to be where I am finding alot of my support and today seemed to be the day I just needed to let you people know that I'm not only having physical pain today but also some pretty intense psychological pain of losing her. You know in a way, her dying has helped me to maybe focus a little more on the people around me and be grateful to those I love that are still here.  I know with my pain sometimes I can be pretty selfish and take others for granted so today I'm devoting myself to others that need me for support.  I'm glad you are considering counseling because it has helped me tremendously,  I have been in counseling for awhile, dealing with my pain, my moms alzheiemers and now her death.  Being isolated due to this chonic pain I think I would have gone completely nuts if not for my computer and my counseling every two weeks.  I want to thank you all for being the support behind this computer screen and I will be ok just being able to talk it out, little by little

[babydm29]

Well I tryed to make a drs apointment..lol.. I called a PM dr that I really didnt even know existed cause he isent listed.. I just kept calling around until on said YES we are pm. I got an appointment, the only bad part about it is that they are booked right up until October. And even in my situation that was the earliest appointment that they could give me. Im still looking for one that can take me sooner. I sent out that letter that I wrote to my old PMdr today. I hope that he actually reads it and gets back to me on it. I dont know if any other pt of his ever wrote letters and faught to stay his PT. But im not giving up in this fight. I know that I didnt do anything wrong and Im going to continue to fight, for what is right. Like I told you all in past posts. Im not a pillpopper, as one dr called me.. LOL.. I dont even know that if he did take me back if I would even concider going back on the Methadone. The withdrawls are Horrid and I NEVER want to go threw this again. I know that it works really well for the pain and really never had a side affect from it. I just hate feeling like this. I want something to take the pain away.. I feel sometimes like a junkie looking for drugs. I dont like this feeling. I never want to have this feeling again. Well my daughter wants to get on the computer so Im gonna go for now, and try to relax. Hope you all had or are having a great day. Talk to you all soon...
And Again Thankyou all from the bottom of my heart...

[Toomanyadvil]

I'm so happy you were able to find an app. Bummer its not till October. Bit at least there is now something to put down in the app book that may help you get back to the way things were.
You can always call them and tell them that you understand how book up they are and that there is nothing available but will they please just keep you in mind incase they are able to get you in early incase of a cancellation or what not.

You never know.
Defenitly keep looking, but this is good. And you sound much better about things. Sometimes its a little easier to cope knowing that there may be relief on the future.

Also make sure you start looking for someone to see like ACHILDOFGOD suggested. It can only do good things for how your feeling with the pain.

I'm so glad you at least have something. I will cross my fingers that your PM DR does read the letter and at the very least validates that he got it.
Maybe something good will come out of it. Just dont put too much expectation into it. I would hate to see you dissapointed if his reaction isnt a good one, which may happen.
Just know that you at least kept fighting this and that you have tried all you could to help convince him you didnt do anything wrong.

Please keep us up to date on how your search is going for a closer app and for a pain therapist. The more people you have on your side in this the better.
I hope your pain is letting you get some rest tonight and you wake up feeling good.
Do you have any plans for your week?

TMA

[Tuckamore]

Has anyone been able to find information on why Baby's drug screen would have come back negative? I have searched all my medical books as well as the internet and I can not find one article or comment that explains it. As a former medical professional I am very curious about this. Baby has your PCP been able to come up with an explanation? And how are you doing? I know that this sounds like a little thing but heat and rest (with a pain med) eases some of my pain. I'm assuming your PCP will support you until you can get into see the new PM Doc in October. I wish you well. And I hope October will be here sooner than you think. Hang in there. Tuck

[sandee1818]

I have read several articles on the subject and I too am interested in finding out why these happen. It seems to be becoming more and more common and there is no research I can find thats being done. I will keep looking and keep you posted.

[babydm29]

nothing yet. Im still fighting. I went to my PCP yesturday cause the pain was threw the roof. He gave me a stronger vicodin and told me that I really need to find a pain dr. I was in so much pain yestureday I forgot to ask him if he would do a blood test to see if there is something wrong. I think that Im going to make a new appointment with my pcp for monday and tell him I want a blood test. Im hanging in there though. Im keeping my mind off the pain the best that I can. Im still on the meds for withdrawl (withdrawal) cause my PCP dr says that Im still suffering from withdrawls.

[Coolio Hernendez]

I wonder if someone at your house was taking the meds and replacing them with fakes. Then you thought you were taking your meds and you were not.....My step father did this to my mother.......She never knew until she went to give me a pill i asked for one....and they were asprin.....She never knew.....She also said i dont know why you want one of these perc 10/325 they dont do anything.....

[sandee1818]

Don't give up , You do have your PCP so be thankful for that. Are you still looking and your PCP can't refer you to anyone?
Hang in there tomorrows always better than today!


Wow! Why in the world would your Dad do such a thing??
I would notice because medications have a distinct taste and smell and so does aspirin. I have never heard of anyone doing this and I thought I had heard it all:)

[babydm29]

With having RSD you can NEVER give up. Im trying not to Im fighting with every last breath that I have. I just worte in anouther post on here. My Appointment isent in October anymore they moved me up seeing that im high priority to this thursday. Im soo scared though. He wants all my records from all my drs. I just hope that this dr isent like the other few that I have gone to in the past month. I will ask him to take a blood test to check for my meds they should still show in there I was on them for so long. Im still going threw withdrawls but im hanging in there. My PCP put me on a higher dose of vicodin the other day and he still has me on the withdrawl (withdrawal) meds. All I know is that I really want this pain to go away.. I have had the sever pain in my rt leg and foot but as I have said is now in my sholder, but also im noticing that I have this strange head twitch that has been going on for about alittle over a week. Im hanging in there though and im trying to look on the bright side. I have to or Im going to go crazy. Im just really glad that you all have been here for me. Oh and I did send that letter to my old PM dr the one that is causing me all this greef but as I thought he didnt answer me back yet. you all told me not to really think that he would. Im not giving up the fight with him though. Im still seaching for reasons, and I know that Im right in this matter and Im going to continue to fight. But Im not letting what he did to me bring me down anymore. Its not fair to me, my husband or my children. Im keeping my head up and Im trying whatever I can to think positive and stay calm. I just really dont want to get my hopes up about this new dr and be pushed to the ground again. If you all know what I meen. My PCP didnt even know that this Dr that Im going to on Thursday was even around he must be new to the area. That might be a good thing. I HOPE.
OMG and as far as switching meds on me DAMN I would kill my family.. LOL.. It is a good point that you made about that though, but NO my kids are locked out of my meds and my hubby as he is doing now. Flips when I dont have my meds cause Im in too much pain for him. He really hates seeing me in pain. So he would never do that to me.
But really that was a good sugestion. But no they wouldnt do that to me. I would know even if they did cause I wont take anything(med wise) unless I look at it and know what it is. Like the other day my PCP put me on a new med, Ive been on it before but not in a while. I looked at it, it looked funny so I looked it up on drugs.com to make sure that I wasent givin something else from the pharmacy.. LMAOOOOO...
But AGAIN.. Thank you all for caring Im hanging in there. And THANK YOU ALL cause if it wasent for all of you I would NEVER have found a new dr. Nore would I have had the strenth to fight this for so long.

[Toomanyadvil]

I'm soo happy they moved your app up!!
Try not to stress too much about what will happen. Just know the DR may ask you about what happened at your old PM and be prepared to answer and explain.
But the fact that he will see your records doesnt mean he wont treat you. Just take it as it comes and know that we are all here for you and will be crossing our fingers that this will work out.
I'm glad no one in your fam could be switching our your pills. I've heard of that happening and it must be awful to find out someone was doing that to you. Your mother must have been really upset coolio. I hope once she realized it never happened again!

TMA

[kiki754]

They do do another test,they check your Doctor's and your pharmacies in all surrounding States,and do a check in all counties around you .It is called a Kasper report:What is KASPER? The Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER) tracks controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state. A KASPER report shows all scheduled prescriptions for an individual over a specified time period, the prescriber and the dispenser. Enhanced KASPER (eKASPER) provides Web-based access to KASPER data.

KASPER is a reporting system designed to be:
■A source of information for practitioners and pharmacists.
■An investigative tool for law enforcement.

[kiki754]

They do do another test,they check your Doctor's and your pharmacies in all surrounding States,and do a check in all counties around you .It is called a Kasper report:What is KASPER? The Kentucky All Schedule Prescription Electronic Reporting System (KASPER) tracks controlled substance prescriptions dispensed within the state. A KASPER report shows all scheduled prescriptions for an individual over a specified time period, the prescriber and the dispenser. Enhanced KASPER (eKASPER) provides Web-based access to KASPER data.

KASPER is a reporting system designed to be:
■A source of information for practitioners and pharmacists.
■An investigative tool for law enforcement.