pain help

[squeakie70]

i have recently been going to a pain clinic for several pain problems, such as DDD, sciatica, torn rotator cuff and just alot of pain upon walking and in my hip.  My doctor has given me vicodin for breakthrough pain and fentalyn 25mcg,transdermal.  So every month I go see him to get my meds, but i've tested positive for marijuana(thc) and he stops me from getting my meds and every month i go through horrible withdrawals.  So much for 'quality of life".  I can function so much better with the meds, so know i'm forced to drive 50 miles to a new pain doctor.  What is the problem with smoking? It helps me get to sleep and relaxes me at bedtime. I do not drive while i'm under the influence, only at night time. Please help me. Maybe I need to move to California!Oh by the way I am a  married woman age 51,thin, 5'7", work parttime as a pca,personal care attendant. Thanks again

[seano]

The doctor is just doing his/her job. Under Federal law, marijuana is illegal to posses in this entire country.  I think it's only one county in Northern California where it's legal to possess some marijuana (State law, not Federal) with a doctors approval. You get a  "license" allowing you to possess and grow relatively small quantities of marijuana. I saw on television some actual stores that were selling pot!

[Tuckamore]

Hello and Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. Geminigirl has responded well to your questions. I agree with her.

PM Clinics are closely monitored by the DEA. If their patients are taking anything other that what is prescribed for them they cannot treat them. They would be in danger of losing their licenses at the least. If you had tested positive for oxycodone that was not prescribed by your PMP and not marijuana you would have also been discharged. It's the rules of the contract and the laws of our land.

Unfortunately you will find the same rules apply with the new PMP. I am not here to debate the use or non-use of medical marijuana. The fact is that in most states it is illegal. Until or if laws are or changed all of us must live by them or suffer the consequences. That applies to any law.

I am sorry that this has happened to you. I have a close relative that treats their disease with marijuana. It's the only drug that has controlled their disease process. The attending physician has even advised them to continue with it. But it's still illegal. If caught that person risks prosecution and so do you.

So like Geminigirl I am not discounting your smoking and I personally don't and won't. The fact remains that in most states it remains illegal. I'd be upfront with your new PMP and ask for other solutions through them to treat your symptoms.

Good luck to you.
Tuck

[geminigirl1963]

The problem with the marijuana is that, unless you have a prescription for medical marijuana use, it is illegal.  It can also interfere with pain meds and that is probably the reason your doctor has stopped giving you your prescriptions.  I understand the smoking helps you relax and lets you get to sleep, but unfortunately, the doctor's hands are probably tied legally.  Most pain mgmt docs will have you sign paperwork when you go to them telling them exactly what you take over the counter, prescription, herbal, everything and that paperwork usually also states that they can and will do periodic testing to see if the patient is a) taking their prescribed meds as directed and b) using anything else that is not listed as part of their treatment.

I am not discounting that the smoking helps you - I personally do not smoke, but a friend of mine has smoked for years to help with her back pain (she has had many back surgeries and now has several rods in her spine).  I believe this is probably a legal issue is the reasoning behind your doctor basically dismissing you.