Can new pain dr take away my meds from my regular dr?

[IamBillie]

Can a pain doctor that is new take away my prescriptions given to me by my regular doctor?  I am supposed to bring them in on my visit but I’m afraid to bring them and thinking he might be having me do that just to take them away from me .  Or would this be just for a pill count ?

[backhurtz]

It is unlikely that a PM doctor will take meds previously prescribed by another doctor.
But, the PM doctor does not have to continue you on meds that another doctor prescribed for you.
Most pain management doctors want to determine for themselves what meds, if any would be recommended for a patient.
A word of caution, PM doctors require pill counts and failure to follow the rules and being the medications when asked are automatic grounds for dismissal.
Being dismissed by any doctor can really make getting further pain treatment very difficult.
Most PM docs will not take a new patient who fails to follow the rules and been dismissed.

[IamBillie]

They said they can call me in for a pill count anytime. We have 1 car and my husband takes it to work. For me it’s impossible on the drop of a hat like they say they can do. Also 50 miles away!!

[backhurtz]

Billie,
You need to make sure you and your doctor sign a waiver exempting you from those random pill counts then.
Otherwise you can be dismissed if you are called and dont comply. He may agree to let you go to a pharmacy and have them count the meds instead.
In fact, I would make sure there is a note attached to your file exempting you.
Lack of transportation is not typically accepted as an excuse.
The good news is that most random pill counts result from questions about urine test results too high, too low, appearance of overmedication, early refill requests...
In my over 25 years I have never been called in for one, but I have seen others required to bring theirs to every appt, or called frequently for counts.

[mopar1]

Hello, Billie backhurtz is correct the new Dr has to know what your taking and has to monitor your usage. The best thing  you can do for yourself is to establish a relationship with this new Dr. I'm sure everyone here has faced the same worries of being without their meds fear of withdrawal, fear of pain but if your not hoarding or over using you should have no fear most pain Dr's just wasn't you to feel better they have requirements just like us they have to be accountable and follow their rules as well.Start off on the right foot be as honest as you can. Good Luck

[IamBillie]

This script works better than any I’ve tried and would hate for this brand new dr try to take them away. Besides the fact $ doesn’t grow on trees! Only problem I’m having is trying to find non generic!

[backhurtz]

Again Billie, it is extremely unlikely that the new PM doctor is going to take them away.

[IamBillie]

I’m worried I hear PM drs are not nice and make you feel lik an addict. I have so much pain! Broken bones in my spine, have shrunk 3” in a year!

[backhurtz]

That's not true. Are they strict, yes, their licenses, practices, and freedom are on the line. These medications can be dangerous if misused.
Part of any doctors job is watching out for their patients, and ensuring they are following directions.
I have always had good relationships with my PM doctors.
Dont let fear rule getting proper medical care.
Almost all chronic pain patients need to be under the care of a PM doctor, and not their primary these days, so it is to your benefit to see this doctor.

[remar]

Great advice from, Backhurtz. Your new Dr probably wants to see what meds you're taking and do a pill count. This is what happened to me when my primary Dr would no longer prescribe my meds and recommended I go to a pain clinic. I had to take my bottle of meds with me, and they did not take them away from me.
I hope everything works out with your new Dr.

[IamBillie]

Will he then try to take them away? It’s almost a full prescription!! I’m thinking about forgetting them at home!

[backhurtz]

Billie, I strongly do not recommend you try the I forgot excuse. Why are you afraid of this new PM doctor and bringing the meds you are currently prescribed?
If you hope to have a good honest relationship with this PM, you have to be 100% honest and above board with him/her, right from the beginning and that starts by following the instructions given for your appt.
They know all the tricks, all the excuses, and you not bringing those meds will set off red flags right from the beginning, and that's not the way you want to start off there.