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Pain Management doctor falsely accuses me of doctor shopping
Need some answers on what to do - your feedback will be greatly appreciated.
I have had 6 surgeries since Nov. 2013. The whole year of 2014 I was bed ridden. 5 of my surgeries were done on my feet. I had a bunionoctomy (mis-spelled) and they had to break the bones in my feet to align them straight. The first surgery on each foot did not take - the bones shifted and pushed the screw up though my skin. The doctor went in and put a plate with 8 screws to hold together (also finding the first surgery with just the screws broke my bones). After the 2nd surgery on my left foot my big toe was stuck straight up in the air. The doctor (who stated that this was a surgical relate mistake) offered and did the 3rd surgery on that foot at no cost. Cutting the tendon in toe - which I will not ever be able to move again. I have a very high tolerance - during surgery the anesthesiologist said that I took the maximum amount that one human being could take while going under. I was kept 4 extra days at the hospital on my last surgery for pain control.. my doctor sent me to a pain management specialist. They had me on Hydrocodone's (10's) and morphine (60mg). Let me state that at the time (I do now) I didn't know anything about doctor shopping and didn't know that such things were even being done. Maybe I'm too sheltered or my blonde roots run deep but I absolutely had no idea how any of the "rules/laws" applied when it came to certain prescriptions. I'm sitting in the doctors office (pain management) and he comes in and throws this report down in front of me and says, "I see you have gotten Hydrocodone's from other places and didn't tell me". He pointed out two other doctors an a different pharmacy on the report. He pointed to the first doctor and asked me who this was and what was this for. Being in the shocked state I was, glancing at it I told him that I didn't even know that doctor because it was unfamiliar to me. He told me he would have to drop me as a patient and did I know this was considered a crime. I asked him was I going to be charged with a felony. ??? he said he didn't know. I took the report and left but pulled over down the road so I can take a look at the report. After reviewing the papers I realized that the doctor on the report was the relieving doctor at the hospital who gave me the prescriptions. I don't know him from adam to eve so of course I am not going to remember his name. I thought that would be all part of the whole scenario - you usually get prescriptions upon leaving the hospital. I had no earthly idea that this was supposed to be told to my pain management doctor. ***that was #1 during my duration of this I had broken off a tooth and causing an abscessed - went to the dentist (and that took all I could just to get myself up there) - the ending result was removal of a bridge and pulling two teeth. I was sent home but she called me in a prescription for pain. This doctor still had my old pharmacy on their records. so this is where it was called in to. Since being bed ridden my mother was doing all my picking up of med's and anything else I needed done. I was unable to get up and around. They call to tell me my meds are ready to pick up and that's what she did. Not knowing or thinking anything about it I didn't tell the pain management doctor. the next month when I try to get my Xanax's refilled (I've had cronic anxiety for years) I am denied any controlled substance prescriptions. I am red flagged and suffering. Needless to say, Ive been taking something for the pain for a year and just dropped like a hat! I overcame the withdraw symptoms - although I still have major pain and very uncomfortable to walk much less wear shoes. Xanax's have literally saved me - I take them as needed and at a low dose. I also don't want to be flagged for the rest of my life.
How do I clear my name of this?
sorry this was so long but if you have read it to here please leave your opinion.
Thanks a bunch
I have had 6 surgeries since Nov. 2013. The whole year of 2014 I was bed ridden. 5 of my surgeries were done on my feet. I had a bunionoctomy (mis-spelled) and they had to break the bones in my feet to align them straight. The first surgery on each foot did not take - the bones shifted and pushed the screw up though my skin. The doctor went in and put a plate with 8 screws to hold together (also finding the first surgery with just the screws broke my bones). After the 2nd surgery on my left foot my big toe was stuck straight up in the air. The doctor (who stated that this was a surgical relate mistake) offered and did the 3rd surgery on that foot at no cost. Cutting the tendon in toe - which I will not ever be able to move again. I have a very high tolerance - during surgery the anesthesiologist said that I took the maximum amount that one human being could take while going under. I was kept 4 extra days at the hospital on my last surgery for pain control.. my doctor sent me to a pain management specialist. They had me on Hydrocodone's (10's) and morphine (60mg). Let me state that at the time (I do now) I didn't know anything about doctor shopping and didn't know that such things were even being done. Maybe I'm too sheltered or my blonde roots run deep but I absolutely had no idea how any of the "rules/laws" applied when it came to certain prescriptions. I'm sitting in the doctors office (pain management) and he comes in and throws this report down in front of me and says, "I see you have gotten Hydrocodone's from other places and didn't tell me". He pointed out two other doctors an a different pharmacy on the report. He pointed to the first doctor and asked me who this was and what was this for. Being in the shocked state I was, glancing at it I told him that I didn't even know that doctor because it was unfamiliar to me. He told me he would have to drop me as a patient and did I know this was considered a crime. I asked him was I going to be charged with a felony. ??? he said he didn't know. I took the report and left but pulled over down the road so I can take a look at the report. After reviewing the papers I realized that the doctor on the report was the relieving doctor at the hospital who gave me the prescriptions. I don't know him from adam to eve so of course I am not going to remember his name. I thought that would be all part of the whole scenario - you usually get prescriptions upon leaving the hospital. I had no earthly idea that this was supposed to be told to my pain management doctor. ***that was #1 during my duration of this I had broken off a tooth and causing an abscessed - went to the dentist (and that took all I could just to get myself up there) - the ending result was removal of a bridge and pulling two teeth. I was sent home but she called me in a prescription for pain. This doctor still had my old pharmacy on their records. so this is where it was called in to. Since being bed ridden my mother was doing all my picking up of med's and anything else I needed done. I was unable to get up and around. They call to tell me my meds are ready to pick up and that's what she did. Not knowing or thinking anything about it I didn't tell the pain management doctor. the next month when I try to get my Xanax's refilled (I've had cronic anxiety for years) I am denied any controlled substance prescriptions. I am red flagged and suffering. Needless to say, Ive been taking something for the pain for a year and just dropped like a hat! I overcame the withdraw symptoms - although I still have major pain and very uncomfortable to walk much less wear shoes. Xanax's have literally saved me - I take them as needed and at a low dose. I also don't want to be flagged for the rest of my life.
How do I clear my name of this?
sorry this was so long but if you have read it to here please leave your opinion.
Thanks a bunch
You're very welcome.
I'm still learning how all of this works. I thought you were getting your Xanax form the pain clinic. I guess we can ask the other members here if your primary has the right to take away your Xanax.
I was researching pain Drs and clinics and came across one close to where I live. On their page I found the contract and printed it. Maybe you can look on your pain clinics site to see if they have that contract. I know some do and some don't.
You got great advice from the members that commented.
You mentioned that your mother picked up the prescription from the dentist. Did she have to sign for it? Would they remember it was your mother and not you?I
I've picked up my sisters prescriptions many times. She usually has a small co pay and I use my debit card to pay for it.So that's on record. I'm mentioning all of this up because it may help you. Since my sister has severe RA I almost always go with her to every Dr and hospital visit. I had to take her to the hospital Saturday night for a severe ear infection and RA flair up. They gave her prescriptions to me and I was the one who took them in to the all night pharmacy to be filled. They did not give her a pain med because she got a pain shot while she was there. After the pain shot there's no way she could have remembered anything. If they would have giver her a pain script I would have gotten it filled because I would have thought it was alright. The same thing you and your mother both thought, it was an emergency.
I'm still learning how all of this works. I thought you were getting your Xanax form the pain clinic. I guess we can ask the other members here if your primary has the right to take away your Xanax.
I was researching pain Drs and clinics and came across one close to where I live. On their page I found the contract and printed it. Maybe you can look on your pain clinics site to see if they have that contract. I know some do and some don't.
You got great advice from the members that commented.
You mentioned that your mother picked up the prescription from the dentist. Did she have to sign for it? Would they remember it was your mother and not you?I
I've picked up my sisters prescriptions many times. She usually has a small co pay and I use my debit card to pay for it.So that's on record. I'm mentioning all of this up because it may help you. Since my sister has severe RA I almost always go with her to every Dr and hospital visit. I had to take her to the hospital Saturday night for a severe ear infection and RA flair up. They gave her prescriptions to me and I was the one who took them in to the all night pharmacy to be filled. They did not give her a pain med because she got a pain shot while she was there. After the pain shot there's no way she could have remembered anything. If they would have giver her a pain script I would have gotten it filled because I would have thought it was alright. The same thing you and your mother both thought, it was an emergency.
Aside from the responses 'agreeing' with you, here is something *practical* to consider: make an appointment with your doc (the one most likely to be the one you'll get pills from), and bring a significant other, or friend, or family member WITH you to the appointment. If you show up looking and behaving respectable, and have someone with you who looks and behaves respectable, I believe the odds will be more in your favor.
Best wishes!
Best wishes!
Hi and thanks for your response. My primary doctor is the one who prescribes me the Xanax's and when I went in to see him last week he is the one who told me that he was unable to prescribe them to me anymore - because I was red flagged.
You said you printed off a contract that was about 10 pages long - I wonder if I can find that contract from the pain management doctor I go to. I did find some paperwork I had from him but for some reason I only had pages 9 - 15.
You said you printed off a contract that was about 10 pages long - I wonder if I can find that contract from the pain management doctor I go to. I did find some paperwork I had from him but for some reason I only had pages 9 - 15.
Thank you for your response.
I did finally locate the contract I signed for the pain management doctor and there is an address on there for me to send my statement to so I can get my information amended. It also says that they have the right to deny it. I don't know if this will work but I'm going to give it a shot and see what happens.
I did finally locate the contract I signed for the pain management doctor and there is an address on there for me to send my statement to so I can get my information amended. It also says that they have the right to deny it. I don't know if this will work but I'm going to give it a shot and see what happens.
That *****. I know that ignorance can happen, because when I first started with my pain management clinic, I didn't have any clue at that point either. It wasn't until after that incident that I thoroughly read my pain contract.
For me it was a tooth pulling. I never actually obtained the pills, but I would have had I not told them I was already taking hydrocodone and seeing a pain specialist. At that, he said he couldn't prescribe any pain medicine, but they called my pain dr. and the doctor gave me an extra pill for 2 weeks. That was a while ago.
What I suggest that you do is contact the DEA and ask them. They're more than likely going to be able to answer every question you have in regard to that situation. I wouldn't be afraid of going to jail for it -- that is likely never going to happen to you and you'll likely never be charged with anything, ESPECIALLY if you contact them to see what you can do. We all make mistakes -- don't sweat it.
Claim total ignorance with it. Don't admit or acknowledge anything. I would even reverse the notion that you are responsible, because depending on your state, your doctor is more than likely supposed to check for previous medications, which means the prescribing doctor (whom gave surgery) and dentist should've seen that you were obtaining regular amounts of narcotics. That would be on them, especially if the law says they must first look in the statewide database (and many states have them. I believe MO is the only one that doesn't have one -- I think Florida fixed their pill mill problem with that kind of legislation, although I'm not 100% there).
I would go that route. Don't be afraid to call the DEA. Tell them your situation, tell them you had no idea about not being allowed to do that (you just thought a doctor prescription was all that was needed).
If I were you, and if it's true that you weren't the one that picked up your pain medication, I would head down to those pharmacies that filled those scripts and I would get the proof that someone else picked them up -- you didn't. That won't get the person that picked them up in trouble, but it will give your story credence. I pick up stuff for my mom all the time and I don't ever know half of what I'm getting. . . I just grab the bag and sign for it.
If you don't feel like contacting the DEA, then I suggest you speak with a lawyer -- any lawyer -- and have them refer you to a lawyer that handles that sort of thing. They'll be able to list your options and what you'll need to do.
But personally, I'd call the DEA first thing.
For me it was a tooth pulling. I never actually obtained the pills, but I would have had I not told them I was already taking hydrocodone and seeing a pain specialist. At that, he said he couldn't prescribe any pain medicine, but they called my pain dr. and the doctor gave me an extra pill for 2 weeks. That was a while ago.
What I suggest that you do is contact the DEA and ask them. They're more than likely going to be able to answer every question you have in regard to that situation. I wouldn't be afraid of going to jail for it -- that is likely never going to happen to you and you'll likely never be charged with anything, ESPECIALLY if you contact them to see what you can do. We all make mistakes -- don't sweat it.
Claim total ignorance with it. Don't admit or acknowledge anything. I would even reverse the notion that you are responsible, because depending on your state, your doctor is more than likely supposed to check for previous medications, which means the prescribing doctor (whom gave surgery) and dentist should've seen that you were obtaining regular amounts of narcotics. That would be on them, especially if the law says they must first look in the statewide database (and many states have them. I believe MO is the only one that doesn't have one -- I think Florida fixed their pill mill problem with that kind of legislation, although I'm not 100% there).
I would go that route. Don't be afraid to call the DEA. Tell them your situation, tell them you had no idea about not being allowed to do that (you just thought a doctor prescription was all that was needed).
If I were you, and if it's true that you weren't the one that picked up your pain medication, I would head down to those pharmacies that filled those scripts and I would get the proof that someone else picked them up -- you didn't. That won't get the person that picked them up in trouble, but it will give your story credence. I pick up stuff for my mom all the time and I don't ever know half of what I'm getting. . . I just grab the bag and sign for it.
If you don't feel like contacting the DEA, then I suggest you speak with a lawyer -- any lawyer -- and have them refer you to a lawyer that handles that sort of thing. They'll be able to list your options and what you'll need to do.
But personally, I'd call the DEA first thing.
I'm so sorry you're going through this. Many of the contracts can be harsh. Your pain Dr should have sat you down on your very first visit to go over everything. Many pain patients don't realize they are not allowed to get prescriptions from others Drs when it's an emergency. Usually the pain Dr has to be called and he/she will make the decision whether or not you will receive extra pain medication.
Like I said, many of these contracts can be harsh and confusing. If I were you I would call and ask for an appointment as soon as possible to see your pain Dr. Explain that you did not understand no medication, even during an emergency, unless it was cleared by him.
I take it he prescribes your Xanax too? Any Dr knows that you can not just take a patient off of Xanax because of terrible withdrawals. He should have at least given you another months worth until you could find another Dr. Or tapered off of them.
It really bothers me that these clinics and Pain Drs have so much control over our pain and health, but they do.
Do you have a primary Dr? If so, you need to get in as soon as you can and explain what happened. Maybe they will at least prescribe your Xanax so you won't go through withdrawal.
Re read your contract and make those appointments with both your pain Dr and your primary.
I do understand how things can get so confusing with these contracts. I'm not seeing one, yet, I'm being treated by my primary for the time being. But, I've looked at many, many of these clinics and pain Drs sites. I even printed off one of their contracts. 10 pages long! And yes, very confusing. It said no pain medication from other Drs but it did not say anything about emergencies. So, that would be something the Dr would have to explain to me.
I hope you can get things figured out very soon. We're here to listen and help any way we can.
Like I said, many of these contracts can be harsh and confusing. If I were you I would call and ask for an appointment as soon as possible to see your pain Dr. Explain that you did not understand no medication, even during an emergency, unless it was cleared by him.
I take it he prescribes your Xanax too? Any Dr knows that you can not just take a patient off of Xanax because of terrible withdrawals. He should have at least given you another months worth until you could find another Dr. Or tapered off of them.
It really bothers me that these clinics and Pain Drs have so much control over our pain and health, but they do.
Do you have a primary Dr? If so, you need to get in as soon as you can and explain what happened. Maybe they will at least prescribe your Xanax so you won't go through withdrawal.
Re read your contract and make those appointments with both your pain Dr and your primary.
I do understand how things can get so confusing with these contracts. I'm not seeing one, yet, I'm being treated by my primary for the time being. But, I've looked at many, many of these clinics and pain Drs sites. I even printed off one of their contracts. 10 pages long! And yes, very confusing. It said no pain medication from other Drs but it did not say anything about emergencies. So, that would be something the Dr would have to explain to me.
I hope you can get things figured out very soon. We're here to listen and help any way we can.
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