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New PM doctor would not prescribe narcotics.
Hi,
I was recently in a car accident, I've been to numerous doctors in the past for arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. But had to stop going due to finances about a year ago. I was prescribed 4 lortab 10's a day, and Soma, and Zanax for anxiety. But this was over a year ago. So establishing myself again is scarry, and hard to know how to talk to the new Doctor.
I have never had an MRI until now. I have a claim against the person who hit me in the accident, so my lawyer referred me to a clinic. My first visit I was anxious, and in pain, as the ER did not prescribe anything stronger than Anti Inflammatory. The first doctor at Coastal pain clinic told me he was not prescribing anything until he ordered the MRI, which was upsetting enough, as it took me a week since the accident to see him. I thought I would walk out of there with pain meds for sure. And I mentioned it , that's when he went off on me and told me they werent that kind of clinic. So I had to endure the pain of severe whiplash until getting the MRI. That doctor's assistant (Nurse) told me not to worry, that the other doctor in their office would prescribe pain medicine. So after the MRI results came back with herniated disc in my neck (3) and 2 in my back, also bulging, I had another apointment with the PM doctor at coastal pain clinic. As my gut told me after the first doctor there, they were not the type of clinic that believes their patients, were very clear that I was raising a red flag, by asking for anything stronger than Naproxen. They were definetly judging me, and DEA scared. Even though all I did was tell them my pain was much worse, and that I did not think that was strong enough. So after almost three weeks, I still have nothing for pain. I decided never to go back there, and made an appointment with a PM doctor near my home, that I have heard good things about. I will be seeing their Chiropractor tomarrow, and then they said after that they schedule me for pain medicine. I'm worried as to what the PM doctor will ask me, how have I been enduring this pain, and will he try and start me out with something that wont be strong enough.Will he think I can handle this pain and not give me narcotics???? Please help !!
I was recently in a car accident, I've been to numerous doctors in the past for arthritis, back pain, and neck pain. But had to stop going due to finances about a year ago. I was prescribed 4 lortab 10's a day, and Soma, and Zanax for anxiety. But this was over a year ago. So establishing myself again is scarry, and hard to know how to talk to the new Doctor.
I have never had an MRI until now. I have a claim against the person who hit me in the accident, so my lawyer referred me to a clinic. My first visit I was anxious, and in pain, as the ER did not prescribe anything stronger than Anti Inflammatory. The first doctor at Coastal pain clinic told me he was not prescribing anything until he ordered the MRI, which was upsetting enough, as it took me a week since the accident to see him. I thought I would walk out of there with pain meds for sure. And I mentioned it , that's when he went off on me and told me they werent that kind of clinic. So I had to endure the pain of severe whiplash until getting the MRI. That doctor's assistant (Nurse) told me not to worry, that the other doctor in their office would prescribe pain medicine. So after the MRI results came back with herniated disc in my neck (3) and 2 in my back, also bulging, I had another apointment with the PM doctor at coastal pain clinic. As my gut told me after the first doctor there, they were not the type of clinic that believes their patients, were very clear that I was raising a red flag, by asking for anything stronger than Naproxen. They were definetly judging me, and DEA scared. Even though all I did was tell them my pain was much worse, and that I did not think that was strong enough. So after almost three weeks, I still have nothing for pain. I decided never to go back there, and made an appointment with a PM doctor near my home, that I have heard good things about. I will be seeing their Chiropractor tomarrow, and then they said after that they schedule me for pain medicine. I'm worried as to what the PM doctor will ask me, how have I been enduring this pain, and will he try and start me out with something that wont be strong enough.Will he think I can handle this pain and not give me narcotics???? Please help !!
Tell the next doc you see about your experience with the other doc and that you don't want them to think you're just on the hunt for narcotics but that YOU ARE IN PAIN and need relief, TODAY.
In Ohio, where I am located, it is almost impossible to find a pain management doctor because of all the "panic" over alleged prescription abuse and how new laws the Ohio legislature passed in July 2011, scared and intimidated most docs out of treating pain patients. Last I heard there were only 133 pain clinics to treat the entire state of Ohio!
Good luck! Just be honest and explain that you need help.
In Ohio, where I am located, it is almost impossible to find a pain management doctor because of all the "panic" over alleged prescription abuse and how new laws the Ohio legislature passed in July 2011, scared and intimidated most docs out of treating pain patients. Last I heard there were only 133 pain clinics to treat the entire state of Ohio!
Good luck! Just be honest and explain that you need help.
You have said that you have herniated and bulging discs as a result of the accident. Many times, if the problem can be corrected surgically, that's what they want you to do rather than simply living on pain meds. My guess is that if you talk to an orthopedic doctor who can repair or at least surgically do something about the discs, as long as there is some type of long-term fix-it on the horizon, they wil give you pain meds to manage you until the surgery and then, of course, manage your pain post-surgically. It makes sense if you think about it. It's silly to get someone hooked on pain meds and keep them on them for a prolonged period of time if the pain the meds are being prescribed to control can be taken care of with surgery. Short-term pain meds are a lot easier to get than long-term ones.
Ghilly
Ghilly
My story continues. Now I am in with a PM office with a chiroprator.
Started those treatments, and waiting to see the doctor on the 8th of January. I have faith that I will get relief soon. This PM office seems to be more sympathetic, but I won't know for sure until after I see this doctor.
At this point I have no choice. I have a lawsuit pending from this accident and have to be treated somewhere. But it sure does take alot of looking these days. It is a process, for sure, I guess I just wasn't used to this, as it has been over a year since I've been treated for pain. It sure doesn't take long for the medical community to change their ways. What a shame for all the people that will have to endure this one day. And all the people who already are going through it. Wow.
Started those treatments, and waiting to see the doctor on the 8th of January. I have faith that I will get relief soon. This PM office seems to be more sympathetic, but I won't know for sure until after I see this doctor.
At this point I have no choice. I have a lawsuit pending from this accident and have to be treated somewhere. But it sure does take alot of looking these days. It is a process, for sure, I guess I just wasn't used to this, as it has been over a year since I've been treated for pain. It sure doesn't take long for the medical community to change their ways. What a shame for all the people that will have to endure this one day. And all the people who already are going through it. Wow.
BTW i have interviewed one other Pain clinic doctor.
They wanted to start Chiro also before they would let me see the pain doctor. So I set up the appointment for the Chiropractor, because I know of this Doctor that I wanted to see. I went for the appointment and the receptionist said the doctor wanted me to get injections.
This is before they started the Chriopractor, which I was there for that day.
After hearing from the receptionist, that the doctor wanted me to get injections, without even having a consultation with me on this. I left, wanted to think about it, as it freaked me out. I hadn't even talked with a doctor just the receptionist. That's when I found this new doctor im starting with today. But it will take atleast another week to get to him. After all this other stuff . Chiropractic, etc, Although this receptionist sounded much better than doctor office #2, and I told her what I just told you. She said i don't have to take the injections, so here i go again, the waiting game.
I'll find out about meds within two weeks. SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHS
They wanted to start Chiro also before they would let me see the pain doctor. So I set up the appointment for the Chiropractor, because I know of this Doctor that I wanted to see. I went for the appointment and the receptionist said the doctor wanted me to get injections.
This is before they started the Chriopractor, which I was there for that day.
After hearing from the receptionist, that the doctor wanted me to get injections, without even having a consultation with me on this. I left, wanted to think about it, as it freaked me out. I hadn't even talked with a doctor just the receptionist. That's when I found this new doctor im starting with today. But it will take atleast another week to get to him. After all this other stuff . Chiropractic, etc, Although this receptionist sounded much better than doctor office #2, and I told her what I just told you. She said i don't have to take the injections, so here i go again, the waiting game.
I'll find out about meds within two weeks. SHHHHHHHHHHHHHHS
I sure agree with you. Today will be my first Chiro treatment, which I don't want to do, but the PM doctor I switched to this time (he will be the third)
I still haven't gone through any treatment, so I thought I should do this, as I was told the doctor there, when I do get into see him has this done first, before he sees me. Because, I have been so upset with the first experience, and the first clinic I went to since this accident, they didn't even schedule anything, physical therapy, or Chiropractor, I just saw two doctors, and they both denied pain meds. So now all this time later, I am shy as to what to do first, I'm just trying to go through the motions to get pain relief, then they can do what they think the next step would be.
I hope this doctor is sympathetic, because I can't take anymore of this BS without having meds. I wonder if I bring prescription printouts from my last doctor, if they will understand the only reason I had to stop taking them was due to my finances, because that's the truth. God I hope they don't think I can endure this pain any longer, while they poke and send me out here and there! By the time I do get in to see this new PM I sure expect him to prescribe me. I hope my anxiety doesn't screw me up, I'm afraid if I don't say the right thing it will all turn out the same as the others!!! Man this is a drag. I sure cant work, and it has really affected me in such a negative way. By telling him I can't funtion will be an understatement. But I guess that's what they need to hear.
I still haven't gone through any treatment, so I thought I should do this, as I was told the doctor there, when I do get into see him has this done first, before he sees me. Because, I have been so upset with the first experience, and the first clinic I went to since this accident, they didn't even schedule anything, physical therapy, or Chiropractor, I just saw two doctors, and they both denied pain meds. So now all this time later, I am shy as to what to do first, I'm just trying to go through the motions to get pain relief, then they can do what they think the next step would be.
I hope this doctor is sympathetic, because I can't take anymore of this BS without having meds. I wonder if I bring prescription printouts from my last doctor, if they will understand the only reason I had to stop taking them was due to my finances, because that's the truth. God I hope they don't think I can endure this pain any longer, while they poke and send me out here and there! By the time I do get in to see this new PM I sure expect him to prescribe me. I hope my anxiety doesn't screw me up, I'm afraid if I don't say the right thing it will all turn out the same as the others!!! Man this is a drag. I sure cant work, and it has really affected me in such a negative way. By telling him I can't funtion will be an understatement. But I guess that's what they need to hear.
I would most definitely take any and all old records you have with you, and try to get you're records from that last doctor also. It will help showing your new doctor for sure. Honestly, I wouldn't go to a chiropractor at all, at least not until someone (your current doc or a specialist) gives the OK, Chiropractors can sometimes make disk issues even worse. They might also be helpful, but I'd be very careful with a chiro.
Another option would be even to make appointments with other pain doctors in your area. its not considered Dr. shopping if you don't get medications from multiple doctors. That way you can kind of "interview" them and see what kind of pain management plan they may come up with that might help you better than the doc you have now. Its just something to think about.
I know it really ***** having to go through all of this just to get pain relief. Its worse when people don't understand and they think we're just junkies. Drives me crazy. Just continue to hang in there OK, don't give up! Eventually you'll find someone to help, you just have to keep at it OK.
Another option would be even to make appointments with other pain doctors in your area. its not considered Dr. shopping if you don't get medications from multiple doctors. That way you can kind of "interview" them and see what kind of pain management plan they may come up with that might help you better than the doc you have now. Its just something to think about.
I know it really ***** having to go through all of this just to get pain relief. Its worse when people don't understand and they think we're just junkies. Drives me crazy. Just continue to hang in there OK, don't give up! Eventually you'll find someone to help, you just have to keep at it OK.
Thanks for the help. My previous doctor released me because I did not have an MRI at the time. My attorney tried to talk to them . But they said once they release someone, they don't take them back.
That was his reason, he told me to find a doctor I could afford. So he let me go. That was the beginning of the end for me. I just quit looking for another doctor and have suffered ever since. No Insurance!!
So now I have an MRI showing I am in legitamate pain, not that I wasn't before, just didn't have the right documentation.
Will it help if I take my previous prescriptions in just as extra documetation and let this new doctor know that i'm also trying to be treated for past and present injurys, and am trying to reestablish with someone who can treat me for both. Also should I have those records sent to him from the previous doctor even though it was over a year ago??
How long do they want me to see a Chiropractor while I still have had no relief from Pain meds??
That was his reason, he told me to find a doctor I could afford. So he let me go. That was the beginning of the end for me. I just quit looking for another doctor and have suffered ever since. No Insurance!!
So now I have an MRI showing I am in legitamate pain, not that I wasn't before, just didn't have the right documentation.
Will it help if I take my previous prescriptions in just as extra documetation and let this new doctor know that i'm also trying to be treated for past and present injurys, and am trying to reestablish with someone who can treat me for both. Also should I have those records sent to him from the previous doctor even though it was over a year ago??
How long do they want me to see a Chiropractor while I still have had no relief from Pain meds??
Unfortunately, there is a process and if you truly want relief, you'll need to follow their guidelines. Just straight out asking for narcotics and continuing to ask is just going to make the doctors think that that is all your after. I'm not saying this is true, but this is what the doctor will think.
What happened to your old doctor that was helping you in the past? Why not just go back to them? Regardless, just hang in there. Its tough but eventually they will give you something for relief. It may not be narcotics, but they will help you in the long run. They may even be waiting to see if your willing to try everything else first, most docs do that anyway. So if you stick with them and show your just looking for relief and not just pills they will be more willing to help you, but it will take time to build that relationship. Its unfortunate and unfair but that's the way it is now-a-days. Also, you may want to ask for a nerve-pain med like Lyrica or cymbalta, those are usually one of the treatments for disc issues anyways, and a muscle relaxer might help also, but most doctors have stopped prescribing soma. Good luck to you and again, hang in there. keep us updated.
What happened to your old doctor that was helping you in the past? Why not just go back to them? Regardless, just hang in there. Its tough but eventually they will give you something for relief. It may not be narcotics, but they will help you in the long run. They may even be waiting to see if your willing to try everything else first, most docs do that anyway. So if you stick with them and show your just looking for relief and not just pills they will be more willing to help you, but it will take time to build that relationship. Its unfortunate and unfair but that's the way it is now-a-days. Also, you may want to ask for a nerve-pain med like Lyrica or cymbalta, those are usually one of the treatments for disc issues anyways, and a muscle relaxer might help also, but most doctors have stopped prescribing soma. Good luck to you and again, hang in there. keep us updated.
With 3 herniated discs in your neck and 2 in your back, I don't think it's unreasonable for you to request something for the pain. I've been there, I know what you're going through, I've had 3 spinal surgeries.
Just tell the Doctor what your quality of life has been like. That you've been in constant pain and unable to function.
Another thing, do not let a Chiropractor do anything to your neck, it can be dangerous, particularly when you have disc herniations, adjustments on the low back are okay, just not the neck.
Just tell the Doctor what your quality of life has been like. That you've been in constant pain and unable to function.
Another thing, do not let a Chiropractor do anything to your neck, it can be dangerous, particularly when you have disc herniations, adjustments on the low back are okay, just not the neck.
I feel you on the whole stingy pain medication epidemic going on. If and when you do receive something good, do NOT wait until you only have say, even five left before notifying that you will need additional refills. With my own knowledge, these doctors love to take there time answering pharmacist faxes and calling you back when you aren't basically glued to your phone..and this is my actual surgeon pulling this crap so she knows exactly what's up with my pain, no questions. I urge you to just stay on top of things before you feel like somebody put baby in the corner!!
Thanks Pamela,
This pain clinic confused me yet again, the doctor wants me to have injections now. I realize now that there is a process at pain clinics after an accident, but I still think if you know your own pain and can tell the doctor that they should be alot more sypathetic. I have no problem getting off the narcotics, I've had experience in that, I just have a problem with not being able to get a narcotic when I know I need it. I have 3 herniated disc, bulging in my neck. And two in my back. I'm not really sure what else the MRI means, but I'm in enough pain to be prescribed narcotic pain relief.
So I guess your right. I need a Doctor that is a little more sypathetic to this pain, and also go through their process before anything is prescribed.
I am sypathetic to people who go through what I've been through in the last 30 days,with no pain meds, Whiplash is also extremely painful,but ER's wont'help you either. So this problem, because of the DEA is way out of hand for the patients.I knew I had Whiplash , before I knew about the disc.
And the first Clinic, which after the second doctor told me no, I left immediately, should have left sooner. After the first doctor didn't do a thing. I just can't see a doctor letting someone leave their office in such pain, and not do a thing for them, due to the DEA. It's wrong. I'm against these injections, I have heard so many bad things, I'm scared to death, and want to refuse them, but my lawyer is telling me I really need to have them done, I'm going to try one more clinic first, before I submit to that, since I feel so strongly against it. I have another appointment with a Doctor/accident clinic my friend goes to currently, so I'm hoping they will prescribe meds, before I have to go through anything else, other than the Chiro.. We'll see. Thanks Taryn
.
This pain clinic confused me yet again, the doctor wants me to have injections now. I realize now that there is a process at pain clinics after an accident, but I still think if you know your own pain and can tell the doctor that they should be alot more sypathetic. I have no problem getting off the narcotics, I've had experience in that, I just have a problem with not being able to get a narcotic when I know I need it. I have 3 herniated disc, bulging in my neck. And two in my back. I'm not really sure what else the MRI means, but I'm in enough pain to be prescribed narcotic pain relief.
So I guess your right. I need a Doctor that is a little more sypathetic to this pain, and also go through their process before anything is prescribed.
I am sypathetic to people who go through what I've been through in the last 30 days,with no pain meds, Whiplash is also extremely painful,but ER's wont'help you either. So this problem, because of the DEA is way out of hand for the patients.I knew I had Whiplash , before I knew about the disc.
And the first Clinic, which after the second doctor told me no, I left immediately, should have left sooner. After the first doctor didn't do a thing. I just can't see a doctor letting someone leave their office in such pain, and not do a thing for them, due to the DEA. It's wrong. I'm against these injections, I have heard so many bad things, I'm scared to death, and want to refuse them, but my lawyer is telling me I really need to have them done, I'm going to try one more clinic first, before I submit to that, since I feel so strongly against it. I have another appointment with a Doctor/accident clinic my friend goes to currently, so I'm hoping they will prescribe meds, before I have to go through anything else, other than the Chiro.. We'll see. Thanks Taryn
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Are you using Chiropractic to help with the pain? Maybe they know of a sympathetic Doctor.
You can see by these forums alone, how many people have gotten addicted, and they are struggling everyday.
Narcotics are prescribed for short term acute pain. Since 3 weeks have passed, unless your MRI results dictate surgery you may not receive narcotics.
Have you had any relief with O V C pain killers?
Topical treatments ? Hot or Cold compresses ? You may also want to look into acupuncture. Ask the Doctor when you see them today. Pamela.
You can see by these forums alone, how many people have gotten addicted, and they are struggling everyday.
Narcotics are prescribed for short term acute pain. Since 3 weeks have passed, unless your MRI results dictate surgery you may not receive narcotics.
Have you had any relief with O V C pain killers?
Topical treatments ? Hot or Cold compresses ? You may also want to look into acupuncture. Ask the Doctor when you see them today. Pamela.
Thanks for the reply, As far as the pain goes I haven't been able to do anything for the pain. Thats the whole point, I'm scared to even talk to a doctor after the way the first PM treated me. How can they stick to their opinion of my pain and not prescribe anything. And how will I ask for pain medication, and get what will work for me. This seems crazy to me, this pain has gotten worse, and I'm nauseaus, depressed, angry, and worried about my next visit with the new Pain Managment. I didn't realize what a nightmare it is to convince a doctor I'd rather be on pain medicine.
I was on Lortab 10's and Soma, which worked fine, this was a year ago, without any Mri's, and now with the Mri, I can't convince these doctors. And the pain is more severe!! Im well aware of this type of medication, and the fact that it's addicting. I've never had a problem with withdrawl, if I'm forced to stop taking it, as I was on it for a couple of years, and had to stoop taking it. That doesn't bother me, what bothers me is when you reallyl need something like lortab, or percocet, it's impossible to get.
What am I saying that is wrong. Thanks This morning I have the Chiropractic appointment at my new PM office, then they are making me an Appt. with the PM doctor, should I say anything, or ask questions with the Chiroprator. Should I confide in him, or just wait for PM>
I was on Lortab 10's and Soma, which worked fine, this was a year ago, without any Mri's, and now with the Mri, I can't convince these doctors. And the pain is more severe!! Im well aware of this type of medication, and the fact that it's addicting. I've never had a problem with withdrawl, if I'm forced to stop taking it, as I was on it for a couple of years, and had to stoop taking it. That doesn't bother me, what bothers me is when you reallyl need something like lortab, or percocet, it's impossible to get.
What am I saying that is wrong. Thanks This morning I have the Chiropractic appointment at my new PM office, then they are making me an Appt. with the PM doctor, should I say anything, or ask questions with the Chiroprator. Should I confide in him, or just wait for PM>
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