Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Pennsylvania pain management

The doctor I go to, I've never met, only his PA's, and isnt helpful. She keeps telling me that their practice doesn't do anything for breakthrough pain. I'm on oxycontin ER 20mgs 2x's a day, which doesn't do $#!+ I've been on the same dosage for over 7 months. She tells me to take advil for for the b.t.p, Effin advil. Does any one know if this is a state law, or just this retarded practice. I've done everything they've asked me to do, MRIs, back injections, NSAIDs, but she still refuses to up my meds. I'm in tons of pain, but because I'm "only 32, I shouldn't be in this much pain" she says. The ER won't help because of the stupid contract.
Does anyone anything, I've tried looking it up, but can't find anything.
6 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
7721494 tn?1431627964
Seek other pain management physicians in your area. Not all work like this. Older physicians are better equipped with concepts like breakthrough pain.

Here's the medical evidence for the treatment of BT pain

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16885015

Here's a study of BT treatment prevalence:

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17520989

The science is there, but it is unfortunate that so many young pain doctors have become opiophobic.

What's the number one concern of young pain doctors?

Income preservation.

Find a better practice.

Best wishes.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm sorry it took you so long to receive treatment. I'm getting depressed by the run around treatment I'm getting, I couldn't imagine what you must have felt. I hope you're finally getting what you should.
I know I'm only 32 and things can/will get worse. Ive tried back injection, which with this last set I got in May I started getting sharp pains in my hip that sends radiating pain down my leg. I'm on 400 mgs of Celebrax, I've tired so many different kinds of non-opiates drugs, I can't even name them anymore. I do morning stretches, I squat to pick things up instead of bending over.... please believe me when I say "I'm trying to do other things other than take pills."
I know that having my son at a time where my body was still growing (pregnant at 12, delivered at 13) has to play a factor. I also working for a funeral home removal service for 7 years, and moving dead weight also took a toll.
As I stated earlier my insurance is changing so I will be getting a new doctor. I've already got my medical records, MRI, and labs.
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Sorry - I neglected to respond to your question, "Does any one know if this is a state law.. "   No I don't believe that it is a state law.  It's just that particular clinic's - or PMPs rule. Some clinics will try to get you just on LA opiates as they believe that controls your pain and SA opiates are not necessary.  

I'll bet none of them have had Chronic Pain.
Helpful - 0
547368 tn?1440541785
Hi Mbee,

Welcome to our Pain Management Forum. I'm sorry you are in so much uncontrolled  pain. My heart goes out to you.

Remar is correct. The new climate, "War on Chronic Pain Patients' make's it very difficult to obtain proper pain control - sadly the younger you are the less you'll obtain. However that hasn't changed a whole lot. When I was in Chronic Pain at 34 I got nothing, absolutely nothing. I was told I had to learn to live with it - not by one doc but by many.

It isn't till about 47-50 that they begin to provide better pain management. If you think about it, sadly you have a long road ahead of you. I know that doesn't make you happy and I don't like to say it - but if you're were on high doses of opiates at 32 where will you be at 42? I'm fairly sure that's what the PMP are thinking.

Please, please don't get me wrong. Regardless of your age you deserve to be functional and have better pain control. Please don't take anything that isn't prescribed. A surprise drug screen will get you thrown out of PM and you'll be hard pressed to find another PMP that will treat you. That would be terrible.

If possible find another PMP. You can check patient ratings of any physician on line.  Remember you have to read between the lines on some of the ratings. I throw out the best and worse - if I'm still left with a lot of good reviews I'll see that medical provider. These "raters" will tell you a lot - like he/she is kind and manages my pain - or all he wants to do is expensive procedures and will not prescribe meds. Read carefully.

I wish you the best and hope you'll keep in touch. I'll look forward to your updates and comments.

Take Care,
~Tuck
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
It is now that my health insurance is changing, but what I'm trying to figure out is if it'll be worth it. I moved from NC to PA and didn't have these problems.
it's illegal as hell but some days I've been in so much pain I wanna find something stronger just to take the edge off, bit I can't risk it. I have a 20 month old that needs me, and no matter how much pain I'm in I'll get on the floor, play with cars, balls, and what ever else makes him happy.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
I'm so sorry you're going through this. I keep hearing more and more stories about younger people who are chronic pain patients and being denied medications because of their young age. A persons age should have nothing to do with this. If you're in pain then you're in pain no matter what your age.
Of course this is happening to a lot of other people as well. It has to do with the new drug laws and Drs being afraid to prescribe what patients need. I think it's very unfair that you pay to go to this clinic and have never even met the Dr. It's so sad how much things have changed. We used to be able to deal with our family Drs. We had a personal relationship with them and together we worked on our pain management. This is almost unheard of these days.
It sounds like you need to find a different pain Dr or clinic. Is that a possibility?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community

Top Pain Answerers
Avatar universal
st. louis, MO
317787 tn?1473358451
DC
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches