What if your doctor refuses to talk to you?

[pattisun]

I have severe pain and have been taking a number of pain meds for almost ten years now. I also had gastric RNY bypass and this limits what pain meds I can take and I believe it affects how my meds are absorbed and metabolized.

My pain doctors (who just give me steroid shots) do not prescribe meds. They want my primary doctor to do that. I was increased to 50 mcg of Fentanyl with vicodin for breakthrough (my pain doctors suggestion). I went to my doctor every four weeks complaining the Fentanyl patches would not stay on and the side effects were not worth it. I wanted less Fentanyl and weaker vicodin (she had changed me to Norco--wanting me to only take 2 per day). This last visit 2 weeks ago I finally got back on a weaker Fentanyl patch and I am doing much better. I decreased my Norco from 4-5 day down to 3. When I went to refill my RX for Norco my doctor refused it. They will not answer my calls and I guess I no longer have a doctor.

I am fine not taking Vicodin--but I have pain so I did take ibuprofen. I am not supposed to take that because of my bypass surgery.

Anyone get kicked out of their medical group? I am not worried about Vicodin withdrawal I'm sure I can get through that---but what about Fentanyl withdrawal? How to I find a new doctor without looking like some crazed druggie? I think I should never take vicodin again. I've taken all the other types of pain meds (like Ultram and Neurontin, etc.) prior to Vicodin (I refused percoset, Oxy, and morphine-Kadian).

How/where do I find a doctor that will understand my needs and believe that I have no interest in getting "stoned" just would prefer to stay active and have my pain decreased.

[Dshell]

You are so right. As soon as you get on area under control it seems to give another area of your life permission to fall apart.  I hope you can get your meds soon and appropriate your awesome attitude!  The hunt for quality care continues.

:)

[pattisun]

Hey Dshell I agree there are MANY uncaring (or just have GIANT egos) doctors out there!! You have to be your own health advocate which sites like this one tell you to do. I worry about the elderly and the severely disabled that don't have anybody to fight for them--they may get pushed around! I faced my primary doctor (internist) in January after I'd been off my pain meds (except patches) for over a month. I apologized to her in case she had thought I was trying to get extra pain pills---that I was aware that people get high and/or sell their meds and that with the current publicity on prescription meds that I may have put her in a position to get into trouble. At first she laughed and said that was not her thought but by the end of our visit she was appreciative of my attitude (I also told her I would see her every month until we get my pain pill/patch usage at a livable point for both of us). At this moment we are at a happy place but I know that can change.

She prescribed some NSAID cream/gel but I can't afford to get that and I just found out I have an ulcer starting probably from taking NSAIDS when my pain meds don't work (I had RNY gastic bypass) But even though I can't afford to pick up my paid meds this until next month at least I am at a good place with my doctor. Life is like that, you get one thing straight and the other things (like my income) fall apart! haha

In regards to Rheumatologists---I had ONE nice Rheumie that I've met. The other ones I've met have been very arrogant, telling me to get a hobby and take depression meds. My best care has been with my internist. But I am on my fifth internist because my other good doctors have left to go into executive (expensive) healthcare. Oh well....KEEPING QUALITY OF LIFE while in constant pain requires a positive attitude (not always possible for us) and a determination to FIND A GOOD DOCTOR that will listen to us (easier said than done).  Best wishes to all

[Dshell]

Doctor have been made so afraid of narcotics they sometimes forget their empathy button.  I lost my insurance and now go to the county clinic for my primary but thankfully have been able to keep my pain management clinic. However, I lost all of my sub-specialties. I live in a smallish Northern California town with 2 Rummys in the same practice who make you sign a waver that if you see one you cannot be seen by the other.  My Rummy and had a disagreement when he told my to get a positive attitude and a hobby and I would feel fine.  

However, my rheumatological issues have worsened and I had no choice but to try to seen said hated Rummy though the county program.  The Rummy denied the referral due to a $10.00 pending balance.  I paid the balance today but he still will not see me.  My GP is going to try to refer me to UC Davis, which is a good thing.  I just wanted to point out there are many uncaring doctors out there and it is our right to be heard and taken seriously.

[pattisun]

Did you ever try one of the over the counter drug tests that parents give their teenagers? See if you get a positive...Maybe something in your body chemistry or some other type of medication causes a false positive.  Have you tried a community hospital or tried going to a doctor in another city/'county?

I had a problem with my doctor about 9 years ago--my old doc left and new one refused to prescribe Klonopin (long-acting Xanax)--I had to go to a psychiatrist to get my Klonopin and he wrote a long explanation to my new doct as to why my current meds were effective and I should stay on them. That really made her mad. Then I got into an accident and was injured. Things got worse with this doctor, always accusing me of lying or exaggerating to get stoned?? (on SSRIs???)---anyway I changed medical groups/hospitals and started all over again. After about five years I went back to another doctor at my original medical group. They did not connect me with my old records and I lived happily ever after..... (BTW, when they Subpoenaed my old medical records for the lawsuit for my accident I think my old doct. kept my records at her house because they have long since linked all old records and the ones when I was visiting her are long gone).... hmmmmm

GOOD LUCK

[sandee1818]

Samson1,
I would get a new doctor right away. There are some major problems with the urine test and many people have been left with no recourse. I would be up front and honest with your new doctor and explain that you were so outraged at the test results that you requested another test be done. Since you did request the second test it will look much better in your records. These test are not infallible and doctors do realize this.
Look for a pain management doctor in your area and make an appointment. It may take a few appointments to build trust but do not give up and live in pain:)

[igarfy]

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