my wife and pain management

[PromisedLand]

It's a long story but I'll condense it.  My wife had lat flap surgery 3+ years ago for breast reconstruction after breast cancer.  She has been in intense pain ever since.  She's been on vicodin, perc, oxy and now morphine..she was recently (3 months ago referred to a pain clinic who put her on 3 (10's) percs a day.  ON her last visit they did a uriine test which was no problem for her as she had nothing to hide.  He also then moved her up to morphine 2x day which she doesn't like and wants off..talked to the doctor last week about it.  He said "we'll talk about it next appt)...Today she gets a certified letter from the pain mgmt doctor saying he was dropping her..her test came back with no indication of perocet usage and they found traces of dilaudid, which she has taken 1 time in her life, 2 years ago for a migrain (and hated it).  She is now trying to convince this guy of her integrity and point out there must be an error..Of course, no return phone calls and the people she's talked to do not want to believe her.  She is in intesnse pain..she's seen 3 separate plastic surgeons each of which said they couldn't help her..Yesterday we saw one who gave her some hope..he's done over 500 and found that 1% of his patients wind up in her situation, but he believes he can perform a procedure that MAY fix it, either improve it, relieving the pain or making no change.he can't guarantee..but she's gonna try it..

Anyway...and advise on how to deal with this dilaudid thing and the pain clinic..so far after 6 hours, no return calls..she has taken nothing but percocet (and the morphine) with the exception of a shot of demorol for a migrain 3 weeks ago which he new about, and vicodin prescribed by her dentist..which angered the pain guy but they cleared the air on that.

would appreciate any advise/suggestions


Jim

[PromisedLand]

She has found a doctor who will see her on Thursday AM at 8.  she exlpained some of he background to her and she is interesssteed in seeint her


jim

[Tuckamore]

Hi Jim,

I'm still following. Our times are off as I spend much of mine caring for my mother. Thanks for asking I think she is improving, very slowly.

Clonidine is also used to control blood pressure. So be cautious with it's use but I'm sure you know that.

She may have built a higher tolerance for medications than you have and that is why it has not knocked her on her "keester."

Have you had any success getting into another pain clinic sure hope you can find some relief for her. Severe CP is indescribable. No one should have to suffer with pain that is never controlled. Your a great husband. Keep hanging in there. Tuck

[PromisedLand]

just a quick update for those still following...the PCP told her today all he will prescribe her is ultram..enough for 30 days at a time.  He will not prescribe anything else...in the meantime, she has started withdrawls and is not feeling too good..she's taking clonidine which she swears isn't helping (it save me, I know that)...they told her to take up to 4 .1s per day...I'll have to keep an eye on her.  She also has klonipin (1meg) and I suggested that might help her sleep..I don't know why the clondine hasn't knocked her on her keester.

Jim

[PromisedLand]

Thank you, Tuck...and the best to your mother at this time.



Jim

[Tuckamore]

Jim,

I am sorry I have been out of town due to my mom's open heart surgery and I am just back therefore I have missed your posts and have not been able to offer you any support. It looks like Sandy has been offering you great assistance and information.

I don't have anything to add other than hand in there. And keep trying to find a PM. I also agree with her about female physicians. I was in such horrid, horrid pain for years and when it became so bad I thought I would end it all I stumbled on a intuitive female DO that recognized my pain without me saying a word. Thanks to her I can get up in the morning and not wonder why I have to live. Those doc's due exist. I wouldn't have believed in 5 years ago. And I have not had to go to a pain clinic. I am hoping I never have to after all the horror stories I hear such as yours.

It is illegal to abandon patients like your wife. I hope you go after the clinic that has put you and your wife through this mayhem and unnecessary crippling pain. Maybe when we exercise our rights there will be more responsible doctors and clinics.

Stay strong friend and keep posting. We are here to support you and your wife. Take Care, Tuck

[SANDIANZ]

I read your post and can so relate.  tony has been on opiates for 40 yrs.  he has had 11 lateral back surg, 3 thorasic and 3 cervical.  2 swhoulder manipulations and 3 yes 3 knee replacements,  he is not an alien, just a gut whp had a bad one.  over the years we have beent to hjospitals , clinicsl pain managemeng specialist,   winchester hosital pain  
management at 333 washington st woburn may be able to helpl  we actually went tp an emergency room for his pain back in the dahy when they han index cards on repeaters!!!!  Tony was not listed but a nurse actuoally said she didn't believe in pain meds.  i mean this is not the dark ages.  but allot of pain management specialist have been targeted by the government as dealers.  our guy who used to help tony unbelievable with nerve blocks in the spine.  had toi leave the pain manag biz .  the hosp would't back him up any  mor.  it reallhy is a sin what is goingh on for people like tony and yur wirfe who really need meds.  to survive or in our case walk.  tony said to make sure everything is backed up with documents.  phone cals,,  letters, contact a tort lawyer, i dodn't think it is lawful to do that to patients.  not sure but tonys said he could sue as he has a contract with drs office and he does not break it and does everything they ask.  no reason not to.  

weoll keep well and peace to yu and your wife,  kee[ in touch

sandy  mass