Aa
my wife and pain management
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
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
I had a brief experience with this particular clinic nearly a year ago. I developed a "problem" with vicodin and my Dr referred me there. I was glad to go...I wanted off of those things so bad I could taste it. They accepted me. I had an appointment. The morning of the appt there was some crisis in the house (dog not in a hurry to do it's thing outside, or cats acting up..can't remember)...I called them from my car, said I was going to be about 5-10 mins late..they said "don't bother..we're booked up and don't have time for this". I found their people rude over the phone..I never went (and told my doctor about them)
Can't they see they are there to HELP PEOPLE???
I agree with a female PM and we'll look for one.
I did kick vicodin..for 9 months...hurt my own back again last month (I have chronic issues) and convinced my doctor to prescribe me for 2 months while I was in PT which btw has worked wonders...I'm all done..will NEVER TOUCH THEM AGAIN..NEVER...on the other hand, I gained some valuable experience to help my wife with withdrawals...though hers seem to be less severe.
Jim
Can't they see they are there to HELP PEOPLE???
I agree with a female PM and we'll look for one.
I did kick vicodin..for 9 months...hurt my own back again last month (I have chronic issues) and convinced my doctor to prescribe me for 2 months while I was in PT which btw has worked wonders...I'm all done..will NEVER TOUCH THEM AGAIN..NEVER...on the other hand, I gained some valuable experience to help my wife with withdrawals...though hers seem to be less severe.
Jim
These clinics that say we have to "review" your case before we even see you upsets me!
You can not judge a person or make any kind of impression from a medical file and I think it is impersonal and just wrong:(
When a Pt sees the Dr for the first time you get some kind of impression as to what kind of Dr he/she is and how they will treat you medically and otherwise and for the Dr to say they have to "review" you before you even see them to me is just saying how impersonal and uncompassionate they are. I could be wrong but it is just not fair to the Pt.
Have you considered seeing a female PM. I know this is exist and discriminate but a woman Dr seems to be able to sympathize and understand woman better and what they feel and are going through. I have had both male and female PM's over the years and I will tell you I would pick the lady every time!
You can not judge a person or make any kind of impression from a medical file and I think it is impersonal and just wrong:(
When a Pt sees the Dr for the first time you get some kind of impression as to what kind of Dr he/she is and how they will treat you medically and otherwise and for the Dr to say they have to "review" you before you even see them to me is just saying how impersonal and uncompassionate they are. I could be wrong but it is just not fair to the Pt.
Have you considered seeing a female PM. I know this is exist and discriminate but a woman Dr seems to be able to sympathize and understand woman better and what they feel and are going through. I have had both male and female PM's over the years and I will tell you I would pick the lady every time!
I support the DEA's efforts..we've got to get these things off the streets..heck, my 19 year old daughter told her mother she could get her some in 5 minutes..we have an acquaintance who keeps hundreds of percs in a jar (no, we haven't taken advantage.
There are other clinics and we're looking at them. We have another problem in that my wife only has one eye and doesn't see well out of that one and driving to strange places is tough for her...the clinic she wants to see is about 20 mins away and she knows where it is.
WE have a lawyer across the street whom we called earlier in the week..he called us back..he's out of town until Monday but said "I will definitely call you back"...this may not be his field, but he will hook us up with someone.
The clinic she did contact is booking for October and since they have no referral for my wife or any of her records they won't give her an appt and before giving her an appt her case must be reviewed by a "board"..so we will be checking out others.
Thank you so much for your help and your thoughts...I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
Jim
There are other clinics and we're looking at them. We have another problem in that my wife only has one eye and doesn't see well out of that one and driving to strange places is tough for her...the clinic she wants to see is about 20 mins away and she knows where it is.
WE have a lawyer across the street whom we called earlier in the week..he called us back..he's out of town until Monday but said "I will definitely call you back"...this may not be his field, but he will hook us up with someone.
The clinic she did contact is booking for October and since they have no referral for my wife or any of her records they won't give her an appt and before giving her an appt her case must be reviewed by a "board"..so we will be checking out others.
Thank you so much for your help and your thoughts...I can't tell you how much I appreciate it.
Jim
Hi
Unfortunately the DEA has ALOT to do with the Dr's and how they prescribe. There are many advocacy groups and pain foundations fighting this but it is a slow moving battle. I have been doing some checking into the laws of your state in regard to the laws and according to a good friend who is an attorney you can sue for Pt abandonment ( or at least let the Dr know your aware of the laws and will if needed file suit). I really wish there were more I could do. I am not aware of anyone from NH here that could possibly refer you to a sympathetic PM , I will see if I can find out for you. I have in the past referred members here to PM's but I just basically search the net and I am sure you have done that already:)
I hate that your wife is in so much pain and can't get help! Have you made any appointments to pain clinics yet? I would search the net the phone book and even ask your pharmasist if he can help. The pharmacy where your wife was getting her presciptions knows of the PM's in your area and can help. I found my PM in Ala that way and he was great! There are alot of places to look for pain clinics and Dr's you just have to take the day and sit and call call call! I wish you both the best and I have not forgotton about you, I have been trying to find more info for you and will continue to do so. Give your wife our best and tell her we are thinking about her!
Unfortunately the DEA has ALOT to do with the Dr's and how they prescribe. There are many advocacy groups and pain foundations fighting this but it is a slow moving battle. I have been doing some checking into the laws of your state in regard to the laws and according to a good friend who is an attorney you can sue for Pt abandonment ( or at least let the Dr know your aware of the laws and will if needed file suit). I really wish there were more I could do. I am not aware of anyone from NH here that could possibly refer you to a sympathetic PM , I will see if I can find out for you. I have in the past referred members here to PM's but I just basically search the net and I am sure you have done that already:)
I hate that your wife is in so much pain and can't get help! Have you made any appointments to pain clinics yet? I would search the net the phone book and even ask your pharmasist if he can help. The pharmacy where your wife was getting her presciptions knows of the PM's in your area and can help. I found my PM in Ala that way and he was great! There are alot of places to look for pain clinics and Dr's you just have to take the day and sit and call call call! I wish you both the best and I have not forgotton about you, I have been trying to find more info for you and will continue to do so. Give your wife our best and tell her we are thinking about her!
took my wife to the ER this morning..she can hardly walk, is on her hands and knees going up the stairs, couldn't get out of the car into a wheel chair. They sent her home with 10 vicodin 5's, 800mg ipbuprohin and flexoril.."be careful..these WILL make you drowsy"...she explained what she has been taking.."well, if you're not feeling better tonight, come on back at no charge.
Jim
Jim
You're a blessing, Sandee1818..
Her PCP told her this morning it would be best if she saw individual specialists in the areas where her pain is occuring, which is where we started nearly 3 years ago. We played ring around the rosie and pin the tail on the donkey there, and wound up back
with the PCP because they (specialists) couldn't figure it out. So, he prescribed her meds (oxycontin)..after several months she asked to be tapered off as she was feeling
somewhat better and did not like the addictive nature, etc. he told her that she until her pain situation was improved, she should continue on meds, and increased her dosage!! What?? Then, about 2 months later..said "sorry, we can't give you these anymore you're gonna be on your own." I don't recall the ensuing adventures, but eventually they (PCP) wound up sending her to the pain clinic, and you know the rest of the story.
In an earlier discussion with the PCP (last week? I was out of town) she discussed the meds with him and her concern about being on them the rest of her life..he said "you're 51 now..do you want to be sitting here at 60 still in pain?"
And now she's been booted to the curb. 6 vicodins for taper off of morpine and clonodine and no help for whatever pain she may suffer (as she is now in)...
And I can't help but believe that a lot of this is driven by paranoia on teh doctor's part being driven by the DEA's crackdown on prescription meds on the black market (believe me, I don't want to see them out there, understand.).
Jim
Her PCP told her this morning it would be best if she saw individual specialists in the areas where her pain is occuring, which is where we started nearly 3 years ago. We played ring around the rosie and pin the tail on the donkey there, and wound up back
with the PCP because they (specialists) couldn't figure it out. So, he prescribed her meds (oxycontin)..after several months she asked to be tapered off as she was feeling
somewhat better and did not like the addictive nature, etc. he told her that she until her pain situation was improved, she should continue on meds, and increased her dosage!! What?? Then, about 2 months later..said "sorry, we can't give you these anymore you're gonna be on your own." I don't recall the ensuing adventures, but eventually they (PCP) wound up sending her to the pain clinic, and you know the rest of the story.
In an earlier discussion with the PCP (last week? I was out of town) she discussed the meds with him and her concern about being on them the rest of her life..he said "you're 51 now..do you want to be sitting here at 60 still in pain?"
And now she's been booted to the curb. 6 vicodins for taper off of morpine and clonodine and no help for whatever pain she may suffer (as she is now in)...
And I can't help but believe that a lot of this is driven by paranoia on teh doctor's part being driven by the DEA's crackdown on prescription meds on the black market (believe me, I don't want to see them out there, understand.).
Jim
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community
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
