Sunday, December 16, 2007
I had spinal fusion surgury in 2001. this made my pain so much worse.I worked for acouple of years following. I had to stop working and just was awarded disability. My surgury was considered a failed one that was not strong enough & the surgeon recomended more surgury. It was so invasive and barbaric. I now have two brackets , four screws and a small wire cage. As aresult I was on op[iates and cariprosodal for years. this combination gave me relief that nothing else did. I tried tons of anti-depressants, medicine for nerve damage and others. with no benefit.Only the opiates, soma, & adderall(amphetimine salt compound) this helped my desire and ability to attempt to do tasks instead of lieing in bed 20 hours out of the day. I went to the "experts at group Health" thinking I might be having some side effects &/or my feet had changed and were hot, painful and knumb at the same time. Immediately Group Health made a plan of taking all the drugs I was on away.I have been off soma for a few months and I'm at aloss wothout it. My side effects have not stopped and I asked to get it again & they refused. I was on aprox. 350 mgs of opiates a day. Now I'm down toabout 170 mgs per day. I have told my Drs. that I'd preferr to be on the medications I was . My disability award states an awareness of op[iate dependance but only as related to my pain.I also was awarded medicare and would like to find a Dr. who is sensitive and compassionate to the chronic pain individual. I had that before Group health; but that kind Dr. retired and the office is not taking on new patients. I have never been more miserable than I am now w/out the previous medicationsw. I am in a constant state of withdrawal. Even eith colonodine. I would think as an adult I should be able to have health care that takes my feelings int consideration rather than a managed HMO who is afraid & running scared and changing medical courses dramatically. Can anyone recomend a dr. who I might be able to work with. I'm a 52 yr old man with 2 children 8 & 12. They miss me and so do I. Help me please? I would ditch Group Health in a heartbeat. Thankyou for allowing me to share my situation and frustrations with you..Hal B
Good morning Hal,
I'm sorry to here of your pain & meds problem. There's a lot folks here on the board that have been where you are, i use soma myself and it's the only reason I get what sleep I do get.
Does your group have an ombudsman or someone out side the docs that you can talk to?? If not there is a couple of links here on the board under web resources that may be able to help in your area.
I know the american pain foundation has doctor listings.
There's also an insurance help link also, heck I'd consider a call to the better business burea.
i don't see how taking you off the meds is supposed to help you.
I was told I wasn't a candidate for surgery like yours and I'm glad. The thought of someone putting metal in my spine makes me week in the knees.
Chuck