Is there anyone, or any group, capable and willing to take on the doctors, as a group, who are responsible for denying us ongoing opiate prescriptions for appropriate, adequate, treatment of moderate to severe, long term chronic pain?
I view doctors as the people, who if they were willing to organize and become politically active, could stop the DEA intrusion into our medical care. I understand that doctors are concerned, as individuals, with their licenses. However, as a group, if they would stop behaving like cowards, they have the AMA, even if they are not members, and other professional organizations, that control control considerable political power and lobbyists in Washington D.C.
Pain patients can and do, constantly call, sign petitions and write to their President, Congress Members and Senators, but we have achieved no results. Pain patients face the DEA and the DOJ , who have instituted a War on Pain Patients because they have failed to win their unwinnable War on Drugs. This means that chronic pain patients have a political problem. Political problems require politicsl solutions.
Pain Relief Network is the only organization that has recognized and attempted to address this problem. However, IMO, their strategy failed because it was incorrect.
I want to do something different, but I am very ill and would need a lot of help. I am especially looking for pragmatic political activists and advocates with legal, medical, IT, professional writing or political knowlege and experience, to fight hard for the civil rights of chronic pain patients.
Anyone interested can PM me here.
I hope this post is the start of a movement to take back control of our pain treatment from the DEA. I've been undertreated for my pain for over ten years due to doctor's reluctance to risk the wrath of our government - the government who is charged with our health and safety. I totally understand that each doctor wants to keep practicing medicine - their livelyhood. Not only are we undertreated with the amount of medication we are prescribed, but it's also difficult to even find a doctor willing to treat chronic pain patients.
The other area where we are undertreated is in the world of chronic fatigue. Stimulents such as Adderall have only been tested on 6 - 12 year old patients and the FDA recommended dosages are far too low for most adults. My doctors have been unwilling to prescribe a therapeutic amount of medication because they are so frightened of the DEA. And, I'm sure there are other maladies that are also undertreated. We patients need a strong voice to ensure we are treated properly. It's time to stop living in pain and fatigue because our doctors have been intimidated by OUR government!!!!
I have been taking Oxycontin 20 mg. 3 times a day for 5 years. I have built up a tolerance now. And have asked my doctor to raise the dosage," he tells me that if he was taken the amount of pain meds you take I would be flat on my back". He is not me and does not have my pain.
Ten years ago I started going to a pain clinic, they had me so grugged I did'nt know my name! 80mg. Oxycontin 4 times aday. When I changed Doctors(the one I have now) he sent me to a pain clinic that got me down to the does I am on now. I have begged my current Dr. to send me back to the pain clinic, he just wont do it. I think he knows my tolerance level after 5 years, and doesn't want the pain clinic to go against him and prescibe a higher does. I don't know what I'm going to do. It is starting to become an emerency situation.
If anyone has any ideas let me know
Good morning, Pamfry.
I'm so sorry to read about your difficult situation. Please know that you are not alone. Near the end of your post, you mentioned that your situation is becoming an emergency. If your pain is getting out of control, then a trip to the ER might be a good idea. The ER doc may be able to give you a little extra medication to get you through the worst of the pain. He may also have some ideas on other pain treatments.
For the long-term though, you may need to change doctors. If your current doctor is a road block to getting the help you need, find a new one. I know that switching doctors is hard because your current MD knows you so well. I was forced to look for another doctor and I found a gem who referred me to a great pain doctor (an osteopath) who has really helped me - not with just medication but also with manipulation and acupuncture (spelling?). I've read so many horror stories about people being under-treated for pain and I'm sorry you're in the same boat.
Best of luck and keep posting here. There are many people on this site who have great ideas that may help you.
Cheers.
Pamfry,
I totaly agree with C.C., it does suck to change Docs, but if you have to, do it. Also the Emergency room i agree with as well, If it is the money, or lack of insurance you cannot be turned away!!!! atleast you will get some relief and hopefully the E.R. doc might have someone whom he/she can recommend for you to see so you get the help you need.... very sorry for your situation.. my heart goes out to you. Linda
Unfortunately, chronic pain patients are at the mercy of their doctor. I can see why many would think going to the ER is a good idea but in reality (or my own experience) the doctor is either going to give you a small amount of the same pain meds you're already getting because they feel uncomfortable prescribing anything stronger, and recommend that you follow up with your Primary Care, or they won't give you any additional pain meds because they know you already have a prescription once you explain your situation. You will have to tell the ER doctor what you're being prescribed now because if not, then you'll be given a script for about 20 basic 5 mg Vicodin or Percocet to get you through until you can see your PCP.
As for changing doctors, this too is easier said than done. Maybe it's because of where I live (Massachusetts) and the state has strict DEA laws but you can't easily doctor shop. I've been having a difficult time with my doctor and getting a referral to see a rhuematologist about Fibromyalgia so I thought about changing doctors. I thought it would be simple enough to transfer my records and at least get the same meds and treatments as I do now; my chronic pain issues and pain clinic visits are all documented and go back 10+ years. When I began calling physicians that specialize in chronic pain, one of the very first things I was told by many different office staffs is that the doctor will not prescribe pain medication. Even after I explained that I already had a prescription for it, I was again told that their doctor wouldn't prescribe it to me. In short, I'm still seeing the same doctor I've always seen out of fear that if I switch, I will have to start back at square 1, where I was 10 years ago when it all started for me.
There aren't any easy solutions, or any solutions that I have found anyway. Those of us living in chronic pain on a daily basis are in our own private hell that NO ONE else can relate to unless they live it. I think we all wish that our doctors could live one week feeling the way we do, and I bet that getting a prescription would't be the equivalent of jumping through hoops of fire.
I have been in chronic pain for over 10 years. I have migraines and just now FINALLY being diagnosed with Lupus. It has gone on for so long I do not know how many organs have been effected. My bones hurt so bad and are swollen and deformed and still I have problems getting even tramadol.... My doctor left so now I have to start all over again. I have been to 1 doc who would not give me anything period even though she saw my mri. My spine is deterating due to the Lupus and I have a cyst. I can barley walk and still no dice. I am a drug seeker! I have a new app in 2 weeks and hoping this doc has a brain in her head. Mean while in 2 days I visit a rhumatoligist for the fist time and am praying at the very least for some tramadol. Some days I just want to die. I am so tired of being looked at like a drug abuser. I have offered to pee in a cup, sign what ever they want and still nothing. I hate starting over with new doctors. It is so hard.
Good luck to you all and send me good vibes.
my wife has had rsd for about 2 years, there is no cure but to control the pain, anyway you can ,or do something bad to yourself or others. find a new doctor now do not waite yours knows nothing about pain he has never had pain and doesn't care ! where do you live? find a pain clinic now and get the meds you need!!
Ive been in pain to many years of my life.for the last ten years or so been in pain management.i was at a point that my pain was bare able when they stopped my medicine and started a knew one.Was lied to why.his/her excuse was that my insurance wouldn't cover it no more after two plus years on it.Dint really care just want pain free.so was prescribed 2 instead of one prescriptions.now being on these for a long time not working as well as used to.actually not at all sometimes.so when i told them he said he wanted to stop them all together.and urine test every month fort past 6 months.worried if change Dr's it will be harder for pain management.hard enough living with pain and then he tells me he wants me to stop my med all at once.
I know the feeling,sorry to say.I was burglarized and out of everything they took my pain meds were included.Just had them filled two days prior.My Dr said no refills and he had all control over every one not to refill my prescriptions.I ended uip in the emergency ward for 7 hrs and the gave me scripts for 30 days.Myt Dr said he wouldnt refill but to do whatever I could to get meds.I wonder how far he wanted me to go.ever since that episode he urine test me every month and questions me about be a drug addict and says he wants to stop my prescriptions.Dont know what to do if he does.I signed my rights and life away to this Dr having trust in him.Hate to say but its going to get worse berfore it gets better.
peace and love
Steve
I have ran into the same problem twice now. I simply went back to the receptionist and told them I wanted a different doctor. I never cease to be amazed by the lack of competence of some doctors and I won't let myself get stuck with one those idiots. On the other hand, most pain management doctors are very considerate of your condition and won't hesitate to increase your level of opiates. I have to assume that, for some reason you can't change doctors. Well, there are other pain management techniques and many books (Managing Pain Before it Manages You) that can help you - self massage - physical therapy - mental control - spinal implants - TENS - etc. BUT ULTIMATELY, YOU HAVE TO GET RID OF THAT DOCTOR! There are good ones out there - really.
why cant you just have referral from specialist whom diagnosed you in the first place and have him or her refer you back to pain clinic minus the new doc.....
I am not certain that your pain clinic will still give you an increase in dosage. My clinic used to give me fentanyl patches, percocet and keep me grogged up too. Now they won't even dispense even tramadol to chronic pain patients especially if part of your Dx is Fibro!
The comment your doctor made about your dose of medicine laying him flat, is true.
If I have a great deal of pain, it takes a greater amount of medication to even feel pain relief...you don't need enough to feel "high". I certainly don't when given an adjusted and carefully monitored dosage.
Hope things get better.
Skye
My ER turned me down flat as they now have a no opiate for even greatly increased "chronic pain".
Going to a different doctor after no help from a clinic that mis-diagnosed me for months didn't help as my "medical records" followed me with out-right lies about my behavior. They misdiagnosed me for months and wrote numerous notes about my drug seeking behavior and addiction to "several painkillers" when I didn't even have access to any and an impinged nerve in my neck!(besides all the other"junk" that I have. Those records are hard to explain to any new doctor whom has not established the honesty of your relationship.
I am too tired from this pain and frustrated about the whole pain/no drug debate that I am too tired to fight so please, don't kindly suggest that I do. Sorry.
Skye
I understand what you going though. I am in the the process of finding a new doctor myself, and I starting to wonder what is written in my records. I feel like I am going to the court house instead of the doctors office.I wish I was able to drug test all the doctors I have been to in the past and ask for all the medical records, wonder what we would find! Its been 3 months without pain meds from a doctor so I am centen they feel I dont need them. I have been waiting for the "smoke to clear" medical records to be shuffeled around and for the present pain clinic to make there minds up if they will take me, in the mean time the dope dealers are getting rich! In my eyes pain clinics and pain doctors are like snake oil peddelers from the past if they dont like you dont get anything the goverment and the doctors..... who works for who I wonder freedom,free country free choice ya right,? Jason crist
I understand what you going though. I am in the the process of finding a new doctor myself, and I starting to wonder what is written in my records. I feel like I am going to the court house instead of the doctors office.I wish I was able to drug test all the doctors I have been to in the past and ask for all the medical records, wonder what we would find! Its been 3 months without pain meds from a doctor so I am centen they feel I dont need them. I have been waiting for the "smoke to clear" medical records to be shuffeled around and for the present pain clinic to make there minds up if they will take me, in the mean time the dope dealers are getting rich! In my eyes pain clinics and pain doctors are like snake oil peddelers from the past if they dont like you dont get anything the goverment and the doctors..... who works for who I wonder freedom,free country free choice ya right,? Jason crist
I hear you and I'm sick and tiered of the goverment and the right they think they should hold on us for what they do/not feel as a chronic pain suffer myself. I'm so tiered and want to go postal on the Social Security and goverment. and have many times wanted to stand out side the white house steps and protest but I'm to sick to do so.
the dea has created a epidemic and violated my civil and constitutional rights not to mention HIPPA and ADA plus as good doctors are attacked despite Chronic Pain Act that is suppose to protect them but demands for enforcement are not heard so as the Medical Board In Arkansas has elimanated every single pain clinic or terrifed doctors to not prescribe pain medication Thousands of Chronic Pain patients are suffering, forced to go on disability and commit suicide all from this epidemic that provides job security to dea agents. Since the war on Doctors, Pain Clinics or pill mills are the only placce to get pain medication if you can find one. They demand cash up front and cut back your medication. As for drug diversion, the dealers who have unlimited networking and tons of money have no problems finding doctors, and are not in pain that caused them to be homebound and unable to function. The chronic pain patients get there meds cut to justify pill mills prescribing to those who slip them extra money. After the 2 hour drive to this pill mill, my exam for $100 cash amounts to being checked for track marks and screw any medical problems I have just sit while the doctor writes script, then when I get kicked out for going to the ER for pnemonia treatment, (NO Narcotics just antiboitics) but without even getting a report accused of violateing drug contract, now am forced to illegal sources of drugs while watching everything in my life fall apart and when I can't afford the outrageous prices for illegal meds, I'll probably end up killing myself before living in unbearable pain so once again supporting the DEAs reasons for WAR on Drugs. As for drug diversion, I have first hand knowledge of any drugs that are taken by law enforcement being diverted right bacck to the streets after evidence is no longer needed. My dad use to deal for the Sheriff in our local town and if you look at crime rates in countries where drugs are minor offense or legal, THERE IS NO CRIME. sO HOW IS THE dea AND MEDICAL BOARDS GETTING AWAY WITH THIS ILLEGAL ACTION AND NO ONE DOING ANYTHING. A NATIONWIDE CIVIL ACTION NEEDS TO BE STARTED AND ONE GOOD LAWYER NEEDS TO STEP UP AND SUE. wITHOUT CONSEQUENCES FOR THERE ACTIONS THEY WILL NEVER STOP AND SINCE THE WAR ON DRUGS IS ABOUT NOTHING BUT MONEY AND BRIBES, A CIVIL ACTION HIGHLY PUBLICIZED JURY TRIAL WITH BILLIONS OF DOLLARS AWARDED NO SETTLEMENT BEHIND CLOSED DOORS. That is the only way to stop this insantiy and all it will take is one highly publicized win for all ambulance chasers to get in the game and start suing the medical board, dea and each person involved in this insane attack on pain patients and doctors. If they face consequences for there actions, they will think twice before continuing. Some attorney needs to step up and take this just cause on. I've contacted the ACLU and hope to hear something from them within a month but others need to do the same and anyone who has a friend that is a lawyer please get them to fight for our rights. Right now you cannot get to a pain clinic wihthin 100 miles of Arkansas. My last doctor only had 4 patients with chronic pain and was run out of town. Meanwhile the doctors that deserve to have there license suspended like the quacks that caused my chronic pain, are not even investigated because all resources of the medical boards are tied up with attacking pain doctors. And despite there own laws saying a doctor cannot abandon a patient, when they shut down a doctor leaving 250 patients in Chronic pain and withdrawl from high doses of medications and you ask them to recommend a pain doctor, they refuse to help, and when the doctor is shut down all your medical records dissapear, no referral, no proof of treatment and the medical board in arkansas won't even listen to pain patients in the hearing where 50 patients showed to speak for our doctor, the chairman publically stated, "we can't let them cloud the issue, there is nothing that can be done for them anyway. Well My life was fine being out of pain for the first time in 20 years and now my health, my finances and my home are destroyed with no medical care and pain unmanaged over a year now. I've taken the same dose of pain medication for 4 years and only needed increase when the new formula oxycontin did not work as well also my ADD medication is not being prescribed and can't afford 3 doctors a month to take care of mediall my medical problems that were being well managed by my GP who also acted as my shrink giving me someone to talk to now depressionand hopelessness with relationship and friends gone due to not being a nice person when in pain and hiding from everyone, and only reason I even get out of bed is my wolf who is my baby and now she is sick and I am failing her with no pain medication I barely give her insullin and thyroid nd can't even take her for walks everyday so when I cause her death, the dea will be able to add me to the statistics of people who died of overdose. so someone needs to step up now before its too late.