I am in chronic pain. I had a failed spinalfusion in april of 2001. now my pain is chronic
I am presently using group Health. During the past year they made me get off all pain medications & put me on suboxone. I was taking 240 mgs of oxycontin a day as well as up to 125mgs of short acting oxycodone and soma for relief. As all pain patients are I was afraid to give up what was my only relief for many years. I was glad to be able to get past this and see what suboxone "the supposed new miracle drug for pain patients" As I said it was sobering to say the least to get off pain medications. My problem is that I still need pain releif & group health refuses to give me any. The suboxone is just a drug to satisfy the opiate receptors and not go into withdrawal. It was touted as a new pain drug but to me it does nothing except keep withdrawal at bay. My question is As an intelligent adult who wants to be an active participant in his health care & be able to take the drugs that gave relief before. Befor I came to group health I had a kind Doctor who had no regrets helping me find what worked to help my pain. He was great but retired. I am now able to get medicare and would like possible referrals of health care personal who aren't afraid to prescribe the medications necessary for pain relief. I am on disability & I'm the stay at home dad who gets his kids off to school. This is a complex situation with much stress attached on many a front.I live in the Snohomish area of Wa. close to Everett and would appreciate any possible doctors who could help me with out all the baggage and guilt. Thankyou Hal
Hi hal..
I sympathize with you, I've had 4 back surgeries, all failed and have chronic pain for years now. Though I can't comment on the suboxone, I do understand how hard it is to find a doctor who understands, and isn't afraid to perscribe what is needed in order to have some quality of life. On the one hand I understand their being afraid of consequences from the government..but where does that lead us? The people left to deal with chronic pain! I'm told the doctors are out there. I have been with my doctor for 3 years on a regimine of 2 lortab 10 a day, phenergin (3x a day as needed, yet not enough to last a month, since it is most times needed 3x a day), and for panic disorder one klonopin at bedtime (he says will help me sleep). After 3 years, the pain of the failed surgeries, 2 other bad discs that no one seems to touch due to an already unstable spine, chronic migraines, fibromyalgia, RA and OA, the pain is almost untollerable at times, and my doctor says he can not adjust or up my meds. He said he can however refer me to pain management. I have heard many things about the PM places in our area..and I have mixed feelings about it. First the injections..been there done that, don't work. Second, I don't want to have to go to a shrink, which I'm told is part of the treatment. I also am disabled and we live out in the boonies. I don't drive a lot, unless I have to, and money is tight. I've explained I don't want to jump thru hoops, I'm not asking for anything outrageous (I have medication sensativities)..just to up what I already take..not asking for morphine or oxy etc. I figure, I will be 50 in a few months...and if I take all the strong meds NOW..what will be left for relief in the years to come. I don't want to be a zombie or sleep my life away..I just want some quality of life! Be able to get up and do something (tho I know and have come to terms with the fact that I'll never be able to do the things I've done in the past). It seems when you attempt to find a new doctor, they label you a "doctor shopper"..and make you feel guilty and ashamed. At the same time, I don't apologize, I didn't ask to be this way and had a very happy active life before my accident. I'm wondering myself how you go about finding a doctor..like you. I know I might not have answered your question..but I do understand. Good luck..and stay strong.
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