Yes, I don't believe they will ban these two drugs either.  Hydrocone plus acetaminiphen = Vicodin and there are many combinations of strength for this drug.  They can be used for other types of chronic pain, not just fibromyalgia.  So I really don't think they will ban the drugs.  More restrictions could be coming, as  I now have to have a "drug test" every 6 months, even though I am following my doctor's orders for prescriptions.  I find this offensive, but if I want to keep taking the pain medications, this is the price I need to pay.  It feels like we are not trusted anymore, even though the abuse problem, is largely not with people who legitamitly take pain meds.  People who abuse these either steal them from others or get them by having several doctors prescribe them, and those doctors don't know that the patient has more than 1 source of supply.

Carrie Beth Brown, Health Guide

8/ 2/12 2:36pm

Curious what the "drug test" is that you mentioned? I also take OxyContin and have a few things that I have to do to maintain my prescription...things like I have to see my doctor every 2 months to continue the script. There are forms that record my pain levels and usage, etc. But it's not a big deal to me and I'm happy to do it if it shows that I'm one of those people who needs the medications and provides my doctor with the records she needs to safely prescribe etc. But I've never heard of " the drug test" so curious what that is...

tg48317

8/ 2/12 2:46pm

The drug test I am forced to take is a plain urine test, where I'm sure they are looking for either an overdosing or other pain meds being taken.  My doctor didn't really spell out what it is for, but since it is not government rules (I guess for just California, where I live) and I am on a controlled pain med (morphine sulfate), they are making me see my doctor twice a year and then have a drug test twice a year.

Carrie Beth Brown, Health Guide

8/ 2/12 3:14pm

Interesting, never heard of pain med patients taking the urine drug test. I guess if that's what I had to do to continue my meds, I would. I just wish that people with real pain issues didn't get criticized so harshly because of those who end up getting pills illegally or for addictions/street sales, etc. Its like the old saying.. "One person pees in the pool ... "

tg48317

8/ 2/12 4:20pm

I agree.  We should not have to endure the suspicions of others, just because we have chronic pain and need the pain meds in order to "half way" function as normal.

 

I need them so that i can work full time and earn a paycheck.  My husband is medically retired already, so we are on a fixed income and he can't earned any more income.  So it is up to me to make the money in our family.  I need to feel "1/2" way OK in order to get up everyday and work, instead of sleeping, like I'd really love to do instead...

They have already taken Darvocet off the market, so my doctor had to change to Hydrocodone and/or Oxycodone.  I have had other pain drugs that has not worked as well. My insurance only covers Generic drugs, so the possibility of getting the premium (brand name) is little-to-none.  I am a 72 year old woman, retired and living alone on SSA. Can't afford the higher priced drugs. I have had several back surgeries and suffered from Sciaticia, Spinal Stenosis, and Periformis Syndrome. I can barely walk to my mailbox without pain.  If the government stops these meds, it is because of all the mis-use for "highs" that causes addiction. We should not be penalized for those who mis-use the drugs.

I live in Texas and take random drug test at my pain managment doctor's office.  I go in every month for script refills.  I guess every doctor and or state are different.