Getting treatment (First Post)
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 3
Getting treatment (First Post)
Hello!
I am looking to get treatment. My gyno had prescribed me Vicodin for a year and a half. I have severe endometriosis. I've been through 13 surgeries, including a complete hysterectomy at the age of 22.
He prescribed this for me and I took it as directed. Yesterday at my visit, however, he informed me that due to a new law I would no longer be able to get it. He sent me home with a prescription for Motrin.
I am in my 2nd day of withdrawal and I am feeling horrible. I work full-time and have two children....so this is not going well. I have done online searches and would love to start Suboxone. I have called 4 treatment centers today and couldn't get in touch with anyone and no one has called me back.
Any advice on what to do from here? I need help now and I am not sure how long I can wait. I called the Pain Management center at Cleveland Clinic and the soonest they can get me in is August 10th!
Help!!
I am looking to get treatment. My gyno had prescribed me Vicodin for a year and a half. I have severe endometriosis. I've been through 13 surgeries, including a complete hysterectomy at the age of 22.
He prescribed this for me and I took it as directed. Yesterday at my visit, however, he informed me that due to a new law I would no longer be able to get it. He sent me home with a prescription for Motrin.
I am in my 2nd day of withdrawal and I am feeling horrible. I work full-time and have two children....so this is not going well. I have done online searches and would love to start Suboxone. I have called 4 treatment centers today and couldn't get in touch with anyone and no one has called me back.
Any advice on what to do from here? I need help now and I am not sure how long I can wait. I called the Pain Management center at Cleveland Clinic and the soonest they can get me in is August 10th!
Help!!
Life the gift of recovery!
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Home is where the heart is
Posts: 7,061
Welcome to SR.
Sorry to hear about your struggle. I went through withdrawals from oxycontin and they lasted about a week. It was miserable so I can somewhat relate to your situation. I wish you the best and apologize for not having any real suggestions to your questions.
Sorry to hear about your struggle. I went through withdrawals from oxycontin and they lasted about a week. It was miserable so I can somewhat relate to your situation. I wish you the best and apologize for not having any real suggestions to your questions.
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,947
Sounds like abandonment to me.... seriously. If he is not able to prescribe pain meds for a medical condition that he has been treating you for, then he needs to find someone who will do that for you, or help you get off them.
I never heard of a law that a physician couldn't prescribe pain meds to someone who needs them... in fact, it's absurd...
Is there something you are not telling us, or something he's not telling you?
I never heard of a law that a physician couldn't prescribe pain meds to someone who needs them... in fact, it's absurd...
Is there something you are not telling us, or something he's not telling you?
bona fido dog-lover
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: SF Bay area, CA
Posts: 99,783
Welcome to the family from a fellow Buckeye.
I don't know anything about vicodin but these people might have some good advice for you.
Substance Abuse - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
I don't know anything about vicodin but these people might have some good advice for you.Substance Abuse - SoberRecovery : Alcoholism Drug Addiction Help and Information
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 3
Honestly I am sharing everything with you.
He told me that according to a new law in Ohio he cannot prescribe pain medication to me as a chronic pain patient. He told me that I would need to go to a Pain Management clinic.
I have an appointment at Cleveland Clinic but the soonest that they have is August 10th. I've called more local facilities but have not heard back.
Apparently the new bill here in Ohio is targeting "pain clinics" that are over prescribing narcotics. I think when it all comes down to it he doesn't want to run the risk of being put under the DEA microscope.
I just feel that it was in bad manner that he handled this. I feel like for the last 13 years I've trusted him as a physician and followed his advice. I didn't even ask to be put on Vicodin. He just did it and kept doing it.
It is just stressful. I think maybe I should get another doctor.
Thanks for all of your comments!
He told me that according to a new law in Ohio he cannot prescribe pain medication to me as a chronic pain patient. He told me that I would need to go to a Pain Management clinic.
I have an appointment at Cleveland Clinic but the soonest that they have is August 10th. I've called more local facilities but have not heard back.
Apparently the new bill here in Ohio is targeting "pain clinics" that are over prescribing narcotics. I think when it all comes down to it he doesn't want to run the risk of being put under the DEA microscope.
I just feel that it was in bad manner that he handled this. I feel like for the last 13 years I've trusted him as a physician and followed his advice. I didn't even ask to be put on Vicodin. He just did it and kept doing it.
It is just stressful. I think maybe I should get another doctor.
Thanks for all of your comments!
Member
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 6,947
OK...
If that's what is going on... and I still smell a fish (not from you!! from the doctor).... based on what you've told me...
That doctor has abandoned you if he has not helped you arrange follow up or transfer of care....
You may want to call his office and point that out.... If he is doing this across the board, and if I understand this accurately, he is taking a huge legal risk... as abandonment has serious legal consequences... He MUST at the very least treat you for a month after notifying you to allow you time to transfer to another care provider...
So call that office.... Have them arrange to get your medical care at another office, as they are REQUIRED to do.
Then... if you are addicted to this stuff, and you can manage your pain sans narcs, get recovered and get this all behind you...
If that's what is going on... and I still smell a fish (not from you!! from the doctor).... based on what you've told me...
That doctor has abandoned you if he has not helped you arrange follow up or transfer of care....
You may want to call his office and point that out.... If he is doing this across the board, and if I understand this accurately, he is taking a huge legal risk... as abandonment has serious legal consequences... He MUST at the very least treat you for a month after notifying you to allow you time to transfer to another care provider...
So call that office.... Have them arrange to get your medical care at another office, as they are REQUIRED to do.
Then... if you are addicted to this stuff, and you can manage your pain sans narcs, get recovered and get this all behind you...
Member
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: Colorado Springs, CO
Posts: 2,391
I agree with Mark75, what a bunch of hooey.
I've never been just cut off by a Dr., they tapered me.
When I realized I was abusing my medication the physicians referred me to a treatment program when I asked them to.
I've never been just cut off by a Dr., they tapered me.
When I realized I was abusing my medication the physicians referred me to a treatment program when I asked them to.
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,444
After your post I did some reading....from what I read, the OH legislation is targeting pill mills - it's not about denying genuine patients medication they legitimately need.
For what it's worth I suggest you find a Dr who truly understands the new legislation
D
For what it's worth I suggest you find a Dr who truly understands the new legislation
D
Member
Thread Starter
Join Date: Jun 2011
Location: NE Ohio
Posts: 3
Just wanted to stop back by to give you an update.
It's been nearly a month since I've taken any pain pills other than Motrin. I have called all of the pain management specialists in my area and there is a several month waiting list. My gynecologist says that he can only refer me but cannot get me an appointment.
It has been a rough few weeks. I find myself in tears at work because of the stabbing pain. There has got to be a better solution to this!
It's been nearly a month since I've taken any pain pills other than Motrin. I have called all of the pain management specialists in my area and there is a several month waiting list. My gynecologist says that he can only refer me but cannot get me an appointment.
It has been a rough few weeks. I find myself in tears at work because of the stabbing pain. There has got to be a better solution to this!
Administrator
Join Date: Apr 2007
Location: Australia
Posts: 211,444
I'm sorry for the waiting lists Socks.
The only other thing I can suggest is you give look at this link - I'm not an American, so I have no personal experience with this organisation, but they may be able to give you advice
2-1-1 Call Center Search
D
The only other thing I can suggest is you give look at this link - I'm not an American, so I have no personal experience with this organisation, but they may be able to give you advice
2-1-1 Call Center Search
D
Re-Member
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: Colorado Springs, Colorado
Posts: 7,583
Folks I just researched it as well. Here is an excerpt from the law:
"On May 20, 2011, Ohio governor, John Kasich, signed Ohio House Bill 93 into law. The bill represents an effort by Ohio to strengthen the State's regulatory framework relating to the prevention of prescription drug abuse. According to the Ohio Department of Health, since 2007, unintentional drug overdoses in the state accounted for more accidental deaths than motor vehicle crashes and suicides combined."
As far as going to another state, the law was passed quickly because a county in Southern Ohio had people from adjoining states coming in to get scrips filled.
I agree that going to the ER for pain and/or detox assistance may be the only sensible solution.
"On May 20, 2011, Ohio governor, John Kasich, signed Ohio House Bill 93 into law. The bill represents an effort by Ohio to strengthen the State's regulatory framework relating to the prevention of prescription drug abuse. According to the Ohio Department of Health, since 2007, unintentional drug overdoses in the state accounted for more accidental deaths than motor vehicle crashes and suicides combined."
As far as going to another state, the law was passed quickly because a county in Southern Ohio had people from adjoining states coming in to get scrips filled.
I agree that going to the ER for pain and/or detox assistance may be the only sensible solution.
Member
Join Date: May 2012
Location: USA
Posts: 1
Ohio House Bill 93
I got discharged by my pain doc over a misunderstanding. Because he discharged me, my only options are to detox with a doctor's help, or run out of morphine and end up in withdrawal, which could be dangerous for me due to multiple health problems.
.
I saw another pain doctor last week, she was very nice to me and explained to me what the problem was with regards to failed attempts to get another pain doctor, she told me about the law. She offered me the Suboxone treatment, so I am going to do it because I want off of the morphine. I will be detoxing outpatient, and to do this with Suboxone, the doctor has to be licensed and certified by the DEA in order to offer this treatment.
You can read about the drug at www suboxone com
Anyways, I know your post was about a year ago, but I wanted to post this up here for others who are looking for info, because when I was discharged, abandoned, I haven't been able to find much. There has been a lot of patient abandonment going on according to many healthcare workers including nurses. And according to the doc I saw, this bill apparently blacklists a patient from getting any narcotics from any pain management clinic in the entire state, and from what I understand, for the rest of the patient's life. Sucks, right?
From your post, your case sounds like patient abandonment because he just quit prescribing your Vicodin. He should have titrated(stepped down or tapered) the dose so you could do it gradually instead of suddenly and experience the withdrawal.
Good luck to everyone and if you are out of meds and going through withdrawal, get thee to an ER because withdrawal from some drugs is very dangerous and could kill you.
I am not a doctor or a healthcare professional, and my advice should not be considered as professional advice. Please seek care through your doctor or whatever health care facility of your choice. I am not liable if you read this post and take my advice and somehow you suffer in some way. This post is my opinion, YMMV.
.
I saw another pain doctor last week, she was very nice to me and explained to me what the problem was with regards to failed attempts to get another pain doctor, she told me about the law. She offered me the Suboxone treatment, so I am going to do it because I want off of the morphine. I will be detoxing outpatient, and to do this with Suboxone, the doctor has to be licensed and certified by the DEA in order to offer this treatment.
You can read about the drug at www suboxone com
Anyways, I know your post was about a year ago, but I wanted to post this up here for others who are looking for info, because when I was discharged, abandoned, I haven't been able to find much. There has been a lot of patient abandonment going on according to many healthcare workers including nurses. And according to the doc I saw, this bill apparently blacklists a patient from getting any narcotics from any pain management clinic in the entire state, and from what I understand, for the rest of the patient's life. Sucks, right?
From your post, your case sounds like patient abandonment because he just quit prescribing your Vicodin. He should have titrated(stepped down or tapered) the dose so you could do it gradually instead of suddenly and experience the withdrawal.
Good luck to everyone and if you are out of meds and going through withdrawal, get thee to an ER because withdrawal from some drugs is very dangerous and could kill you.
I am not a doctor or a healthcare professional, and my advice should not be considered as professional advice. Please seek care through your doctor or whatever health care facility of your choice. I am not liable if you read this post and take my advice and somehow you suffer in some way. This post is my opinion, YMMV.
SR Fan
Join Date: Apr 2010
Location: Mississippi
Posts: 7,910
Welcome Wickedlizzie -
It's a shame that many doctors aren't more involved/aware of the problems of addiction. I hope you get the help you need, and hope you stick around - the support here is great! (I think I'd write my congressman, too - they need to know all sides of the issue).
It's a shame that many doctors aren't more involved/aware of the problems of addiction. I hope you get the help you need, and hope you stick around - the support here is great! (I think I'd write my congressman, too - they need to know all sides of the issue).
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