How do I get stronger meds w/o looking like Im an addict?

Question

I have three ruptured discs and severe disc degeneration in L-4 to S-1. I have done months of therapy, esi's (epidural steriod injections), completely changed my lifestyle and yet I still have constant pain. Now, most of the time, my pain is relieved by Darvocet or Lorcet which I take once a day, maybe 3-4 times a week. Not much at all. However, there are the days where Im really having trouble and five Lorcets wouldn't put a dent in the pain! These are the days Im forced to lay in bed, in excrutiating pain. I want to explain to my doc that the meds he prescribed me, while on mild days, are fine, but on bad days, don't help in the slightest. But with all the drug addicts these days looking for a stronger pill, I dont want him to think Im one of them. I mean, a 30 day supply would last me three to four months easily, so I don't think that there should be a problem, but I don't know how to approach it. Truly, I think my husband is about to handle it. He's so tired of seeing me in pain!

Answer 1

If you explain to your doctor the same way that you explained it to us, there should be no problem. And, your doctor will see that you are not coming in every week for a refill and see that the 30 day supply will last you for three to four months... that will be proof right there. Explain it EXACTLY like you just did and I am sure that your doctor will give you something

Answer 2

You have asked a very good question. First let me say, I am very sorry for your injuries and the pain they cause. I worked in the Emergency Room and we have a lot of drug seekers who visit regularly. You have a legitimate observation about the way your behavior may be conceived. That said, you are still in pain. Do not be afraid to tell your doctor, take your husband as your witness with you. I am sure your doctor will prescribe something stronger without you having to beg. However if you feel he is wavering, tell him you too are concerned about the effects and possible addiction, but cannot bear this pain any longer. I asked mine to give me a 30 day supply with no refill, telling him I would come back to him if needed. No problem, prescription filled. Good Luck to you.

Answer 3

I'm sorry to hear you're having such trouble. The medication you're taking now isn't very strong. I honestly don't think it should be a problem, as others have said. I live in chronic pain daily and have gone through the exact same steps you have. I, too, was always afraid to ask for something stronger. The drug seekers out there make our lives very difficult. But honestly, doctors truly know. I always make comments to my pain management doctor about being afraid to ask, or if I ask for something stronger, I always offer to bring in what is left of my old prescription so he doesn't get suspicious. He says he can tell and he doesn't worry about me. As somebody mentioned, you aren't in saying you ran out of pills early or you dropped them down the drain or a million other excuses as to why you need more. In my pain management clinic, I had to sign a contract stating I'd only get my pills from that doctor and you can only use one pharmacy. Recently my pharmacy didn't have the medication so I had to go to a different pharmacy. While I was waiting to get it filled, I called my doctors office to let them know what happened and I was at a different pharmacy so no red flags went up. They said it's things like that that keep us ok. You should be just fine. Just be aware of things like that.

Also, a word of advice. And this is very much from personal experience. I always HATED taking the pain pills, no matter how strong or weak. I would only take them as needed and would wait for the pain to kick in before taking them. I learned the hard way. It is better to take them on a regular basis and as prescribed. Once the pain reaches a certain level, you can take all the pills possible and they don't help. You have to take the pills before it gets that bad. I have finally given in to that fact and it does help keep things on more of an even level. My pain is still through the roof, but it is more even, if that makes sense. I now have an intrathecal pump (aka pain or morphine pump) and that doesn't even help. But I do take my oral medication regularly and I don't get those super high spikes in pain that nothing helps calm it even a little bit. I would talk to your doctor about that and maybe take the medication every day, if that is how it's prescribed. I never would take mine while at home but now I take it first thing in the morning so it doesn't get out of control. Maybe that is what's causing those really bad days for you?

I wish you well and hope it all works out!!!

Answer 4

If your pain is as bad as it sounds, perhaps a Fentanyl pach might be in order. Has he ever thought of intrathecal drip medication...into the spine? Also why not have surgery and do a fusion on that area. My husband had L4 and 5 fused....the sacrum might pose a problem though. There has to be a way of alleviating the pain you are in. The doagae you describe, hardly warrants suspicion of drug abuse. Be up front with your dotor...he knows your diagnosis, and the contributory pain....don't run away from this because you think he'll think you are becoming addicted...not on your dosing. Good luck my friend!

Answer 5

With a documented medical history of back pain of an observable, organic origin, you shouldn't have any hesitation to ask your provider for more adequate pain control. If you are in pain, tell your doctor what you are feeling. Only they can engage in a treatment plan with you in order for you to live a functional life.

Darvocet/Lorcet are appropriate for moderate levels of pain, but your doctor can offer you more options of pain medications to handle greater levels of pain.

Don't be afraid to engage your doctor to tell them how your feeling and how their current treatment plan is working for you. If it isn't working, your doctor will never know unless you tell them... remember, the squeaky wheel gets the oil.

Answer 6

Pain is subjective meaning if you tell your doctor your in pain he can't really argue if it's true or not. You might be building a tolerance to that medication so trying another type may help. But don't be afraid to tell your doctor if it's the truth.

Answer 7

Go to your doctor and tell him this. The doctors know what a drug addict looks like and someone in serious pain looks like....If yours does not get a new doctor. Good luck and just openly tell him like you did us.

Answer 8

there's nothing wrong with asking for a stronger medication! just tell the doctor that you are still in extreme pain and would like a stronger prescription.