This question is only for Chronic Pain suffers, Please?

Question

With all the pain mangements that are available, Why does a person that has all the documentation and MRI,s are put through the 3rd degree when trying to obtain a doctor that will be able to write the medications they need. When all some people have to do is claim they were hurt in a wreck or at work and they have no problem getting what they think they need?

Answer 1

Hi Becky, being someone who's been suffering from Fibromyalgia, among other things, I believe I understand where you are coming from. The problem is that even if you can back up your physical conditions by documents, MRIs, etc. there are still so many people our there that abuse the system and try obtain opiates and the like, long after they still need them for their pain. As you probably know, these type of medications are very addictive and in many cases put you into a cycle of needing more and more due to your system becoming immune to them quite easily. I wear the Fentanyl patch, in addition to Vicodin ES, Soma and Cymbalta. My pain level is excrutiating and many a days I can't even rise. My accidents (two within 5 weeks) happened in 2002 and left me completely disabled. There are good days and there are bad, mostly bad, but I have to hang in there and try to remain strong for my son's sake. Being a single Mom with no family to support me, I am very understanding towards your situation. I hope that you will find a good doctor (neurologist possibly) who can help you. Please, don't despair or give up. Better times and days will come. You must believe that to survive. Pain is a very bad thing having to live with and if you ever need to talk, please don't hesitate to contact me. Sometimes it helps just having someone in the same situation who will listen and share the ordeal with. Good luck, feel better soon and hang in there. MsB.

Answer 2

I agree with the fact that doctors are not given enough education on pain relief. I also think that pain meds should be the last resort and not the first to try. I have been suffering horribly since 1979 and did not give in to pain meds until 1990. I tried everything there was to try first. I am now on pain meds (140mg of methadone) a day and will be in a wheelchair in a few years they say. I would give anything to not have to take pain meds but there is no hope of that. I rally feel that too many want to go that route first when they might be better off with a chiropractor or even something else. Pain meds should not be the first choice. I had to go through the whole list before they even could find something to help me as morphine did not help and fentanyl does not agree with me at all.

Answer 3

If you're put through the thurd degree, it means you have a cautious and smart doctors. This is something you definitely WANT in a pain management doctor. Those that aren't cautious get shut down by the DEA and leave their patients high and dry without meds. I know it sucks to have to go through everything all over again when you have all the documentation, but it's usually only the first visit that you ahve to go through that. After that the drug tests that the doctor does tell him all he needs to know about how you're handling the medications. Thank the people who lie to doctors, abuse narcotics, try to buy narcotics without prescriptions, and sell their pills on the street. Your doctor is doinga service to all his patients by giving them the third degree because the DEA is constantly looking over his shoulder and he doesn't want to make a mistake that could cost all of you that see him your medications and a pain-free life.

Answer 4

In addition to the concerns about those who abuse the system there are many drs that are not properly educated when it comes to chronic pain. I read something the other day that said that the drs when they get their training only get about 8 hours or so of education about chronic pain and the impact that it has on the lives of so many.

That's why organizations like the one at the following link: http://www.painfoundation.org are trying very hard to educate the medical and lay communities to the true nature of what really goes on when it comes to chronic pain.

Dependence is a normal part of the process when taking narcotic painkillers because the person is using it to help them function on a daily basis the way that someone who takes insulin for Diabetes to live and function on a daily basis.

Chronic pain is a disease all its own but it's going to take a lot of work to make sure that the education efforts put forth suceed.

Answer 5

Unfortunately doctors have to protect themselves at the same time they treat their patients. They are often scrutinized for the meds they prescribe and can be investigated for giving large amounts of pain medications to patients. I was lucky enough to have doctors who trusted me, saw that I was in immense amounts of pain and knew that I was not abusing my meds. I was only questioned once by a doctor and he was not my usual doctor. Also, there are some doctors out there who do not understand pain, especially chronic pain. Find a doctor who understands you and knows what you are going through. Best wishes.

Answer 6

sure:( I dislocated my hip approximately 3 years in the past while my brother throw me out a 3store development that become on fireplace, It stayed like that for approximately an hour befor stupid medics and fireplace branch have been given there. IT harm like HELL and now once I turn my leg the incorrect way i'm getting or make a cirtain flow it hurts like F*ck and all i will do is cope with it until eventually ultimately it is going away! the slightes twist could make the soreness apear...

Answer 7

Because in pain management it is going to be long term. So they need documentation. Also some doctors don't like to perscribe medication plain and simple. You have to find one that is sympathetic to your pain.

Answer 8

I think because doctors just need to protect themselves. Unfortunately there are too many people out there who abuse pain killers. I know it sucks.