[ClaraTaylor]

I've been bouncing off a pain flare up since Friday, now unfortunately I haven't been able to get an appointment to see any GP at the surgery until Thursday (because fed up of phoning I went in and cried in the waiting room until the ever so nice receptionist was able to find something). Hopefully he'll get me back on morphine "top up as required" and we'll reassess the other drugs.

Three times so far I've gotten to the point where I was seriously in of extra assistance as I wasn't coping at all well and no amount of TENS machines / breathing exercises / stretches / paracetamol / Lycria / ... seemed to be helping. Seeing the GP wasn't going to happen and seeing the pain management people... might as well schedule them in for February.
So going to the hospital seems a sensible idea - either A&E or a walk in type minor injuries clinic (I've no idea what they have in Loughborough, I was just going to stay curled up in a little ball whimpering and let the grandparents decide where was best to take me! Guess I ought find out!!) but of course all I could worry about was them thinking I'm a drug seeker (which of course I AM!! Give me the drugs!! Just take the pain away too!) or other unsavoury addict.

Does anyone have any experience of the BRITISH (sorry chaps - no way I can fly over to America to be treated this time) system when going to hospitals for pain relief assistance? Any tips for next time so that I will know how not to be treated like a junkie (maybe I'm just being paranoid?) I did think the wheelchair might be a clue to a "pre-existing condition" for the over worked staff but then since I'm an incomplete what if they think it's all part of the "act" ?

Counting down the hours (too many) til Thursday and signs of some relief.

[allister]

ClaraTaylor, on 17 August 2010 - 09:49 PM, said:

I've been bouncing off a pain flare up since Friday, now unfortunately I haven't been able to get an appointment to see any GP at the surgery until Thursday (because fed up of phoning I went in and cried in the waiting room until the ever so nice receptionist was able to find something). Hopefully he'll get me back on morphine "top up as required" and we'll reassess the other drugs.

Three times so far I've gotten to the point where I was seriously in of extra assistance as I wasn't coping at all well and no amount of TENS machines / breathing exercises / stretches / paracetamol / Lycria / ... seemed to be helping. Seeing the GP wasn't going to happen and seeing the pain management people... might as well schedule them in for February.
So going to the hospital seems a sensible idea - either A&E or a walk in type minor injuries clinic (I've no idea what they have in Loughborough, I was just going to stay curled up in a little ball whimpering and let the grandparents decide where was best to take me! Guess I ought find out!!) but of course all I could worry about was them thinking I'm a drug seeker (which of course I AM!! Give me the drugs!! Just take the pain away too!) or other unsavoury addict.

Does anyone have any experience of the BRITISH (sorry chaps - no way I can fly over to America to be treated this time) system when going to hospitals for pain relief assistance? Any tips for next time so that I will know how not to be treated like a junkie (maybe I'm just being paranoid?) I did think the wheelchair might be a clue to a "pre-existing condition" for the over worked staff but then since I'm an incomplete what if they think it's all part of the "act" ?

Counting down the hours (too many) til Thursday and signs of some relief.

Oh heck Clara, daft question to ask if you are alright.
The 'walk in centre' might be the first line of attack, but have you rang your 'out of hours' doctors? They should, under the circumstances give you an app't to see an OOH Dr tonite, and they should also be able to help. I doubt if the hospital will issue pain relief.

Just asked one of the ward nurses here and she says contact your out of hours service asap. They very much doubt if A&E will issue pain relief for breakout pain, OK..
Good luck hon x
let us know how you do..

[greybeard]

Hi Clara. Sorry to hear you are having such a bad time at present. Unless some comment about drug abuse has been made to you by a medical professional, I think you are over-reacting. If you need treatment, you are entitled to ask for it without being branded a junkie. Pain relief is just as necessary for you as another medication may be for any other ill patient, especially as the cause of your pain isn't going to cure itself. If a medic has made derogatory comments about your need for pain relief, you need to stamp your foot and get them sorted for unprofessional conduct.

If you are incapacitated by great pain and can't access your GP clinic, have you tried the clinic's emergency contact number to get some out of hours treatment. The clinic probably has a web site that should give the number to ring. Minor injuries clinics don't operate out of daytime hours around here.

You could ring NHS direct and speak to one of the nursing staff to get advice. You might be advised to go to A & E by them. Sorry, but that's the best I can do. Good luck, and I hope you get the help you need fast.

[ClaraTaylor]

The out of hours service (seems to cover quite a few local doctor surgeries) has so far suggested that I phone NHS direct (tried - they suggested I call my doctor), call back in the morning and request an appointment then as it's "not life threatening", or go to hospital (but they wont send over a fax or any kind of information with my medical records so the doctors at least know what's going on when I arrive).
Friends (who happen to be nurses) that I've spoken too are saying that all they think A&E will do is put me on a saline drip and offer me paracetamol. They say junkies are so common that their experiences of A&E are that it seemed to cloud nurses minds. I just wanted to know if this is what actually happens (without of cause having to go through all of the stress of having to go because the last thing I want to add to the pain is a few hours in a cold unfamiliar environment!)

25 hours til I get to see the doctor. Hurrah.

[pinkcloud]

ClaraTaylor, on 18 August 2010 - 06:22 AM, said:

The out of hours service (seems to cover quite a few local doctor surgeries) has so far suggested that I phone NHS direct (tried - they suggested I call my doctor), call back in the morning and request an appointment then as it's "not life threatening", or go to hospital (but they wont send over a fax or any kind of information with my medical records so the doctors at least know what's going on when I arrive).
Friends (who happen to be nurses) that I've spoken too are saying that all they think A&E will do is put me on a saline drip and offer me paracetamol. They say junkies are so common that their experiences of A&E are that it seemed to cloud nurses minds. I just wanted to know if this is what actually happens (without of cause having to go through all of the stress of having to go because the last thing I want to add to the pain is a few hours in a cold unfamiliar environment!)

25 hours til I get to see the doctor. Hurrah.

yes its very true - especially up the lri (leicester royal infirmary). just like how fake back pain claiments have clouded the publics mind about real back pain people, so are the medical proffessions having to br careful too. As ususl the bad people in life have spoiled it for us good ones (not that drug addicts are bad people, but the nhs hsve to view them as 'bad financial drains on funding'. I have pm'd you.

[Tetracyclone]

Clara- Can you, in the NHS system, demand copies of your medical records with each visit? If so you would have a fat folder to present to each new Doctor, edited to show pain problem chronology.

Praying you meet SuperDoc.

[ClaraTaylor]

Superdoc alas busy with other patients.

The doctor I did see (nice dippy little lass) wanted me to go the normal route aka being on a high level of opiate pain killers ALL OF THE TIME so that when the pain flared to Fridays level I would already be doped up and so unable to feel it. This is not what I want! I pride myself on being on the lowest level of painkillers all of the time - I like to be able to function! Doctors don't seem to understand "flare ups" or "crisis modes" (all big words I learnt on the pain management course!) or the idea that you only want painkillers to take when it /really/ hurts (as opposed to normal level of hurt) as I swear her eyes started to glaze over when I said I wanted to have fast acting drugs that don't stay in the system long (aka morphine) kept by my side just in case (rather than being in the situation I was on Friday where I had the pain... but no drugs because I couldn't get the appointment to see the doctor).

All that matters is that I won (she's given me 50 mls of morphine sulphate) and so have something to keep me human while I await an appointment with my normal super doctor and we restart the fight (I said I wanted a few months off fighting with hospitals) to get something long term sorted.

Thanks for your support.

[Tetracyclone]

AND... CLARA WINS ANOTHER ROUND!!!

Too loopy to enjoy it though.

Regards.

[greybeard]

Glad you managed to win that small battle and get a temporary fix. Now good luck with winning the war.

[edlee]

Drug seeking is rampant, here, too. My son in law has been an ER nurse for about 6 years,, and they are on a first name basis with most of the DSs in the immediate area. One of the problems is that a large percentage of them only use a small percentage of whatever they are given,, and sell the rest to get money for whatever their drug og choice happens to be.

One of the other problems is that many of these DSs are also in chairs. My SIL said it wasn't unusual to see someone pushed up to the ER door by 2 or 3 people, then those people waited outside till the one in the chair got what he/she came for. On going back outside, the "spoils" were devided and money changed hands,,, right outside the door.

Apparantly, by law, our ER doctors aren't ALLOWED to deny treatment for pain, even though they believe it won't be used as prescribed. Funny system, eh? But it only works for you if you know the buzz words and phrases. Consistancy in complaints,, and INSISTING that you have tried all the other medications ( knowing the glossary of pain killers is almost universal among DSs).

Seems only those of us who don't complain a lot and aren't familiar with what drugs are available,, get stiffed. Given something that doesn't work and are forced to "try it for two weeks" before we are given something else that doesn't work "for two weeks",,,,, but we can't get an appointment more than once a month. I'm going through that ratrace now, myself.

I hope you have better luck, Clara.
ed

[ClaraTaylor]

greybeard, on 19 August 2010 - 01:03 PM, said:

Glad you managed to win that small battle and get a temporary fix. Now good luck with winning the war.

Alas I think the war is going to take a few more spitfires and a much bigger tank.
I am now tempted to get a copy of my medical records dating back to the day of the accident so that I can produce a nice wee list of drugs I've already tried. Or at least a nice concise list of the treatment, dates symptoms started. Despite the doctors having this information they /always/ ask me for it... despite my telling them repeatedly that the brain injury makes it hard to remember.

You never know. I might spot something we've all missed and find that it's a jelly baby will make a wonderful replacement spinal cord (I'm going to use cola bottles for the replacement disc)

[pinkcloud]

[/quote]

I'm glad you got one doctor to listen - you may see another 100 in your lifetime so only 99 more to go . Keep going lass. We need people who have the guts to speak out for themselves and thus other SCI's

[Lucky]

I've got a little ruiteen after plenty of trial n error.

I make sure I see my G.P once every 28 days (scrip lasts that long).

Then I never take friday appointments, or late friday anyhow. That way, anything mess's up, you ain't got all week-end to wait to see a G.P!

I'm on Oxycontin 180mg, Oramorph 500ml/month, Oxactin 40mg/day & Diazepam 10mg/day plus loads more but there my main meds. Imagine running out and having to wait 3 days till the surgery re-opens..... I would be physically and mentally ill!

I try to see my G.P a little sooner than 28 days.... this way, I can build a small 'stash' incase of an emergency!

This make sense or helpfull?

Keep on keepin on my fellow spine busters! Peace. X

[pinkcloud]

Lucky, on 21 August 2010 - 12:21 AM, said:

I've got a little ruiteen after plenty of trial n error.

I make sure I see my G.P once every 28 days (scrip lasts that long).

Then I never take friday appointments, or late friday anyhow. That way, anything mess's up, you ain't got all week-end to wait to see a G.P!

I'm on Oxycontin 180mg, Oramorph 500ml/month, Oxactin 40mg/day & Diazepam 10mg/day plus loads more but there my main meds. Imagine running out and having to wait 3 days till the surgery re-opens..... I would be physically and mentally ill!

I try to see my G.P a little sooner than 28 days.... this way, I can build a small 'stash' incase of an emergency!

This make sense or helpfull?

Keep on keepin on my fellow spine busters! Peace. X

Hi lucky

Thats a real good idea. I am terrible with this sort of thing so I make it a new habit to do this. I'm not on as many pain meds as you, just diclofenac and lyrica. But to run out - awful. I didnt find morphine or oramorph touched my pain enough but i'm a different injury level to you so maybe thats why and it works differently?

I didnt think of it before but what our friend here says is true - we could do with something guareented to work a bit stronger just for when we have a real bad day. On them days i would take oramorph as it helps just not to care for a few hours.

Best wishes.

[ClaraTaylor]

Lucky, why isn't your medication on a repeat system so that you don't have to bother the GP every month for routine scripts?

[Lucky]

ClaraTaylor, on 21 August 2010 - 07:49 AM, said:

Lucky, why isn't your medication on a repeat system so that you don't have to bother the GP every month for routine scripts?

Most of my meds are on repeat, how-ever, Oxycontin, Oramorph and Diazepam are classed as 'controlled drugs' and can't be on a repeat prescription.

Cheers.

[tyvin]

Yes in the U.S. one cannot have a running RX for controlled pain meds. A new prescription is required every month and has to be presented in person to the pharmacy with a picture ID to obtain it every month. The DEA has really got the docs here scared and afraid to prescribe the necessary meds for good pain management as well.

I'm on Oxycontin and the other day I took my script to the pharmacy to cash it as I do every month and the pharmacy wouldn't cash it. It appears there are now more new rules that have come down the pike and the script has to include if Oxycontin is a pill or capsule. I was astounded because I had taken the handi-van to my docs and couldn't turn around and just go back for a new written script so I got testy and asked if the color had to be included as well. I mean after all Oxycontin does not come in any other form but pill. Seriously people; I've transcribed med orders for 15 years prior to my accident and never thought it would get this bad.

So there you have it; in the U.S. it has turned into a real game. So for those who are on controlled substances look at your script at the docs office before you leave and make sure the med is explained/written in it's entirety including name, dose, route, time, person and now med form whether it be capsule, liquid, pill etc... It's true there are many meds that one must put whether it's a capsule or pill but that's because they are offered in those forms (Oxycontin is a pill put out in mg. I guess you could make the argument about the liquid form but that stuff if only prescribed in the hospitals that I know about and anyway mg and liters is a clear indication of form).

Make sure your current address matches the docs address and your ID as well. I just moved and my ID did not match my credit card address and there was a fuss about that. That's right folks! You caught me! I'm an international drug smuggler selling it pill by pill and making a killing! Never mind my chronic pain and the discomfort and absolute crap I go through each day If I don't have something for the control.

I to have adjusted my meds so I could save up a stash for emergency purposes which I just used because it took another week for me to get the script written in the now warranted language. It was a circus. The doc wanted the darn script back that I left at the pharmacy and was hurt or didn't understand why they didn't know the latest in writing scripts and then the handi-van messed up and I had to cancel and then my doc went on a couple days vacation (really)and it was the weekend. So if I wouldn't have had that reserve that we aren't suppose to have I would have ended up in the hospital.

I really need a car; this handi-van thing is random at best for service. Anyway; keep current with the rules. Also in the U.S. to make the game of cashing the controlled substance scripts even more challenging they cannot be filled any sooner then 3 days before the last one runs out. Good luck for those that live in the country or don't have a car like me. In conclusion the latest secret is to know how the script must be written (exactly to a T).

[pinkcloud]

All of a sudden I feel lucky to live in this country.

Thanks for that info, i find it so interesting to see how others live in different parts of the world

[mcwriter]

tyvin, on 29 August 2010 - 07:37 PM, said:

Yes in the U.S. one cannot have a running RX for controlled pain meds. A new prescription is required every month and has to be presented in person to the pharmacy with a picture ID to obtain it every month. The DEA has really got the docs here scared and afraid to prescribe the necessary meds for good pain management as well.

I'm on Oxycontin and the other day I took my script to the pharmacy to cash it as I do every month and the pharmacy wouldn't cash it. It appears there are now more new rules that have come down the pike and the script has to include if Oxycontin is a pill or capsule. I was astounded because I had taken the handi-van to my docs and couldn't turn around and just go back for a new written script so I got testy and asked if the color had to be included as well. I mean after all Oxycontin does not come in any other form but pill. Seriously people; I've transcribed med orders for 15 years prior to my accident and never thought it would get this bad.

So there you have it; in the U.S. it has turned into a real game. So for those who are on controlled substances look at your script at the docs office before you leave and make sure the med is explained/written in it's entirety including name, dose, route, time, person and now med form whether it be capsule, liquid, pill etc... It's true there are many meds that one must put whether it's a capsule or pill but that's because they are offered in those forms (Oxycontin is a pill put out in mg. I guess you could make the argument about the liquid form but that stuff if only prescribed in the hospitals that I know about and anyway mg and liters is a clear indication of form).

Make sure your current address matches the docs address and your ID as well. I just moved and my ID did not match my credit card address and there was a fuss about that. That's right folks! You caught me! I'm an international drug smuggler selling it pill by pill and making a killing! Never mind my chronic pain and the discomfort and absolute crap I go through each day If I don't have something for the control.

I to have adjusted my meds so I could save up a stash for emergency purposes which I just used because it took another week for me to get the script written in the now warranted language. It was a circus. The doc wanted the darn script back that I left at the pharmacy and was hurt or didn't understand why they didn't know the latest in writing scripts and then the handi-van messed up and I had to cancel and then my doc went on a couple days vacation (really)and it was the weekend. So if I wouldn't have had that reserve that we aren't suppose to have I would have ended up in the hospital.

I really need a car; this handi-van thing is random at best for service. Anyway; keep current with the rules. Also in the U.S. to make the game of cashing the controlled substance scripts even more challenging they cannot be filled any sooner then 3 days before the last one runs out. Good luck for those that live in the country or don't have a car like me. In conclusion the latest secret is to know how the script must be written (exactly to a T).

Crudbuckets! I just read this on the very day I have to request the monthly scrips for my husband from the doctor's office. Thanks for the heads up!

Aside from the new thing you say here, I have to jump through hoops almost every month like this. It is very stressful because at the pharmacy we frequent, they re-order their stock according to what is sold, so if some oddball person comes in and buys a chunk of what I get for my husband every month it is hell to play guess the pharmacy that has it in stock and drive all over the place!!! Ugh.

And boy did I learn to make sure they have it in stock right when I present the scrips!!! Before I figured that one out I used to wait half an hour or longer just to find out they didn't have enough to fill the scrips, and you know it screws everything up to take partial fills!

I make them call their other pharmacies and sometimes have to go to a different chain, sometimes I could get only get 1 scrip at one pharmacy and then have to go across to the other side of the city for the other scrip, I have even had to drive to the next town!

I was told one time by a pharmacist to always tell them that my husband is a regular customer because sometimes they save some of their inventory just for those customers. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't, but one time when I asked them to make sure they had the two Rx's on hand, I was first told "No" and then when I said he was a regular customer, suddenly the answer was "yes"---go figure.

Finally the pharmacy I frequent the most often got a new manager and he made it a point to be sure he ordered enough to have on hand enough to fill my husband's two controlled scrips every month. So far he has been good as his word, but I still cross my fingers and make sure I set aside extra time, just in case.

I will call the pharmacy today and check into what you said about the form of the Rx, before I do anything else.
Thanks again for the heads up!

[tyvin]

Oh yes the game of "We only order so much" at the pharmacy. Here in Hawaii I also tried the regular customer thing and they are complying so far. But that is such a game that the pharmacies won't keep that much stock on hand. One person told me it's because they are afraid of being robbed and also the DEA recommends only so much of this and that etc...

Even though Hawaii is considered to always be late in getting with the program as far as other states are concerned they are sure up with the DEA and it's new requirements. I was still a little riffed about the not putting it's a pill or tablet in my case thing that I had my doc write round tablet just to be sure. Hey! There are oval ones, square ones, rectangle etc...and if their going to go that far why is not the color included? I mean if you want to get specific about it.

I hear you and know what you go through and am glad your pharmacy is compliant (so far) with the regular customer thing. When I was in foster care and other people would fill my meds they were constantly saying that they had to go all over town to get them filled as you describe. It's so nice when you can find a pharmacy that is compliant.

[BalancedInteger]

Quote

Yes in the U.S. one cannot have a running RX for controlled pain meds. A new prescription is required every month and has to be presented in person to the pharmacy with a picture ID to obtain it every month. The DEA has really got the docs here scared and afraid to prescribe the necessary meds for good pain management as well.

Um. I have running refills for my vicodin prescription, getting three refills per script. As long as I have a refill remaining on my script, all I've ever had to do is phone in a refill.

Sounds like you might be dealing with a state regulation. Unless I'm seriously misreading your post.

On a side note, I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird that I'm looking to donate to someone who could use a dependable ride with hand controls already installed. Figures that you would be the perfect person to take her, and be all the way out in Hawaii.

[tyvin]

BalancedInteger, on 31 August 2010 - 06:46 AM, said:

Quote

Yes in the U.S. one cannot have a running RX for controlled pain meds. A new prescription is required every month and has to be presented in person to the pharmacy with a picture ID to obtain it every month. The DEA has really got the docs here scared and afraid to prescribe the necessary meds for good pain management as well.

Um. I have running refills for my vicodin prescription, getting three refills per script. As long as I have a refill remaining on my script, all I've ever had to do is phone in a refill.

Sounds like you might be dealing with a state regulation. Unless I'm seriously misreading your post.

On a side note, I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird that I'm looking to donate to someone who could use a dependable ride with hand controls already installed. Figures that you would be the perfect person to take her, and be all the way out in Hawaii.

Vicodin is classified as a control substance level 3. Meaning your doc can either call it in or write a 3 month supply fillable every month. We are talking about control substance class II which has the stricter rules in all the states. They cannot be called in and they can only be written for a 30 day supply q month. No refills for the CS II's which consist of all the oxy's, the patches, morphine etc...



No sir it's not a state thing it is a DEA nation wide requirement dealing with the II's as they regulate the stuff very closely. Big Brother is here and watching. This is one of the reasons docs have a hard time with prescribing the II's; they are black boxed and the DEA breathes down everyone's neck with constant oversight making docs paranoid.

I was reading a piece the the other day about how the DEA is trying to get Vicodin banned due to all the deaths that have occurred from the ingestion of all the acetaminophen in them.

Thanks for the thought about the bird.

This post has been edited by tyvin: 01 September 2010 - 09:54 AM

[Jok]

tyvin, on 01 September 2010 - 09:45 AM, said:

BalancedInteger, on 31 August 2010 - 06:46 AM, said:

Quote

Yes in the U.S. one cannot have a running RX for controlled pain meds. A new prescription is required every month and has to be presented in person to the pharmacy with a picture ID to obtain it every month. The DEA has really got the docs here scared and afraid to prescribe the necessary meds for good pain management as well.

Um. I have running refills for my vicodin prescription, getting three refills per script. As long as I have a refill remaining on my script, all I've ever had to do is phone in a refill.

Sounds like you might be dealing with a state regulation. Unless I'm seriously misreading your post.

On a side note, I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird that I'm looking to donate to someone who could use a dependable ride with hand controls already installed. Figures that you would be the perfect person to take her, and be all the way out in Hawaii.

Vicodin is classified as a control substance level 3. Meaning your doc can either call it in or write a 3 month supply fillable every month. We are talking about control substance class II which has the stricter rules in all the states. They cannot be called in and they can only be written for a 30 day supply q month. No refills for the CS II's which consist of all the oxy's, the patches, morphine etc...



No sir it's not a state thing it is a DEA nation wide requirement dealing with the II's as they regulate the stuff very closely. Big Brother is here and watching. This is one of the reasons docs have a hard time with prescribing the II's; they are black boxed and the DEA breathes down everyone's neck with constant oversight making docs paranoid.

I was reading a piece the the other day about how the DEA is trying to get Vicodin banned due to all the deaths that have occurred from the ingestion of all the acetaminophen in them.

Thanks for the thought about the bird.

Hi there,
Hope you don't mind me buuting in but I was on this heavy drugs which messed up my life. Last year I had a nerve chord stimulator fitted in my back and it has changed my life cut the drugs by 70%

[ClaraTaylor]

Lucky, on 21 August 2010 - 10:07 PM, said:

ClaraTaylor, on 21 August 2010 - 07:49 AM, said:

Lucky, why isn't your medication on a repeat system so that you don't have to bother the GP every month for routine scripts?

Most of my meds are on repeat, how-ever, Oxycontin, Oramorph and Diazepam are classed as 'controlled drugs' and can't be on a repeat prescription.

Cheers.

Cool, didn't know that! (Though I seem to be getting my Oramorph in repeat! I took my prescription in this morning.... oh well I'm due a "review" soon)

[Tetracyclone]

Jok,
that is interesting about your nerve cord stimulator. i will google it.

[Jok]

Tetracyclone, on 01 September 2010 - 12:40 PM, said:

Jok,
that is interesting about your nerve cord stimulator. i will google it.

Be glad to answer any question you have

[BalancedInteger]

tyvin, on 01 September 2010 - 09:45 AM, said:

BalancedInteger, on 31 August 2010 - 06:46 AM, said:

Quote

Yes in the U.S. one cannot have a running RX for controlled pain meds. A new prescription is required every month and has to be presented in person to the pharmacy with a picture ID to obtain it every month. The DEA has really got the docs here scared and afraid to prescribe the necessary meds for good pain management as well.

Um. I have running refills for my vicodin prescription, getting three refills per script. As long as I have a refill remaining on my script, all I've ever had to do is phone in a refill.

Sounds like you might be dealing with a state regulation. Unless I'm seriously misreading your post.

On a side note, I have a 1996 Ford Thunderbird that I'm looking to donate to someone who could use a dependable ride with hand controls already installed. Figures that you would be the perfect person to take her, and be all the way out in Hawaii.

Vicodin is classified as a control substance level 3. Meaning your doc can either call it in or write a 3 month supply fillable every month. We are talking about control substance class II which has the stricter rules in all the states. They cannot be called in and they can only be written for a 30 day supply q month. No refills for the CS II's which consist of all the oxy's, the patches, morphine etc...



No sir it's not a state thing it is a DEA nation wide requirement dealing with the II's as they regulate the stuff very closely. Big Brother is here and watching. This is one of the reasons docs have a hard time with prescribing the II's; they are black boxed and the DEA breathes down everyone's neck with constant oversight making docs paranoid.

I was reading a piece the the other day about how the DEA is trying to get Vicodin banned due to all the deaths that have occurred from the ingestion of all the acetaminophen in them.

Thanks for the thought about the bird.

Ah. That probably partly explains why my neurologist is so reluctant to put me on methadone to treat my neuropathy. That, and methadone can seriously depress your breathing if you're not careful. Anyway, thanks for the education about the DEA and how they regulate drug classifications. I've been thinking about trying to switch from vicodin to another opiate-type drug to better control the pain, seeing as how I've developed an increasing tolerance to it. I'm getting a little worried about vicodin burning out my liver.

[rubyv86]

yea i know exactly what u mean pain is a b.... the dr. dont have any idea what it feels like i would like to see them in my shoes. they always think ur making up stuff or just tell u to hang in there and try to deal with it which i do but i really hope u feel beter and get the meds u really need, good luck to u, i know its hard but i guess sometimes we got to learn to deal with some stuff.