[thickntired]

I am used to being dismissed or considered a pill seeker. I have adhd & a back injury the two most faked illnesses. My new Dr saw my MRI results from a couple weeks ago which are awful. He has referred me and I set up an appt with a neurosurgeon. It'll take months to get in and her won't refer me to a pain specialist until I get through the surgeon's appt. I told him twice that I'm taking percocet 3x's a day. The 2 scripts he wrote were for 30 pills. I asked the receptionist if this could be increased in quantity if I return the 30 count script? She said I'll ask but don't sell your script??!! WTH? Am I a drug trafficking junkie? I am so angry and humiliated, but it takes forever to find a jack *** MD to even help with the DEA crackdowns. I never want to go back but have no choice. My last Dr gave me 90 pills at a time when my back was less damaged, but I thought he just wanted me addicted to ensure appointments.

[lizardlady]

"don't sell your script" WTF?!?!?!?!?! Have you considered reporting her to the doc?

[SnakeCharmer]

Please don't take that comment personally. It's a general comment being delivered to patients if a prescription is changed. Some clinics here are even making all patients who get any form of narcotic prescription sign a "drug contract" that outlines exactly how the drugs will be used and makes the patient guarantee they will not sell their scripts or individual pills. If they won't sign the contract, they don't get the prescription.

I recently had a long talk on the subject of painkiller prescriptions with my PCP because I asked for a narcotic without tylenol in it. He said he could, but he first wanted to explain all the complications to me. He didn't make me sign a drug contract -- he's against the idea. But the hospital he's affiliated with is putting pressure on all their doctors to start the practice and to talk to patients in strong terms about the problem of sharing or selling their pills.

I doubt it was personal, ThicknTired. I'm pretty sure my doctor likes me and doesn't consider me a drug seeker, but he gave me the lecture and told me about how both the state and feds are cracking down. He's distressed by the pressure he's under to start doing these drug contracts.

The first time I'd heard about them was maybe 18 months ago. The patients I know who were presented with them felt angry and insulted and got into arguments with their providers. One of them didn't get his prescription until I intervened and he has cancer!

When my doc gave me the lecture, I listened because he was serious. I nodded and said okay, I understood and I wouldn't give him any cause for concern. There hasn't been a single question about getting refills since then.

This is from my state government ...

The abuse of prescription drugs has become an increasing epidemic ... In the last ten years, there has been a 450 percent increase in the number of deaths from prescription drug overdoses. Currently, there are more deaths per year from prescription drug overdoses than there are from automobile accidents.

In August, the National Governor’s Association gave a grant to the Governor’s office to develop a statewide plan to address this epidemic.

That's why we're getting these comments and lectures. People are dying right and left and states and the feds are putting pressure on doctors to stop it. That's why I let the lecture wash over me and then be gone. I've never sold a script or a pill and there's zero chance I'll start. My doctor knows that. But he laid it on me and expressed his own frustration with the problem. What I really cared about most was getting my prescriptions refilled when needed. So far, there's been no problem.

I hope you get help for your serious back problems soon, ThicknTired. I'm sorry the receptionist said it rudely and didn't put it into a context that made sense and didn't sound so personally directed at you, as an individual. It would be a shock to hear that without any context provided. My doctor was kind enough to present it as his major headache which, unfortunately, had the unintended consequence of also touching my life because I needed certain prescriptions for rheumatic conditions. In that context, it felt okay.

I wish you the best. Take good care of yourself.

[thickntired]

I completely understand, snakecharmer, about the awful position doctors are in due to the dea involvement. The first appt I had with this Dr he said I don't give out narcotics. We talked it over and I told him that's understandable plus the reason I won't go to a Dr for pain until it's unbearable. I've had adhd my whole life and back problems for almost 20 years. I did sign a patient agreement with my last Dr for narcotics. I see where you're coming from and have read all about the drug - seeking behavior. Actually, the % of chronic pain patients who get addicted to pain pills is low. The pendulum has swung so far in the other direction that ALL people who mention pain are viewed with skepticism. It just makes my blood boil that a receptionist would outright put me into a drug dealer category. Does she really think the Dr is so stupid that she needs to add her 2 cents. I have an extreme tolerance to percocet after taking it for years, but told this Dr I understand if I have to discuss this with a pain specialist. Your Dr is very understanding to help you with a meds that doesn't add aspirin. On 3 percocet a day I'm taking almost 1000 mg of aspirin. But I wouldn't dare ask this Dr for oxycontin.

[SillyKitty]

I'd be upset, too, but I have a penchant for taking things personally. I have a lot of drs, and have noticed an increase in b****iness from the receptionists in general. *NOT ALL* but def noticeable.

[thickntired]

Originally Posted by SillyKitty

I'd be upset, too, but I have a penchant for taking things personally. I have a lot of drs, and have noticed an increase in b****iness from the receptionists in general. *NOT ALL* but def noticeable.

Me too, Silly Kitty! Ive always been extremely sensitive. I think some receptionist act like thevwent to med school with their unsolicited advice.

[Travelinglady]

I go to a pain clinic. Since new regulations went into effect, even less "serious" pain meds such as Tramadol are really regulated. I can only get 30 pills at a time and even am subject to random drug testing. (I also take Norco.)

The receptionist probably wasn't singling you out. I doubt she looked at any records you had. The docs make a big deal about selling such drugs being a felony now, too--and say they are not even above counting the number of pills I have, watching to make sure no other doc prescribes me pain meds, etc. I had to sign a paper to that effect and was told if I did, I would be dropped from this doctor.

I am sorry you are caught up in this change.

[sambaqueen23]

I've been on pain meds for 13 years now, and my current pain specialist does a drug test on every single visit! To make sure I'm actually taking the meds he prescribes and nothing more...It feels less offensive because everyone has to do it every time. No one is singled out and no one treats us like addicts!!

[sambaqueen23]

My first pain management doctor was a pill guy...for six years he just kept piling on new drug after new drug...It got to the point where I was taking meds to deal with side effects from other meds. And I felt the same way, like he was keeping me dependent on him because it was good for business. He controlled me through my meds. When you're in pain and physically dependent on pain meds to survive, whoever controls those meds has complete power over your life. He screamed at me when I tried to ask him if I should look into surgery after six years of trying every treatment available. Literally SCREAMED AT ME!!! I never went back. But the persecution continues of everyone who uses narcotics. And it's like you constantly have to prove to the world that you have a legitimate need and are not an addict!!

It got easier for me when an addiction counselor explained to me the difference between addiction and physical dependency. She helped me to honestly analyze my narcotic use and see myself as physically dependent, and NOT an addict. Once I was able to understand it myself, it became easier to deflect the attitudes of ignorant and suspicious people. I know it sounds kinda hokey, but it really does help.....

[sambaqueen23]

One more thing....I agree with Snakecharmer...whenever my docs have discussed narcotic abuse, drug tests, pill contracts with me, they've always put it into context. That way, I didn't feel attacked or singled out. One doc even made my husband come in when I first started to see him. He explained that any patient on narcotics had to have a personal support, someone close to them to watch their behavior and look out for signs of developing addiction. No problem, because he was compassionate and understanding when he explained it.

That receptionist had no business attacking you like that...seems like it was her problem, and she tried to give it to you!! I've left pharmacies and doctors' offices sobbing because of those types of attacks. It's hard enough to not take personally on a normal day, but when you're in serious pain and they're denying you relief while being rude and condescending??? It feels impossible!!!

I really hope you get some relief soon, because I know how relentless the pain can be and how the days stretch on and on...good luck and I hope having people to share it with can help!!

[thickntired]

Thank you all so much for these objective replies and personal experiences. I went to the ER for pain and the intake lady looked at my percocet them said i don't think we can prescribe you anything stronger than this. She was very tacky and rude, but I just took it in stride. Then I passed a lot of blood so got to my Dr office before they opened in the AM completely panicked. The nurse said it could be hemmroids and we can't give you refills today. WTF?! I just had to laugh.

[pegasus]

I feel disgusted for you. A receptionist has no right to say such things. Is there a practice manager there? I think you should let them know what this receptionist said to you.

[thickntired]

Originally Posted by pegasus

I feel disgusted for you. A receptionist has no right to say such things. Is there a practice manager there? I think you should let them know what this receptionist said to you.

I told the nurse who said she'd pass it on to Dr. I'll still mention it to the Dr. The appt i had after that the nurse said you can't get a refill today.

[likewater]

I wish someone had explained when I had my surgeries because the medicine made me itchy I didn't like it and said so at work. Another lady told me she had excruciating pain in her legs from bei broken and I gave it to her. My friend who knows about these things says there was something hinky about it because why didn't she have her own prescription? She was either an addict or selling them. I thought I was just helping somebody. I won't do that again.

[thickntired]

Originally Posted by likewater

I wish someone had explained when I had my surgeries because the medicine made me itchy I didn't like it and said so at work. Another lady told me she had excruciating pain in her legs from bei broken and I gave it to her. My friend who knows about these things says there was something hinky about it because why didn't she have her own prescription? She was either an addict or selling them. I thought I was just helping somebody. I won't do that again.

Never do this because it is a felony! People came out of the woodwork for my adderral. It was disgusting. I was told by some they had a refill coming and would give them back. It's not a performance drug for me. This is so common with pain pills. It's a good idea to use a freaking lock box safe.