new pain med

Sky,

Been meaning to write to you about methadone. Prior to Suboxone hitting the market, methadone worked very well for me for a long time and had no side effects. I absolutely agree with you about the stigma. the day that i had my reconstructive surgery on my foot and the recovery nurse refused me the ordered pain meds because I could take my Methadone instead (at this time i was becoming rather pissed even though still groggy), she asked me if i was a recovering heroin addict. being rather confused having been asked the question, I said "No. I have never even seen what it looks like. Why do you ask?" Her comment: "I saw that you are taking methadone.". I challenged her to examine my body for tracks, etc. I also told her that I was seeing Dr. Wright, a Pain Specialist because I had chronic pain. Then she refused me the ordered post-op pain meds. I became extremely pissed off and pretty much demanded them as I was in extreme pain. That woman took a syringe, wouldn't tell me what it was, and literally jammed it in my thigh and forced the med thru the needle as fast as she could. It didn't help. I was screaming on the way home calling my pain doc, by surgeon's office, etc to see if they would prescribe something for the pain and ended up having John (my husband) take over because I couldn't talk. He had to explain to the 3 doctors I called why I didn't receive post op medication for such a invasive surgery (had a titanium plate, 5 screws, and some pins).

I screamed and cryed all the way home from this place. I have never cryed and screamed in pain before. I am sure that the nurses he had on the phone could hear me. LOL Anyway, I told my surgeon exactly what occured and especially what the nurse had asked and had automatically assumed that I was a heroin addict, etc. He was livid. Told me not to write a letter that he would personally take care of it. I saw him the next week and he didn't waste any time and kept his word. He had a 1 on 1 meeting with the President of the hospital and not only explained what happened but showed the documentation he had gathered.

Today, he rarely if ever uses that facility unless the patient wants their surgery performed there.

The stigma that goes with methadone is strong. As soon as enough people learn that Suboxone is the replacement for methadone, Suboxone will carry a stigma.

if i were to take methadone again, i would tell the docs i see, but would never share it with hospital personnel excepting an anesthesiologist who i would speak to in private. if it had to go on records to be sent to recovery, i would require that it is for chronic pain use; not addiction.

whew. that was long.

I too think it is worthless! not taking it anymore. a waste of money to me too

Bebop,

I read your post. I was hoping that you would receive some relief in it.

Hopefully, your doctor will write a rx for something that is actually useful.

Let us know what happens.

Hugs,
Peacemaker (Sherri)

thanks hon. will do

bebop,

have you talked to your doc yet about rxing a stronger pain med? haven't heard from you for a few days and was curious (or nosy). Are you seeing a GP or a Pain Management Specialist. If the pain is chronic, I strongly suggest that you find a good PMS and allow him/her to manage your pain meds. they are much more knowledgeable about them and much more aggressive in prescribing a pain med that will work. i found out the hard way. now, i never see anyone but a PMS to manage my chronic pain. Sometimes, when I do not need to dose, I don't. My dr. just switched me to Avinza 30mg (extended release morphine) and 15mg of morphine sulfate. Just my luck, I have the same amount of pain relief as Tramadol....absolutely none. it does take 2-3 days to reach steady state levels in your blood, which i did wait 3 days prior to calling the drs. office. Interestingly enough, he wanted to see me back in 1 week, but there were apparently no opening. Now, i am scheduled in his office with him at 3:40pm on Monday, Nov. 19. I can only pray and hope that he increases the dose to a mn. of 60mg or preferably 90mg as I am not opiate naive meaning vicodin, percocet, etc. no longer have a therapeutic effect.

Let us know.
Peacemaker

I haven't been able to see my dr yet. can't afford the pm dr right now so I have to wait on that. fortunately I just got approved for my disability so I can afford to see dr again! woo hoo

Congrats on getting approved bebop! That's a relief off your mind, I'm sure.

perna a huge relief lol thanks hon

sky you gonna throw your back out dancing like that lol

ok tramadol did not work so went back to my lortab. I started monday with a huge pain flare. errrrrrrrr anyway tonight I broke down and took the lortab. it is the strongest there is and full of codiene. now I sit here itching to the high heavens! errrrrrrrrr

yuck, sorry. I think we need better drugs. IV morphine anyone?

haha that might work if it would knock me out for a couple of days!