QOTW2: Does Your MD Treat Your Pain?

iVillage Member
Registered: 11-03-2003
QOTW2: Does Your MD Treat Your Pain?
6
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 1:35pm

Rosemary brought up the question of whether we feel our doctors adequately address our pain issues with RA and other illnesses.

Molly

Avatar for cla3a
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 3:28pm

Hi Molly,


Thought I would my opinion. None of my doctors have had a problem treating me for pain. Even as I type this I have 3 different high power meds at my fingertips if I need them. They are

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iVillage Member
Registered: 05-01-2005
Fri, 10-28-2005 - 7:48pm

When I had to change doctors due to my health insurance, the new pcp did not want to give me Vicodin. He finally did, after some begging. Once he realized that I seldom use it, he will give me new prescriptions as needed. I try not to take it more than once a week, but if I need it, I take it. I refuse to be awake all night in pain, because of fear of being labeled by someone who doesn't have a clue about chronic pain.

Hugs,
Vicki

Avatar for beviej
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 10-29-2005 - 7:17am
My PCP is very willing to give me percs as I can`t take vicodan. My problem is the percs just do`nt seem to help my neck pain. Also I do`nt like the side effects from taking the Hi power stuff.I have never asked my rheumy for pain meds.
iVillage Member
Registered: 03-25-2003
Sat, 10-29-2005 - 12:43pm

Both my PCP and rheumy have never had a problem prescribing pain meds. I have both Vicodin, which I rarely take, and Darvocet, which I take about once, sometimes twice a week. They know that I'm not abusing these drugs since I only get them refilled about twice a year. It's good to know I have these meds sitting in my medicine cabinet when my pain is really bad and NSAIDS don't even put a dent in it. I refuse to be in chronic pain, and if these drugs help me with the flares I'll continue to take them.

Good question, Molly!

Barb

iVillage Member
Registered: 04-30-2003
Wed, 11-02-2005 - 10:53am

My pcp perscribes my pain meds even though my rheumy is in the same office. My pcp works Tues and Thurs and rheumy works Wed, because he works at his private practice and ER and at the clinic one day a week, so they both have access to my file. My pcp listens to me and gives me what I want, and we discuss changes if need be. I consider myslef lucky to have Dr's that listen to me.

Luv Ya!!

iVillage Member
Registered: 06-09-2004
Wed, 11-02-2005 - 11:51am

WELL GUESS WHAT? I DON'T HAVE A PCP ANYMORE. SHE MOVED TO ANOTHER CITY. SO NOW I GET TO GO IN SEARCH OF A NEW PCP. FUN FUN!
BUT WHEN I DID HAVE HER SHE DIDN'T LIKE GIVING ME PAIN MEDS FOR SOME REASON. MAYBE BECAUSE OF THE "POSSIBILITY" OF GETTING ADDICTED. SHE FINALLY DID PRESCRIBE ME SOME VICODAN {30 CT.} AND IT LASTED ME FOR ALMOST HALF A YEAR. WHEN I LOST MY MEDICAID AND HAD NO WAY TO GET MORE MEDS FOR MY RA I REALLY HIT THE PAIN PILLS!
MY RA DOC NEVER HAS PRESCRIBED ME PAIN PILLS, SHE ALWAYS LEFT THAT UP TO MY PCP DOC.
I KNOW THAT MY PREVIOUS PCP WAS AFRAID OF HER PATIENTS BECOMING ADDICTED FOR SHE HAD A TALK W/DH ONCE ABOUT THAT. SHE DIDN'T WANT TO GIVE HIM HIS ATIVAN <I AM GOING TO ASK MY RA DOC FRIDAY IF SHE WILL PRESCRIBE ME SOME PAIN PILLS FOR THEY ARE SO NICE TO HAVE AROUND WHEN SEVERE PAIN HITS! I DON'T TAKE THEM LIKE CANDY, ONLY IF I AM IN REAL BAD PAIN.

TAKE CARE OF YOU!
JUST ME,
ROMA :)

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