Bad pill count

[Clark789]

I was called in for a pill count which went bad and my Dr discharged me. I was doubling my dose because it wasn't helping. So what am I suppose to do now. Been seeing this Dr for almost a year. Should I contact this Dr and see If he will reinstate me if my wife was to monitor my usage or can I find another Dr

[Sonrissa]

Hi, I have arthritis in both knees.  I take Voltaren in pill form, and it does help with swelling and inflammation. Also, I get Euflexa injections in my knees, and they make a huge difference. They basically lubricate the joint and make it much easier to walk.  Just some additional information and suggestions. Best wishes.

[marycarmel]

Swimming will help. Nothing will take all your pain away.  The idea iss to get it wwhere it's bearable.  Also, things change as time passes.  New treatments come along.  Glucosamine chondroiton will actually help rebuild cartilage.  Krill oil also helps joints.  Some of these, like glucosamine, can take months to see a benefit.  Everyone is different.  Work with a good specialist and do some research yourself.  It can be hit or miss.  I don't know how old you are, what your health history is, what your lifestyle is like, etc.  My arthritis, along with other health/pain issues were to the point it interfered with everyday tasks and I had to retire from a career I loved.  I'm not saying you don't need pain meds but pain pills alone is not the answer.  It's best to use as little as possible of narcotics.  Even aside from addiction, which happens to lots of people, using narcotics on a regular basis has lots of problems.  You build a tolerance.  What happens if you need surgery or have an illness that requires pain meds?  You could find yourself in a bad spot where they wouldn't be able to cover your pain.  It's also illegal to drive on pain meds.  At one time doctors said it was okay to drive once you got used to the medication but that has changed.  If you're involved in an accident and your blood test shows a narcotic, they will charge you with OUI.  I know there are ways for you to manage your pain.  You can also see a pain psychologist.  They often have suggestions for managing chronic pain

[PurrfectlyKrazy]

The Lidoderm patch is awesome....so is Voltaren Gel which will help your arthritis (the reason I use it).  Another thing is the drawing out of fluid....I had a non-invasive knee surgery 6 years ago and it helped a LOT....I still have arthritis in that knee but the pain reduced by over 75%.  I was off my feet for two days....one month of rehab....and I was off my cane and I am still off my cane unless I am walking on uneven ground.  Acupuncture is another route you can go.  There are a lot of non-opiate solutions around...it is just that doctors tend to go to the opiates first when they actually should try all the other avenues first.  

You aren't alone.....we are all here for the same reason...in my case my pills just weren't lasting any more....and yes, I probably could have asked for something different but because I realized I was beyond being dependent and was now addicted I chose to CT off of them....that way I'm a better me and I can take better care of my disabled husband :-)

[Clark789]

I am really appreciating all the advice and help on here

[Clark789]

I have tried almost all the creams patches wraps heating pad none worked that's why I seem a pain management Dr. I'm willing to try more to see what happens. A friend gave me a lidocaine patch to try

[vicki595]

Yes, listen to marycarmel; she's your "go to" person for this disease!
Definitely take ibuprofen or naproxen if you can.  It's too bad you didn't talk about the meds not working before you took extra, the doctors almost never reconsider once they end the contract.

What about physical therapy? It's worked great for me with my back problems...talk with your primary care doctor, also. Good luck!

[marycarmel]

There's a lot you can do for arthritis in your knees.  There's different injections you can get.  If there's fluid on the knee, it can be drained.  Ibuprofen will help some of the pain and will also help with inflammation.  Voltaren gel is a prescription gel that is used on joints and will help take the edge off.  Lidoderm patches, ice packs and heating packs may all help as well.  Make an appointment  with a rheumatologist to get started.

[motye51]

Wow...I had no idea that pain management drs do that?? If they do, then i cant imagine your going to be able to see another pain mgnt dr in your area. Arent they all online with each other? Maybe u can call your primary dr, tell him/her what you've done and ask them if they can help you get off of the pills? R u now out?

[Clark789]

Server arthritis in knees and spinal spondolsis in back

[vicki595]

What is causing your pain?

[Clark789]

I was 60 short and have 4 left. I  had told him they wasn't helping much. I would like to find an alternative for the pain.

[marycarmel]

How many pills were you short?    Do you have any now or are you totally out?  You can try asking if you can stay on as a patient with restrictions, such as having your wife hold onto the pils or giving you weekly scripts, etc., though  i wouldn't get my hopes up.  You should start lookimg for a new doctor.  Also, check out the Substance Abuse forum.  They'll give you lots of tips to ease withdrawal symptoms and if you decide to get off the pills completely, they,'ll give you lots of support.

[nursegirl6572]

I wouldn't count on being reinstated.  Pain management docs are very strict and usually adhere to their contract terms pretty much to the letter.

This may end up being a blessing in disguise for you, as it is for a lot of people.  For one, you were abusing your script...that never goes anywhere good.  You didn't handle that the proper way by talking to the doctor about the medication not being as effective, you took matters into your own hands.  That's a slippery slope.

Second, often times opiates will make pain worse.....it's a vicious cycle.  Look up opiate induced hyperalgesia.  

So, you're kind of at a crossroads.  You have to do some thinking, being very very honest with yourself about where you think you are....do you have an addiction problem, or was it really only a pain problem?  That's something you have to answer to yourself, FOR yourself.

If you have ANY doubts about the addiction aspect, then it's time to look into getting off the opiates, and getting some help.  It will take a while off the opiates before you will be able to FAIRLY assess your REAL pain level, and you will probably experience rebound pain coming off the pain medications...it's a process, and it unfortunately takes time.

If you really truly don't believe you were exhibiting addictive behavior, then you have to decide how you're going to manage the pain from here on out.  You may STILL decide to look into non-narcotic options for pain control (which is a good idea for anyone...especially because you've built a pretty good tolerance by now, so it will take higher doses to maintain the same level of pain control).  Finding a new doctor to take you on is going to be rough, as they are going to want your records, and they will know you were dismissed by another doc for being noncompliant with your medication.

I wish there was an easier answer for you, but the above is just the facts as to where you're at and what your options are.  If you end up deciding that you indeed have an addiction problem, we're here for you....this is a great group of folks who will guide you, teach you and support you.

Hang in there!

[IBKleen]

If you were under contract with him he cannot reinstate you. It's the law.

Have you considered getting a new doctor and trying alternative pain treatments?