Legal Question... Dr. Got Me Addicted and Then Left Me to Withdrawal!! UNETHICAL!!!

[parmotinc]

I've been seeing my Dr. for several years and was prescribed Oxycontin for pain and Oxycodone for breakthrough pain.  Suddenly, for no reason, he says I have to go to  Pain Mgt. Clinic and he won't re-new any prescriptions.  I call the pain clinic, they don't prescribe narcotics and they can't do anything with prescription.  I call my Dr. back 5 days ago, and daily, I'm ignored and only left with, I'll try to call you back with an answer.   I'm day 2 of no meds....
Dr's can't do that, that's unethical... Anyone know any recourse to such a dangerous dilemma???  I'm screwed....
Thanks..

[Pat1956100]

Apparently they can do it, especially if you are abusing your meds.  Did you admit to him that you had a problem and needed help?  Maybe if you are totally honest with him he will help you taper off of them.
In the meantime we have all gone through withdrawals here and can help you through.  You aren't screwed at all.  It may be the best thing that ever happened to you.
Make sure you drink lots of fluids, take imodium for bathroom issues, eat light foods, take hot baths and try to relax.
What symptoms are you having now?
You are half way through the worst of it, so hang in there.

[ImDONENoMore]

I think we need more info to be able to help in any way.   Were you taking more than prescribed?  If that was the case, then yes, the Dr. can cut you off like this (believe me, I've been there).  And as pat said, this might be the best thing that ever happened to you.  And the Dr. is probably experiencing further concern about your situation given that you've been calling every day since he cut you off.

Do you think you're addicted?  Pain Management Dr.'s can be a g-dsend but they can also be toxic.  Especially for addicts.

[IBKleen]

The doctor can stop treating at any time. He is under obligation to continue treatment--legally that is. There has to be more to this. Were you taking more than prescribed? Running out early?

[kyle505]

If you're calling daily you're only raising more red flags. And one very important point - the doctor did not get you addicted. You did. At some point you had to know that things were getting out of hand.  It was then your responsibly to take some sort of action. You've a tough road ahead if you start off by blaming someone else for your addiction. Take responsibility for your own behavior.

[nursegirl6572]

A doctor can cease prescribing a narcotic at any time, and they don't even have to offer a reason.  It's THEIR license and their DEA number that allows for those kinds of scripts, bottom line.

It's not always fair, and it can be a moral issue, but legally, there is no recourse.

I too agree that there are details we're not getting here.  How long were you seeing this doctor, for what kind of pain?  It's very typical for a PCP to refer a patient to a PM doctor if long term heavy hitting opiates are needed.  Has he been discussing that with you?  Were you getting scripts from other doctors?  Have you gone to the ER seeking pain meds?   Did you miss any appts with your doctor for med checks or refills?

If you could share some more details...we'd maybe be able to give you some more input here.

[Pat1956100]

If we can help in anyway, please let us know.  We have all been there and done that so we understand.  You did post in the substance abuse forum so I am thinking you need some help.  There are many things that can help ease the withdrawal symptoms.
Please post if you would like some support.

[ActingBrandNew]

As I was reading this thread....I started feeling bad for you because it seemed like some people were commenting and making some assumptions about your situation without knowing all the facts...then I read what Pat said above, "You did post in the substance abuse forum..." , which was dead on!

You ask for legal advice....in an addiction forum...why? There are legal forums somewhere...Im sure. So...I can see why people responded the way they did...this is what that forums for...addiction.

Look, you asked if anyone knows any "recourse" for your doc cutting you off your pain meds so I will answer that specifically...of course there is. Everybody has to answer to somebody...and if you weren't abusing the medication...taking it for a valid reason...and the doc cut you off without giving you fair warning to seek medical attention elsewhere...then it is unethical...is it illegal? Probably not! Unethical....well, file a complaint with the medical board of your state and let them decide. They have a section on the complaint form that specifically addresses an issue like this....Ive read it myself. So...do what you feel necessary.

Basically, as you know...when you take any narcotic pain med for a lengthy period of time...even if you take as prescribed...you will experience withdrawals. Its part of it...there's no way around it. If you were prescribed a high dose for your pain...technically...according to the disclaimers...you can have some serious health issues withdrawing...so it should be done with the supervision of a doc...

Im not here to judge you or assume anything (although it is odd you posted this here) until you say otherwise. I will agree with the above posters that if you do have a problem and are abusing the pills...you need help...are in the right place...and your doc cutting you off is probably the best thing for you....

If your not abusing your meds and just taking them legit...for pain...no abuse...then Im sorry your dealing with this...I hope you can find a new compassionate doctor who sympathizes with your pain issues...and yes, it can be viewed as unethical what your doc did....you have the right to file a complaint...which will be investigated....

Whatever the case be...I wish you the best in it and may God be with you

[Virgo1722]

I can speak to a level of this topic as I was once in this position. The whole reason why I first started with pain pills was because of a back injury. Months and months go by and I continued treatment. I saw the pain care specialist regulary, had a monthly prescription, we did steriod injections, nerve block, etc every 3 months and I was in physical therapy. My prescription alloted 6 pills per day which I took as directed. Well one month I went to take some medicine and noticed it looked rather short so I looked at the date for refill and noticed it was weeks away. I also noticed that it no longer said to take 2, 3 times a day, it said to take 2, 2 times a day for a total of 4. Well I never noticed that and immediately called the pain care specialist. The nurse said that I was apparently left some vm saying that my dr wanted my dosage to be lowered....which I honestly never received. I was SOL, now they viewed me as an addict, they wouldn't prescribe anything to cover the rest of the time until my refill would be due and they stopped treating me! I know us addicts lie, cheat and steal but this was me at my most honest point, this is when I found out I was dependent! So to that note, yes, they can stop it.

I just want to play devils advocate for a moment because again, this is something I relate to. Years pass and I'm deep into my known addiction. I had made the decision to quit using and so I did a google search on "Norco Withdrawal". That is how I found medhelp....it was one of the provided links from google. We all know that she is feeling rather uncomfortable right now as withdrawls have started so she could have easily searched the web just as I did in looking for help and/or hope.
Nonetheless- I hope things work out for you!

[dominosarah]

The doctor got you addicted?  

[YesLife4Me]

I know you are feeling screwed right now because you just got left hanging without your pain meds and are now in withdraw.   I have been there myself.  I too blamed the doctora, but reality was, I was too reliant and then abusing my meds.   Im not saying you were, but can you come back and let us know a little more?  To answer your question, yes they can.  It is their license on the line and if they have cause for concern, they can fire a patient whenever they want.   It would have been ideal if your dr would have prescribed you some meds for withdraw.      

[parmotinc]

No, never abused anything.  Never had a problem with a Rx.  I think he's in the hot seat for abusing scripts.  I'm just part of the fat I think he is cutting.  Never a problem.  

[parmotinc]

I actually went longer than prescribed.  Good days, took less, bad days took normal.  Never more than usual.   Completely out of the blue.  Blindsided.   I thought the Pain Mgt. Clinic would just take over.  They called once they got my notes and said we don't prescribe narcotics.  I'm fine with that, but at least wean me down or give me something for withdrawals.  NOTHING!!  Still waiting for a phone call.  

[nursegirl6572]

Well that's very unfortunate, and I agree that it sounds like the doctor was concerned about some kind of issue.  He may have been duped by another patient, and hence decided to really cut back on the narcotic meds....or may be under some kind of investigation.  I'm sorry you're going through this.

Sounds like you need to find a new pain mgmt clinic, and have your chart transferred there.  In the very least, they could help you with a taper.  How long has it been since you've taken a pill?  How are you feeling?

[parmotinc]

Hear this..   I went to see this doctor because he treats my sister.  She is an AIDS patient since 1988 and has a lot of problems.  He is an internal medicine specialists.  I have had multiple many problems since I had a bad stick while volunteering in Hurricane Katrina.  My body has gone to he** in a handbasket.  Normal healthy male to sick, sick, sick.  I have not made the link, but I've suffered from Severe hospitalized blood infection MRSA which almost killed me, Fibro, CFS, Eppstein Barr, Shingles, Pleurosy, I then injured my back, shoulder surgery for torn rotator cuff, and knee surgery for ACL, MCL, LCL.  I fell apart.  I wasn't taking anything, he asked me to try the pain meds to see if they helped.  He then upped my dosage after asking me what my pain levels were.  I'm an honest guy.  No lies, no deception.  They mailed my script each month to my Pharmacy.  1 month it got lost.  I called and they said nothing they could do.  Okay, thank god I had plenty from using only as necessary.  Next month, receive the script at the Pharmacy, no problems again.  Next month, cut off, referred to Pain Mgt. Clinic..... I don't understand.  I'm friends with this Dr's office, I trusted them.   I'm not an abuser.  I came here to deal with the withdrawals..

[parmotinc]

Friday.  Nothing.  I'm working with Ibuprofen and Tylenol.  Immudiom.  Caffeine..  Worst part.  All the pain is back.  Especially my back.  I guess the meds have been hiding my back pain.  I was suppose to have surgery, but I've had enough of those, I don't want anymore surgeries.  I had 1 shoulder surgery, 5 facial surgeries from a car wreck, broken neck, 9, 9 knee surgeries, my other shoulder is fried (cortisone shots) and my back is now fried too.  Football my whole life into college, then I was a power lifter since I was a teenager, life has just caught up to me.  I am concerned about what is going on at the Dr.'s office.  

[dominosarah]

You will experience rebound pain for awhile.  Our brain plays some nasty games with us.  Many of us have found our pain actually got better the longer we were off.  Hopefully this will be your case.

[parmotinc]

Please.  Advice would be appreciated.  I posted other answers as well.  Thank You!!!

[parmotinc]

Thank You.  I will keep that in mind.  

[nursegirl6572]

What sarah said is so true.  After you've been off the meds for a while...you will get a better feel for what your REAL pain level is.  Opiates often make chronic pain worse overall, with the rebound pain issue.  I wouldn't worry too much about the doctor's office at this point, unless you feel you need to seek out additional pain meds to help you.  If that's the case, then if something shady is going on at the office (unnecessary prescribing of narcotics), then it could affect you getting picked up by a PM doctor.  Try not to worry about that.

My personal opinion...get yourself detoxed off the pain meds, give yourself some time (probably a few months), then reevaluate.  IF you will need more pain meds, do not take them regularly...ONLY here and there, as needed for the very worst pain.  When taken in that fashion, there shouldn't be an issue with tolerance or dependency.

Look up the thomas recipe here, TONS of great suggestions for easing withdrawal.  You're this far into it...I wouldn't advise starting the meds again to detox.  You can do a cold turkey detox with help from the thomas recipe and the good folks here.

[parmotinc]

That was a responsible and kind comment.  Thank You..

[parmotinc]

Thank You.  I'M DONE WITH MEDS.   But, I'm not done with the Dr's office.  I paid their bills for many years and was a perfect patient.  I just didn't like the way it all went down.  I've going to find out what is going on in my body and deal with it from there.  PT, chiro, whatever it takes..  Screw Rx's.... lol...

[nursegirl6572]

I certainly don't blame you for how you feel about meds.  I would feel the same I'm sure.

As for staying with the doctor..I disagree.  We are consumers...and just as we can choose a certain store or restaraunt or contractor, etc...based on the quality of service and how we're treated, the same goes for a medical provider as well.

If I was left high and dry like you were for literally NO reason at all...not even help with a taper..I'd be gone.  It doesn't matter how long you were their patient or paid their bills.  Don't reward their poor behavior by continuing to give them your "business".

I would write them a strongly worded letter that you're cutting ties and why, and ask that a copy be placed in your medical records.  In that letter, I would include a written request for a copy of your entire medical record.  Understand that there will probably be a fee for that.  If you choose to do that, we can help you with what the content of that letter should be.  It should be fairly brief, factual, and to the point...not accusatory or irate, anything like that.  There is a lot of power behind a properly worded written document.

[atthebeach]

I am sorry you got caught up in this. Take hot baths with Epsom salts,
It forces magnesium into your muscles. A magnesium/potassium/calcium supplement will also help. Take Imodium for stomach issues. Try to move around as much as possible. Yes seek out alternative pain management. Meds only mask the pain and actually can make it more intense, read about hypoalgesia. Acupuncture,chiropractor, massage, hot and cold compresses. Hydrotherapy,exercise,physical therapy. You will start to feel better physically in a few more days.

[ActingBrandNew]

I feel for you...REALLY! I do think that you will get responses that your not looking for sense this is an addiction forum. People on here hear you say withdrawal and they associate you with what they went through. From your description...Im inclined to believe you and what your saying. What comes to mind is if you were abusing the pills...youd have an alternative source to get them. It sounds like you were getting your script regular for a legit reason.

Im not going to sit here and tell you that you should detox and you should evaluate your pain...etc...etc...thats not fair to you. NOBODY that responded on this thread is a doctor...including ME...so really, you should be out there getting a second opinion...even third from a board certified practitioner. I understand you feel betrayed by your doctor...Im sorry for that. Like I said in my previous post...you have the option to file a complaint with the medical board....but I wouldn't be stuck on this anymore. Decide what your going to do and take action. This forum is to address addiction...and if your not trying to stop managing your pain with narcotic...this isnt the place to post this question because users of this forum seem.....I dont know how to say it without offending someone so...hmmm.....just know that people who were in your shoes (like myself) with legit pain issues who ended up abusing the meds...will likely advise you accordingly to how things played out in our lives....hence, the "you need to stop" comments because we are really talking to ourselves.

So, Im sure you can make another appointment with a different doctor. You have many issues going on and if evaluated by the right doc...based on what you have described...Im sure they will help you with some sort of pain management schedule if that's what you want to continue doing. If not, and you want to continue your detox and re-evaluate your situation...hey, you got some great advice on that end from the community here as well.

Good luck