I have only 2 dr's I see, can I get into trouble?

[writer08]

I have bad migraines and also fibromyalgia; I see a PCP that I get Lortab for my migraines from and a rheumatologist that I get Neurontin and Ultram (although the Ultram will be stopped after the last refill next month). I keep reading scary stuff about "dr shopping" and legalities and stuff, and wanted to make sure I won't get into trouble, even though I'm not an addict and I don't dr shop, I've had these two dr's for a while now. Can you anyone put my mind at ease?

[marycarmel]

I agree with the pharmacy because even one doctor can sometimes prescribe something you can't have with something else.  It can get very complicated.  My contract states I use my pain management doctor but if he is on vacation or unavailable, I am allowed to have my primary refill any scripts, but they are all in the same system.  I will be having extensive dental work coming up and my pain doctor said if it is just something where I need something for a few days, he will give me extra meds but if it's something that is ongoing over a few months, he will talk with the oral surgeon and they will coordinate what's best and the oral surgeon will handle the meds.  Previously, my hand surgeon, in my later surgeries, always had the pain management team handle my meds because at that time I was on very high doses and that wasn't really his area of expertise.  And I did have one surgery where there was a bit of a problem with the pain control after surgery and the pain management doc needed to adjust things.  (It was also a reason I came off everything.  Very scary when you think if needed they can't cover your pain.)

[VICourageous]

In my town we had to sign a contract saying we would only get pain meds from one Dr and try to use the same Pharmacy. It is a lot safer for you to have just One Dr on this just in case on or the other Dr doesn't know about some of the meds..Some meds can not be mixed with others. That is why it is good to use one pharmacy too..They can catch a lot of things that the Dr might miss. You will be OK as long as you tell the truth to both..I am surprised however that your Dr did not say to you, to use just one Dr for these meds. I wish you the best.
Bless

[ariley13]

Oh, you are just fine and not bothering me a bit. If you have several different conditions, often you will see different doctors. I used to see my Primary dr, a Pulmonologist, an Ortho dr., and a Pain Management dr. They were all prescribing me stuff, but they all were in the same network and knew what all the rest were doing. This happens all the time. Most folks have more than one thing wrong with them. I hope that this eases your mind some and you can relax now. I am a worrier by nature too, so I know how it is!

[writer08]

Thank you! :)

[marycarmel]

I'm in agreement with what the others said.  And lots of times they try different meds to find what works for you.  As said, as long as you're honest and everyone knows what's going on, there's no problem.  For a time, I had my pain doc prescribing some things and my primary prescribing others.  That was how they both wanted it back then.  You have no worries, and I hope you're getting good relief.

[writer08]

Okay, thanks again, sorry to keep bothering you I just wanted to make sure LOL. I worry too much!

[ariley13]

As long as both doctors knew that you were on both meds, then you are ok. A lot of folks with chronic pain issues are on multiple pain meds. Some work differently, and some are long or short acting, so it's pretty normal to mix and match. People get into trouble for dr. shopping because they go to one dr, get meds, then go to another dr. and neglect to tell them they are seeing another dr. and already on meds. They are drug seeking, and it doesn't sound like you are doing anything close to that.

[writer08]

Thanks again! Do you think I could get in trouble just from being on the different pain meds even though it was kinda learn and see type of thing?

[ariley13]

You're very welcome! I know the laws are kind of confusing and scary. There's been such an increase in cases of this kind of thing. I understand why you were worried, but nothing at all to be worried about. I hope that you continue to get relief from the migraines and RA. I know how miserable they can be. Take care!

[writer08]

Thanks ariley13, that helped. And both of my dr's know about what I'm taking. I guess I'm just worried because I've had to try different pain meds for the migraines/fibromyalgia to see what worked better and I got paranoid that I would get into trouble for that I guess. Now I have a good medicine regimen that really helps and am keeping on it.

[ariley13]

It really just depends. Do your doctors both know that you are seeing the other and all of the meds that you are on? As long as you are being honest, there is no problem. If you are seeing 2 different doctors and not telling them that you are getting meds from another doctor, then that may be considered doctor shopping. It also depends on the state you live in. Almost every state has some sort of database that tracks controlled substances. Some states are more strict than others. It's really just an all around good idea to be honest with all of your doctors and let them know what you are taking and who you are seeing. That way you don't have to worry about doctor shopping, or even drug interactions.

[Wildewoman]

From what you have said - I don't see how you could get into trouble.

Why do you think that you would??