Aa
A bit furious
I had an appointment today for a second opinion regarding the spinal cord stimulator. The PM I was seeing wanted the SCS implanted until the next surgery. I wasn't sure if this is a good idea or not, so I asked for a second opinion with a different surgeon. The surgeon's office today had asked for some previous records at my previous spine clinic and with in 20 minutes of that fax I recieved a phone call stating that I will need to make an appointment with the PM and I can not get a refill until that appointment. My refill is in two days and there is no possible way to get in that quick.
I'm so furious with this. I have always followed the contract and the doctors orders to a T. I thought it was my right for a second opinion. I want to make sure I recieve the best care possible.
I'm so furious with this. I have always followed the contract and the doctors orders to a T. I thought it was my right for a second opinion. I want to make sure I recieve the best care possible.
I have a C5/C6 fusion...please do your homework...research fusion methods and materials it made from...example if your allergic to nickel...and type of fusions...make sure surgeon is the best you can find...
My first surgeon didn't remove the bulging disc on my spinal cord, causing permanent nerve damage...he only tacked on a plate and screws and claimed he removed the disc...
Good luck, wish you well
My first surgeon didn't remove the bulging disc on my spinal cord, causing permanent nerve damage...he only tacked on a plate and screws and claimed he removed the disc...
Good luck, wish you well
Tuck, it's very hard not to get discouraged with these doctors. Especially when I follow the rules to a T. I had a feeling that this would happen if they found out, but it is for the best. I had the MRI and it does look to me that my C6-C7 herniation is changing and getting bigger. I have the discs from the previous MRI's to compare. I'm not sure what they are going to do about it. I will find out in the next few weeks. I can't give up, it's way too painful to ignore.
I meant to tell you that I liked the idea of a termination letter. Good move.
Please don't be discouraged. If you lived in my area I would suggest you see my PCP. She is so compassionate, caring and kind.....but a lion when she needs to be. I know you will find the right physician for you, just don't give up.
Please don't be discouraged. If you lived in my area I would suggest you see my PCP. She is so compassionate, caring and kind.....but a lion when she needs to be. I know you will find the right physician for you, just don't give up.
((((((((((((((((((((((RunningMom)))))))))))))))))))) all I can do is offer you this online HUG, I'm so so sorry you have to deal with this ****. I've read all the post's and I don't understand why they think you were doctor shopping. I wish i could help. You are in my prayers!!
XO
Babs
XO
Babs
Thanks Tuck. :) I've always found it difficult to communicate with the PMP. Here is my PMP complaint and vent. I've never really expressed how unhappy I was with them. Whenever I would tell PMP the pain is so bad that I felt the need for the ER, he would tell me go to the nearest ER. Ugh, I should of left then as my pain was in the 9-10 for weeks at a time and I was on a really low dose of pain medicine. At that time I had moderate spinal cord compression. He wanted to do the SCS before I had the surgery, even though the MRI had shown how bad the herniation was. I had the surgery and I'm still in this unbearable pain. I go through all the shots again and now he is telling me the only other hope is the SCS. The PMP says another surgery will cripple my life and it is not wise to have it done at this time. My husband went with me to one of the shots before the surgery and the PMP ended up yelling at him and I because the shot did not go well. That is when my husband said enough and tried to talk me into going somewhere else. PMP has raised his voice to an unprofessional manner twice because of the shots not going well, this was before the surgery.
Two weeks ago I went to the MD asked his opinion and he said no way for the SCS. The MD said the problem must be fixed not masked and referred me to a new surgeon outside the previous spine pratice. Two days ago I went to the new surgeon and he says my C6-C7 is on a nerve and it needs to be fused. He set up an MRI and Cat Scan with contrast today to see exactly what is going on in there. The surgeon spent 1 1/2 hours with me talking about the entire history of my injury and showing me exactly what is going on.
With in 20 minutes of some records of films were faxed over to the new spine place, I got a phone call from the the PMP's nurse stating that he will not be refilling my meds and that he wants to make an appointment to see me. My refill was in two days, which is today. That right there confirmed my decision on staying with the old place. I knew it was time to move on, but it is hard to change.
I never wanted to be labled as doctor hopping or shopping from switching from one pratice to another. I wrote my letter to terminate and my husband brought it in just to be on the safe side. I do know that this new surgeon will follow up with my care. I'm unsure if I will get back with a PMP or not. I have severe chronic pain and I doubt the MD will want to look over my meds.
Two weeks ago I went to the MD asked his opinion and he said no way for the SCS. The MD said the problem must be fixed not masked and referred me to a new surgeon outside the previous spine pratice. Two days ago I went to the new surgeon and he says my C6-C7 is on a nerve and it needs to be fused. He set up an MRI and Cat Scan with contrast today to see exactly what is going on in there. The surgeon spent 1 1/2 hours with me talking about the entire history of my injury and showing me exactly what is going on.
With in 20 minutes of some records of films were faxed over to the new spine place, I got a phone call from the the PMP's nurse stating that he will not be refilling my meds and that he wants to make an appointment to see me. My refill was in two days, which is today. That right there confirmed my decision on staying with the old place. I knew it was time to move on, but it is hard to change.
I never wanted to be labled as doctor hopping or shopping from switching from one pratice to another. I wrote my letter to terminate and my husband brought it in just to be on the safe side. I do know that this new surgeon will follow up with my care. I'm unsure if I will get back with a PMP or not. I have severe chronic pain and I doubt the MD will want to look over my meds.
We know you would never ask for medications from 2 different physicians. I hope that nothing I said mad you feel otherwise.
I did not know that you had been so unhappy with your PMP for a long period of time. With that being the case I would certainly do as you have done. I just feel for you, without pain meds I could not get out of bed. You should always feel comfortable talking with your physician. I am sorry you did not have that with your PMP. It was probably past time to move on.
Thank you for clarifying things with us. I wish you the very best of luck and hope that you will let us know how everything turns out for you. You know we are always here for you.
I did not know that you had been so unhappy with your PMP for a long period of time. With that being the case I would certainly do as you have done. I just feel for you, without pain meds I could not get out of bed. You should always feel comfortable talking with your physician. I am sorry you did not have that with your PMP. It was probably past time to move on.
Thank you for clarifying things with us. I wish you the very best of luck and hope that you will let us know how everything turns out for you. You know we are always here for you.
The only records that were faxed was the two MRI reports to the surgeon. I never and would never ask for medications from different doctors. Tuck, I can see your point. I have been up front and honest with everybody. I'm assuming I will not be able to obtain meds right now, but that is the chance I took. I have been unhappy with the PMP for a while now and my husband was trying to get me to change doctors before I even had my surgery. I find it very hard for me to talk with the previous PMP.
I am terminating the contract with the PMP. My husband will drop of the letter today. I will have to get a referral from my MD to find another PMP. The second opinion was only regards to the SCS. I will be having another fusion with this new surgeon to fix the problem instead of masking it.
Hi Runningmom,
Lissy brings up a good point and one that came to mind as soon as I read your post. Your current PMP may view your request for records as "Dr Shopping." He may beleive that you are trying to pull a fast one and obtain narcotics from two different locations and or physicians. It's not you personally, it happens. There are ppl out there that do that.
You have a right to a second opinion. I would call your current PMP and speak to him/her if possible. If you cannot speak to him talk to his nurse. Explain that you are not seeking drugs and are abiding by your contract, you just want a second opinion. Also kindly ask about your contract regarding leaving you high and dry without pain medications. When I think I am right but do not want to be confrontational I always begin with, "Help me understand....." I find that approach goes a lot farther in getting positive reaction instead of alienating the relationship even further. This may be a simple misunderstanding. Ask for an appt at that call and explain that you wil be out of medications.
I understand your anger. I would be also. Just try not to let your anger make you suffer without medications.
I disagree with not taking Fentanyl unless you have a terminal illness. We have members on this forum that their pain has only been controlled with the Patch. A better statement in my opinion is do not to take a stronger narcotics than you actually require to control or relieve your pain.
Please let us know how you are doing. You know we are concerned about you and will look forward to your updates.
Take Care,
Tuck
Lissy brings up a good point and one that came to mind as soon as I read your post. Your current PMP may view your request for records as "Dr Shopping." He may beleive that you are trying to pull a fast one and obtain narcotics from two different locations and or physicians. It's not you personally, it happens. There are ppl out there that do that.
You have a right to a second opinion. I would call your current PMP and speak to him/her if possible. If you cannot speak to him talk to his nurse. Explain that you are not seeking drugs and are abiding by your contract, you just want a second opinion. Also kindly ask about your contract regarding leaving you high and dry without pain medications. When I think I am right but do not want to be confrontational I always begin with, "Help me understand....." I find that approach goes a lot farther in getting positive reaction instead of alienating the relationship even further. This may be a simple misunderstanding. Ask for an appt at that call and explain that you wil be out of medications.
I understand your anger. I would be also. Just try not to let your anger make you suffer without medications.
I disagree with not taking Fentanyl unless you have a terminal illness. We have members on this forum that their pain has only been controlled with the Patch. A better statement in my opinion is do not to take a stronger narcotics than you actually require to control or relieve your pain.
Please let us know how you are doing. You know we are concerned about you and will look forward to your updates.
Take Care,
Tuck
I hear you, honey! I would go to my appointments, only to be told something came up and they had been cancelled. No explanation given and me without my prescriptions. Then they would grudgingly tell me to sit in the lobby and "someone" would get my scripts "as soon as possible." Well, that usually meant 2 to 3 hours later! I had that happen twice and was so furious.
Then, I found out my first pain management doctor (who had moved and I couldn't find him) had joined their staff...Oh Happy Day! This is what I did. I got my refills from the first doctor. I THEN called the other location (where my fav doctor practices a lot) of the same Pain Management Consultants firm and told them I wanted to make an appointment to "reevaluate" my medications. I was so thrilled when my doctor walked in, stuck out his hand and shook my hand heartily saying, "Long time, no see!" I already felt relief. That office was run so much more efficiently, was so much more courteous and my doctor addressed my concern that I wanted to come off some mega strong meds...Fentanyl patches to be exact (100 x stronger than morphine!!!) and he was so mad that I had ever been put on them and started a plan to get me off of them and just taking some maintenance pain meds (Darvocet 3 x daily) and a Clonazepam at bedtime for sleep. I am in the agonizing process of weaning off this awful drug, but I'm conquering it!
You should NEVER be penalized for requesting another doctor in the same practice. If your second opinion is OUTSIDE the current practice, you MUST submit a written intent to terminate your contract before seeking a doctor outside the practice. The process of termination, I am told, takes approximately 2 weeks. If not, you could be labeled as "doctor shopping" and you don't want that. I don't mean to scare you, but it's an offense, if the doctors report it.
I would just go in and tell your side of the story. If you get in a crisis before you can get in, go to the ER and have them treat you. That should alleviate any concern this/these doctor(s) have about your decision. I know you shouldn't have to do this and you deserve a second opinion. But, these pain management doctors take the contracts seriously and most all contracts state that you will not seek advice, treatment or medication outside that practice. If you sign that contract, you are bound to its terms. If you are disatisfied with this doctor/doctors/practice, write your letter of intent to terminate your contract and submit it immediately!
I HATE dealing with pain management practices (even though my doctor is the ONLY redeeming part of going there, but I changed doctors TWICE in the SAME practice due to poor, neglectful care and leaving me out in the cold with medications.) I will not be needing the Fentanyl from them ever again, so I don't plan on going to him for that. And a word of caution, since you are dealing with chronic severe pain...DO NOT LET YOUR DOCTOR TALK YOU INTO FENTANYL PATCHES (unless you are terminally ill!) They are 100 x stronger than morphine and are the devil to get off of with your sanity intact. I know...I'm doing it right now. Best of everything to you, sweetie!
Blessings!
Lissy
Then, I found out my first pain management doctor (who had moved and I couldn't find him) had joined their staff...Oh Happy Day! This is what I did. I got my refills from the first doctor. I THEN called the other location (where my fav doctor practices a lot) of the same Pain Management Consultants firm and told them I wanted to make an appointment to "reevaluate" my medications. I was so thrilled when my doctor walked in, stuck out his hand and shook my hand heartily saying, "Long time, no see!" I already felt relief. That office was run so much more efficiently, was so much more courteous and my doctor addressed my concern that I wanted to come off some mega strong meds...Fentanyl patches to be exact (100 x stronger than morphine!!!) and he was so mad that I had ever been put on them and started a plan to get me off of them and just taking some maintenance pain meds (Darvocet 3 x daily) and a Clonazepam at bedtime for sleep. I am in the agonizing process of weaning off this awful drug, but I'm conquering it!
You should NEVER be penalized for requesting another doctor in the same practice. If your second opinion is OUTSIDE the current practice, you MUST submit a written intent to terminate your contract before seeking a doctor outside the practice. The process of termination, I am told, takes approximately 2 weeks. If not, you could be labeled as "doctor shopping" and you don't want that. I don't mean to scare you, but it's an offense, if the doctors report it.
I would just go in and tell your side of the story. If you get in a crisis before you can get in, go to the ER and have them treat you. That should alleviate any concern this/these doctor(s) have about your decision. I know you shouldn't have to do this and you deserve a second opinion. But, these pain management doctors take the contracts seriously and most all contracts state that you will not seek advice, treatment or medication outside that practice. If you sign that contract, you are bound to its terms. If you are disatisfied with this doctor/doctors/practice, write your letter of intent to terminate your contract and submit it immediately!
I HATE dealing with pain management practices (even though my doctor is the ONLY redeeming part of going there, but I changed doctors TWICE in the SAME practice due to poor, neglectful care and leaving me out in the cold with medications.) I will not be needing the Fentanyl from them ever again, so I don't plan on going to him for that. And a word of caution, since you are dealing with chronic severe pain...DO NOT LET YOUR DOCTOR TALK YOU INTO FENTANYL PATCHES (unless you are terminally ill!) They are 100 x stronger than morphine and are the devil to get off of with your sanity intact. I know...I'm doing it right now. Best of everything to you, sweetie!
Blessings!
Lissy
ah the horrors of pain management yet again... Im sorry you are going through it. Ive had nothing but horrid trouble with PM clinics, every single time. I call them the Pill Nazi's. Good luck to you and I hope something works out for you
No, they do not do appointments for the refills. It states in my contract that they would not let me go without medications until they had slowly tapered me off of them. I do feel like I'm being penalized for this. It looks as if they are not happy with me going for a second opinion. I did not breech my contract.
I have always done what they have asked without any problems. I never said no to a procedure and I've always followed their orders.
I have always done what they have asked without any problems. I never said no to a procedure and I've always followed their orders.
You should not be penalized for getting a second opinion.
I am not quite understnding your post. Did you have an appointment for refills?
I am not quite understnding your post. Did you have an appointment for refills?
I guess by those actions, I've made up my mind and am not getting a SCS through the previous spine clinic. The more I think about it, the more angry I am.
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