Aa
Just can't understand.
So, I was waiting for DH to get paid to make an appt with the doctor. Eventually he was paid on Thursday, but it still wasn't enough and we had to pawn some things and saw the doctor on Friday. I told him that this month, at least, I would have to have my prescriptions filled at a local pharmacy with my insurance. I just can't afford $377 in meds this month after a $200 doctor's visit. I called a pharmacy before we went the 2 hours over to the doctor's office and they said it should be no problem with my insurance and living here with my doctor 2 hours away.
After the doctor I went straight to the pharmacy. They said it would be 45 mins. Well, about 45 mins later they came and said that they couldn't fill my prescription until Saturday, today, the day I am supposed to run out. Then they gave me the 5th degree about my pregnancy and the doctors I see. As if I was trying to do something wrong. Finally they came back and said (after 45 mins of having my prescriptions), that they didn't feel comfortable filling ANY of them and handed them back to me. I quietly informed them that there are published reports by doctors available to everyone on the internet if they ever care to look it up and left almost in tears.
I went to the next pharmacy that said they would fill it on Monday after talking to my doctor. I would have been there before the doctor's office closed if it wasnt' for the problem with the first pharmacy. The only problem is that I only had one day's worth of medication. So that means 2 pills a day when I am used to taking 4. I told them I may have to come back, but for now I needed to see if I could find someone who could fill my prescription on Saturday, now today.
We went to at least 10 pharmacies, big chain and not. Either no one had it or wouldn't fill it with my doctor being from out of town. Finally at about 8pm I had had enough. After being referred to another Walgreens from the Walgreens that filled it last week, I was told they only had 46 pills left. I cannot get a partial refill as I will lose the rest of my prescription. They were very kind and sympathetic there, though, so I decided to have the flexeril and phenergen filled and try to tough it out until Monday.
To add insult to injury.. When they went to fill the flexeril and phenergen they found that the original pharmacy that made me wait for 45 minutes billed my insurance for medications they didn't even give me! I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they didn't realize they had to reverse the charges since they handed the paper slips back to me. We did realize, though, that they probably couldn't do this on the oxycodone because it wasn't allowed to be billed until today.
So I am limping by on half a pill every 4 hours instead of one. I was able to get a 72 hour supply of phenergen and flexeril from the kind Walgreens pharmacy, but since my doctor only wrote the script for one flexeril a day (I didn't even notice until I went to have it filled), that was only 3 pills.
I have been bawling my eyes out all morning. The pain is not unbearable, I just don't understnad why these pharmacies can't see "This woman has a paper prescription signed by a doctor who may not be in this county, but is the only one who will see her for PM while pregnant." I have given them all the info and papers I can to prove that the doctor is legit, I am legit, and in pain. It's just so upsetting that they would rather make me struggle through the weekend, pregnant, than fill a paper prescription from a doctor with an office number, answering service and a website.
So the question is: Has anyone else had to get along with only half your medication? I know I can't go to the emergency room again, but if my heart won't stop racing and I can't stop sobbing, I may have to.
After the doctor I went straight to the pharmacy. They said it would be 45 mins. Well, about 45 mins later they came and said that they couldn't fill my prescription until Saturday, today, the day I am supposed to run out. Then they gave me the 5th degree about my pregnancy and the doctors I see. As if I was trying to do something wrong. Finally they came back and said (after 45 mins of having my prescriptions), that they didn't feel comfortable filling ANY of them and handed them back to me. I quietly informed them that there are published reports by doctors available to everyone on the internet if they ever care to look it up and left almost in tears.
I went to the next pharmacy that said they would fill it on Monday after talking to my doctor. I would have been there before the doctor's office closed if it wasnt' for the problem with the first pharmacy. The only problem is that I only had one day's worth of medication. So that means 2 pills a day when I am used to taking 4. I told them I may have to come back, but for now I needed to see if I could find someone who could fill my prescription on Saturday, now today.
We went to at least 10 pharmacies, big chain and not. Either no one had it or wouldn't fill it with my doctor being from out of town. Finally at about 8pm I had had enough. After being referred to another Walgreens from the Walgreens that filled it last week, I was told they only had 46 pills left. I cannot get a partial refill as I will lose the rest of my prescription. They were very kind and sympathetic there, though, so I decided to have the flexeril and phenergen filled and try to tough it out until Monday.
To add insult to injury.. When they went to fill the flexeril and phenergen they found that the original pharmacy that made me wait for 45 minutes billed my insurance for medications they didn't even give me! I want to give them the benefit of the doubt and assume that they didn't realize they had to reverse the charges since they handed the paper slips back to me. We did realize, though, that they probably couldn't do this on the oxycodone because it wasn't allowed to be billed until today.
So I am limping by on half a pill every 4 hours instead of one. I was able to get a 72 hour supply of phenergen and flexeril from the kind Walgreens pharmacy, but since my doctor only wrote the script for one flexeril a day (I didn't even notice until I went to have it filled), that was only 3 pills.
I have been bawling my eyes out all morning. The pain is not unbearable, I just don't understnad why these pharmacies can't see "This woman has a paper prescription signed by a doctor who may not be in this county, but is the only one who will see her for PM while pregnant." I have given them all the info and papers I can to prove that the doctor is legit, I am legit, and in pain. It's just so upsetting that they would rather make me struggle through the weekend, pregnant, than fill a paper prescription from a doctor with an office number, answering service and a website.
So the question is: Has anyone else had to get along with only half your medication? I know I can't go to the emergency room again, but if my heart won't stop racing and I can't stop sobbing, I may have to.
Thank you, everyone! The withdrawls are setting in somewhat. I feel like I have a really bad flu. Although I want everyone to know my heart has not been racing (I think it may have been the reglan that I took for a full day yesterday having run out of phenergen. I have phenergen now).
I also have not had more braxton hicks than usual and none that are in a regular pattern. If they increase or seem to get rythmic, I will go in. My biggest concern here is the baby. I hope to God she isn't feeling what I'm feeling. That would be the most absolutely unfair and cruel thing of all of it.
I took a bath and, of course, the water was heavenly. Thank God for hot water! I will probably end up taking a lot more baths. (and hopefully not get a UTI) My husband got home from work and, while he's exhausted, is taking care of the kids and everything.
My daughter has been trying to nurse me all day to the point that it's getting a little overboard, but she just wants to help. I tried not to cry in front of her or let on that the pain is bad. I simply told her I am feeling really bad because I have to take less of my medicine. She seems to understand and has been great.
The kids are 13 and 9 and while they are able to take care of themselves for the most part, it's still extremely frustrating that I can't be there for them as I normally would be all because no pharmacy will take a legitimate paper script and fill it. I'm trying not to dwell on the frustration, though, and I'm thankful that DH will be home tomorrow.
I'm also thankful to all of you who have helped me to know I'm not alone.
I also have not had more braxton hicks than usual and none that are in a regular pattern. If they increase or seem to get rythmic, I will go in. My biggest concern here is the baby. I hope to God she isn't feeling what I'm feeling. That would be the most absolutely unfair and cruel thing of all of it.
I took a bath and, of course, the water was heavenly. Thank God for hot water! I will probably end up taking a lot more baths. (and hopefully not get a UTI) My husband got home from work and, while he's exhausted, is taking care of the kids and everything.
My daughter has been trying to nurse me all day to the point that it's getting a little overboard, but she just wants to help. I tried not to cry in front of her or let on that the pain is bad. I simply told her I am feeling really bad because I have to take less of my medicine. She seems to understand and has been great.
The kids are 13 and 9 and while they are able to take care of themselves for the most part, it's still extremely frustrating that I can't be there for them as I normally would be all because no pharmacy will take a legitimate paper script and fill it. I'm trying not to dwell on the frustration, though, and I'm thankful that DH will be home tomorrow.
I'm also thankful to all of you who have helped me to know I'm not alone.
I am so sad that you're going through this. Please know that I'm thinking of you and praying for you.
Hugs,
Flower
Hugs,
Flower
I am sorry this happened, you have been thru so much!
I just hate the pharmacist that try and play god with our medications. There are many Pharmacist out there who do understand that chronic pain is a disease and needs treatment but the ones who want to try and make a stand and say they want no part of it they are actually dishonoring the true Pharmacist as they are the ones who do care and want to help their patients. Some pharmacist just like some doctors think we should just suck it up and live with the pain and many will say hey I do! But my reply to that is that is you! If you want to live in pain and be irritable and hateful to everyone and have no one who wants to be around you then be my guest but I do not wish to live like that!
I know it will be a tough day or so you have left but have faith and know were here if you need us:)
I just hate the pharmacist that try and play god with our medications. There are many Pharmacist out there who do understand that chronic pain is a disease and needs treatment but the ones who want to try and make a stand and say they want no part of it they are actually dishonoring the true Pharmacist as they are the ones who do care and want to help their patients. Some pharmacist just like some doctors think we should just suck it up and live with the pain and many will say hey I do! But my reply to that is that is you! If you want to live in pain and be irritable and hateful to everyone and have no one who wants to be around you then be my guest but I do not wish to live like that!
I know it will be a tough day or so you have left but have faith and know were here if you need us:)
Bree I am so sorry you are continuing to have such problems .I cannot believe how some of these pharmacists behave .Your Dr wrote this prescription for you he obviously knows you are pregnant .What gives these pharmacists the right to decide if you need this medication or not ? This is unacceptable .I get so infuriated at how some pharmacists want to play God .Your Dr wrote you this prescription because he thinks you need it why does a pharmacist thinks he knows more than your Dr ? I feel so bad for you .It is bad enough to be a CP and have to deal with all the judgemental bs but I cannot fathom what you are going thru as a pregnant CP .My heart goes out to you Bree .
Melissa
Melissa
Thank you everyone. I didn't sleep well last night and my heart was racing. It's been doing that lately and I meant to tell the doctor about it when I was there, but he's so chatty I forgot about it and hadn't written it down. I finally got a long nap and upon waking up I'm in a ton of pain, but hoping the half will kick in. I'm feeling a little less emotional.
The second pharmacy I went to said they would fill the prescription on Monday when they could call my doctor. Right now that's what I'm holding out hope for. I have just enough to get by on a half dose schedule until Monday morning. I don't think I could have existed on less if I tried. Apparently that pharmacy price gouges, but at this point I have go to go whoever takes my insurance.
I didn't give the first pharmacy any money but I did sign some new patient form. It scares me now because I'm afraid that they may try to say I filled my pain meds there, but if *I* have the paper script, how can they say they filled anything? The insurance is Medicaid, by the way, so if they did this on purpose it would be considered Medicaid/care fraud. I just don't think anyone would subject their pharmacy/pharmacist liscense to loss or fines out of spite..? That whole situation was just weird. Also, they are a small "mom and pop" pharmacy, so I don't think they have a national affiliation, although one of the ones I went to does.
I looked up "compounding pharmacies" online and so far every single one has had the medication but demands the patient and doctor are county residents/practice. I actually had my address finally changed on my driver's liscense on Thursday just because of this, although I had only heard that the patient had to be in-county, not the doctor as well.
I did find some really compassionate and caring people at Walgreens, though, and if I knew they would have it on Monday, I would have it filled there just so that they could benefit from the kindness of their staff. I was really shocked that a Walgreens would be more caring than an individual practice but I suppose they have to be cold as not everyone who comes there with a prescription is like us.
Anyway. I appreciate you all listening and responding. I knew everyone here would be able to understand what I'm going through here. One thing that was funny- When the Jehovah's Witness's came to the door today I was in tears. I told them it wasn't a good time and they could see that I was crying so they said "We could listen", so I totally broke down and explained about CP, pain meds, and pregnancy to the JWs, lol. Even THEY understood.
Anyway, I may have to avoid the forums a little for the next couple of days. I will be here as much as I can, but my main focus is rest and stress reduction. My husband had to work today but should have tomorrow off. He has been pretty resolute about going to every pharmacy in town with the prescription to get it filled for me. I don't know what I would do without that man.
Thanks again everyone!
The second pharmacy I went to said they would fill the prescription on Monday when they could call my doctor. Right now that's what I'm holding out hope for. I have just enough to get by on a half dose schedule until Monday morning. I don't think I could have existed on less if I tried. Apparently that pharmacy price gouges, but at this point I have go to go whoever takes my insurance.
I didn't give the first pharmacy any money but I did sign some new patient form. It scares me now because I'm afraid that they may try to say I filled my pain meds there, but if *I* have the paper script, how can they say they filled anything? The insurance is Medicaid, by the way, so if they did this on purpose it would be considered Medicaid/care fraud. I just don't think anyone would subject their pharmacy/pharmacist liscense to loss or fines out of spite..? That whole situation was just weird. Also, they are a small "mom and pop" pharmacy, so I don't think they have a national affiliation, although one of the ones I went to does.
I looked up "compounding pharmacies" online and so far every single one has had the medication but demands the patient and doctor are county residents/practice. I actually had my address finally changed on my driver's liscense on Thursday just because of this, although I had only heard that the patient had to be in-county, not the doctor as well.
I did find some really compassionate and caring people at Walgreens, though, and if I knew they would have it on Monday, I would have it filled there just so that they could benefit from the kindness of their staff. I was really shocked that a Walgreens would be more caring than an individual practice but I suppose they have to be cold as not everyone who comes there with a prescription is like us.
Anyway. I appreciate you all listening and responding. I knew everyone here would be able to understand what I'm going through here. One thing that was funny- When the Jehovah's Witness's came to the door today I was in tears. I told them it wasn't a good time and they could see that I was crying so they said "We could listen", so I totally broke down and explained about CP, pain meds, and pregnancy to the JWs, lol. Even THEY understood.
Anyway, I may have to avoid the forums a little for the next couple of days. I will be here as much as I can, but my main focus is rest and stress reduction. My husband had to work today but should have tomorrow off. He has been pretty resolute about going to every pharmacy in town with the prescription to get it filled for me. I don't know what I would do without that man.
Thanks again everyone!
Have an Answer?
You are reading content posted in the Pain Management Community
Find out how beta-blocker eye drops show promising results for acute migraine relief.
Could it be something you ate? Lack of sleep? Here are 11 migraine triggers to look out for.
Find out if PRP therapy right for you.
Tips for preventing one of the most common types of knee injury.
Here are 10 ways to stop headaches before they start.
Tips and moves to ease backaches
