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Avatar universal

My Percocet Script ran out........

Hello.I had a knee injury last year.I had surgery to fix the problem but was left with Complex regional pain syndrome .Severe pain in my leg for the rest of my life.I take percocet for the pain,6-8 a day,maybe a few more on a bad day.I have never run out.I am out of state and my mother picks up my scripts,fills them,then mails them for me due to the fact the comp claim is in the other state.Well,this time I asked her to mail the paper script here and I will fill them here because I will have run out on the fill date,then have none untill she overnited them for me.Anyway,she threw the scripts in the regular mail.Mail from her to me takes 5-8 days.So I have today taken my last dose.How bad of a ride am I in for?Can I go to a Dr here where I live that treats me for my injury and get a few day script and still be able to fill my recent one when it gets here?I dont want any Drs to get in trouble.I know I'm hooked on these pills,it *****,but it make my day to day life do-able.I take the 10-325.Thanks for any help of what kind of pail and withdrawl I am facing.I already have severe depression ontop of facing this due to the injury and being told I will never work again,that the original Dr destryed my leg that bad.
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Avatar universal
Thanks to all of you again.My limbido so far has been just fine,its just the pain and positions that keep me from whoopie with my wife at times,but,when you want it you want it lol.I went to a therapist the other day,she said I was "a mess",I even broke down and cried.For me that is rare.I am a tough guy on the outside.I have been my familys rock for so long,but I am starting o crumble.So the Dr has to send her findings to comp,then she will call me back and start seeing me on a regular basis.The only problem with the methadone and oxy is,I have seen people on it and they look like heroin junkies,all droopy eyed and groggy,slurry for a bit.Not sure if it was their dose or not,they were not abusers,you could just tell when they took it.I dont want to be like that.I know when I first took more than one perc last year when I started it did that,so I stuck with one for quite a while.I tried amatrip as a nerve blocker,but it gave me such bad dreams,I honestly didnt know dream from reality,lost track of time and day,boy that was f*+#@ed up.
Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
     HI noel i have been reading your posts I have rsd in my left foot and had to sell my pick up cause i couldnt push the clutch so i sure sorry about your tractor i had to get a automatic.  I have tried all the long acting pain meds and the last one the pain clinic has given me is methadone.  It is by far cheaper and works better than oxicontin i use percosets for breakthru pain.  You also need to get your testosterone checked pain pills make you lose your testosterone besides losing your limbido it makes your bones go weak so it is very important to watch what it is.  I have to take a injection every two weeks to keep mine in the middle of the range.  You have to watch the intake of methadone too many of them makes ya not wake up in the morning so be careful if u ever start using them.  Good luck u are going to need it cause this rsd gets old real quick.  bye Alan
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1331804 tn?1336867358
Hi Noel,

Keep your head up and stay positive.  We here at MH know you are taking your meds properly and we know you need them to live an enjoyable life as what is possible.

Most of us have gotten the same looks, attitudes, etc. hinting that they think we are junkies.  It really ***** that so many abuse medications and doctors open up pill mills for profit.  It is getting harder for legitimate pain patients to get their medications.  

I am very hopeful that you will find a physician in your state that will prescribe you and your wife's pain meds for you.  

Your story was very uplifting to me.  I think is so great that you are spending whatever time you can with your new tractor and doing your best to shower your kids with love and spending time with them however you can.  Your family knows how much you love them and that you are doing your very best.  

I think a long acting opioid would work wonders for your pain, especially at night.  Keep in mind that the percocet can still be very helpful in managing your pain as pain sometimes breaks through the long acting pain medicine such that you need to take a short acting med like percocet to get you through those periods.  I take long acting morphine with percocet for breakthrough pain.  Of course, I still have pain but overall it is less and I feel like I have more control over my pain levels with the percocet on hand if I need it.  

Sending support and hugs to you and your wife,

femmy  :)
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Avatar universal
Here in SC they have to call the my Dr in NY to make sure the scripts are real.Other than that they give me no problem at all.The only problem I have had was this last fill,I used walgreens for the first time,they were the only place open late at the time,and not far from the house..They treated me like a junkie.They said the office was closed,so I gave them my Drs after hours number and from then on they treated me like a junkie.Told my Dr I was in distress and was acting wierd.I am far from a junkie.The lady at the counter was nothing but rude and nasty.I did talk to the manager,not sure if I was the only one treated this way or not.I had a script,a workers comp medical card to get scripts filled,and a limp.I also had not problem with them telling me it wouldnt be filled for three hrs.If I was that much of a junkie I think I would have raised a stink about that or went to another store.I just hate the fact that all these people are getting hooked on all these pills.It ruins it for those of us who use it like told to,and need it to get by with daily activities.I would give anything to not be in pain anymore.To have my life back,my job that I loved back,to play and run around with my kids again,to roll around with my wife and play like we used to.All the fun stuff in life that you take for granted until one day its all taken away.There are sooo many things I cant do anymore.Alot of things I have been told I cant do even if I think I can.I have had every injection,every test,xray,MRI,PT,exam,all if it,by 4 different Drs,just to be told,well,thats it,its all we can do,we're done,this is what you have,this is how you will be.....sorry.I have my first visit with a shrink tomorrow.Finally got comp to set up a visit.I just hope that they approve continues visits,I'm sure the Dr will see that I need them.If not,I will keep fighting for as long as I can.I can say it wont be long,I am weak.I have so many things running through my head.Money is tight not being able to work.I feel worthless to myself and my family cuz I cant do anything for them.I seem to just be plain mean,mad and rude all the time,thats not me.I have moments like anyone else.Not like I am now.Anyway,no need for me to ramble any longer....sorry people.Thanks for all your input though,its nice to know that there are humans out there that will still take the time to talk to others,to support them,and just be nice.Thank you all.
                                                        Noel
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968560 tn?1307451498
You would be wise to check about filling out of state schedule II prescriptions. I live in Texas and pharmacies aren't allowed to fill out of state prescriptions for class II drugs. (just a little heads up)
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Avatar universal
I just went up to NY a few months ago and saw my Dr so he can keep writing scripts.He did state he is cutting my wife and I off,so we need to find a Dr soon.I have taken my pills as prescribed this month,and they seem to work better than going a few days with a limited amount,and some with the full amount.I have only taken more than the 8 a few times,but never more than 10.This month since the new script I have put out 6 a day in my pill box,that way if I have a problem again,I have extra stashed incase of an emergency.I have to call my Dr down here and see if he will prescribe my meds or want to send me to a clinic,and then call comp if he decides the clinic.That way I can get it covered before I run out again.I have never taken my pills other than by mouth,so they have me that bad,just need them to be able to do daily activities,and to even be able to walk some days.I do however take a dose as soon as I get up,it gets me going,the other doses depends on how active I have been,and then a dose at night to be ablt to sleep without waking up screaming and whimpering while rolling over and such.Thas where I came up with my 6 a day,morning,afternoon,and bed time.If I take three I get a wicked buzz and don't really care for that.

as for the house,we are getting there.My wife has had 5 abdominal surgeries,so she is worse off than myself.So we plug along at our own pace.We are down to hanging pictures,and the last few boxes tucked away in our bedroom.
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Avatar universal
Just fyi but there are new laws taking effect in 2012 to where they will not allow for out of state prescriptions to be filled unless you are seeing that Dr. at least every 3 months. So hopefully you can get set up with a new Dr. in your state in the next few months.

As others have mentioned...there is no reason to fear Oxycontin as it's the exact same medicine that you are taking now...

You are on immediate release Oxycodone with Acetaminophen
Oxycontin is Oxycodone but in 'continuous' release...hence the 'contin' in the name. So the opiate is the exact same medicine.

The only reason to 'fear' narcotics are if they do not take them properly (not crushed, snorted, or injected) and are taken exactly as written by the Dr. who prescribes them for the person.

I'm a bit confused but are you saying that some days you only take one or two Percocet and others you take 8 -10? This can cause such havoc on your body to swing from one extreme to the other, as well as cause tolerance to build much more quickly. So just something to be aware of.

I am hoping that your Dr. is aware that you take your medicine this way. Usually the Percocet has a limit of 8 maximum per day.

I have a pill dispenser that has slots for 4 times a day (I take various medications) and 7 days a week. This way I have it all set out for the week and can easily keep track of when I take my medication.

I do wish you well settling into your new home and finding a new Dr.

Helpful - 0
Avatar universal
The notebook is a great idea.I keep myself busy all day,a morning dose gets me moving all day.I have three kids to clean up after daily lol.We moved south just a year ago so we still have things to do around the house.There are still boxes packed in the garage.I tinker in the garage to keep busy also.The worst part is my wife bought me an old farm tractor last year for my birthday.Its a late 40s Massey Harris.The worst part is,due to my injury,I cant drive it,cant push in the clutch.So,I polish it,sit on it,talk to it lol.I have also started drawing again,and I play guitar and bass and have a studio set up in the house.Once I get a Dr here to write my scripts I wont have a problem again,it's just because they are coming from NY still.Thanks for the ideas.Take care.
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Avatar universal
Hi, just thought id let u know that i understand what ur going through.  Its so difficult trying to schedule your days around when ur meds arrive, etc.  I have had that type of situation happen to me b4, in the past ive had been given opinions by people telling me oh i must be an addict.  Well ive been on my strong pain meds for 25 yrs, and since then the doses have gone up but not drastically, (try and keep yourself busy by perhaps organizing your items, making lists, drawing, reading, etc.) until you receive your meds.  It may also help if you log in a calender or notebook, when youve taken your meds, date, time, why, amount, and rate your pain 1-10., it does help me.
Wishing you well on your journey.
Take care,
Tetley3
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Avatar universal
The tramadol helped take alot of the restlessness away.Scripts came finally.My wifes hydromorphone doesnt really work that well for me,if I cut way back on the percocet I can tell its works.I didn't know the oxy was the same,just without the filler.I go next week finally for my first visit to battle my dression.In the next week or so I will get together with my Dr and see if he wants to try different meds,or send me to a pain clinic.There is nothing more he can do to fix my knee.No its at the point to learn to live life with the pain and the restictions.I have always been an active man,so this has all been hard on me.Thanks to all of you for your comments and input.
Helpful - 0
1331804 tn?1336867358
Hi Noel,

I am so sorry that you are in this predictament with your meds.  

You shouldn't be weary about oxycontin.  All oxycontin is, is the percocet you take now in a time release formulation without the added acetaminophen.  Your friends that smoked it, snorted it, chewed it, and injected it, did so to overcome the time release mechanism such that all of the medicine would be released at once versus over a 8 to 12 hour period.  There are people out there that snort percocet too.  Just after reading your story through your posts, I know that you will take your medicine as prescribed and you should have no apprehension about oxycontin.

As for long acting formulations of pain medicine, there are many to chose from.  To name of few that I am aware of: oxycontin, ms contin (morphine), opana (oxymorphone), fentanyl.  

I doubt that the Tramadol will help with the withdrawal symptoms as it is so much more weaker than percocet but it may help a little bit with the pain and a lot with the depression you are feeling right now as it increases serotonin in the brain also.  Hydromorphone (what your wife is taking) is very potent and stronger than percocet.  How is it helping you with your pain?

Hope this helps.

femmy  
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Avatar universal
Well here I am,day three with no percocet.I am still waiting for my script to show up in the mail.My wife takes hydromorphone,but doesnt have many left,so I have taken one of those today.I have a script filled for tramodol,but not sure if it would help with the withdrawl.I give you all credit that have beat this,it's no fun.I can't seem to keep my mind clear to do anything.I already have depression issues due to my injury,so I'm in a rough spot right now.Trying to hide it from my kids.I have to run them around today,so maybe that will keep my mind clear for a bit.
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Avatar universal
Oh,another question I have is,if I were to change meds to a time release type,what would I want to stay away from? I refuse to take oxycontin.I have friends that used them for fun and are a mess.They shoot them,snort them..........I know any drug I will have to take will have addiction effects just as the percocet I am on now,but I can control how much I take.I have that power at least.I don't feel the need to get high,at times if I have to take an extra one,yes,I can feel a buzz,but I also know it will be some time before I have to take another.Two 10s when I get the kids off to school will get me close to bedtime so I can sleep without my damn knee keeping me up.This pain syndrome I have been left with is the worst,I wish I never had the surgery,the slightest touch to my leg will make me scream in pain.The thing I hate most is feeling like a junkie.I am here posting about not having my meds.I too can see I am not the only one,and that there are good people here to help others in such a crule day and age.Along with my injury I have been told that my work future is over,well as far as my line of work.So you can imagine the depression I have.The feeling of being worthless to my family.I have always worked my *** of to give them everything thy want and need.I get checks,but thats not the same.I'm not out there doing what I need to do for them.this has also changed my mood over the past year also.I went to court last week and my lawyer finally got them to get me set up for a therapy.Just waiting now for the ok.The worst thing with comp is the waiting game they love to play.I would bet comp is worse than bubba in prison,I bet he has lube at least !!!!

Anyway,thanks for all and any support.
                                                                       Noel
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Avatar universal
My injury was in NY,I have since moved to south Carolina.My NY Dr still provides my meds as long as I come see him once a year.The scripts get mailed to me by my mother.I have a Dr here,but don't want to get anyone in trouble if he gives me a 3-4 day supply untill mine comes.I do need them to be able to walk most days,but also know I am an addict.I take them as prescribed.There may be a day I dont need but two,or a day I need the 8 or maybe 1 or 2 more.I'm not in anyway taking 25 like some of the ppl I have seen post.I pray for them.My mother mails them every month overnite,this time I knew I was gonna be close to running out and asked to just overnite the paper script so I could just fill it here.It takes a little longer to fill here due to the out of state script,thats why I still fill in NY.I know I will have to see a pain Dr.Just a matter of comp paying for it,everything I need to do is a waiting game with them.Thanks for the advice.
Helpful - 0
1855076 tn?1337115303
Welcome.  I certainly empathize with you.  I was left with CRPS after a failed thumb joint replacement.  I had a total of 9 surgeries and was left worse than when I started. Mine is also a worker's comp case, and it can be frustrating.

I also had a problem with a script in the mail from my doctor.  The first time I didn't realize I was dependent and did go into withdrawals.  It wasn't until the script came and I took my medicine and I was suddenly better that I realized what happened.

You could call your doctor and ask if it's okay if you see another doctor.  I wouldn't go without talking to them as if you break your pain contract you can be dropped.  You can also go to the ER if your withdrawals are bad.

If you do have to face a few days of withdrawal, check out the substance abuse forum for some things you can do to ease withdrawals.  Staying hydrated is very important.

You should try to find out how to get your scripts filled in the state you're in so your doctor can mail them to you directly.  Relying on regular mail is iffy, in my opinion.

I hope you'll let us know what happens.  Good luck.  Don't wait until withdrawals kick in before trying to find out your options.  My first call would be to my pain management doctor to see what they have as options.  Maybe they can fax a small number of pills over to a pharmacy near you.  I believe the law here in MA is that in an emergency the doctor can send a fax, though as a rule you need the paper script.  It's worth a try.  If not, asking if you can have your doctor near you prescribe something is worth a try.
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547368 tn?1440541785
I just wanted to add that you may benifit from consulting a PMP (Pain Mangement Physician).  It may be possible that you will have better pain control with a long acting narcotic as less of the short acting Percocets.

I don't know your medical history but there may also be treatments available to you that will aid in reducing the pain. You have true Chronic Pain and deserve good management.

You don't have to explain that you require narcotics to function on a daily basis... most of us are in a similar situation. That's one of the reasons I suggest you be evaulated to determine if there isn't a better pain regieme for controlling your pain.

My spell check is acting up so please excuse me if I have misspellings.

Take Care,
~Tuck
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547368 tn?1440541785
Hello and Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am so sorry to hear that you have Chronic Pain for life. We can relate.

Complex Regional Pain Syndrome is a recognized painful condition. Any physician should be willing to treat you. However it will probably take more then a day or two to obtain an appt, get an RX and so forth.  

When you say, "Hooked" on these pills you mean dependant and require pain management. Physically your body is dependant and cannot differentiate between addiction and dependency/requirement. You will experience withdrawal symptoms that vary and include leg pains, nausea, anxiety and of course increased pain of your Complex Regional Pain Syndrome.

A physician should not "get in trouble" for providing you meds until your RX arrives..... as long as you continue to take the same amount and not increase the dosage or number. Of course you must be upfront with the physician and not try to deceive him/her in anyway.

I don't have to tell you that you situation is not desirable. Is there anyway you can transfer your care to the state where you reside? I don't know the legalities on what you are doing. It doesn't sound fraudulent but I am not an expert in these matters so please be cautious.  

You are always welcome here but you may obtain more responses on withdrawal symptoms on our Addiction and Substance Abuse Forum. You can find a list of our forums by clicking on the word forms on the right hand side of the blue banner located near the top of this page.

I wish I could be of more help. I hope that you'll let us know how you are doing and be active in our community.

Best of Luck,
~Tuck
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