Pian Doctor Ethics

[rarebear]

Hello My First Post,

Nice to have a place to ask questions...

I suffer fro back pain due to failed fusion and have been under a Pain doc for 5-7 years
The last 5-6 has been strictly PM docs not surgeon

Seems EVER time I go for refills on my MS Contin they are hard selling some back injection or never burn or a surgical implanted pain pump or electrical stimulator ...  I have had dozens of burns and injections of all kinds and non help more than a maybe...  I am tiered of the heavy duty sell every visit........

Last visit they reccommended I get my c-pap checked and I have not as he asked if I wanted the referrial to the sleep study.. I have not had that done and today told me if I do not get it done by the next visit he will not refill any of my Meds.. I found this place by searching for MS Contin Withdrawals and did not like what I read and I am pretty Angy that that they threaten me with the pain of withdrawals unless I do as they say.. This is not the first time this prestigous clinic here in Atlanta, Ga has done this and I am wondering if it ethical to do this...

If I consented to the injections I am sure this would not even be brought up...


Thanks very much for your time,

RB
Rex, GA

[JoshuaY46013]

PCP = Primary Care Physician, your family doctor

[rarebear]

In the past 7 years I have had about dozens of dozens these very painful injections and never burns that DON'T WORK  yet they still keep trying to push them on me.......

When I say no more they then start we just dont write scripts inferring that I am just there for the drugs or the only way you can get any meds if you do what they say...

I really snapped when they told me to do for a sleep study I asked for so I can buy a new C-Pap machine (when I had the money to afford this $1.5000 machine) Now I have to go for he will not fill my prescriptions and after 7 years of oxy-codo and now MS Contin I am sure I will go into withdrawals and this is all because I said no to anything thats expensive..

I too don't know what a PCP is .......

[opus88]

by PCP do you mean pain 'control physician?'
I haven't heard of any here in Canada but will do some searching. thx

[lawless2009]

I too am lucky to have my PCP taking care of me. I was in the same situation and followed through with the injections and PT and when this failed my PCP gladly took over my care so that I would not be forced to jump through all the hoops the PMP wanted. I thank God and thank my doctor on a regular basis for all she has done to help keep my costs down as well as my pain & stress level manageable. I wish everyone here the luck of finding the right doctor to help you!

[Tuckamore]

Hi Rarebear,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. We are glad that you found us also. I am sorry that you are being forced into treatments and evaluations that you find disagreeable. I would not be happy with the situation either.

The more I read regarding PMP on this Forum the more grateful I am that in my state it is the PCP that follow their chronic pain patients and prescribe any needed pain medications. My physician will reap no financial gain by suggesting that I try other treatments or see specialist.

I can tell you that I did follow her advice. I saw the specialists and I even had two steroidal injections, with no releif in my pain. Apparently by doing this I built her trust that I was just not seeking narcotics, I was looking for releif from pain in anyway that the medical community could provide it. Had the injections worked I would have happily declined any further pain medication. She has told me that because I do everything she asks it is one of the reasons it's so apparent that I have chronic pain. That may shed some light on on of the reasons your PMP may be insistence that you try something other treatments.

My opinion, jump through their hoops, try the injections again or go to the sleep study or what ever it is that they think may be beneficial. Physicians like what they term compliant patients.  That means you do what they suggest, like it or not UNLESS you believe it will be detrimental to your health than by all means refuse.

These are just my thoughts for what they are worth. My condition is different from most here. There just are not treatments that are considered effective. I wish you the best. We are here to support you.

Please let us know how you are doing. We will look forward to your updates.  

Peace,
Tuck

[opus88]

I too feel the 'pressure' of other treatments besides medication.
I don't think I am a pill seeker and most aren't they are just looking for relief
However I've decided after alot of reading I don't want any of the nerve blocks or injections any longer....
they have all these high priced treatment rooms with the live xray equipment and a radiologist on the payroll...these sure don't pay for themselves with only script writing do they!!!

[larbec7]

Bottom line is they make more money doing the injections, pumps, etc and when they wear off they get to prescribe meds again.  Most of them can care less about YOUR pain or wht we go through with withdrawals...sad but true.  I just searched for a new PM doc and it took 3 to find one that will "just" prescribe meds.  He does all the others but does not push them

[troubleinohio]

you gotta jump through all the hoops and do your happy seal bark if you want them to throw you some more mackeral...sad but true..i call the PMs the Pill Nazi's

[TrayCee]

no its not ethical, but is legal and PM Dr.'s do it everyday. Trust me...dont call his bluff.

Good Luck