Spinal fusion Surgery pain medicine

[floodmaster76]

I had a Spinal fusion surgery at L5 S1 level just about a month ago. I am still having a lot of pain and it is time for a refill on my medicine. I just needed Valuim 5 mg. and Dilaudid 4mg which my Dr. has me on. I called my Dr.'s office today but he is on vacation. The covering Dr. said he won't write that kind of prescription because he only writes for Lortab. I already have a few Lortab from before the surgery and they don't cut through the pain. ...and he said he won't write for Valuim at all. I asked them can't they look at my chart so they can verify what I was taken the Didlaudid and the Valuim and they told me they already saw that thats what I have been on but the covering Dr. won't write them he will only write me the Lortab prescription. My Dr. won't be back to the middle of next week and I can't sleep and I am in a lot of pain. Does anyone have any suggestions?  

[Tuckamore]

Hey Floodmaster,

You are so welcome. We are glad that you found us and hope that you will be active in our community.

Statistics prove that Chronic Pain Ppl and others with major medical disorders, etc do better when they are part of some kind of a Support Group. In my opinion MedHelp is the best. You can come here any time of the night or day. You don't have to wait for a group meeting on Wednesday, Friday or whatever day it might be scheduled and you're basically anonymous.

I am delighted that your PCP was able to help you and that your surgeon's appt is early afternoon tomorrow. Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.

My Best,
~Tuck

[floodmaster76]

My Primary Doctor called me back yesterday (Monday) and said he was sorry and he didn't get my messege until yesterday. I explained to him about my problem and he said he had no problem writting me a prescription for Valuim.  My Surgeon will be back in tomorrow(Wednesday), thank God and I have an appointment at 1:40pm. I would like to thank you all for your support. This website has helped me out in so many ways. If it wasn't for this site I wouldn't be able to talk to people who have been through this and it would be a lot harder to deal with and I wouldn't know if what I was going through was normal. Once again I can't thank you enough for helping me through this. I will let you know what my Surgeon says tomorrow after I see him. Thank you, Tony

[Alaskaman43]

Sorry to here you are having such issues getting your MEDS.I have had the same surgery and I also know that pain.I would go to the ER if it get to bad.Hang in there Tony
Brad

[Tuckamore]

Hi Tony,

If your PCP is in today try giving him another call. It can't hurt.

Lay low until your physician returns and use the usual and customary comfort measures. I wish you a tolerable week-end.

~Tuck

[floodmaster76]

Thanks for responding. Yes, it is my Spine Surgeon that is on vacation. I also called my Neuro Surgeon and he is out on a 4 day weekend(whats the chances? I guess good in my case) I called my Primary Doctor to see if he can prescribe me just my Valuim until my Surgeon gets back but I was only able to leave a messege yesterday and he hasn't gotten back to me as of yet. I am just stuck with the Lortab and as long as I don't do anything I should be ok and if not I will just have to deal with it. I do have Oxycontin CR that lasts 12 hours but it don't cut through immediate pain that I get throughout the day. Yesterday was pretty rough because the Lortab don't help when I get the pain that feels like my tail bone is disconnecting from my spine. I know that isn't happening but thats the only way I can discribe the pain. Thank you both very much for responding. Tony  

[Tuckamore]

Hi Floodmaster,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum. I am so sorry to hear about the situation you are facing. I think we've all been there.

Unfortunately I don't know if you have a lot of options. When you say "Doctor" is this your Surgeon, your PCP or your PMP? You should have all three and one should back up the other. That would be my only suggestion. Contact one of your other physicians and explain what has happened.

ER will probably will not help you.... but I could be wrong considering you are a surgical patient. It depends on the state, the situation and the specific ER Physician. In some instances if they have access to your records they will supply a short term prescription.

I wish you the best and hope you are able to find a solution. Please let us know how you are doing and what you discover. I'll look forward to your updates.

Best Wishes,
~Tuck