No Pain Meds--vent!

[bekkiz]

Argh! I'm so annoyed right now. I was already nervous about our trip in 2 weeks, and I just got a very disappointing phone call from the nurse.

First a little background, I have a fracture in my spine (called spondylolisthesis) that causes major back and leg pain. It also causes nerve issues in my legs (like numbness and weakness) and recently 2 of my toes will just "fall asleep" while I'm walking. But it's that really painful kind, which makes walking not so fun.

I'm scheduled for spinal fusion surgery January 8th. My pain is being managed right now with occasional meds. I try to avoid taking them unless I'm going to be active that day.

Well, I only have about 15 pills left and I figured I would need more for my trip--all of the walking/standing is going to cause lots of problems if I can't magange it. Well, the nurse of my spinal surgeon just called and said they can't perscribe anything for me--that their policy is only to perscribe for post-surgical pain.

Except, that's not true b/c they're the ones who perscribed my current meds. She said that was a mistake, and I need to go through my primary care phys.

I don't have a primary care person. We moved here in June, and because we have a PPO, and I already knew what was wrong, I went straight to the spinal surgeon. So I don't have anyone to go to in the next 2 weeks who can just randomally perscribe me pain meds w/o a huge workup.

I guess I'm going to have to save the last few pills I have for the trip and not take any in the next 2 weeks. I am so bummed and nervous about the trip now. I want to enjoy myself and not hold back DH from having a good time.

thanks for letting me vent

 

[herodrx1]

Wow that is a HUGE bummer!! You said you just moved. Did your old dr. know about your problem? Maybe he/she could get you something to get you by. Even if the dr. didn't know, if you had a good relationship, perhaps if you explain the situation to him he could help.

I'm wishing you lots of luck, a wonderful vacation, and a positive surgery!!

 

[Scutapipig]

My husband has back pain from time to time due to an injury. Although it is not the same diagnosis you have, when his pain flares up he will take up to four ibuprofen tablets (200 mg each) at one time, 4-6 hours apart as needed. His doctor recommended this as an alternative to filling a pain med prescription. Perhaps this would be a possibility for you?

BUT, I do think you should find a PCP asap (before you leave) and even though the workup may be difficult to endure, it would probably be your best option to do things in a safe and correct manner that will give the most benefit for your own personal health and situation.

 

[Judy from Boise]

yup that is so annoying! I hate feeling like a criminal around medictions! I think calling your old doc, and
1. asking if he would re-new the Rx
or
2. If he would FAX records to a new PCP to hurry along the first appt. and hopefully new Rx.

 

[rbork]

What about rescheduling vacation until after your surgery and recovery period?
Even a PCP might not be able to RX at this point. Make an actual appointment with the surgeon to discuss your pain issue in person. And get on the horn finding a PCP to handle other issues- What if you get a bacterial infection prior to leaving??? (I always struggle to stay healthy prior to vacation too.)
Good Luck and do what's right for you.

 

[PoohHappens]

I am not usually on this board but I read your post and had a suggstion. I would call and make another appointment with the physician that origionally gave you the RX, I know the nurse said no, but that is prob. the standard answer and she did not even speak with the physician. Just say you are continuing to have some pain and need to schedule an appoint. If you then are finally able to speak with the Dr. and he as the opportunity to understand you situation, he might be willing to write another script. This would also give you the opportunity to discuss your trip and the best things to do to avoid added pain and stress. I also second getting a primary physician ASAP. Good luck and enjoy your trip.