I've had the same neurologist for 25 yrs. Early Feb. his assistant calls me & says he's retiring due to health concerns & that another doc is taking his place, and this other doc will NOT continue to write my prescriptions for hydrocodone & diazepam. The call came 2 weeks before my hydrocodone prescription expired. The assistant goes on to say that I should seek the services of a pain management clinic for the hydrocodone, but she didn't say what I should do about the diazepam--I take for muscle spasms--the kind that cause me to randomly throw the TV remote across the room, or "punch" myself in the face as I curl up in the fetal position to go to sleep. Yeah, really bad spasms. This call came out of the clear blue sky, after 25 yrs of being a model patient. Never once did I ask for an early refill for anything. I never even "asked" for the hydrocodone. The doc prescribed it based strictly on an MRI Report way back in 2011 (C5, C6, & C7 of my neck are messed up). Yes, I've been taking the hydrocodone since 2011, and now my neurologist is retiring, but no one on his staff of over 50 other neurologists is willing to continue to write it for me. Actually, several of these "other" docs have written the hydrocodone for me on the occasions when my doc was out sick or on vacation or whatever. Hmmm. They'll cover for my doc when he's healthy and working, but not when he's sick and retiring.
Now, without any specific explanation as to “why”, no one on staff is willing to write my hydrocodone prescription. I understand they’re under no legal obligation. Ethically, however, I can say that something doesn’t feel quite right. So, I did some reading. I found that the U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services says that “But once a patient is on opioids for a prolonged duration, any abrupt change in the patient’s regimen may put the patient at risk of harm and should include a thorough, deliberative case review and discussion with the patient. The HHS Guide provides advice to clinicians who are contemplating or initiating a change in opioid dosage.” (ref 01). It goes on to state that “Care must be a patient-centered experience. We need to treat people with compassion, and emphasize personalized care tailored to the specific circumstances and unique needs of each patient,” said Adm. Brett P. Giroir, M.D., assistant secretary for health.” (ref. 01).
So, I go to a pain management clinic. What a "racket" that turned out to be. Yes, I had to sign the same federal documents that I signed with my own neurologist. No biggy there. Trouble is, the first thing the doc says is that "we're going to have to wean you off the diazepam entirely." Then, you're going to have to come in for physical therapy 3 times per week if you want to et your meds. I'm thinking to myself--if I could actually show up "on time" 3 times per week for physical therapy, I'd be"employable", not on disability, and I wouldn't even be here now listening to this ridiculousness. Apparently, this lady simply didn't "understand" that someone who has had Parkinson's disease for 25 years isn't exactly tripping the live fantastic. I didn't even bother to try telling her about my sedentary lifestyle, and how my daily routine consisted of taking meds on time, maybe walking the dog, and checking the mail-box. I just went home, called her front desk, and had them forward my medical records to another nearby neurologist. So, now I guess I'm shopping for a new neurologist. Big fun.