About 6 years ago I had this older GP. He was about 70ish, and a wealth of knowledge. I could discuss anything with him,and he knew every specialist in the city by first name,and could get you in to see anyone you needed to within days. He also knew all top doctors in their area of expertise, and had an open mind to everything.With my back issues,he would insist that I not live in pain because I was raising a young child, and he would give me samples so I didn't have to pay. He also got me in to see the best ortho surgeon in town within 2 days. He never denied me anything and I knew that I could trust him and tell him what was going on.

One day he disappeared from the practice and I was handed over to one of the other GP's at the practice. When I first came down with PN, he did a mini clinical test on me and said I was fine,and sent me home. I then went into hospital.When I was released after 2 weeks I was given oxycontine,and this new GP was suppose to see me and refill my Rx. The neurologist at the hospital wrote him a letter recommending that I stay on oxycontine as the pain team has determined that I am in severe pain, and they are convinced it's the best thing for me at this time until my condition is established and another treatment is prescribed.

The GP refused to refill my Rx,even under the advice of a specialised pain team of 6 individual people who all agreed that I was having extreme pain. I asked him what he hought was wrong with me. He said, "I thought you probably have MS." I said," if you thought I had MS,then why the bloody heck did you send me home without a referal to a neurologist?"

He could not answer.I asked him why I can't have the Rx, and he also could not answer either. I then asked what has happened to my original GP,and he wouldn't tell me. I then said I wanted the reception to give me all my medical records, as I don't feel he knew enough about medicine to look after me.
I'll never forget that guy.What a bloody joke he was! I'd write his name down in this psot so everyone knows what a complete %@#hole he was when I was really ill. But he deserves no more mention.

I also told him that pain medicine is not just for people who are dying,but so people who can live their lives. What a bloody ego some of these guys have on them.

That's my opinion. My opinion is that some of these doctors know nothing about pain, and the psychology of pain. And it's always people who know nothing about what it actually feels like to have an illness like this that make the decisions for the rest of us!!

The problem is that the Aussie doctor is a dying breed.Maybe in country Victoria or New South Wales and such, you could find a real good old fashion GP that actually cared about your well being. But here in the city they are so desperate for doctors that anyone with a thermometer is setting up practice. Also from what I read our standards for doctors are way below America.

I also agree with Mrs. D. I would refuse to be tampered with. If you are doing well they should leave you alone.