Hi DD. I'm glad you found this forum. I came from the old BT too but I am perfectly happy with BT2, if that is what Dr. Grohol decides to call it. I plan to stay here if the good Dr. decides to keep us.

I have had the problem you are experencing and it is a real hassle and can cause a world of grief. I have 10 to 12 script's each month. I have tried to keep them on the same day, but when I start running low and sometimes out completely the red flags start flying.

A big part of mine are for blood pressure and anti-D.'s I have 2 controled drugs. A boat load of meds, I know. I have been shorted on about all my meds. at one time or other. Just recently I started getting low on my Inderal. One a day--120 LA. I can about look at that bottle and see if they are all there. Well, I ran about 5 days recently, I HAD to have them, it was a mess, but they finally GAVE me 5 extra's That was a joke, they NEVER GIVE you anything.

I was still being shorted 2 or 3 every month. Thats when I began noticing all my meds and the pattern was the same. Short this one this month, that one the next etc. The Inderal is Brand name, generic does not work for me on that drug.

All this time was talking to the drugest about the "short scripts." I finally started taking all new scripts home and scanning them before getting them filled., that way I had proof of refils and such. Yes, I have been shorted refils!!
I then asked the drugest or assitant to count them in front of me before I even touched the bottle. They were very unhappy with that, too busy they said. You can imagine that many scripts at one time how many pills that was to count. Finally they just flat out said they would not do it anymore.

I said fine. When I went in to pick up meds, I took each bottle, copied refils and stood there and counted the dang pills on the counter. I did one bottle at a time. can you imagine the horror the employee's were feeling? I think they thought I was with DEA.

Well, I had one or 2 short, but not at the rate it had been going. The next month they counted them in my presense. When I thought they had gotten the massage I told them to discontinue the counting for the time being, that I had stopped missing a few pills here and there.

I still count them myself at home and I still make a copy of all new Script's, but have not had this problem again.

That was a lot of work on my part, first, driving or riding 60 to 75 miles both ways was a killer on my back and spine as well as other problems. It takes about a month to get to feeling decent from the day it takes to see Drs. and get meds. I don't have much choice on Drug stores. I go to Wal-Mart, I don't like it but all things considered it is the best way for me to go.

DD, try asking them to count them in your presense, before you even touch the bottle. They won't want to, but if they have any sense at all they will know you do have some recourse. I wouldn't threaten them with reporting them to DEA, but they know you could and that would be very bad for them.

It sounded like your druggest or whomever you talked with was saying, "tough luck". Let them know you can get help with it. It does sound like some one plucking a pill here, there and by months end if they are doing this for meds someone doesn't want to buy. I can't just assume this is whats happening, but it is not a secret that some people do this.

This was rather long. Sorry for that. Don't just "suck it up" and take it".Remind them you have options if needs be.

Good Luck, Jo

I agree...sounds like somebody at the pharmacy is steeling medication. I liked the idea of talking to your doctor and seeing if he will take the issue up for you. But...I also think that you should definately change pharmacies. Nine is just a little too much to be short.

sally

You mentioned a shunt, I imagine to drain CSF to your abdominal cavity. How large was the syrinx when they decided to shunt? Did you get relief? Did the syrinx return? We may have talked before, I dont know. How do you deal w/ the pain w/ hydro??? My thoracic pain REQUIRES more aggressive meds. I hope you can share more info, as I have had SM for ~4yrs and my son has it as well. However, he is asymptomatic! I have developed a claw-hand from RSD and I believe it is just the progression of the disease.
PS- Demand those missing meds! E