question about pain meds
 

I have been taking pain meds for a while now for my discs in my neck. Are doctors allowed to just stop writing rx? or are hey obligated to ween you off? I had an injection, it didnt work and the dr said he doesnt feel he can control my pain and thinks I need to go to pain managment. Does that mean he is not going to refil my next script? and is he allowed to do that with all the bad side effects that can happen by stopping abruptly. thanks

I really need some input here...I have 3 children and can not be stuck laying on my couch in pain and not able to care for them, and then have the added affect of stopping meds suddenly...Please tell me if this is what you think he meant. Thanks again

Hi
 

I also am dealing with chronic pain from discs in my neck. I've had surgery, now in pain management. I like my pain management dr. He's compassionate and caring... Some aren't tho- some treat patients like drug addicts... Hopefully your insurance will let you get a few opinions before deciding on one....start looking though, as it's difficult to get in.

thanks, but are the drs allowed to just stop writing the script without weening you off the meds they have been prescribing you?

I would hope not, but the best way to know for sure is to ask your doctor or his office staff and ask about it.
Perhaps he was suggesting you find a PM doc and get an appt before your meds run out??

My meds run out tues, there is no way I can get an appt. i also spoke with the office today and they said there is a note in my file that someone is calling me monday, she said it may be able my requested rx but not sure and does not know if they sent it in the mail yesterday or not...If they havent and it doesnt get sent until tues, I will run out before I get it, and they wont allow you to pick up meds on any day except thursdays. I am so scared right now about what is going to happen to me if I stop this med suddenly.

hmarie hello to you
 

Welcome to Neuro Talk. You should get alot of responses from your post. Many of us are on pain treatment programs. You will find alot of compassion here also. I would run, not walk to a new pain specialist. You are right, you should not abruptly be taken off a strong narcotic. He has a moral obglitation to do this gently. If he is now brushing you aside, go to a real pain management professional where he can either keep your medication, or wean you down in a gradual way. If you don't do this the effects can be terrible. I weened down from morphine, and just dropping the 15mgs. at a time was difficult. Others will tell you the same. Please seek a neurologist for your cervical issues as well. I am fused C3-7. Have you gotten an MRI? This needs to be done to find out exactly why you are in such pain. Cervical pain is no fun, and neither is taking medications for these problems. doctors have a responsibility to treat us fairly and with dignity. You doctor isn't doing that. My pain specialist is compassionate. I keep a pain journal, and inform him of all the aspects of pain issues at every appt. My family is involved in a legal dispute, he even knows about that. You have to find someone who will help you better than what you currently have. I really do wish you all the best as you go forward with this. I am here for you and so is Neuro Talk. Glad to have you here. ginnie

One more idea/pain medications
 

Hello, and I forgot one other point, If you are being taken off the medication and cannot see a doctor right away, go to the emergency room with this. If you feel sick to your stomach, dizzy, sweat profusely, chills, shaking, any of those things should be addressed by a professional. I am ashamed your doctor would do this to you before you got a new appt. ginnie

That depends on what med, how much you take, and how long you've been taking it (or meds like it).

People do change doctors from time to time; sometimes at the patient's behest, and sometimes at the doctor's. In cases of the latter, I don't know if there are any "rules" or "laws". Emergency treatment may not be denied, but if notice is given, I don't know that it would qualify as an "emergency". In many cases I've heard of, patients were given 30 days (1 refill) notice in which to find a new doctor. You didn't mention if this all happened suddenly within the past few days, or whether it happened a month ago. That could be what this letter is all about - I don't know.

Doc

thanks for your reply... I did have an mri, I have 3 herniations in my cervical spine and one in my lumbar. I had an accident back in october. I spoke with the neurosurgeon office today. They dont want to do surgery bc my spinal cord is very small and the fluid around it is very little, one wrong move and it will paralyze me...Also if the discs herniate more and compress on the cord I could also lose functions, which I already have in my right hand, and have my thumb, pointer finger and middle finger numb, or sleeping. They want to me to go pain management b/c I will be on pain meds long term, and they can not do that. I do not understand, I do not want to be on pain meds for the rest of my life b/c im a liability with the size of my spinal cord and fluid that protects it. There is no light at the end of this tunnel. I feel like if I knew ok im having surgery and will be out of pain a month later, that would be a better answer. I may get a second opinion.