When I was at the E.R. last week the doctor said I've been taking the big bad "OXYCONTIN" the one everybody tries to steal..... But all I have is Oxycodone 5mgs, it's not extended release.....so AM I taking the "bad one" so to speak? And shouldn't he be reprimanded for making me feel guilty about something my DOCTOR prescribed?

Junkies prefer Immediate Release, NOT Time Release/Extended Release. Time Release meds are more effective on pain!!! The doc in the ER can lecture you all he likes. It is what it is...

The type of med is only one factor in determining what is effective. Dosages and directions are are also very important as well.

If all the doctor did was confirm you're taking oxycodone, he really didnt do anything wrong. But if he was giving you stuff for it, accusing you of stealing or of the sort, then yeah he is in the wrong.
He should know the difference between the 2. How did he know your taking oxycodone? There is no way of telling the difference (oxycodone/OxyContin) by a drug test. Your chart would clearly say what specific medication.
It doesn't seem like something to get worked up about, you didn't share in your post that he made you feel uncomfortable or anything. It could have just been a misunderstanding.

Yes, he did make me feel uncomfortable. Like I was a bad person for taking them, when they were prescribed by my doctor. Since this is a fairly new diagnosis, my medications were far from ideal. Having massive flare-ups that the 5mg oxy's and 50mgs of tramadol, and lidocaine patches weren't covering. I can usually control it with that but sometimes it still goes out of control. That Dr. in the ER told me I need to "quit coming to the ER" for pain. I only went under the advisement of BOTH my DR's offices. And yes my meds were in my chart I also told him what I was on and what I had done to try to stop the flare up, but that neither of my DR's could get me in and both of them had said for the ER doctor to call and confirm they advised me to come in. The ER doc basically treated me like a "drug seeker" saying my chart would be red flagged if I "kept it up".

I've been to the ER twice in the 12 years for RSD/CRPS. It should be a matter of absolutely last resort. Your doc should be prescribing you the correct meds. If they're not, then you need to find a different doc, which may mean having to travel to an urban center like Seattle or Portland. WA has the strictest regs in the US about pain meds.

The problem with me going to the Er was in part due to the strictness of medications in Washington. It had to be a last resort. And since this is a new diagnosis things were still in the "trail" period. Yesterday my Doctor put me on Valium 20mgs and Upped the dose of Oxycodone 10mgs and no more Tramadol, GOOD news! I think it's the right combination!!! Finally!!!! with those two meds I can (so far) be fairly pain free!!! I can type, fold clothes even. (though slowly). I am finally starting to be able to do things that I wasn't. I'm still being careful, i don't want to over do it and cause further damage/pain. But I am happy to say, I'm starting to see the light at the end for the time being!! woo hoo

Pain free is probably not going to be an option even with strong meds unless you go into remission. Many of us live with the goal of having mid level pain, and as we do certain activities our pain levels rise and we take break through pain. All the things we discuss as coping mechanisms help to slightly alleviate pain, and collectively those coping mechanisms increase our standard of living. I know if I vacuum I'll want to go to the ER, so I've learned it's not an option for me to do so. Etc.

Glad to here you have found a combination that is helping you get some relief. It is a trial and error situation for a while. I think it was a good move to ditch the tramadol. This medication is known to cause seizures and be extremely hard to get off of. It sounds like you really needed some muscle relaxing properties which the Valium is good for. Also helps you to be less anxious. Being in constant pain and never knowing how bad it is going to get is very anxiety causing. Once you have something you know you can rely on and won't let you get past a certain point with the pain you will be much more happy.
As far as the E.R goes, you know that is what they are there for. Don't let the "drug addict" factor bother you or even acknowledge it. You are a chronic pain patient with serious pain and that is it. If you act like it bothers you they will give you crap about it. Really though you need to get your doctor to do correct pain control so you don't have to visit the E.R. Sounds like that is happening. Maybe you got there attention by continuing to seek pain control without giving up. Good job!
Brain

The ER is NOT the place for those with chronic conditions to deal with the basic management of their conditions. It's called the EMERGENCY Room for a reason.

I hope that CRPS songbird's docs have finally found a good combo for her. I also hope they are committed to learning how to effectively manage her pain on an ongoing basis using appropriate services.

The dog fur on my rug waves 'hello' to your dust bunnies !