Need Help Finding A Doctor That Will Prescribe Methadone For Pain Management In West Tennessee

I have a unique situation. I am a recovering addict with severe chronic pain. I have really bad scoliosis that's in my neck and back and been in several really bad car wrecks. Lets just say I'm a tree magnet when riding with other people. I have been on suboxone and subutex for the last 2 years. Before then I was going to the methadone clinic on and off for a few years but I couldn't pay for it anymore so I had to stop going. And before and during that I was going to the pain clinic for my back and neck pain. I was prescribed 120 10mg oxycodone and 120 60mg Morphine. Before all that I was Doing like 6 to 10 80mg OxyContin and 6 to 10 200mg morphine a day off the street from age 16-24. This was before I got insurance and found out I had scoliosis at the age of 24 and now about to turn 28. So there's no way I can take pain pills cause they don't work for my pain or my life. I haven't had a job or really got out of the house in the last two years because of the pain I'm in. I can't live a normal life on suboxone or subutex I'm just stuck in pain and became distant from everybody and everything I love. methadone was the only thing that has ever worked and gave me a normal life. If anybody can help me find a doctor I would appreciate it. Thank You

REPLY

REPORT

Hello, Adam! How are you?

I''m sorry, but if you were already taking it at some point through a clinic for addiction treatment, that is in your medical records and a regular doctor will not be able to prescribe it for you. That's the way the law stands, so your only option would be to really go to another treatment clinic.

Is there a treatment clinic in your area?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 5

Hey thanks for reply. Yeah there is a clinic about 25 miles away. But there's no way I can pay for it between the clinic cost and gas that's over 200 a week. I am unemployed and don't have my license. it's gonna cost over 500 to get my L's back. The ride is not the biggest problem the money is. The only way I could do that is if my insurance would pay for it and Cigna won't pay it. I tried a couple years ago and they wouldn't pay for it. unless they changed it and I doubt that. Tell me this why would a doctor write me pain pills after I was going to the methadone clinic? If they wrote me all these pain pills after I was already going to the clinic. Then why wouldn't they write me methadone now? It's just a lot of bs I can get pain pills all day but not what helps me. I just don't get it the system is f up. Sorry ain't trying to be rude towards you just saying. I don't get it what does a person in pain do if they can't take pain pills and don't wanna take em cause there's not enough morphine in the factory to make me feel high if I wanted to and I don't wanna. So pain pills are out of the question and suboxone does nothing for my pain. Idk guess I'm going to let my health keep going down hill like it has been the last two years cause I can't do anything from the pain. End up on the street and dead. Just hopeless at the minute any other suggestions I will surely take em. Thank you

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

No law or regulation exists that prohibits a doctor from prescribing methadone to a person with a history of drug abuse/addiction and previous treatment with methadone for addiction. In addition, a person's addiction treatment history does not "appear" in his/her medical record. Like HIV, miscarriage, and obtaining counseling for domestic abuse, treatment of substance use disorder is considered protected information under US Federal law .. the only way that this info can be disseminated is with the patient's clear written permission.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 17

Adam-try an addiction psychiatrist. Cigna will pay for a Psych MD who can monitor you. Call the American Psychiatric Society in your area or Google psych MDs with a specialty in addiction AND pain management.

Take ALL your medical records!

Best of luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 7

Doctors are now able to access a database that reveals all other doctors that you've seen in the last several years, what meds were prescribed and what for. You're right about the clinics though because that does not come up from what people have told me who were going, but I definitely wouldn't want to hide this from them.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Cigna is accepted they pay 60%

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Jackson tn has a methadone clinic thats all I know.god bless you.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

If you want to find out what your medication record is for scheduled medications check with your state prescription monitor program. Many time you can get this information by filling out a form that is on the internet or they can send you one. Sometimes they require you sign the form in front of a notary which the UPS store (not a post office) can do for you. There is a small free for the Notary. If you are moving to another state you might want to check the state you are going to since some states are now sharing this information. Not every state has the a Prescription monitor but most do. Also each state is different with what medication is reported and how many years they monitor. Having this information can be very helpful if you are seeing a new doctor. These days if you forgot you were on some pain medication and forget to put that in your history a new doctor may think you are not being truthful and send you on your way with no help (and get stuck with the $200.00 bill for the visit.)

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

I HAVE no faith in drs anymore............. sad bit true.... my husband was in the military .. served in Iraq and we moved ever 2 to 3 yrs.. as soon as he retired I was shafted... GOOD NEWS IS ... I am on no med... bad news is... I AM IN hell... I a STRONG ... I will live.. NOT.. not to sound morbid.. I don't believe in suicide.... but I WISH I DID MOST DAYS... I will survive... TY FOR LETTING ME VENT... sometimes we just need to let it out..... GOD HELP YOU ALL... I PRAY YOU WILL COME IN CONTACT THT HAVE COMPASION AND SYMPATHY... THIS I pray for ALL that are in pain and sorrow xooxoxoxoxo

REPLY

Was this helpful? 6

Anyone in the medical field can see every prescription wrote to you, from where and for what! Its on a database fill called Casper sheets! For Dr shopping and so they won't prescribe you something that will make you overdose from not telling them what you already have in your system! Just like EVERYONE going to the hospital cause of idk back pain and getting narcotics, they do not give them out so freely now! No one does because people abuse everything and ruin it for others that really need it! I'm not saying you are one of them! An think if people waaay older and how they lived and grew up with pain and aches! People now a days are sooo quick to say ouch I need a narcotic for something maybe a ibuprofen could of helped!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 6

Hang in there. Im in the same sinking boat. Something must be done. You have drs that "dont believe in pain meds", you got pain clinics that treat you like a junkie child with the tolerance of a ferret or you can go to the clinic and get all the methadone you want..cheap...and the govt is gettin their slice compared to the normal drs..you can bet on it..so here you can have 240 mg a day of methadone at ten bucks a dose jus sayin your addicted to percocet used for pain that doesnt work anymore after ten years... orrr you can take the last cox-2 left on the market (for a reason they are all but gone)and wait on some boobs to grow on a man or a stroke or heart attack..orr you can get ulcers and hypertension and a bad heart from som meloxicam or other nsaids everyday and still hurt..hey you can even burn your liver out w tylenol and noones scared of the govt..nevermind..its futile.. hang in there.. i dont know what to do either. Cant work, relationships are over cause im irritable all the time, and i have no goals anymore. Jus take it hour by hour and sometimes minute to minute.. I ponder suicide often also. Just to end the pain. How could god be mad at me for that. I been hangin in like a champ for a dozen yearz now. My rope is gone

REPLY

Was this helpful? 9

Screwed, I understand where your coming from. I been fighting this battle 20 years now. We both deserve metals. From my understanding,TN laws got changed this summer so my Dr can't prescribe methadone, referred me to CPS, but my records didn't make it. They discharged me and I almost lost my mind, had to be hospitalized. Now on a medication that makes me feel like a zombie just to bear the pain. Good luck, don't give up, You are not alone.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

there is a methadone clinic in Knoxville. I'm not sure of the address, but the phone # is 865-522-0661. I can't remember how much it is, but I believe it is around $85/wk. That seems high, but you can't put a price on the amount of pain you're in. Good luck.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 5

does anyone know any doctors n west tenn that perscribes methadone

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Hi Screwed-I really identify with just about everything everyone on this page have spoken about-I know the feelings of wanting to commit suicide and the fear of going to Hell-(I am Christian) yet I am so tolerant to meds after three consecutive pain problems that anyone who thinks I'm getting high I would sometimes like to become physical towards! That would be a first. Chronic severe pain; whatever the cause will finally make you reclusive-withdrawn (sorry-redundant) and fear any social commitment. My friends I haven't seen in about a year had plans to stop by and I was petrified! All because I can't predict what my pain level will be! It gets pathetic-my sad story is I could cut my pain by quite a bit with surgery for one of the problems but can't afford the medicare copays. They're a drop in the bucket for many people but completely out of my reach. The friends I have left tell me (despite my age) "oh-you're so pretty-why not just meet a guy get married and have health benefits!" Honestly! I find myself looking at dating sites and it seems everyone is a skier, hiker; gym fanatic-you get the picture-all these things a girl with a nightmare of back problems and a lower leg full of steel who can't stand some days would interest! Seriously Screwed, don't discuss suicide and then not write again. We're all suffering emotionally and physically so drop a line. God Bless.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 12

That's me too. Everything you said, from no insurance to not even wanting to leave the house for fear of pain, and how ill be a drag to hang with old friends. Even makes it hard to see my little girl, she's 3 and is so full of life. And I'm doing my best to play with, but secretly can't wait for her mother to pick her up so I can crash from the pain.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I've been battling this problem for years as well. Wish I could say I'm winning but I'd be lying. My father had pain issues and consequently became addicted to the prescription meds. When doctors took away his scripts he committed suicide 4 days Later. He was my best friend and I will never forgive him for taking himself from me. NOTHING in this world is worth killing yourself for. No situation is hopeless please remember. On another note when pain meds stop having an analgesic effects there are non narcotic medications that will potentate opiates, promethezine (for nausea) clonodine (for blood pressure) if you add 1-2 mgs of xanax or klonopin if you can't get benzos there is a supplement called kratom that potentiates opiates as well. Please be very careful when mixing these medications as there is a high risk of overdose so remember that you can always add more, you can never add less. Start small.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 5

This might help. Pain management docs will have pamphlets in their office. Find a pamphlet concerning Medtronic intrintrathecal pumps. In the pamphlet there is a list of Drs. the company finds knowledgeable and compassionate enough to recommend people suffering with pain. These drs will prescribe methadone while waiting on the pump or instead of the pump. They prescribe because their patients are beyond a level of pain a human being can live with and could possibly have a heart attack or stoke.
I mentioning this because these drs.are being harassed by the dea for standing by their oath and helping patients. It might seem like the drs don't believe u but they have to cover their asses. They might ask u to bring in an Mir
One more thing. You might be asked who referred you. My family Dr. gave me the name of the Dr I see now, I spent a night on pain meds in the er and the Dr there gave me the same name and said he heard great things. This same Dr was listed in the pamphlet and patient review online were like nothing I had read before. I'm in my though and in and out of the er for 6 yrs and scrappy drs.
I hope you have the same luck as I did. Review the drs listed and see what patients are saying. Make your appt. with those drs
God Bless
I pray for an end to the torture we have endured at the hand of our own govt. Breaks my heart

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

I am experiencing a lot of pain. I have spine problems & peripheral neuropathy. it hurts more when doing this. I am just upset cause my nice sweet Dr is going to a new clinic for diabetes. I already have applied and they are supposed to call me back. This is out of California, Dallas, ft w, Houston. It's new. Everyone was bringing him donuts, & getting there refills, I still have 2 refills on xanax & 5 on pain meds, but wanted more on xanax but have appt with psy n p sept 21st & pain m Dr Oct 6.he is not as nice as Dr I saw today, this Dr is sweet, I am going to try to get in touch with him Tues. He just forgot about giving me more refills, I still have 2 but need to find another nice Dr. I am really sick. {edited for privacy}. I can go the old Dr in Rockwall if I need the he Rx me methadone for pain & xanax too thanks, Kay

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

For the 1`0th times: addiction medicine is not a specialty recognized by the american society of medical specialist. no residencies to speak of and, most importantly, no boards to past. The last time an addiction specialist" worked with me on a case, I told him tat he was leaving, or I was — and I have a methadone maintenance license (or m y department does). I can't speak for all the alleged addiction specialists. butafter one horrific experience (and the guy was brilliant — just, in layman's terms, "f-----g" nits!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 7

Re: Adam (# 2)

Yes there is a law that makes it illegal to prescribe controlled substances to a known addict.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: SCRATCH (# 61)

You sound exactly like me! I'm kinda in the same predicament as you. I'm a 42 yr old woman with failing fake hips that badly need to be done but can't find a surgeon to fix them. So aside from being in debilitating pain & stuck in bed most of the time I now have a heart condition that requires meds thanks to my Dr forcing me to live in pain for 3 yrs. Now I'm finally in pain mngmt & this joker is taking me off the little bit of pain meds my gp was giving me. My heart Dr is certain that forcing me to deal with the pain again will be to much stress on my heart and will end in heart failure. Then add in the stress of detox from the meds & I'm totally screwed! I've made this clear to them & they don't agree with the heart specialist. If i die from this I've instructed my family to raise hell, go after each Dr that wouldn't help me with full legal force! If I survive it, I'm gonna do it myself! Best of luck though. Wish i could help more though.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I had the same issue of trying to figure out how to get onto methadone for pain. I told them I was on heroin just to get in & after a few months told my counselor the truth being pain management and she was ok with it. I'd say try that. Good luck!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: BZD (# 3)

No BZD your very wrong. I've been in a methadone clinic and all I have to do is make an appointment with a pain management doctor and they will send my medical records! I also was an addict for years and methadone is the only one that works for me + I also have chronic pain! They told me to find a pain management doctor who will prescribe methadone for me!

I have RSD among many other things chronic pain... How can I find a doctor in Tennessee who will prescribe methadone for pain?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Re: BZD (# 3)

BZD, please tell me which state you are in? I am relocating to Springfield Mo, a ten year pain management patient on 10mg Methadone (Dolophine) =60mgs a day. I tried mutiple other meds before arriving at methadone - it really is the only one that gave me any quality of life. I have endometriosis... near my spine. Bc I am not a candidate for *procedure* pain treatment & no insurance no one will see me. I am getting near panic Bc returning to La/Tx is not an option. Many people have said go to a methadone clinic but I am so afraid I will never be treated as a real patient again & plus? How would even get the illegal drug I need to have in my system to be admitted? It's a horror circus. Please help.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I believe if about 2000 to 5000 people across the country would all go to the CAPITAL STEPS OF THIER STATES and all on the same day thru out the country and all threaten to commit suicide or some extreme other something if they don't make some changes in getting people the help needed for their pain maybe just maybe with the media coverage and spotlight being placed openly on the problem the laws could be changed. Why cant we have clinics for each county in our state that specifically treats this problem? Every man and woman should be afforded the right to have the proper meds to treat their pain without the f***ing government being involved. I mean look I see Doctor Phil and others say how bad Oxocode is and make such an issue of the addiction of these types drugs yet Alcohol and Cig do the very same thing and they are legal as hell. I had someone once tell me that they would not help me anymore with my pain due to the fact that they didn't want to be the reason I die. (A family member would help me with my pain y giving me one of their pills per day due to the fact that it is so hard to get any help with them now) ut they saw Dr. PHIL, and the six oclock news talking out how these pain killers were doing just that killing people. So I ask them "You mean your not going to help me anymore because these meds are killing folks and you just cant have that on you...they replied that's right.....so I said to them this is the only part of my day that I actually can function and I look forward to that one small pill every day due to the fact I don't hurt for just a while.....and your not going to help me out, you don't have any feelings about the two and half packs of smokes you buy me each day that are killing me for sure and not improving at all the quality of my life. And all because you heard Dr. PHIL says or some government agency. I am a fifty year old man that cant work because of a back injury about 6 years ago. And I cant get anyone to prescribe me anything that will even touch my pain due to the fact that the dam GOVERNMENT has made it so that our doctors cant treat us...

WHEN WILL THE DOCTORS AND THIER PATIENTS ALL STAND UP AT ONE TIME UNITED AND SAY ENOUGH IS ENOUGH...LET THE DOCTORS BE DOCTORS AND LET THE PATIENTS QUALITY OF LIFE BE IMPROVED...LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO SPEND IT IN SO MUCH PAIN YOU CANT FUNCTION AND OUR COUNTRY IS FILLED WITH THESE PEOPLE. LETS STAND UP AND FIGHT BACK INSTEAD OF JUST ALLOWING THE GOVERNMENT TO DO WHATEVER!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Hi Adam, concerned citizen here. Having been doing research and trying to find someone to give my husband methadone I stumbled across your post. I don't know if you'll even get this but I hope you do and I hope that you have gotten some help by now. I know it's tough. My husband was on STRONG pain meds for 10 years and when his doctor closed up due to cancer, he couldn't find anyone to give him anything because we live in NC in the county with the highest pain pill prescriptions filled. So, no one will give him the meds he needs so he ends up in withdrawals and goes to the clinic and they give him suboxone and subutex. Those do nothing for pain! So I am now trying valiantly to find him somewhere to get methadone because it helps with the pain AND withdrawal. I hope you are well!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I agree, with what you said about people not coping with pain nowadays, but you need to remember for long term chronic pain, Ibuprofen will burn your kidneys up. Ibuprofen is great for acute pain, but not for long term severe pain. Also, in the old days people just died young. The average life span was typically between 30-40 years old. Totally different from today.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

I need to find a pain management doctor in the Tennessee area that will prescribe methadone for pain. I will travel if needed. I moved and have been on this medication for pain for 7 years. Love and prayers.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Paul,

That's not completely accurate, however the use of powerful opiate/opioid containing medications have to meet an elevated threshold for use. I.e; certain end stage diagnoses. That said, Many ny, nj, conn. physicians are now limited to use of certain analgesic's in everyday general practices. Of course methadone maintenance treatment centers are still regulated specifically for opiate/opioid abuse and addiction use only....

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been suffering from chronic pain for 7 years and have always been on and off pain meds from tylenol 3 to 90mg met...

507 REPLIES

I have Chronic IBS and acute Chrons disease. I have been taking Vicodin to help control the bouts of diarrhea and severe...

27 REPLIES

I am 43 and had a laminectomy 6 years ago. After surgery i was referred to pain management and prescribed 50mg of methad...

25 REPLIES

I have been on methadone for about 6 years and had to start going to a maintenance clinic a few yrs ago after my pain dr...

47 REPLIES

I need help with finding a pain management dr. that prescribes pain meds in the bellevue wa area or as close as possibe ...

132 REPLIES

I've been goin to a methadone clinic that's a 180 mile round trip and currently dont have a car or a way 2 get t...

19 REPLIES

I AM TRYING TO FIND A DOCTOR THAT WILL PRESCRIBE METHADONE FOR CHRONIC PAIN. ITS COMMONLY KNOWN AS DOLOPHINE AND COMES I...

45 REPLIES

I have had 4 series of 3 injections in my back which did NOT help at all as well as surgery (two hemi discectomies in my...

6 REPLIES

I've been on methadone for almost 13 yrs due to a car accident when I was a teenager that left me disabled and with ...

16 REPLIES

Looking for a pain management doctor who will prescribe 30mg roxicodone 4 times a day or 30 mg OxyContin 3 times a day. ...

117 REPLIES