Pain Mgmt Doc No Longer Prescribing Immediate Release Meds

I have been on Hydrocodone since 2002. Along the way a fentyl patch was added to help with being ill in between doses. Currently on 25 fentyl and 50 mg Hydrocodone per day. Dr told me at last visit that there office was no longer going to prescribe immediate release meds like Hydrocodone. Cut me down to 30 hydro per day but no other adjustments. Planning to go down to one at next visit. Not sure what to do when even pain mgmt doc stops ordering. They actually said with a straight face that these meds were never meant to be taken day after day, month after month, etc. shouldn't they have told me that back in 2002? Is there any doc in Indy area that will just leave me where I was?

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Some pain drs don't prescribe immediate release meds along with extended release meds. Immedicate release pain meds are not meant ot be taken evey day when you are also taking extended release pain meds. Unfortunately, may drs have been presribing them this way and may patients have been taking then if they need them or not.

If the drs had told you back in 2002 that the pain meds were not for long term use, what would you have done ? Drs didn't know as much about treating chronic pain in 2002 as they do now.

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What a jerk! I would actually not have taken them if they would have told me I shouldn't. I didn't exactly have a gun to his head to prescribe them in the first place. Many, many people are given immediate release meds along with time release meds. It's called breakthrough pain. Sounds like you know nothing about that. Lucky you!

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Indygirl, as I said some drs prescribe breakthrough meds and some don't. That is why there are many people that take them. But, with the FDA Guidelines getting ready to maybe go from no more than 120 mg of Morphine/Morphine Equivalent Daily to 90, a lot of drs are cutting out the breakthrough meds. Have you asked your dr about increasing your extended release med? Extended release meds actually manage pain better than immediate release meds. You can try and find another dr. But there are no guarantees that another dr will prescribe you the hydrocodone like you were taking before.

Actually the hydrocodone is to help the fentanyl, not the other way around. I don't know what your dr told you but the fentanyl was not given to you to keep you from getting sick in between doses of hydrocodone.

As I said in 2002 drs didn't know as much about long term use of opiates as they do now.

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I wish that the extended release meds took care of my pain but not even close. Additionally they have side effects for me that I never had when I was on IR meds only. About 5 years ago I mentioned that I was feeling ill in between dosing. Without hesitation my NP was like "I can give you a patch that will help with that." So whether she should have or not, she did. Of course you don't dare ask questions for fear they will yank it all. I didn't feel like the ER meds ever help much with my pain.. In fact my first day on a patch, I feel no relief...second day is better...third day nothing again. I get how much scrutiny docs are under. But I have been going there for 13 years and unlike all other docs I know, I have always had to go in each month. I take drug panels once a quarter (but I don't know when in the quarter). I have never failed any. They also have a state data base which would show if I had filled meds from anyone else...I have never even thought about it. From what I understand from the new laws, there is no reason for this clinic to do this as long as you are compliant. So what happens now when IR are really needed? Example: I went to ER with horrible pain in abdomen. I had gallstones and had ny gallbladder removed. Of course they gave me a script for IR meds even though I told them everything I was on. I gave it back to them and just made do with what I normally took...Are they going to boot me when I need IR for a legit reason. I already know the answer. Here is what I think is wrong with this entire situation...these docs that have happily lined their pockets from my $120 per for a 5 min visit, onsite MRI and onsite surgery center for inj's. should at least be required to care for you and look at each situation individually. To hear all these folks suffering is heartbreaking and I know how they feel. They get to walk away from everything and they could care less if your pain is controlled or not. I get that I could have refused everything they offered. But when you are really in pain, trying to work full-time and just want some small semblance of a normal live, you are going to take what the doctor tells you will help. To me, they are just as responsible as anyone. They should not be able to just walk away from their patients needs. Just sayin'.

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Indygirl, since some drs do prescribe immedicate release and extended release meds, maybe you need to think about changing drs. About the ER, if you sign a pain contract you need to check with your pain dr before you get Any Pain Prescription from any other dr filled. If your pain dr doesn't give you the ok and you get it filled, you could be dismissed. If you are dismissed, it might be difficult to find another dr to manage your pain, if you can find one at all.

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