V.a. Taking Everyone Down From Methadone To Equal 100 Mg Morphine

I've been on methadone for 15 years for severe pain (after 25 years in recovery, and fighting with v.a. for 3 + years not to take pain meds). The head of the local v.a. treatment program recommended it to me; The only way I would take it was if I was guaranteed for life. A recent v.a. dr. took me from 120 mg to 90, last year (with no notice) then this year to 60, with no notice "again". Now he says the max they can write is equivalent to 100mg morphine. (Anyone know what that is?) Asked last year to try and come off slowly and see how I can tolerate (I was suicidal 15 years ago when I finally went to them.) He says there's only one dr. in the v.a. system in our state; He's a long way away and already had 100 patients (the amount my dr. says is max.) I realize, by my 40+ years in the program (no dirty drug panels or other drug use); One of the lucky ones, but many days on "the hill" praying without food or water (when I was a younger man.) My friend (a doctor) killed himself rather than go back TO HIS ADDICTION; But I decided this wasn't an option for me, with all my kids...

I know there are many vets (people) in the same spot as me, but ashamed to stand up... They have all the power, even though the statement in their clinics say "We have the right to not be in pain." I guess I'm not looking for answers but just venting... Most of the last 40 years I have been a drug treatment consultant all over the country; I cried almost daily when I finally gave into the pressure to take pain meds. This is all on my records, somewhere, but they still treat me like a dope seeker; Although I'd do anything to be off these F'en meds; and feel like I could live... They (the dr's and v.a.) are great at blaming the patient when they started this mess by prescribing oxies without regard for the results... I just read a piece on the AARP page saying Dr's have no training in treating pain and only 3% of medical universities even have a class in pain management (this explains a lot to me. Someone (else, besides the suffering addict) should be in prison...

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Hello, Mike! I am very sorry about what you've been dealing with, but I sincerely thank you for your service to our country. Due to medical issues, I was never able to be in any of the armed forces, but most of my family has, so has my husband and mother-in-law, thus those who have are given my sincerest respect!

As to the conversion you were asking about, the equivalent to 100mgs of Morphine would be only 12.5mgs of Methadone, which would be a pretty big reduction. The DEA issued a directive requesting that doctors limit patients who do not have a possibly terminal condition to no more than the equivalent of 120mgs of Morphine a day, which some states lowered further to no more than the equivalent of 100mgs of Morphine a day.

However, the VA is usually outside of such directives and do not have to follow them. But, you aren't the first veteran to say that you're having issues.

Unfortunately, just as you said, there isn't really anything you can do about it, which is horrible. You can only rant and complain. I wish I had better news for you and had some way to help you.

The FDA warns that these medications carry the risk of being habit forming and may cause side effects, such as nausea, dizziness, headache, dry mouth, and constipation.

Have you considered seeing a non VA doctor?

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Hi Mike. Don't you ever apologize for a situation in that you didn't put yourself in. Venting can be the best drug! First off, thank you for protecting me and the rest of our country. I worked at the hospital where I was injured and going through all my surgeries elsewhere. Its been over 36 years. I've seen other nurses and staff that didn't know me, like you would go to be treated and see Drs that didn't know you and somehow they put this stigma on us, and I also felt embarrased going I'm where people knew me and my chart was out for all to read. It's the new regulations putting these limitations on the Drs. They threaten to cite them. They almost have their arms tied. If you need to take your medication in order to get through your life, don't beat yourself up. I'm sure your not the same person you were before when you wanted to take them. I'll keep you in my thoughts that you and your Dr can get you on the accurate dose of meds that can really help you. Please don't hesitate to write back. I hope I helped even a little. Sincerely.

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