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Posted 11/11/2013 1:32 AM (GMT -5)
Hi, I am new here and am in such a quandary. I have been maintained very well, despite severe pain, on a fairly low dose of oxycodone for many years. I am thinking a low dose of oxycontin (20) will be fine, and am going to see my pain physician to discuss. Meanwhile, I am staying in a geographical area under the care of a family dr. who thinks I have to "prove" I have pain. Sigh. I quote from the doctor I have seen here re the oxycontin, "you can't do that! You'll be a chronic pain patient!" Yes, that I would certainly be me! Besides this, I have several other conditions, including MS and deafness with excruciating hearing distortion from noise from stroke, which also causes headache. Not fun. I live a quiet life....What is going on!? Is receipt of adequate pain control dependent on where you live? I don't think I would ever be able to live here because of the prevailing attitude. confused

I made you a heading for your post....Susie

Post Edited By Moderator (straydog) : 11/11/2013 11:42:08 AM (GMT-7)

Posted 11/11/2013 5:53 AM (GMT -5)
Hello Oracola & welcome to the forum. You asked if where you live depends on what type of pain mgt you receive as a patient and believe it or not the answer is yes, especially when Oxycontin is involved. It was so widely abused that even with the new formula out and with all the changes concerning pain mgt , no dr will hardly rx it anymore. In some states you cannot find a dr that will give a script for Oxycontin. By the way a family dr sure will not give an rx for it. I am not sure if you live in the states or not, but if you have kept up with all the hype about what is going on with people & treatment of chronic pain it is not real nice what is happening to patients.

Anyway, I wanted to say hello & welcome aboard......
Posted 11/11/2013 6:51 AM (GMT -5)
Hi and welcome to HW! Sorry to hear about your quandary but sadly it's not uncommon! We hear so many stories like yours. It does actually make a difference what part of the states you live in for PM. The south states Ohio, Virginia, KY, TN and Florida seem to be the worst of the worst.

Getting a primary Dr to issue PM anywhere is a challenge and it varies right down to the particular med even.

That's the reason why if we have good PM and a Dr working to help we virtually jump thru whatever hoops necessary to not lose them and certainly walk the line if we're under a contract!

All I can say is to keep looking and when you find one hang on to it! The days of moving and switching Drs is long gone.

Good luck
Posted 11/11/2013 1:10 PM (GMT -5)
Thanks very much. I have been only in the west coast states. Wanted very much to eventually move, to be closer to one of my adult kids, but this is insane. The dose is very small, and yes, I have seen the hype. We have gone from undertreatment, to proper treatment, to another backlash, it seems. The excuse for the latest seems pretty thin, in my humble opinion.(ie, if people want to get high,they will.) People have, for whatever reason, warned me away from the pain clinic in the area. And I am not sure why, but it looks like I need to do some more research. This is very difficult. Again, thank you!
Posted 11/11/2013 1:40 PM (GMT -5)
There are many reputable pain mgt drs out there you just have to do your homework when looking for one. The pill mills are pretty easy to spot. Good luck & let us know what you come up with...Susie
Posted 11/11/2013 2:55 PM (GMT -5)
Oracola, you might discover that the Oxycontin has issues of its own. For example, most PMs will only prescribe it 2x daily, for that is how it is labeled. But most who have used it (including myself) know that it doesn't last that long. 3x is more appropriate.

Also, a near-steady state of Oxycodone will increase your dependency. From my experience, I would wake up every morning feeling terrible, basically in withdrawal, until my first Oxycontin kicked in. That is a major reason why I stopped using it and very much prefer Oxycodone as needed. With it, I can regulate my dose relative to my pain, and now and then can go well into the afternoon without needing one.
Posted 11/13/2013 12:22 PM (GMT -5)
  • Don't tell me that I was given 5dys ea mscontin 15mg and 5-325 Percocet for breakthrough pain.  Told me to contact my PC for additional refills.  after a few trials of pain meds and I found one that keeps the pain tolerable.  I have apt with my neuro on fri I hope they will do the refills.    
Posted 11/13/2013 1:36 PM (GMT -5)
Hi and welcome!

It's really crappy that we have to deal with such skepticism...

Hope you find the help you need!
Posted 11/13/2013 5:45 PM (GMT -5)
I think most of us here have jumped not only through hoops, but flaming hoops, (and still do), when we find a Dr to work with us, monitor us, and help us have a quality of life.

I know I'm not the only one who's traveled very long car rides, even in pain, to maintain care that was keeping me going.  The CP is just one aspect of it.  Like you, I have several issues going on, which make me rather complicated to just sort of "pick up and move."

You're not alone.  As Susie recommended, definitely do your research.  The reputable PMC's will take good care of you, and the important part is that they will monitor you on a regular basis.

I know for me, that feels so much safer.  Granted I see my doctor every 2 weeks which is a lot, but I just feel better knowing she's got that observant, objective, other-set-of-eyes to notices changes that I may not notice or report.

Keep up the search.  When you find a good fit, they really are worth all the hoop jumping.

M.

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