I wouldn't worry about random pill counts, because ive been perscribed the same amount every month (180) for 2 years and never ran out. What is the pill counting supposed to be for?
just know that there are plenty of docs out there who are strongly anti-narcotic, so I'd worry that I'd get a pain doc that would try and get me to explore acupuncture and other non-drug related therapies. Again, I have no idea what these guys are supposed to do.
All I know is that I'd be very unhappy without the dillies. I mean its a weird situation, because I know I abuse them since I IV and get withdrawals If i don't dose, etc etc, but at the same time they do fix the pain! And nothing else so far has been able to do that.
I mean what sort of stance would a doc like this take? Ok fine opiates can be evil, sure, but ive used my pain meds responsibly, never go over my limit, don't use other drugs, etc. If i get someone who wants me to quit dilaudid, what am I expected to do about the pain?
Or are these docs simply trying to make sure then people getting the meds truly need them and aren't abusing them? Becsuse I have a stack of MRIs and doctor reports - not to mention my past surgery - if anyone wants proof that I deal with genuine pain!
At the same time, just to play it safe, I'm going to start tapering. I have 60 or 70 pills left, which should be enough to do a slow taper, just in case i get cut off.
Or am I being paranoid? Would any pain doc just cut someone off who's been on dilaudid for 2 years straight? That seems like it would make anyone far worse for wear.
I'll see if any of the names on my list turn up in searches.
John,
IMO, you are getting all carried away for nothing. You might think I'm blowing smoke, but I have been to several pain docs., I believe what I say is accurate. I'll try to answer your concerns.
First, as to an internet search or through newspaper. Not very effective IMO. Sometimes you can find out bits and pieces, but not that much. I reason most people are like myself. If you have an "easy" doc., why in the world would you want to advertise it and maybe bring govt. scrutiny. down on 'em. I believe it's better the old fashioned way, talk in person. If you hear about the doc in the news, they were probably busted for something.
There are plenty of docs. with a anti-narcotic stance. I agree with this statement, but their not in pain mgt., IMO. These pain docs do a hell of a business. And its not because their lecturing patients about narcotics and busting their balls about taking too much. There is of course a few exceptions. I ran into a pain doc, before surgery, that specialized in giving steroid shots in the back. So he was tough to get meds from. He worked in an office in a hospital. A "good" pain doc. will be well away from the hospital. But in general a pain doc. that won't write scripts would kind of be like a surgeon that wouldn't operate. It's their specialty and that's what they do.
As for scripting hydromorphone, I don't think that will be a problem. I was on oxymorphone,, both IR and ER, a couple of times. The doc. suggested it one time and I did the other. So no, I don't think dillies will be a problem.
As for having to jump through all the hoops. I think it's being pushed on the docs by regulatory agencies. When I first started, Oxycontin had not hit the media all that much. When it did, I could "feel" things getting stricter at his office. For example, he had never did UAs before, but suddenly started. Various things, like that came on-line.
As far as pill counts, that's not that common unless you got, say, popped on a dirty UA. Then they may bring you in, and count to verify that's your not eating 'em like M&Ms.
If I were you, I would take a deep breath and try to be calm. I know you are scared of the unknown, which is normal. Really, you can walk in the docs office, not say a word, and pretty well tell if their any good.
First, its a must that they give you a pain contract. This spells out their policy towards opiates. If you don't get a contract there would be reason for concern.
And second which is the most important. How full is the waiting room and how busy are they. A good pain doc will ALWAYS be super busy. Word gets around quick among us opie lovers, so we know where to go. If the office is full, and patients are hanging around outside, smoking, you have found a good one.
Best to ya
