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Thank You Bluelight, it's members and guests. Topic, Buprenorphine withdrawal

halseyjr61

Greenlighter
Joined
Oct 2, 2014
Messages
2
Thank you all for welcoming me.
i have been reading threads regarding Buprenorphine withdrawal and how it affects individuals.
i have been under the care of a doctor who prescribed Suboxone for opiate dependence but migrated to Buprenorphine soon afterwards because of the amazing relief it provided for the treatment of chronic pain and, more importantly, major depression. My doctor concluded that I was responsible managing my meds and I ensured this. I had no intention of abusing it.
Buprenorphine, for me, provided significant major depression relief. As noted above, this is why I invested significant time and money to remain on this med. it enabled me to successfully leave my residence (instead of hiding) and working not one but two jobs and both jobs I excelled to the point where both did not want me to leave which leads to the following;
i have relocated to Portland, Or from Florida where I was treated. Here in Portland, treatment is much more difficult to find and if can, afford. I have run out of Buprenorphine and now suffer major depression again along with physical withdrawal. After several attempts to find help, no-one offered affordable help. My doctor in Florida refuses to write a month's script to give me time to find help.
the major point of this comment is something is very flawed with the FDA and the medical community's attitude with this medication. It was completely OK to obtain help in Florida for a high fee but somewhat affordable but if moving somewhere else, your care is 'dropped' by the medical community and afforded no rescue if you run out of medication.
i always thought that the doctors creed was to help those in need but as I experience significant withdrawal symptoms because I cannot find another somewhat affordable provider it seems the FDA and medical community does not care and has no protocol to address people like me in this situation.
The only 'affordable' and accessible option I was told was to visit the nearest emergency room which I would suspect would write a script for a opioid which would start the circle over again for most.
this situation must be addressed because if (the many) people under Buprenorphine treatment some will relocate and if they find the difficulty I am facing, they as I may result to obtaining relief from the street again.
 
Florida care costed 100/month doctor visit, 126.00/month med costs (Walmart)
Found a very few open providers here in Portland. 1- 700/month doctor visit plus med cost, the other 300/month doctor visit plus med cost.
If opioid prescription abuse is termed by the US FDA and DEA as epidemic then why is it so difficult and expensive to obtain help particularly when abusers can continue this epidemic at a lower cost to themselves by continuing buying illicitly from the streets?
And, in my case, I guess I may have to file for disability at the taxpayer expense instead of continuing the proven and self funded treatment received in Florida which enabled me to work and be a contributing member of American society.
 
Welcome to Bluelight :)

That's quite a story! How come you moved? It must've been for a good reason (like the sunshine) because those doctor fees are astronomical in comparison. I'm on the other side of the world but I really wish you the best of luck with this Halsey, I'm sure you'll be able to figure something out.

Keep us posted. :)
 
Halsey,
Sorry to hear about your problems getting your subs. Yours is the most multi - beneficial story I've heard in relation to the advantages of subutex. Unfortunately pharmaceutical profits take priority over the welfare of the patients that made them rich. I hope you are able to work it out and not risk the street drug thing. That would be so contrary to the progress you've made, seem subutex solves many medical issues for you. I'm in Florida myself and sub is big business here on the heals of the big "pill mill" mess that they have since put in check. It never occurred to me that I would have a hard time finding sub Dr's in a different area at a reasonable cost. I think what I'm paying now is too much. Please let us know that your okay.

D.T.B.T.
 
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