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PHN patient or ADDICT?

Posted , 4 users are following.

bonnie94603
bonnie94603

I've had PHN for almost 2 yrs. Have tried every treatment on this earth and only one pain med has worked for me. The doc wanted me to switch to a different pain med now, so I said OK, lets try and did. I had bad pain and took a few extra pain pills before I was able to get in for an urgent appointment to adjust the dose. I reported I did this at the start of my appointment. Now they are making me see an risk management addiction specialist for an interview. Has anyone had this experience or any wisdom to share other than telling me I'm an idiot for being too truthful? If this nonsense moves forward in a bad way, this documentation in my medical record could cost me my reputation, livelihood, career and disability payments. I feel like I'm going to fall apart.

0 likes, 8 replies

8 Replies

  • gail09802
    gail09802 bonnie94603

    Posted

    My heart goes out to you. I would have done just what you did, tell the truth, never imagining the consequences that you are now facing. I’m going to be praying for you that the interview they want you to have will not go any further than that, and that nothing more will be at risk for you. Maybe your doctor is taking this step to cover his own butt, just in case. With the opioid crisis in the news all the time he can’t risk doing nothing with the information you gave him. I believe in the power of pray, Bonnie. 

    Gail

    • bonnie94603
      bonnie94603 gail09802

      Posted

      Yes, I am sure he is covering his butt and led by the office manager. Unfortunately, tagging me as a possible addict will potentially damage my licensure, reputation and disability coverage. It could be catastrophic for me. I need to pray more and harder. Just wish there was someone out there who has been in my position to commiserate and share their experience. Thank you for your prayers. They're desperately needed.

  • rojo08
    rojo08 bonnie94603

    Posted

    Bonnie94603, how did it go? We are pulling for you. That would be a real bummer if that happened. I had something slightly similar where I called to ask the doc a question and in the process of dictating my question, I reported I decreased my meds (gabapentin), apparently more than the doc specified on my chart (though he verbally told me I could decrease more), and a nurse told me over the phone, "You haven't followed the doc's instructions. I'm going to make a note in your chart." Later I spoke to the doc and he told me I was fine and apologized for his nurse's unduly punitive behavior. I wonder if you could explain your situation to the doc and have him override his nurse? Doing that in person might be easier than over the phone.

    • bonnie94603
      bonnie94603 rojo08

      Posted

      Hi there. Thanks for your support. I studied for hours all the tests the addiction specialist could throw at me. These are standard tests they give for substance abuse evaluations. You know how many tests she had me do yesterday ?????? None!!!!! All she did was interview me for an hour. Now she'll scrutinize my records, I'm sure and make her decision and recommendation. Unfortunately, it looks like the 2 docs involved in this mess are both real pussies, excuse my French. They are totally letting this Clinical Coordinator run the show. So I have my appt to hear the results and their decision on Thurday morning. I only have enough pain meds to get me thru Friday. So if I'm dismissed, I can either go to the hospital or to a detox center on Saturday. I don't know what to do. If I go to the hospital, then what?? What do I say?? I have an appt with a new pain doc on the 28th. I'm trying to get a copy of my med record today before they have an opportunity to trash my record on Thursday or Friday. So I gotta boogie to the office now and hope they don't jerk me around. I'm not going to detox because I would have to report that to the nursing board and I can't put that black mark on me for perpetuity. I hope to be able to talk to this doc alone, but this birch in his office is a pit bull. My mother is going with me so I'll let them deal with " mamma bear" and see how they like that!🐻🐻🐻 I'll keep you updated. If you pray, please pray for me. Thanks.

    • bonnie94603
      bonnie94603 rojo08

      Posted

      Everything went great today. They were so nice and accommodating. Even worked with me on changing my pain meds. I am so relieved. There is nothing bad in my chart either. I got a copy yesterday from the last 5 months to see what was there. So thank you again for your support. 😉

    • gail09802
      gail09802 bonnie94603

      Posted

      Bonnie,

       I’m So happy for you! 

      Prayers answered!!!

      Thanks for letting us know. 

      Gail 

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