Doctors Willing To Prescribe Heavy Pain Medication In Colorado (Page 208)

I have a serious problem. My dr. had two patients start dr. shopping and has decided it is too big of a pain in his butt to continue prescribing, even though I have gotten MRIs and Xrays to prove my problems. I have over a half a dozen herniated discs in my low back, along with degenerative disc disease, spinal stenosis, scoliosis and arthritis in my facet joints. I am currently on5 30mg oxycodone a day for breakthrough and 60mg of methadone for my long lasting meds. I REALLY need a doctor in the Denver, CO area who will not judge me because of my age, thinking I'm just some drug seeker as I TRULY need my meds to function. I am even being placed on disability until I can get my back healed because if something doesn't change I will be in big time pain for the rest of my life. If ANYONE knows of a good doctor that prescribes strong meds willingly in the Denver area please let me know. I am in desperate need of help as I am going to be SCREWED if I cannot find a good doctor. SOMEONE please help me with a doctor!!!!!

REPLY

REPORT

Janeygirl:
Thank you for the information. I do not know if you are willing to share, but I have read several very positive posts written by you re: your current provider. Is it the pharmacy issue that has you seeking a new provider, or has there been more problems encountered? Again, I respect your boundaries if you are not comfortable sharing.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am always willing to share, that is never an issue. I think Hector is probably one of the most intelligent, caring and well versed doc´s I've seen since practicing since 1977. That says a ton. I adore the staff at CPR, I don´t have a single complaint with them. My issue is unusual. I get paid every month on the 3rd of the month. Having had oral surgery, which set me back $40,000 and I still have no teeth, I'm going paycheck to paycheck right now and every penny costs. With only being able to pay on the 3rd, I´ve been having to stretch and stretch my meds, plus I was given a 6 months approval from Medicaid for my meds. When CPR started this new pharmacy program and I want to make clear, it was done to be able to continue to serve their patients well and due to patients doing bad things and I don´t blame them a bit, this is all my issue, not theirs. I think the world of CPR and will continue to refer patients there. But what is happening to me now is with switching pharmacies, one of my meds got dropped from being approved to not approved and the pharmacy didn´t tell me that I could pay out of pocket for them. So now I´m not just stretching but stretching less and I´m not doing well now. Additionally, I always end up having to go on the day I´m due, which they will allow only a few times for you to pick up your meds and even then, you still end up waiting at least 24 hours. So with the unexpected drop in my meds, not getting the meds on the day I was overdue, I ended up in withdrawal, throwing up in the pharmacy the last time. I don´t mean to put the pharmacy down but I´ve had a ton of issues and it appears not just patients with CPR r also having issues with them. Many patients from other doc´s who have been going there for a long time seem to be having similar issues. I was there after calling to check if my medications were ready, I was told they were working on them right then and would be ready when I got there, within 30 minutes. When I got there, they were still being worked on and would be 20 minutes more, an hour or so later they were actually done. 2 hours after they said they would be ready. Several patients left without their full scripts because they were out of stock and several patients were given the wrong meds altogether, one of which could have sent her to the hospital at least. I still haven´t received a medication (non-narcotic) because they were out of them for over 2 months now. The pharmacy issues are by far my only complaint and while I certainly understand that they are overwhelmed with the huge influx of patients and new rules, it is ridiculous that a non-narcotic medication has to be delivered. It is not without understanding we all deserve and expect a certain level of comfort that our scripts will be accurately filled and counted. I truly feel for Amanda and the rest of the staff, this has caused headaches, extra work and unnecessary calls. So, I honestly cannot figure out how to make this new pharmacy and the new rules work with my situation. Once again this month, I would be seeing the doc on the day of my refill and although I understand that there are some things in the works for someone like me, I haven´t been offered any type of an answer, which is my biggest issue. Communication can go far in this situation. Having bomb after bomb on patients dropped on them every appointment lately, people yelling, without explaination and options, isn´t ok. It needs to be a sit down and brain storming situation. My suggestion was, if they are able to send out emails for our appointments, they should be able to include changes of policies. 3 months ago, I spoke to all my concerns over a vacation and a move in the works. Now the only answer is I have to stretch them out. I need to make this also clear, this isn´t CPR´s issue. It´s the new regulations of not filling meds for 30-31 days. Much of the issues we are experiencing are a direct result to folks doing bad things, like changing scripts, going to multiple doc´s and not taking meds as ordered. There were bad doc´s, over prescribing also and most now is a knee jerk reaction by legislation. I personally believe many illicit drug addicts were getting meds from doc´s, which actually would have been a perfect time to treat these folks but now with the restrictions, it´s going to send them right back to the streets instead of rehab. What good have they really done? The overdosages we have seen in the papers were over 4 years ago and frankly, someone was too stupid to give that many meds to one patient, he obviously needed a different type of treatment. Additionally, the plan in the works is to get everyone down to 120 mg equivilents of MS. Our governor is actually putting this all in place and everyone needs to write. I´ve provided the email previously and will again if interested. I believe in being open and honest but more importantly, I will help if I can. So ask all you need, I´ll get on my soapbox and give you the best answer I can. I hope this helps and if you need further explaination, I´m an open book. Take care, my friend!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Janey: Many thanks for your detailed answer! I have been a chronic pain person for many years, and also use the same pharmacy, experiencing some frustrations as well. However, your issues are much more daunting, and it makes sense that you are now proactively seeking a solution so that withdrawal is not a monthly event. I wish you the best, and know that you are very diligent and intelligent, so will come up with a solution that works to meet your needs.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

John, Never and issue. Willing to share and do!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I have been following these posts and have had a similar problem since moving here from the east coast. I have CO Medicaid and I need a DR who will review my records from out of state as proof of my long term treatment. Do you have the name or number of either the Dr you use now or the backup? I got hurt working in healthcare and resent being treated like a junkie when my pain came from helping keep people alive that are now mistreating me.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Wendy
When I first moved back here, I had medicaid. I went to Denver health Lowry clinic. I believe it was Dr Kornfeld and he looked at my records and said if that was what was working, let's keep with that. Also, you don't have to go monthly.....he gives paper for 2 months....one is post dated. When I asked, I was told that he can legally give 2 months.....
He seemed decent. The clinic is typical.......very little English spoken in there. They have a pharmacy right in the office, or you can go to a favorite.....if you prefer.
Hope this helps you out.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

To Jasmine, thanks for sharing. I too read more than I post. I've been on this thread since 2013. Thanks Wendy, Rainbow Janeygirl I have been reading and I will post my findings upon my return to Co. next month. From 2012/2014 I went to Healthpoint in Arvada. They were good to me. Dr Hong was my rd and facet injection doc. When I left in 2014 I heard they weren't taking new patients..so Idk what's to become of my care. I need 2 surgeries

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

My meds we're five days late. Five days horrible withdrawal. That pharmacy is horrible. They said fedx was bringing them no it's Amanda dad. They tried bringing me the same meds twice because know one logged I had them. They charge 1.00 extra per scrip

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Jet,
If I remember correctly and I may not but I thought u were on Vicodan. It´s a whole different story with that type of medication compared to Oxy and MS, as an example. Don´t get me wrong, I was on Vicodan for years, with good relief until the tylenol deal came up, that´s when they switched me. I frankly now wish I had stuck with Tramadol.
Wendy 1,
I feel your pain. 3 months now of similar issues. I have basically one decent week and then between my dosage being decreased due to no communication from the pharmacy, needing to make them last longer, I no longer have the active, productive life I had even 4 months ago. I´m frustrated, as I´m sure everyone is and this getting sick when u already have problems is for the birds. I wish I had answers, it´s sinful that those of us who follow our program, don´t flunk ua´s and such have to go through all this.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

The legalities between Oxy and Hydrocodone are the same. Both are schedule 1 narcotics. This all happened Oct 4, 2014, when Hydrocodone was moved to schedule 1.....now, they are all treated the same.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Jet,
And the reality is they aren´t checking most pharmacies and doc offices for Vicodan issues. The overdose issue with Vicodan is far more dangerous with the tylenol component. Tylenol overdoses are bad, horrible deaths. Your doc could write like u say for other meds but the chances r slim. Ask him and let us know. He seems like a reasonable guy. Most doc´s used to do this consistently, now the only double scripts I´ve seen are every two weeks for a total of a month. Not saying it isn´t still done but everyone is being so careful these days. Please let us know.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 1

Wendy,
Your post was very informative. And, I am sorry you went through so much pain and suffering while waiting. I can understand the two day wait, but 5 days? Did they give you a reason?

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I was also a nurse I got hurt by a crack head pt now I suffer and treated like a junkie that I'm not I can't use my arms or shoulders and the dr that done my 15 surgery messed me up. So I know how you feel good luck and cpr helps you just FYI

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

Wendy:
I just read your post you said you moved here from the east coast, do you think it will be easier out there? We are about to start traveling next month which is why I've worked so hard to find pain management I can keep up with when I come every month or so. But so far no such luck.

So I went to a Pain specialist and he gave me an enjoyable to help strengthen my bones ordered lab work to test testosterone, and gave a script for Nucynta- has anyone had luck or experience with this medication. Right now I'm waiting on a prior Auth, since the pharmacy want 280 for 30 day supply :(. The stuggle continues

I hope everyone has a good Memorial Day!

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

Mooses,
We feel your pain and folks just cannot understand what someone hopped up on that stuff acts. They r like the hulk times 20. If there is anything we can do, please write.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

4145 JANEYGIRL
I am going to throw something out, you think about it a few days then answer. I am not rich, but I hate to see you suffering just because of money. What if I pay the pharmacy for a month of your meds, anonymously. That way you will be paid for a month in advance and you can go when you need to. So, I would give them the money for your June scripts, the money you would have used for your June scripts, you SET ASIDE so you can go to CPR on time. This way, you will always be a month ahead. I would give the pharmacy an envelope and tell them that someone will be in to claim it for their account. This way neither you nor I would have to give names or anything.
I would not expect you to pay me back, this would be purely a gift.
Don't answer now, think about it. Someone has done something like this for me in the past, so i am only paying it forward.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

Smalls,

I can´t thank you enough for your generous offer. Your kindness overwhelms me, as it has been a tough few months. My meds aren´t the issue, the doc appointments are. I´m trying not to make this a book, as I typically work and u would giggle at what I actually do. To make it quick, I had a cardiac arrest from a medical error, I was caught in the CAT scan, they broke all my teeth. I stupidly believed what I was told, allowed them to extra all my teeth for implants. Unknowingly, I had two bad fractures and the surgery ended up being longer and a much longer recovery. I speak as a job, folks can´t or couldn´t understand me. I am happy to report, I have finally been fitted for my implants and get to start back to work. Additionally, we are moving to a less expensive place this week. So things are looking up but that doesn´t belittle the huge kindness you have extended. It truly is overwhelming to me and thank you!

This was a big ¨WOW¨ to me and made me truly think about the many I've seen here that can use help time to time. I know, I agree with Smalls, in many ways, other than since last summer, I was very blessed and know I will again. If anyone needs this type of help, let us know! I have to say, I am in shock. What a truly beautiful thing to do?? I came on tonight because I just read something that really amazed me and wondered if anyone else saw this article? In huge words said, CU BOULDER FINDS CHRONIC PAIN LINKED TO NARCOTIC USE!! When u read the article, u will find out that it was a 3 month study and done on rats. Now, I´m sure most folks here have been talked to about the body decreasing it´s natural pain receptor outputs. It is a natural reaction of the body. My question is this... is this just more ¨reasoning¨ to take people off their meds? I managed a pain program. Sure, we weaned folks off meds but to put them on meds that managed their issues, so they weren´t mixing alcohol, street drugs and whatever to get comfortable. Most of these folks were either able to return to some type of work, had productive lives and weren´t depressed. Has medicine changed this much? Has anyone else also noted that on top of this narcotic issue, we are seeing how doc´s have mismanaged antibiotics and the government is looking over general admissions, care being given and such. I think this narcotic deal is just the start of revamping the entire medical system. Watch your TV, read articles, it isn´t just us. To be honest, what irritates me the most is our news sensationalizing everything. I´m afraid we are in for some big changes and I´d rather deal with facts.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 4

Janey I too read the article and thought another blow to the chronic pain patient. I belong to the US Pain Foundation and they keep me apprised of all the studies out there and honestly I've yet to see one that actually is using true chronic pain patients. I wouldn't doubt that this is just a step in regulating all meds. As you said the cry for Drs to stop prescribing antibiotics all the time is pretty strong. Unfortunately many Docs are getting tired of being told how to prescribe. As my own Doc says she went to med school and she's been in practice for 30 years and now she is being told she doesn't know how to prescribe correctly by someone who is not even an MD

REPLY

Was this helpful? 3

Cindy, I couldn´t agree with you more. Have you joined or participated in Doctors Against Pain, the Angel or any other groups? I´m not sure how much the media has to do with much of this. I´ve actually written and called out several channels on inaccurate and dramatizing in their reporting. I´ve been trying a call to arms, for years with the group. In reading that article, all clinically I got out of it was that perhaps interspinal therapies may perhaps be the way to go. As you well know, anyone who has taken a narcotic over 10 days consistently, is considered addicted by clinical standards and will experience some form of withdrawal until your own pain receptors re-start working. I´m frankly not sure, after working with folks that this isn´t the cycle many pain folks get caught in and research should b looking at how to restart a persons own pain receptors. Additionally, I do believe there are just folks that don´t have good receptors whether by genetics or whatever. Regardless, something is happening and I´m not convinced it doesn´t involve the entire medical community. Hospitals are actually discouraging in patient treatment due to this new bugs.

REPLY

Was this helpful? 2

OMG wow your a blessings Janeygirl

REPLY

Was this helpful? 0

I am in need of a new doctor in my area that is not going to blow me off when I am a new patient with a history of takin...

46 REPLIES

Hi everyone. I currently suffer from severe chronic pain. I have multiple conditions one of them being chronic renal col...

32 REPLIES

Can you tell me about any doctors who can prescribe Vicodin ## You'll get a much better response if you post back an...

4347 REPLIES

I have mouth cancer that is very painfull and have been taking opioids/pain meds for many years. My tolerance is extreme...

287 REPLIES

I need to find a Dr. To write a Rx. For hydrocodin for chronic back pain, where can I find one in Southern Louisiana? ##...

263 REPLIES

Does anyone know of a good PCP in the Columbus Ohio area willing to prescribe Norcos for pain of the middle to lower bac...

145 REPLIES

My doctor had a stoke and was prescribing me 30 mg a day of methadone for a chronic pain syndrome..I am a 51 yr old that...

78 REPLIES

Buldging disk in lower back and also broke my L2 vertebrae in 2006 pain is intolerable ## Hello, Tamtam! How are you? Du...

34 REPLIES

Hi I am trying to find a doctor in the Rochester, NY area that will prescribe hydrocodone or oxycodone. I am even willin...

26 REPLIES

I have been seen by the lexington va for 2 years now with constant back pain. I've had shots and therapy for the pai...

21 REPLIES