Bipolars with Fibromyalgia Support Group

My husband is under the care of a neurologist and was with a pain management doctor. The neuro thought my husband was taking too much pain meds and took his Rx and shredded them. Now his neuro is wanting to rx something that's not in our insurance formulary. My husband explained why he can't take this med, but he doesn't seem to be very helpful. BC the neuros office couldn't verify what meds were on the 'shredded' rx's, his pain doc dropped him and said continue to see the neuro. My husband feels caught in between. What do you think he should do? Will another pain doc take him or what other choices does he have?

any opinions?

heather

Hi Hedap,

Wow! That's awful! Sometimes some Dr's can be so uncaring. I'm so sorry.

I think you should change neurologists and get a new pain doc. Explain to the new docs (pain dr. in particular) what it is he needs...what works for him and tell him the what the neurologist did if neccessary. He was being difficult and rude. It is not your husbands fault. Just ask kindly the new pain doc if he can continue the regimen he is used to or that works for him. Maybe he will work with him or at least keep him on the meds he was on until he can change them GRADUALLY! I don't think you are supposed to just stop pain meds cold turkey. I thought you had to go down bit by bit..titrate or go to detox where you can be monitored. Let us know what happens. I think your Neurologist is being unethical. I hate Dr's that abuse their power. It's so unfair. Good luck!

I totally agree w/bf9. I would add one thing. Both the doctors have someone over them, as a supervisor, or even the med review board, hospital cheif of staff, etc. I would write a letter of complaint with as much detail as possible. Your husband has the RIGHT TO BE TREATED WITH RESPECT and other Patients Rights. Also, the fist line of the Hipocratic Oath is...First do no harm! Taking pain meds from a person with chronic pain is harmful both physically and emotionally.

I hope your husband can find some relief and new doctors to treat him.

hugs

barb

BF9 and Foggy,

Thanks for your responses. With your support I think my husband and I really took a long look at what happened and will try to get referrals to new docs.

thanks heather

Sorry I did not get to post sooner. I hate doctors who think they can just do things like this without realizing how it affects the patients life. I agree with Barb 100% about writing a letter to the hospital administrator or the medical review board. These doctors need to answer for their actions.

Best wishes for you and your dear husband.

Hugs.

areusam,

Thank you so much. This is going on about 7 days without pain meds and I just hate to see my husband this way. Luckily he doesn't seem to be in any withdrawal. If we don't get a response by tomorrow from the neurologist then we'll actively look for another doctor and write to the medical review board.

hugs, heather

Good luck. I will be thinking of you both.

Hugs.

Good Luck Heather to you both.

Hang in there.