Fibromyalgia Support Group

Well my family dr finally caved in after talking to my rhemuy about my pain meds and she gave me my vicodin back. But, I had to sign a drug contract and yes there is one already made up. I had agree to only asking one dr for pain meds, using the same pharmacy, not hoarding my pain meds, only using so many a day, but the topper is i had to agree to random drug testing.

I could not believe it though I have nothing to hide. But, I felt like what a kick in the stomach. I felt like I was being treated like a junkie. I have Crohn's.Lupus,Arthritis and Fibro and also Pancretitis which alone is very painful and she thinks I am fine taking Tylenol. I felt insulted but I figure I don't have to deal with her often and my rhemuy will back me up. My rhemuy was the one that could not believe she took me off.

Has anyoe else had to sign a contract?

HopeandFaith

I haven't yet, but I expect to when I go to my new rheumy in a few weeks. I know it feels a little invasive but the doctor is doing it to protect their right to prescribe narcotics.

I also assume that this doesn't cover if you have an acute problem that needs treated with different narcotics. My mom has fibro, is on a pain contract, and when she had surgery and needed more and different narcotics, it wasn't an issue. I think they are talking about your every day normal type of pain.

Hope&Faith,

yes that is standard practice when you are on pain meds(narcotics)for an extended period of time. I had to do it, and at first I felt the same way you do in a way ...but then I think of all the people who probably do just try and get them to sell them and other things so I just looked at it like that. No big deal to me now. I am just happy for you that you got your meds back if they are going to help you! Take care

yea I had to sign one too. Its no big deal though it to protect the doctor too. He doesn't want to be fined for supplying a drug dealer. It happens and thier records get checked if a patient has been arrested.

Glad you got your vicoden back.

I guess I should consider myself fortunate. I haven't had to sign one, and no one's even hinted that I might someday.

The point is, you won, Hope. You pursued your right to pain relief, and you won. The contract is a small price to pay for relief. I'm annoyed that they can require random drug testing for someone whose medical file backs up their conditions and need for meds. That doesn't seem right.

I do understand doctors trying to protect their rights to treat and prescribe, but when you have been diagnosed with numerous conditions that cause pain, shouldn't that be proof enough?

you're right Starr that should be enough, however I know of people that get the meds, and unfortunately would rather have the money than use them themselves! Seems unrealistic to all us that deal with so much pain I know...but it happens. That is why they do the drug tests..is to make sure you are actually taking your meds you are prescribed.

Lordy...what a sad state of affairs this world has gotten into.

I know it! It's a shame isn't it.

I was just recently required to sign one of these and I felt humiliated as well, I don't want the drugs, I hate them, but I can't function without them, I'm just in too much pain, so I signed the paper and then went home and cried. I've been diagnosed with fobro, rhumetoid and inflamitory aurthritis, and it hurts. But what hurts the most is the isolation and depression. I just don't know how much longer I can keep on like this.

My DS has ADHD, and we have to get written prescriptions for him. Our old doctor used to only write them for 1 month at a time, and we had to pick them up in person every time. The nurse there told me that they caught one parent taking their kids Ritalin and selling it, They kept saying that the dose wasn't enough, and the doctor was upping it until they got caught. THen they would only allow 1 month of meds at a time. Now taking away my own meds to sell is one thing, but I can't imagine taking away my kids'.