This is not typically what I post about, but I'm reading on X about so many folks expressing legitimate fear of having their pain medicine (Opiates) taken from them.
I understand, I take them myself, if not, I literally can't walk after a half hour of standing or walking.
The Morphine I take at it's lowest dose Xs 3 a day I can walk 5 miles with my dog keeping me healthy.
No, it doesn't get me high, it lets me live life.
I'm reading about so many folks losing their access to opiates which knocks out pain that other analgesics can't touch.
Read this please: "Opioids (opiates) are often more effective for moderate-to-severe pain because they directly engage the body’s endogenous opioid system at multiple levels in the central nervous system, dampening both the transmission of pain signals and the emotional experience of pain in ways that most other analgesics do not."
So many folks frightened to lose the one thing that will help them to pick up their children and hold them, cook a healthy meal, go to work for 8 hours, even walk briskly for 5 miles, (me).
I just wanted to point out a couple things about how to negotiate with pain management clinics.
First nobody these days is receiving any opioids unless they are bona fide cripples.
So this is for those who have real significant debilitating pain issues.
This is what I have learned.
1. Most Drs. are not the enemy, their paranoia of the various governing medical boards are.
That is those who Lic. them.
2. If you are taking opioids and your Dr. is going to retire soon, you have to get ahead of the curve of being unable to obtain your opioids once you're cut lose from your Dr.
3. Obtain all your medical procedures proving the health issues you have causing enough pain to warrant opioids that you were prescribed for in the first place.
That is very important.
It helps to prevent Drs from making snap judgements, alleviates suspicion of drug shopping and shows you understand your pain issues. Also helps to stop the Dr. from minimizing your pain issues as they see the proof of your claim of pain. X-rays, any scans, so on will help greatly.
4. Research, the Dr. or the pain specialist.
Find out if they treat pain with opioids, they will tell you yes or no, simple.
Move on if no.
If yes, it's still going to be a negotiation when you go to your first appointment.
5. You're at your first appointment with the Dr.
If you get or sound confrontational in the least, you likely won't get what you need.
Be well dressed, super clean, breath mint😉.
Smile and be direct, don't be intimidated, and don't try and act like you're not, just be calm.
6. Let the Dr. talk first, that's important, it shows respect.
7. If you detect the Dr. or pain specialist suggesting anything other than the same treatment plan your former Dr. had you on, including opioids, (by now you should have already handed the treatment plan in to the clinic and the test results in before the appointment), let the Dr. know you were doing well on the treatment plan your Dr. had you on and be polite, say and be direct you want the same plan from him and that's why you sent all needed info. for him to make that decision.
8.If the Dr. or pain specialist still balks at giving you opioids,tell the Dr. you would be willing to consider doing a spinal ablation.
The deal is, they make big money on these treatments, and likely that's what they want do as they don't make money prescribing pills, and might be willing to trade off.
I've done that twice, it works.
9. Once they order your prescription for opioid pain treatment, it will be considered part of your treatment plan and likely won't discontinue it once started.
10. If all else fails negotiate a cut back on your opioid use that's hard to do I know, but it might work, better than nothing.
11. To find a Dr. who does prescribe opiates in your area ask grok.
I did and found one. Older folks are not as likely to get turned down for opiates as the younger crowed.
All the above has worked for me and never have I been denied, had to negotiate though.
But, never say never.