Chronic Pain Support Group

Physicians and professionalsdefine pain as chronic if it lasts longer than three to six months and is persistent. It's distinct from acute pain that is a direct result of injury or trauma. This support group is dedicated to those suffering from chronic pain. Discuss treatments that have worked for you, find advice for your specific experience, and find support. You're not...

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deleted_user 09/28/2009

I suffer from terrible pain, and am currently disabled. I am on Oxycontin and Percocet and have been for almost 3 years. I have been using Walgreens for all my medications, and everytime I go to fill my scripts, I get treated like a drug addict and they give me such a hard time. Today, I went to 4 different pharmacies, and could not fill my scripts, and now I am sitting here in such bad pain. I am young, and the pharmacist always looks at me like I dont need this medication, and they even ask me why I am taking it, and why do I need both percocet and oxycontin. Why? Why cant I be treated like a human being that is in pain? I am sick and tired of dishing out $1000/month to these pharmacies, only to get treated like i am some kind of criminal. Does anyone else go through this, and what do you do to remedy the situation? I am going to write a letter to Walgreens corporate, I'm not gonna take this poor treatment anymore.

Mike

deleted_user 09/28/2009

I do not go to a big corporation pharmacy like Walgreens or CVS! I go to a small pharmacy that is privately own in my town were my pharmacist know me, and I've never been treated like that! and I take Methadone and Dilaudid for BT pain!

If a pharmacist would EVER had the gulls to ask me why I need my meds....... I will pull my pants down, show them all of my scars from my 4 spinal surgeries and then will tell them; "Do you think that I use this cane because I like it???!!!! A-hole! If you have any questions, ask my Doctor! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr!

Maybe you need to find a smaller pharmacy!

deleted_user 09/28/2009

Actually, that is exactly what I am going to do. Maybe I need a cane, I have an invisible disability, and that makes people think that I am not suffering.

Boxerlover 09/28/2009

Mike, first off I am sorry you got treated like that. I have a bunch of similiar stories that could fill a book. I agree with tipper that the smaller pharmacies are the way to go. If there are none near you or you need to go to certain ones because of insurance, I would ask to speak with the head pharmacist and explain your situation. Usually then you will be treated well. If you are not ask immediately to speak to the head pharmacist and if they are not there ask to speak with the store manager. We DO NOT have to be treated badly just because we are on pain meds.

A cane is not a bad idea if you think it will help. I use it on my bad days although in 5 weeks I will have my service dog so hopefully I will not have to use my cane anymore.

Melissa

AzSherryberry 09/28/2009

LOL Tipper, love it.

I have known that feeling of suspicion. The meds all started for me 3 yrs ago after suffering, working, no meds for 6 years. 3 years ago I looked about 35 and all the pain is invisible of course. Big difference when I needed the use of a cane. Funny, I say, I have more respect because of using a cane, hmmm. The last place that treated me like a fake, possible addict was get this..........Mayo Clinics- pain clinic. Long story there. What causes people to behave this way? Million dollar question. Oh, better question is what causes family to treat us like fakes and addicts?

Sherry

deleted_user 09/28/2009

Sherry,
I just printed the "Letter to Normals from someone in chronic pain". Read it, and make some copies for family members and friends...... it usually works! Good luck to you!

deleted_user 09/28/2009

Thanks

deleted_user 09/29/2009

Hey Mike...I hate that you were treated like this it just doesn't seem fair, we have to suffer through all the pain and then we have to siffer through people thiking that we are taking them for the fun of it. I have to say that I get my meds from Wal-greens and I really do like the people at my pharmacy, they are very understanding and they don't ask any questions at all and I get 3 different meds from the pain doc. I think that Melissa is right though I would want to speak to someone that is in charge and let them kow what is going on with you and how the other pharmacist are treating ya....

Brandy

AzSherryberry 09/29/2009

Tipper I did that a couple years ago. Great letter and made no difference with my family members, even one went on the defensive and accused me of not understanding them. uhhhh wow. Thank you.

Sherry

deleted_user 09/29/2009

sometimes they just understand.
my chemist thought that as well until i showed then a list from my doctor listing my conditions.
the chemist has no right what so ever to ask why, they just dispense the medications and are not the doctor prescribing.
thank goodness they have the pbs scheme here where once you get a certain numbers of scripts the rest are free for the year.

deleted_user 09/29/2009

I haven't read all the posts and maybe someone else has already recommended it, but I'll make the suggestion anyway.

At WalMart, you can order refills via a touch tone phone then just go pick up your meds. I did that just last week for an almost year old narcotic pain prescription. Someone else picked it up for me and only had to give my birthdate and address.

We've used Walgreens in the past and they also have a phone number with a touch tone menu for refills. Then we just hit the drive through window to pick them up.

We are both disabled and going out walking anywhere is a major production. The Walgreens method works perfectly for us.

deleted_user 09/29/2009

after talking to the stroe manger. how about having them mailed to you. walgreens does and there is no charge. just use the auto=phone deal to refill ans then have it mailed. won't have to go into the store.

deleted_user 09/29/2009

I applaud you for writing to Walgreens Corporate. IT's not the pharmasists job to question a patient as to why they need a certian medication. IT's their job to fill perscriptions.
What medications you are on and why is between you and your doctor

deleted_user 09/29/2009

Those are excellent suggestions, but unfortunately, my prescriptions are schedule 2 narcotics, and I cannot get refills, and I must always drop off and pick up in person, and show my ID.
I fixed my problem today, yeah! I went to a small pharmacy, and explained my problem, not only did they treat me great, but they gave me a good discount as well. I'm goin there from now on. Thanks for all the replies. Maybe one day, we will all be in some sort of class action discrimination suit against these discriminating pharmacies and Doctors, and we will finally be equals. Although my problem is solved, for now, I would still love to hear your stories about this, and how you solve the issue.

deleted_user 09/29/2009

Hi Mike! It's none of the pharmacists business to asses whether or not you need pain medication! Your dr has already made that decision. Your phamacists job and ONLY job is too fill your prescription. I hate walgreens I will never have a script filled there again. Your having a legal rx filled so there is no reason your pharmacist should question why you need this medication. I agree with tipper- find a smaller non corporate pharmacy. You shouldn't have to put up with that. Hope it works out for you. Take care!

~hugs

deleted_user 09/29/2009

Mike,
I am very happy that you were able to find a small independently own pharmacy that treated you like the human being that you are, and not like a junkie! Bravo to you!!!! :-)
That is why, I will NEVER, EVER give my scripts to the Walgreen's, CVS's or Walmart's of the World!
I will always use my small independent pharmacy, that treats me with respect.
Good going Mike!

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