That sucks

Sorry that happened to you. My doc won't let me pick up scripts either. I have been going to them for 8 yrs and 3 months ago I completely forgot my appt. it never happened before. Thankfully they were able to get me in the next day. I figured the only thing I could do was ration what I had.
Hugggss Jasmine

Since when? I have heard so many horror stories about people on this site trying to keep up with their medications and the doctors who don't seem to care enough to help with a simple thing as putting pen to paper. I am so blessed to have a wonderful doctor. I wouldn't trade him for anything. I did tell him in my last letter to him asking for a couple of requests, that I had to knock him down 1 peg off the pedestal I have him on because he's a Seahawk fan!! Pink, I hope the next time you see your doctor that you can make him understand what this puts you through. And why don't the nurse's give you an appointment that coincides with your refills? What type of school are these helpers going to now a days?? Hugs GB

It's just odd because in the contract I signed it said to call if you need a refill! But I'm not really in a position to argue... I will bring it up Thursday though... I also need to bring up the fact that the pain is waking me up at night, last night I was woken from a dead sleep at 12:30 & was up til 3am. I'm only prescribed 2 norco a day, so even if I took my last dose at bedtime it'd wear off by midnight-1am!

My pain doc doesn't allow pick-ups either. He's a good guy, though. He schedules our appointments every 4 weeks on the dot. I often volunteer when there's a holiday b/c I've been able to stretch some meds in the warmer weather. They also know that I've been on the same dose for 17 years and that makes a difference.

My DAD is having back surgery again- his back is barely holding him up at this point- and he told me they're sending him to a pain doc after his next surgery. They'd offered to put a pump in but he's worried. But he has the same problem of running out too soon. They tell him to take it every 4 hours but only give him enough for 4 a day. I wish he lived nearby so he could see my doctor.

I don't see what the problem is in prescribing enough meds to get you through a month. This is where I count my blessings and say a prayer for you. :)

ya think drs plan these things on purpose just to get a thrill out of the patient being in pain and waiting to get in for help :(

I hate to say it...but they don't care. My PM "front office" was great about remembering but I often figured out in my head (and with my handy calendar on my phone) when run out day would be and would request an appointment the day before, if they didn't do that already. Or I'd remind them, 30 days is such and such date....can we do this date just in case? Never any problems in that department...in with in other areas of PM.

We shouldn't have to do that stuff but, anymore, I guess we have to. Hopefully this will be the very last time you have to worry about this. As for the med increase...I hope they listen to you and don't let what's going on in the media drive their decision.

(((HUGS)))

I would write a letter or email to the Dr and explain the difficulty you are having getting your refills. Last year, I was having issues with this with the same dr I have been seening for the past 12 years. I wrote a letter to her about how difficult it was making an appointment or getting my scrips written out to pick up. Turned out it was the "nurse" in the front office, and my dr was not aware there was an issue until she received my letter. The "nurse" no longer works there and things are back to normal.
Just a suggestion.........good luck!!
Jnufish

jnufish- you might be right! I've had another doctors office do something similar, the dr was quite upset when she found out.

Red- I will start looking at the calendar myself as I'm scheduling my follow ups from now on...

LESSON LEARNED!

My doctor's office claimed the doc sent my scripts to the pharmacy yesterday and still the pharmacy has not received them. I just sent another email to my doc and will call in the morning to check. Tomorrow I run out of my regular stash. I do however have a back-up stash that will last me for 7 days at my regular dose. I suffered a few days here and there in order to build up a stash. I don't care if other posters think this is a violation or whatever. I always have trouble getting my scripts filled and this back up stash saves me from being in pain, or having to go through withdrawals. I think you need to write a letter to your doctor and start to build up a back up stash. I know this is hard for you to do with just two pills a day. I have some better days a few times a week when I can save a pill, or I'll skip 2 pills on a particular day and just sleep for 13 hours so I don't notice the pain as much. For the past three days I've been in bad enough pain to keep me from walking much. My foot is having very bad cramps when I walk. Any how, I hope you get your med situation straightened out. Hugs!

Before you leave your appt, make your next appt for 4 weeks out. Then you'll also have an extra day or two if you need to reschedule. 28 days is usually the norm when drs will write refills & insurance will pay (unless your state or ins has an exception to that rule) and it's also easier to keep track since it's on the same day of the week. My day is Tuesday. I just finally figured out that's a lighter day at the office & the pharmacy than Mondays and it usually works out not to be on the first of the month which also seems busiest. Just my 2

Take care,
Emerald

Pink, have you thought abour Zohydro ? It is time released hydrocodone only and shoud work better than immediate release. Although it is very expensive because it just came out last yr if you don't have insurance. If you do have insurance it may require a Prior Authorization (PA)

Zohydro ER-
http://www.zogenix.com/content/products/zohydro.htm

The doctor can't knowingly leave you without pain medication. Call the office back, nicely explain you will be out of medicine prior to the appointment and that you need to make arrangements to get a prescription for at least the 2 days of medicine you need. If you are taking your medicine on time as you should I think he/she is bound legally to give you enough medicine to keep you from going into withdrawal. I have relatives in the medical field and I am under a pain management contract and I'm 98% sure they can't leave you hanging.

The receptionist told me I had to wait, but I see the dr today & I will make sure he knows about this!!!

It is up to each individual dr if they want to be sure you don't have any days without meds. There is nothing that states they have to be sure by law.