New state and federal regulations have put chronic pain patients' needs in the hands of pain clinics. I use a rather low dose (no more than 15 mg/day) of hydrocodone pain med for chronic anal fissure and sphincter spasms, which until this month my gastroenterologist has been prescribing for me. Now he tells me he can no longer prescribe them and I will need to get my pain meds from a pain clinic.
I have been to two pain clinics in the last 6-7 years, and at one I was offered methadone, but they could not offer norco/vicodin. What is it with pain clinics thinking all chronic pain is due to back issues, and all pain patients are addicts? The other pain clinic physician rolled out the list of meds they use, most all of which are contraindicated due to interactions or side effects. However I was offered "energy healing" treatments, which I tried and found to be a waste of Medicare's money.
I have an appointment in 5 days with my PCP to discuss whether she can prescribe my pain meds, and if not, how I navigate the pain clinic maze and hurdles. For gosh sakes I take three of the lowest dose Norco a day -- hardly a heavy user. But I guess abuse of these drugs is so rampant that chronic pain patients are now paying the price. I have read some horror stories about patients being forced to endure pain without meds that they have used for years with no issues.
I do not want to be one of them. If anyone here has knowledge or experience with navigating this new restriction on pain meds I would be most grateful. My pharmacist has warned me it could be a little bit of a trial and error struggle.
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