wendy815
Newbie
Reged: 09/18/03
Posts: 41
Loc: Midwest
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Hi Everyone,
I just want to ask everyone that is judging those of us without records to please keep in mind that we are the wealthiest country in the world, yet we have the most uninsured people. There are many people who cannot afford the cost of going to a regular doctor just to get a small script that just doesn't cut their pain. We all know that Drs. are terrified of writing too many scripts in fear being labeled a dope dealer. In a perfect world, we would all have great health insurance and understanding doctors who do not have to worry about being busted for writing scripts to help those truly in need. Most of us have jumped through hoops and have paid tens of thousands of dollars on doctors, tests and therapies that have done nothing but drained our checkbooks. All I'm trying to say is let's stick together and allow one another this forum to air our pain, gripes or whatever. I can't believe how many of you guys are slamming anyone who uses the no records ops just because you're not in the position to have to do so.
Just my thoughts. I hope no one has to endure the hell many of us have had this past week due to our meds not being delivered from Meds123 & AAAWWW.
Wendy
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sheenafur
Enthusiast
Reged: 04/25/03
Posts: 225
Loc: California
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Here, here, Wendy! Thank you so much for your post. Everything you said is so true. I have tried very hard to obtain records as I recently began working with a doctor. For some reason, they have delayed sending them for three weeks now. So, really, it doesn't matter if you have records or not, and as I posted somewhere else, pain is not patient. Again, thank you. I hope everyone reads this posts and takes a moment to try to imagine the position we're in.
Gratefully,
Sheena
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Go easy, step lightly, stay free--J. Strummer
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antique
Banned
Reged: 09/01/03
Posts: 215
Loc: east coast
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Well after 3 months I finally have my records. I used AAAMed worldwide last time, but if I don't see some serious changes with what people are posting about them, then I'm gonna use somebody else. I think there's no doubt that if you have records, then the records-requiring OPs are the way to go.
Maybe I haven't read the same posts as you sheenafur & wendy, but I haven't seen anyone being put down for not using the records-requiring OPs. I have seen many people express their preference for the records OPs because they're cheaper and less likely to have problems with the DEA. Don't mistake the indignation someone expresses against the no records OPs for the ridiculous prices and for attracting bad press to OPs in general for a personal attack against people who use them. I've been using the no records OPs up til recently & I haven't felt put down by anyone on the board for it. But like I said, yall may have read something I didn't or you may be taking the expression of indignation by some against the OPs as a personal attack.
If you're having trouble getting your records or if you don't have any, I have read some interesting tips on this board for getting records. One is that some OPs will accept copies of the superbills, which are the sheets you get after your doctor visit showing the diagnoses made during that visit and your charge for the visit. Another option is to make the investment of going to a doc-in-the-box for a one-time visit to create a record of you having been seen by a doc for the ailment you're seeking meds for.
HTH
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asbury02
Stranger
Reged: 10/21/03
Posts: 7
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in regard to recors I faxed my doctor a letter that I drafted stating that I had been seen on such and such a date for the ailment I was seeking relief from -- it made it so easy for them to just sign and fax back to me-- I sent that plus the insurance paper work and was all set. they
just want proof that you were seen. Don't turn it into anything more than that--
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sheenafur
Enthusiast
Reged: 04/25/03
Posts: 225
Loc: California
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Hi Antique,
It's not so much that people are mean or anything. It's that there's an attitude of "That's what you deserve" when you get screwed over by no records OPs. Like I've said before, I can't wait to get my records from that grouchy, myopic, stubborn bi*&h at my doctor's office. I think she takes glee in withholding them. I've got to get tough, and I hate being labeled difficult.
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Go easy, step lightly, stay free--J. Strummer
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Corrie
Board Addict
Reged: 07/16/02
Posts: 362
Loc: Southeast US
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I agree with your post, and have a little to add in regard to my own situation.
When I was first diagnosed with herniated disks over 2.5 years ago, I had to first see my primary care physician to get the X-Rays, then was referred to an Osteopath who took an MRI with a succession of physical rehab, LOTS of anti-inflammatories which don't fare well with an ulcer and many other avenues before even being prescribed a measly amount of meds that actually worked. So in reality, I've had to go through numerous appointments before even being diagnosed and then ultimately given medicine in an amount that doesn't touch the pain (30 5/500's a month and Flexeril).
I had to actually spend several thousand dollars just to get this information. I realize that there are pain specialists out there, but my doctor will have to refer me to one, according to what my insurance dictates, and even then I'm not guaranteed the appropriate medicine that will make the level of my pain manageable.
I think that there has to be a comprehensive plan when it comes to pain management, including biofeedback, massage therapy/physical therapy, chiropractor, heat therapy and even acupuncture if all else fails. Not all of these need to be employed, but you have to exhaust all avenues before venturing into long term opoid therapy because of tolerance building up, leading into needing a longer acting, stronger medicine such as Oxycontin which is not available from online physicians.
I'm still looking for a pain management physician in real life that can help me because I cannot manage my level of pain on 3-4 hydro's daily.
There was an article written by Judy Hall to the U.S. Congress detailing her life as a chronic pain patient and it was heart wrenching to read. She committed suicide because she could not find adequate pain relief due to the fact that doctors will not prescribe medicine that works for chronic pain patients because they are too afraid of the DEA and repurcussions they may have to deal with. It's a long letter and I'll post it (I got it from a chronic pain forum) if anyone wants to read it. It cuts right to the heart of the matter.
I know I veered off subject here and I understand what you're saying. Chronic pain is the most non-understood condition in America I believe, and the treatment of it can be inhumane.
Corrie
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