Purple
Enthusiast

Reged: 07/15/03
Posts: 233
Loc: Midwest
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Well, I am sure this has happened to some of you here but it has happened to me! My bro-in-law swiped my Norco. He left a few in the bottle and now I am "Best Kept off board"!!!! 
My refill is not until the end of the month as I just consulted with this new OP & I just got the meds last Monday. I can't report him cause he is LE & my hubby's brother. When I noticed they were missing I talked to my hubby & there's nothing I can do. He's gonna deny it if we say anything and it comes down to my word against his and my hubby will be in the middle of it. So now what do I do? I can't afford another consult with another OP to hold me over until my refill with my current OP is available & I'm not going to call them with this cause I am sure they won't do anything and it will look like I am a druggie looking to refill early.
So, I am up you know what without a paddle!! Any suggestions on what I can do in the meantime?
And yes, I had them in the med cabinet, I know better but no one has been over to the house so I wasn't concerned. And I know my hubby did NOT take them, we know my b-in law likes pain meds. This is just what I need after all the nightmares I have been thru since October my luck has to change!! HELP!!!NOW WHAT DO I DO???
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night_shade
Threadhead
Reged: 08/26/03
Posts: 907
Loc: The State of Hockey
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Purple-
Boy, do I sympathize with you!!! A friend stole my methadone a couple months ago (dang near a month's supply) and as it is liquid, watered it down while I was in the restroom. I have all my meds on the kitchen counter, but rarely does anyone come over-and almost nobody would touch my meds. ALMOST nobody. This guy is a nurse and is supposedly in recovery for 11 years from his pain meds addiction. I guess not.
Anyway, I did not call my doctor or the police as I, too, had no proof. Even though my boyfriend and kids would most certainly have tested negative if cops got involved, and nobody else had been to my home except my friend.
I didn't know right away- only when I became uncharacteristically ill from withdrawal (this was about the time I joined this board because I was SO sick from W/D) and when I got my new bottle (when it was time, 3 weeks later) the taste was so much stronger that I knew what had happened.
I DID confront my friend, who denied it. But anyone who knows him could clearly see he had been getting high. I was so disgusted--especially since he KNOWS that I get very sick if I am deprived of the methadone I have been taking for many years.
There isn't much you can do. Perhaps a visit to the doctor for something with opiates in it--at least to stave off the withdrawal--until you get more hydro??? How about codeine-containing products or something relatively cheap like that from an IOP? I know it is horrible. I wish I could help more than offer advice you already know. But docs (and probably OP's) don't believe "stolen meds" stories--even with a police report. Again, my heart goes out to you!
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Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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LordBA
Journeyman

Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 61
Loc: AZ
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Hey Purple,
I'm so sorry to hear about that! That little meanie! I would be furious too! Maybe you have some Ultram and some Xanax to hold you over til your next refill? Or, (I know this isn't right)you could go to the Dentist and fake a serious toothache. They usually give you a good 15 to 30 Vicodin ES with a refill (well mine does). Anyway, just a thought. These situations are really sad to hear about. How old is your lil bro in law? Does he not know or care about YOUR PAIN? If you get along well, maybe you could talk to him and he'll fess up and give them back (doubtful). I just don't really know what to tell you (especially not "suck it up"), as I haven't been in your shoes. I really hope the best for you in this sad situation. My thoughts are with you.
Take care,
LordBradass 
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I will be more polite and will use less bad words :-) - signature courtesy of drugbuyers.com
Edited by LordBradass (12/03/03 03:48 PM)
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yawkaw3
Pooh-Bah

Reged: 03/22/03
Posts: 1178
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Ephy maybe is an option? The consult is $45.
Maybe some Ultram to hold you over so you at least have something in addition?
-yawkaw
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14stones
Board Addict
Reged: 06/18/03
Posts: 336
Loc: On the beach in California
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Hey Lordbadaz. How about toning down the Fbombs and the Dychheads please. I don't know why your profanity is still on the board where I have seen lesser words censored but I think we can do better than that. I am not trying to be a board cop or anything. It is just a group of words and just your way of expressing yourself but I think there is enough ugliness in the world and on the net to go around without having to read those kind of words here.
Just my opinion so take it for what it is worth. Not really needed and I bet you are smarter than having to rely on that type of language to express yourself. Sorry for sounding harsh, not intended.
Ni
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Go that way really fast, if something gets in your way.....TURN! Always look on the bright side of life.
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brian71_99
Enthusiast
Reged: 05/28/03
Posts: 280
Loc: Sunny San Diego
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LordBradass & yakaw had some good advice.
The dentist is the best way to get a handful of 7.5/750's, true.
Personally, I always keep some temgesic around, at it helps w/the pain and also kicks w/d's in the a$$. Not quite as effective as hydro, but it helps keep me cool when I am running low. It is an opiate so it will saturate the receptor sites until you can once again get some hydro.
Ultrams are definitely a good idea, as well. Somas & valiums can help kock ya out so you can sleep, and 2-3 ultrams can replace your normal hydro dose to keep the w/d's at bay. Trams, somas & valiums are all easily approved & sent next day, so this should (hopefully) give you some peace of mind.
Tem is only available throgh IOPS, but at least you don't have to go through the whole interrogation process to get them. Just keep them in mind for future reference in case something like this happens again.
If you still have a few vic's left, you can always take 1/2 a vic and few ultram to "boost" it along. I do this when I am running low and have to cut my doese in 1/2 just to avoid the w/d's. And the trams help kick the pain in it's a$$, as well.
Sorry to hear of your dilemna, I would have blood on my hands if it happened to me. Nothing to fear more in life that a woman who is withdrawing, I can imagine! Just try your best to stay calm and find some meds that can help ease you through until you come up w/a game plan.
Take care & stay strong,
Brian
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LordBA
Journeyman

Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 61
Loc: AZ
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14stones,
Done. Sorry bout' that. I was just really fumed about her situation. As for the signature, I changed it slightly, but It's the same one I've used for the past 4 months here at DB. It's just a quote from Southpark, I didn't mean to offend anyone. Anyway, it's taken care of. Now, back to the subject at hand...
Take care,
LordBradass 
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I will be more polite and will use less bad words :-) - signature courtesy of drugbuyers.com
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14stones
Board Addict
Reged: 06/18/03
Posts: 336
Loc: On the beach in California
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Thanks for being so cool about it. That is a class move friend and again one that I think is a matter of choice and not that my opinion was the only one. Very cool of you.
As for the matter at hand I can say this, I wonder if it would be worth going to your pharmacy and saying that for some reason your methadone seems to be much weaker than usual and is giving off the side effects of not working well and such and see if they will replace it with a new bottle. I recieved an order of Vicodan from an op once. It was brand name and it made me sick to my stomach as well as gave me a headache. Nasty stuff. I put it in the last bottle I had recieved of vicodan from my pharmacy and took it back telling them about the symptoms. They just took them back and gave me new meds. The pharmacist said that they just send them back to the manufacturer as being broken or bad quality and it was no trouble.
Maybe the same can be done for you. Worth a try. I have never had to take anything like methadone so I have no idea about that type of thing.
LBA, you rock and thanks again.
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Go that way really fast, if something gets in your way.....TURN! Always look on the bright side of life.
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LordBA
Journeyman

Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 61
Loc: AZ
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Thanks 14stones! You've always been a class-act to me since August when I "1st" registered. So any advice you lean my way is much appreciated. It's just that no one stepped up before you, and I didn't realize I was being such a potty mouth! Sorry to get off subject.
Anyway, Purple...I hope one of our options proves to be successful for you. You'll get through it, I know it! We'll be with you all the way. 
Take care,
LordBradass 
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I will be more polite and will use less bad words :-) - signature courtesy of drugbuyers.com
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LordBA
Journeyman

Reged: 11/05/03
Posts: 61
Loc: AZ
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And for the record:
I DO NOT condone FAKING an illness to get prescription narcotics. I just feel so bad for Purple, I don't know what to tell her. That's all.
LordBradass 
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I will be more polite and will use less bad words :-) - signature courtesy of drugbuyers.com
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lttlbit
Member
Reged: 11/12/03
Posts: 194
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that is awful, my refill is this on the 9th and if I had some I would send some to you in the mail or something. I had that happen to me about a year ago, and they denied it. I was so mad but mostly hurt, just cause I would never in a million years ever do that. I feel for you as well with the money issue it is hard to fund for more when you aren't planning on it for a month or two. I have been out for about a week and I have not had withdrawls except for a cold and some stomach aches, but that is it, unbelieveable I think, cause I thought I would go through the worst w/d's. Sorry to get off the subject.
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potatoboy99
Permanent Fixture

Reged: 02/04/03
Posts: 1174
Loc: Deep North (East)
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That's an absolutely awful thing to have happen, purple!!!! It's bad enough when the OP screws up and the meds don't show up at all, but to have them stolen, and by a relative! I have taken steps to make sure that does not happen to me.
A few years ago I decided to rent out my house for a couple of months, to complete strangers, through an agency. As I had never rented it out before the agent had some helpful hints on how to prepare for strangers occupying my home, how to protect my valuables from breakage or theft etc. One of the things they recommended was putting a lock on one of the two closets in the master bedroom, so the tenants wouldnt be rummaging through my things.
This has proved to be a really useful device. Although I no longer rent the house out, I do have frequent house guests, and having a lockable closet allows me to lock up the things I don't want anybody fiddling with, or damaging, or stealing, including certain articles of clothing, money, jewelry, personal documents, and of course prescripton medication. Nowadays I never leave this closet unlocked. I don't want one of my weekend guests poking around my closet looking for a spare swimsuit while I'm out at the store, and finding my Norco and my Xanax. I certainly don't think my friends are crooks, but why put temptation in somebody's path?
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[image]www.gifs.net/animate/rotglobe.gif[/image]
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CeeBee
Member
Reged: 08/09/03
Posts: 183
Loc: garden state
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Purple, I am sorry that happened to you especially by a family member. I don't know what else to advise besides what everyone else has and that's assuming you have those meds or can get them quickly. I am an extremely distrustful person so I like PB always keep my meds hidden, which of course I am sure you will do now too, so I am not telling you anything useful. I am kind of leaning with LordBradass on this one, maybe a trip to the ER or dentist, because 3 weeks is an awful long time to wait. Thoughts are with you. 
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Firefairy
Member
Reged: 11/26/03
Posts: 147
Loc: Mississippi
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Is there anyway you can try some dramatics such as this?
When he is present, call someone on the phone (prearranged).
Talk about how upset you are about the missing pills. Suggest an alternate person could have taken them (babysitter, delivery person, whatever). Discuss about how when you contacted your pharmicist about early refills in case of theft they informed you of a company policy of reporting missing narcotics to law enforcement that you were unaware of. Fuss about how uncertain you are on what action to take. How you really don't want anyone to get in trouble and would hate for a full investigation on the matter but that that is the only way your medical provider will help you. Cry about how difficult it is going to be for you without the meds and how the lack of them will compromise your health. Say that you have discussed this with the alternate person and have told them if they reappear there will be no questions asked. Play it up. This may sound silly but I had a similar situation once and believe it or not about half of the missing meds were returned.
Now I keep my meds in one of those metal make-up cases(train cases) that have the combo lock you set. You can get them at Walmart/Kmart/whatever for $10-$30 depending on size.
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safe13
Enthusiast
Reged: 05/16/02
Posts: 214
Loc: ny
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The guy is a cop
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 461
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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Purple, I had a very similar situation not too long ago- only, I have to accept full responsibility for it. I gave my Lorcet and Vicodin to my sister to "hold on to" so I could make it through a "Holiday" because I knew I couldn't do it while the meds were in my house and I trusted my sister since she and her husband broke up. Anyhow, apparently, her new boyfriend is rather fond of MY MEDS(!), though, the story I got when I asked for my pills back was that she had them above her sink and dropped 2 OPEN bottles into a pan of soapy water. What do I get? Nothing in return but an excuse. I doubted her story, but believed I HAD to give her the benefit of the doubt knowing she would never take them herself and I do know that... however, one day a month later (about) she contacts me via email asking for info. on where and how and how much my pills were via the internet. Of course, gut feeling, I asked her to tell me who wanted to know and wouldn't tell her until she confessed it- sure enough, new boyfriend suffers from "vomiting of unknown etiology" and they purportedly prescribe him hydro for it? Ha! Firstly, if nausea is a side effect for vomiting, why the HECK would they prescribe it for vomiting? Anyhow, I didn't confront her because, as in your situation, she lied to me once, I knew she'd take her lie to the grave- no point in it. NOW he wants me to order MY Rx and he'd gladly pay for half if I gave him half, LMAO!!! Sorry, but how cheesy is this story? More and more by the second, huh?
Anyhow, I worked in disability insurance for 5+ years and I believe, from reading multiple medical records, I have your answer, at least I hope. Call your doctor. You don't have to tell him somebody came into your house and suddenly your pills are missing- or you can be very honest and forthcoming and tell him that- but you don't have to give up your brother in law, either. You can tell him so many people were in and out of the house (say it was Thanksgiving) and you have no way to know who took them or when. I only say to go this route because if this is the first time this has happened, you don't routinely call your doctor with some story as to why you need more meds (i.e. you dropped them down the toilet this month- in the cat litter box next month, etc.) before your refill is due, more often than not (and I can honestly say I've never seen a doctor the first time not give the benefit of the doubt and represcribe) your doctor WILL be sympathetic and give you another Rx based on this information. However, if it became habit, or you were constantly calling him before your next refill was due with a story as to why you needed more or they didn't last, they would label you an addict and flat out tell you no more. I personally just sucked it up until my next refill was due, but at the time, I was also trying very hard to only take my pills on the weekends and get rid of a little tolerance. I hope this helps. As for the Dentist- I wouldn't go that route (having gone to school and worked as a Dental Assistant pre-insurance) simply because they're trained to look for "drug-seeking" behavior- specifically if somebody comes in and ASKS for narcotics, they're pretty suspicious that they just want the narcotics. Not to mention, if they take x-rays (and they most likely would if you go in saying you have some horrible pain in your mouth and they can't see it without), they'll see there is nothing wrong and you'll most likely be sent home with tylenol or ibuprofin.
Good luck and do keep us posted!
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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zoe11
Journeyman

Reged: 11/04/03
Posts: 87
Loc: Other side of the moon
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I'm so so so sorry. My ex-husband used to do that to me all the time. He did that to me after I had back surgery. Gosh, that is just hideous. I wished I could help you out.
I got a lockable briefcase, and he still got into it. 
zoe
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valle
Stranger
Reged: 10/20/03
Posts: 24
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Hello Purple,
I would like to start off by saying how much I enjoy reading your posts, you always have the best things to share! Also I would like to say that Iam so sorry for the situation that has occured. I myself have had a "med" issue this past week that I will share with ya. I was due for my refill and requested it to be delivered on friday, the day after thanksgiving as I was going out of town for the weekend. I packed my entire bottle of norcos in my overnight/makeup bag, which typically I dont do, I usually place them in a different bottle and dont take too many with me. But in a rush of packing I just threw the whole bottle in there. So anyways long story short.....my overnight bag ended up missing in action. Whether it was left at the hotel we stayed at, or not put in the car or whatever, who knows...........but I didnt make it home with it and of course the hotel has no idea where it is nor has anyone turned it in.
So I took a chance and emailed my OP on sunday night when I got home and explained the situation. The next day I received an email from CS stating that they would have the doctor call me and I could explain the situation and take it from there. I was doubtful anything would come of it, but hey it was worth a shot. That afternoon the doc called me and I explained what happened. He was extremely sympatheitc although explained to me the policies, rules and regulations ect. of refilling too soon. He did offer other advice to help me out with my pain, and even offered to give me an rx for ultram and an anti-inflamatory to potinitate the effects of the ultram.
Iam very happy with my OP that I have chosen, they have always been great and kept all their promises. Iam not angry that they were unable to refill the rx, because I totally understand, and it was my own fault for taking the whole dang bottle with me.
If I were you I would go ahead and give it a shot to contact your OP and see they are able to help you in anyway...whats it gonna hurt.......its worth a try!!
As for tiding you over in the mean time, ultram is a great drug, I was in miserable pain yesterday from no hydro and was really surprised that ultram did take some of the edge off of the w/d. And as for the dentist vs. the ER.....I would go with the dentist choice. The ER is so costly and your lucky if you get a shot of demerol or toradol while there and typically they now give out whats called "six packs" and thats it!! Whooopppeee.........six vicodin!! IMO not worth the time of sitting there for that!!
Now dont you see a neuro doc? Does he or she prescribe you pain meds for your migraines?? If so make an appt. with them asap, even if its just a few its better than none.
I wish I could help you and dont know what else to say or do, but I do sympathize with you.
All will work out.......just in time.
Wish you all the best........you ever need to talk, vent, yell whatever PM me, Im here for you!!
Nic
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2muchpain
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 274
Loc: USA
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Excellent suggestions, potatoboy!
Purple, another idea. Hide some of your pills in a tampax box or some such thing. Guys hate that kind of 'stuff'. 
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Purple
Enthusiast

Reged: 07/15/03
Posts: 233
Loc: Midwest
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Thanks for all the replies! I didn't expect this many. And my hubby is a cop too!! Same force, district. There's another brother who's one also. I am surrounded by them!!So there's nothing I can do about this. My hubby knows about me ordering from OP & I really had to explain the whole ordering thing to him cause he wasn't happy when I first joined DB. As long as I don't order IOP, he says I'm okay. He knows I talk to everyone here too. Just as long as I don't do something illegal, he's cool about it. He hates seeing me in pain. He knows how the doc's undertreat me & I have been going thru this for 8yrs. My husband's family is VERY dramatic and confronting my b-inlaw would do no good, he'd lie & say I took them & blaming him. I put the meds from the OP into a pill bottle that I have from my local pharm, so he doesn't know where I got them. The script on the bottle were for the same meds from my PCP when he gave me some after I had that long talk with him. The Neuro wasn't for it because Neuros don't like to script narcs for headaches, even when my TMJ flared up, he said to take some Advil & put a hot pack on my jaw. I called the Neuro after reading the posts & asked for the Ultram (I don't have anything here except for Topomax,Alext?,Naprosyn) The nurse called back and said no because I have an appt next week Thurs & he doesn't want to give me anymore meds on top of what I already have. I explained to her that my TMJ is still really bothering me but still no. I am going to search for a place online for the Ultram for tomorrow delivery cause were already approaching the weekend.
I know better about keeping the meds put away but since seeing the Neuro & all the bottles I have in the cabinet I didn't think twice about putting the Norco someplace else. This b-inlaw doesn't come over & happened to stop by to get mail that my hubby had from work. I didn't know he was coming until the doorbell rang, otherwise I would have taken the bottle & put it elsewhere. Lesson learned here! It's bad enough that the doc's undertreat us and we have to jump thru hoops now I have to lock everything up.
And another thing that gets me is that they get random drug tests & I can't believe (I take that back)that he doesn't care about it, whoops!! take that back too, he had surgery not too long ago and had V's and can say he was in pain & that's why their in his system.
My hubby had double hernia surgery in July and took 1 of the 5/500's and couldn't stand how it made him feel, he never goes to the doc unless he can help it but his brother is another story. Sorry for rambling, I am just so upset right now especially after all I have been thru since October, just want all this bad luck to end once & for all!
If anyone has a cheap place for Ultram, please send me the link, I am going to be on the computer for a while searching. Thanks again guys & gals for your support 
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mrscoach
Journeyman
Reged: 07/29/02
Posts: 79
Loc: OR Go Ducks!
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Purple, that's awful. I'm so sorry. I came to DB because of TMJ as well, and have encountered both sympathetic doctors in ER who have probably actually prescribed too strong meds, and the doctors (usually the specialists) who want to just prescribe flexeril, which for some reason makes me really anxious. Isn't it funny that the specialists always think their special bite guards are what will "fix" your problem? You know, the ones that cost like, $3000, and aren't covered by insurance? Or braces, that's my other favorite.
If you ever want to talk about TMJ, please PM me. I've been really, really lucky and after having constant pain, 24/7 for about 3 years, my pain is now almost down to about once a week, and even then it's managable with over-the-counter Iboprofen. So, I'm trying (scared though, of w/d's!) to wean myself off the 5/500's I've been taking 3x daily.
Anyway, I don't know what caused your TMJ or how bad your x-rays look, but after being diagnosed with a bunch of different causes, I have been able to manage mine with, oddly enough, singing lessons. I'm an opera singer and do voice-over work for radio, and have learned after seeing a voice disorder specialist and a great voice instructor that I really just need to re-learn how to use my jaw. But I'd be happy to discuss everything that helped me out, when it was really, really bad, that might tide you over until your next refill. I hope it's not as bad as you think it will be, and I hope that you're able to secure some Ultram in the meantime.
As for your brother-in-law - karma, man! It'll come back to him!
Hang in there Purple!
"Kenny Wheaton's gonna score! Kenny Wheaton's gonna score! Touchdown Oregon!"
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"I'm not tense - just terribly, terribly alert."
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catmom
Board Addict
Reged: 06/20/03
Posts: 316
Loc: Midwest
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A tampon box!! I love it---2much!!! However, it wouldn't keep sticky-fingered little girls out of your meds...Maybe an athletic supporter to ward them off??? I am sorry for your plight Purple, don't let my joking around make you think I don't care, but the Tampax box suggestion just made me lol! 
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If it's not immediate, it's not gratification.
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Purple
Enthusiast

Reged: 07/15/03
Posts: 233
Loc: Midwest
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mrscoach,
I spent $500 for the night guard and I do wear it but this flare up is a bad one and it's due to stress from my ongoing migraine saga that I have been dealing with.
Now this, I've been on the couch this afternoon with a headache from this. I was able to order some generic ultram for delivery tomorrow but this TMJ pain & the headache is really bad because of the stress of this happening.
We will talk when I am feeling better about the TMJ.
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Purple
Enthusiast

Reged: 07/15/03
Posts: 233
Loc: Midwest
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catmom,
Even feeling as crappy as I do today because of this, I did laugh about the tampon box suggestion!! That was a first!!
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2muchpain
Enthusiast
Reged: 10/07/03
Posts: 274
Loc: USA
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I've always hidden my treasures in the tampon box....whoops..guess I'll have to find another hiding place 
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Tiger47
Member
Reged: 08/23/03
Posts: 102
Loc: Georgia
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Yea splints are expensive. The first one earlier this year costed 750.00 and the one that I'm suppose to be fitted with after surgery next week will cost about 1000.00. My doctor told me if I would have worn a splint years ago that it may have help keep my disc from popping out about 3 years ago. But now the only thing thats going to help is surgery. We'll find out next week 12-11-03. If the surgery helps with any of the pain it will be well worth it.
Tiger47
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Beetlenut
Threadhead
Reged: 09/09/02
Posts: 764
Loc: Colorado
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Yea, me too. I've always figured NOBODY in my household would have reason to look in a tampon box !
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PrivateRealm
Threadhead
Reged: 03/18/03
Posts: 879
Loc: usa
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I know where you are, as I was there last month. I am really sorry, and have really no advice if you cannot go elsewhere for a 1 time thing, which I went through as well. I know it is awful to have our trust taken like that.
Good luck.
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KeriAnne~~~
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."
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