Working with a Pain Clinic

[Guest guest]

One of the first things to talk to your pain clinic doctor about is

what happens in a genuine emergency when you are without your pain

medications and not near the clinic. Things do happen.

However, the best thing a patient can do is prepare for

emergencies. When traveling never forget your medications, never

pack them in a case you won't be caring with you at all times.

Do not trust anyone else with your medications. Friends and family

can disappoint you. Even trusted persons in your life can steal

your medications, even if they take just a few pills it can mean you

are without enough medication to take you through the next refill

pickup or doctor's appointment. Going without your medications will

not only put you back into a lot of pain, it can also cause you to

go into withdrawal.

Count your pills daily. If you find some missing make adjustments

in the way you are taking them to carry you through your next

appointment and/or refill pickup. Thinking ahead, making

appropriate plans when a problem occurs can get you through the

crisis without major trouble.

When I was given a prescription for narcotics three times a day and

found that I didn't need the extra pain relief I could on some days

cut the doseage to two times a day without causing withdrawal

problems and have a dose to save for a 'rainy day.' Ask you doctor

if this is okay before you do it. Mine said it was fine as long as

I didn't cut back any less than twice a day.

The bottom line for any patient working with a pain clinic is that

you cannot have an emergency. Whatever happens will be YOUR FAULT!

Even if your meds are stolen during a break-in of your home, your

clinic will be very reluctant to do much if anything for you, even

if you present a police report. Been there, done that.

Most 'emergencies' happen because one way or another the patient

hasn't taken the correct precautions and/or has become careless in

how they manage their medications. Set up a routine for taking your

medications. Don't take them over a sink where they can fall down

the drain. Don't store your medications where others have easy

access to them...hide them, preferably under lock and key...and you

keep the key on you.

Ray Neal, moderator