What's up with the pain medication

@linda86 I just received a letter from my insurance provider about taking opioids. They said I should try OTC remedies. The problem is that I have CKD Stage 4 Severe and cannot take ibuprophen or any NSAIDs. I am on the lowest dose of Oxy and only take it as needed but it is prescribed twice a day. My prescription is 60 pills, which usually lasts me 3-4 months. I have always had a high pain tolerance, but I have found that to be changing with age. I will be 79 in January. I use Lidocaine patches and diclofenac gel for neuropathy and cervical/lumbar radiculopathy.

@chebo1954 All the time I thought this was the unique relationship I had with my neighborhood pharmacy. In a bit of defense of them. They are sued and being sued for dispensing narcotics. However the street vendors appear to be unphased by any civil legal action.

@tntwo99 Hi there. I find it unconscionable that your insurance company would dare tell you to take OTC meds. Over here in Canada the problem is not with the insurance companies, but with the Canadian Medical Association. Pressure is put on doctors to not prescribe opioids and common sense does not rule anymore. Sometimes an opioid is needed on a short term basis for acute, temporary pain - but it is usually not prescribed. The medical establishment is looking at everybody as a possible victim of addiction. Have they not considered that a person writhing in pain might actually turn to street vendors and contribute to the illegal street drug trade? I had a mishap at home and went to a walk-in clinic, barely able to walk and with pain that was off the chart. I needed serious relief. I didn’t get it. My friend just had dental work where her gums were opened and sewn back together. She also was told to take OTC meds. She is in serious pain and so swollen she looks like a chipmunk with cheeks full of food.

I wish you all the best. I wish us all all the best - because common sense does not rule anymore.

@richardfrancine hello and I can’t hardly stand anymore of this “untreated , unmedicated pts in severe pain. Hello! That’s what opiates are created and used for and by the by when you get in really bad pain just go to ER- sooner or later someone will come to the healthy conclusion that this person has legitimate chronic pain and should be on some kind of pain medication (no “insaides”) and they’ve already put enough Percocet, Vicodin out there to people who should be taking NSAID’s or nothing at all, you know and just keep selling theirs to other people who don’t need them and the beat goes on

@richardfrancine Most certainly. I had left my original Primary Care doc for one closeer to my home. When I told them that he had prescribed Oxy for my severe back pain they told me that "I'm not going to lose my license over pain meds". I then returned to my original PCP. He knew that I was not a candidate for addiction. He will refill my meds and I see him every 6 months to review my chart and get a renewed prescription. He is the only doctor that I have found that has any common sense. I was with him for over 10 yrs but being 1 1/2 hrs away was a bit taxing. The other docs had me going in every month for a toxicology screening. They just don't seem to want to really get to know their patients.

@koneil re pain meds
I have had issues with CVS. My daughter found a small “ mom & pop” pharmacy that is wonderful. No games. Every month ( by out state regs) see MD, urine testing ect. In spite of my age. As soon as the pharmacy gets the order it is filled! They even order a month’s supply on hand. No more “ out of stock ect”. Maybe this option will work for you.

Have been on Oxycodone for 8 years because of Lyme Disease! Get incredible headaches if we stop!
I get urine tested every 3 months! I can only get me prescription filled 2 days before expires! I only get one month at a time!
Our medical industry needs to wake up and understand the effects of Pain on a person!
BLESS YOU ALL!
RB

@sundancerdb78 Sorry for your inconvenience to get relief. My first thought is how good it's been living through my decades of pain because of being a resident of New Jersey. My PCP used to prescribe my Oxycodone. Then there was a change, I have been going to pain management. They've helped me with post surgery meds and injections and have been there when local pharmacies had trouble getting the meds. I get the feeling some states want to punish old worn out people with restrictions on pain meds because they believe we're all addicts looking for a buzz. I have a friend who has had Lyme Disease for over twenty years. He moved so he could get access to pain meds.

@chebo1954 Obviously you dont get it. I jump through many hoops to get accepted to a pain management clinic. I follow my doctors instructions, and I am responsible with the medication and none of my opiates end up on the street.
I am a retired Police Officer and I have seen the ravages of addiction. This should not have any bearing on my access to my legally prescribed pain medication. In my case, my back was injured in a serious work accident. Surgery is not an option. Ibuprofen or Motrin does not control my pain and it damages your kidneys. I'm still trying to be a productive member of society. My medication allows me to function, not to get high. I'm sure if you were in my situation you would do the same. It seems you are part of this new " hate society " of our nation.
My opinion on your comment is like this. If you dont have a story, or information to share, get off this forum.

Hey chebo. Learn how to write so your comments don't read
like a five graders rambling.
I had to write down your sentences just to understand you.