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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 7 of 7. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by mama141 on November 10, 2005, at 9:00:13
Bit of a new discussion, but there is something I am curious about. Just exactly to whom does one reveal past substance abust issues?
I used to think that I had to be compleatly open about everything with medical professionals. Then I had several incidents in which I found the physician treating me like an addict instead of a patient - suspicious of every ache and pain and of any suggestion from me about medication.. Another incident, which I mentioned somewhere on one of these boards, led to a near law suit (me sueing) because of what I overheard two docs saying about me. (that was settled out of court).
I have come to the conclusion that "I have'nt had a drink or a non-prescribed drug for twenty four years. I'm healed - so why should I put myself in the position of being treated like that" Therefore, I no longer say anything.
Any opinions ? What do all of you do?
Posted by AuntieMel on November 10, 2005, at 9:19:35
In reply to How Much and Who to tell?, posted by mama141 on November 10, 2005, at 9:00:13
I don't tell them for just that reason.If I am in severe pain I would want it treated. I wouldn't want them to think of me as a drug seeker. My problem was with drinking and I've always been [even hubby agrees] *very* prudent with prescribed drugs. When I get painkillers of any type I take them as long as I really need to and horde the rest for a migraine or whatever that might pop up.
My shrink knows about it as I was seeing him while I was still a drunk and I didn't want any drugs that might interfere with my drinking. He's been super cautious since, but has just recently prescribed me 'abusable' meds like ativan and adderall.
I guess I figure as long as I'm aware of any potential problems and I am very, very careful it isn't any other doctor's business.
However one size doesn't fit all. I've known of recovering alcoholics that years later got hooked on pain killers and such.
Just don't let your guard down.
Posted by mama141 on November 10, 2005, at 11:24:17
In reply to Re: How Much and Who to tell? » mama141, posted by AuntieMel on November 10, 2005, at 9:19:35
>
> I don't tell them for just that reason.
>
> If I am in severe pain I would want it treated. I wouldn't want them to think of me as a drug seeker. My problem was with drinking and I've always been [even hubby agrees] *very* prudent with prescribed drugs. When I get painkillers of any type I take them as long as I really need to and horde the rest for a migraine or whatever that might pop up.
>
> My shrink knows about it as I was seeing him while I was still a drunk and I didn't want any drugs that might interfere with my drinking. He's been super cautious since, but has just recently prescribed me 'abusable' meds like ativan and adderall.
>
> I guess I figure as long as I'm aware of any potential problems and I am very, very careful it isn't any other doctor's business.
>
> However one size doesn't fit all. I've known of recovering alcoholics that years later got hooked on pain killers and such.
>
> Just don't let your guard down.
----------------
Wow, do you ever sound like me > There is a wonderful article in the AARP mag last issue having to do with physicians being afraid of prescribing for chronic pain -- they fear of the DEA breathing down their necks; and that "people will become addicted" My mother-in-law 87yrs refuses to take anything beyond Tylenol -- and I've seen her in agony. She refuses because she "doesnt want to become addicted"! Her son the doc and grandson the doc can't even talk her into it!!
I think the "recovery community" and some doctors do these folks a diservice! mama
(The guard is ALWAYS up -thanks for the reminder!)
Posted by AuntieMel on November 10, 2005, at 11:53:53
In reply to Re: How Much and Who to tell? » AuntieMel, posted by mama141 on November 10, 2005, at 11:24:17
A disservice indeed!
A friend's mom was in agony with terminal cancer. At most she only had a couple of more months to live.
Her doctor wouldn't prescribe strong painkillers because she might 'become addicted.'
Say what? Does it matter?
Very strong painkillers might slow respirations and maybe even give her a little less time. But that time would have been more comfortable. A good trade in my book.
Posted by mama141 on November 10, 2005, at 16:25:01
In reply to Re: How Much and Who to tell? » mama141, posted by AuntieMel on November 10, 2005, at 11:53:53
---------------------------------------
Here is the article that I mentioned:
http://www.aarpmagazine.org/health/prisoners_pain.htmlYou would think that with something as obvious as terminal cancer some docs would see the light. What about those in this article?
We should not have to "convince" anyone that we are in pain simply because we once struggled with alcoholism!! mama
> A disservice indeed!
> A friend's mom was in agony with terminal cancer. At most she only had a couple of more months to live.
>
> Her doctor wouldn't prescribe strong painkillers because she might 'become addicted.'
>
> Say what? Does it matter?
>
> Very strong painkillers might slow respirations and maybe even give her a little less time. But that time would have been more comfortable. A good trade in my book.
Posted by AuntieMel on November 11, 2005, at 10:33:59
In reply to Re: How Much and Who to tell?, posted by mama141 on November 10, 2005, at 16:25:01
Cases like that are why I don't tell other doctors. *I* know I won't abuse meds, my husband knows it (though he does pay attention, just in case) so why should I have to work triply hard to convince a doctor I won't?
My mom has arthritis and degenerative disk disease. Xrays have shown it - it's not in her mind.
Her GP didn't want to prescribe pain killers. Neither did any of her other doctors. Finally she asked a pharmacist what would be a good over the counter drug for the pain - and he told her to go to a pain clinic.
But she's bought into some of the fear, too. She will only let the pain doc prescribe darvocet even though it doesn't quite do the trick. She's afraid of getting addictd.
I keep trying to tell her there is a huge difference between addiction and physiological dependence, but she's afraid just the same. <I'm going to print out this article for her, thanks!>
Posted by mama141 on November 11, 2005, at 12:46:51
In reply to Re: Ain't it the truth » mama141, posted by AuntieMel on November 11, 2005, at 10:33:59
> Cases like that are why I don't tell other doctors. *I* know I won't abuse meds, my husband knows it (though he does pay attention, just in case) so why should I have to work triply hard to convince a doctor I won't?
> Exactly how I feel! I have finally established a great rapport with one young physician in our family med practice (remember, to me anything under 50 is young!) He knows me well, my husband taught him in med school he goes to the same church,and I have occasionally babysat for his six kids...all of this is to say
1) He knows that my hubby monitors all my meds
2)He trusts me BECAUSE he knows me.
3)I can ask him anything without fearing I'll be looked upon as an addict.
I cant say enough for that kind of relationshipI think the word is just plain old respect - for each other
> My mom has arthritis and degenerative disk disease. Xrays have shown it - it's not in her mind.
I have the same thing, along with osteoporosis and I can validate that she is probably putting
up with a LOT of pain!
> Her GP didn't want to prescribe pain killers. Neither did any of her other doctors. Finally she asked a pharmacist what would be a good over the counter drug for the pain - and he told her to go to a pain clinic.
>
> But she's bought into some of the fear, too. She will only let the pain doc prescribe darvocet even though it doesn't quite do the trick. She's afraid of getting addictd.
>
> I keep trying to tell her there is a huge difference between addiction and physiological dependence, but she's afraid just the same. <I'm going to print out this article for her, thanks!>Did the same for my Mother-in-law. mama
This is the end of the thread.
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