Stone Butches

[DapperButch]

Originally Posted by DamselFly

the primary care dr. i went to see when i first got here refused to refill most of the meds i was on from my previous primary care dr. so i've had to taper myself off as best i could. now, however, i'm running out of my pain meds, which are heavy-duty, and i really lack the expertise to taper myself off of these! i've left calls w/her that i need help plus am out of what she DID refill! she has not returned my calls. i could be in trouble if i went off these cold-turkey (not only extremely unpleasant withdrawal symptoms but life-threatening.) not to mention the fact that no dr. i've seen so far is offering me anything to replace what i've gone off for little things, like MS, RSD, Fibro, and migraines (which are getting worse)! i'm trying to find a new primary care dr. but i'm having a difficult time doing so. is it ethical for a dr. just to say "you shouldn't be on these" and not help you with HOW safely to stop taking the meds?
namaste,
DamselFly

It surprises me to think that your PCP would not give you information as to how you should taper your medication. Perhaps you should consider calling the physician who prescribed the medication? That person should be able to give you some advice and would be the one responsible for making sure you have the medications you need until you find a PCP you are comfortable with.

Also, around here pain medication is handled by pain management doctors and not PCP physicians. These doctors specialize in making sure folks are not in pain, yet don't fall into addiction (which can happen to the best intentioned individual).

I sorry you are having a hard time. I can see how it would be frustrating. Good luck.