u/lcmarie428

I don’t know where else to vent that anyone would truly understand.
I’ve been on the same dose of meds for many many years. It doesn’t give me full relief but I can push through so for the most part I don’t complain, I don’t ask for anything, I do my apt and leave and always tell them I’m good for the most part. I’m honest when they ask but I don’t make a point to complain.
2 years ago my I had asked my previous doctor to up my oxycodone one more. I was taking one at bed but was finding myself needing to take it earlier to keep pain in control but then sleep would be worse because I didn’t have the bedtime dose when I did that.
So, for what reason she agreed but asked if I could start with just 15 extra to see if it helped. That was fine since it wasn’t everyday that I needed it. The oxycodone has always been written as a “as needed for breakthrough pain”
I started seeing new practice last year since my old one was out of state from when I moved and I met the doctor one time for my initial intake apt. I’ve seen the PA ever since and I really like her. She’s very kind and listens and seems genuinely understanding. So even through it’s taken me several months to get up the courage, I finally asked her yesterday if we can move to just 2 a day instead of 1-2 a day but a 45 count script. So basically 15 more a month to bridge the gap because the last few months I’ve noticed a significant relief in pain on the days I take it twice at regular intervals. One at lunch and again at bed. She was understanding but explained the MME and that the doctor doesn’t like to write above 80, 90 max and I’m already at 110 so she would ask but the odds are not good.
I get it, her hands are tied. But it’s so frustrating that some arbitrary number some big wigs at the DEA landed on is preventing me from pain relief that actually helps. I get my number is higher than what he likes but I’ve also been on the same regimen for 15 plus years with the exception of that one small change 2 years ago. I could understand if I was asking to go up constantly. My long acting meds keep things pretty good but the breakthrough meds really play a huge role in functioning like a normal human.

Also, one last gripe. My scripts are filled every 31 days and they refused any exceptions. Said it was policy. Ok, I just deal with it. But then twice now the receptionist has asked me (because they have anew system) what day I fill on. I guess I looked confused so she said “do you fill every 4 weeks or are you in a different schedule. 😳 so clearly it’s not policy, only for some of us.
Those are the kinda things that drive me insane. Like why hold some to different standards. Especially in my case as a long time patient who has never done anything I shouldn’t, ever. I play by every rule.