Running out of meds and dont know what to do.

[fdennis07]

Hi guys,

Hopefully you can offer some advice about what to do as I'm starting to feel really anxious that I am going to run out of meds by the weekend.

Basically I was admitted to hospital last Thurs due to my severe endometriosis pain which is now daily. I saw a pain management doctor and on my discharge letter they have stated that I am now to take tramadol and oramorph for pain relief (they gave me enough to last until friday).

I phoned the doctors yesterday to order some more and as they didnt have a copy of the discharge letter, I took mine up there and they took a copy for the doctor to review.

I phoned them again this morning and asked if I can have a telephone appointment with the doctor and the triage said that they are really busy due to the current crisis but they will pass a message on about my pain relief.

I'm really not sure what I'm meant to do...I understand that there is a really big health crisis at the moment but I cannot function without any pain meds...was sl happy at weekend that my pain was under control and now I an worried that I am going to be back to square one as cant get further meds from doctors

Feel like it is a constant battle and feel so down about it all.

[Moon_maiden]

Your GP surgery should have an online form on their website, it’s often quicker these days if phoning doesn’t work.

Hope you get sorted

[fdennis07 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you Unfortunately they dont have an online form -they can only be contacted by telephone and because of the coronavirus you have to speak to the receptionist who basically decides who gets priority treatment. Think I will have to call them back tomorrow and see what is going on.

I feel bad as I know they must be stressed and so busy but my health is important too.

[Busy-Lizzie]

Hi,

I'm sorry you're having a frustrating wait for your prescription to be acknowledged. Doctors will be triaging by priority need and will attend to yours, as it is important.

In the meantime, have you considered supplements that might help you? I've found them a real bonus and they've not only delayed my need for surgery in the past, but also kept me working.

We're here for you.

[logit]

Can you not phone again and explain that unless you receive your new pain killers ASAP you will end up in hospital. Thus putting additional risk of you catching/spreading the virus and also creating another patient in an already over stretched hospital. I would then say it would have an impact on your mental health as well.

[fdennis07]

Absolutely nightmare. So after phoning the doctor daily and being reduced to tears, GP phoned me today.

He was like I can see nowhere on the hospital letter that u are on tramadol or oramorph. I was like well u must be looking at the wrong letter as I have it in front of me and it is written very clearly (he said the letter may not be on system yet and may still be in his in tray).

After much effort, he finally agreed to give me some tramadol for a few weeks but would not give me the oramorph even though as fully qualified pain management doctor at the hospital has prescribed it for me!! He was like these are both very addictive medications and u cant have them long term. I was like, 'well if u read the correct letter u will see that u r meant to be arranging for me to have a zoladex injection every 28 days for 6 months which should hopefully provider longer relief'. His response was 'call me again in 2 weeks for a review and to see if we can get the injection sorted'....

Never felt so worthless and demeaned as though it is impossible for a woman to be in so much pain on a daily basis.

Would you call them back next week and ask to speak to another GP? I want to start the Zoladex ASAP as I need to get back to work which I cant do until the pain is under control.

So so tired of fighting...sorry for the depressing post.

[Moon_maiden in reply to fdennis07]

I really hate this type of ‘care’

If you can scan the letter or take pic and email to them. Then call a bit later or tomorrow to check it’s received and arrange another call back and appointment for the injection ( as a side note, I used Emla cream to numb the injection site yesterday, worked so well)

The nurse did mine.

Please don’t get put off by one doctor, if there is someone that is specialist in women’s health try them if available.

They provide a service you’ve contributed to.

[fdennis07 in reply to Moon_maiden]

Thank you. The annoying thing is that I already gave them a copy of the letter on Monday. I went up to the surgery and the receptionist took a copy and said she would give it to doctor to look at.

I'm not going to wait 2 weeks for injection as I want/need to start treatment asap. I'll call doctors on monday and ask to speak to someone else and that I want injection sorting asap.

X

[Moon_maiden]

Let us know how you get on.

[Afrohair]

That’s awful is there anyway you can get an online doctor to review it I’m not sure during the crisis you will but it’s worth a try online doctors usually work for Superdrug and other online pharmacies they have helped me a lot when I’ve needed urgent medication my g.p would not prescribe they usually can call you or email you via their online portal or your email address they will ask for photos etc of your g.p notes or discharge notes and access it based on what you tell them and will deliver or you can pick up locally

[fdennis07]

Thanks for your help. When I went to the surgery just now to pick up some meds I gave them ANOTHER copy of my discharge letter. I also asked when another GP is back as he has been quite helpful in the past and he is back in on Wednesday.

Plan is to phone them up on Wednesday to speak to this other GP and see if I can get more help and get this injection sorted.

It's so much harder over the telephone as I just want to wave the piece of bloody paper in his face and say 'it is clearly written all here'....what a time to be ill with this pandemic going on. I know I should be grateful as I'm sure people who are in a worst position than me are also having difficulty getting help and treatment and the consequences of them not getting it are far graver....just tired of the fight lol.

Gonna go for a nice walk tomorrow (my one exercise for the day outside the house) and hopefully clear my head