Psycho-Babble Medication Thread 474932

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Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds..

Posted by Spriggy on March 24, 2005, at 10:54:27

Maybe this is all in my head but before my doctor's wrote in my chart "bipolar disorder" anytime I went in to see the dr. they would basically throw pain killer prescriptions at me.

I went once with an ulcer in my mouth (canker sore) and my doctor offered me Vicodin. I said, " That's okay, I'll take ibuprofen."

ANY time I have gone in sick with a fever, they have offered something for pain.

BUT.. now that I have this "bipolar" In my chart.. I go in with 101 temp, body aches, and fluid in both ears to which doctor says, " they will likely turn into an infection."

He prescribed antibiotics but does not even offer pain meds-- this is one of the only times I would've gladly taken them considering the Sudafed and Ibuprofen just haven't done the trick with the body aches.

I am just wondering if once you are considered "mentally ill" do they have some standard that says, " DO NOT GIVE THEM PAIN MEDS?"

 

Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.. » Spriggy

Posted by CareBear04 on March 24, 2005, at 13:28:17

In reply to Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.., posted by Spriggy on March 24, 2005, at 10:54:27

probably... probably the prohibition isn't limited to pain meds but to anything considered to have any abuse potential including benzos, stimulants, and, of course, narcotics. maybe it's because drug and alcohol abuse are closely related to mood disorders.

i've run into the problem from opposite sides. on one extreme, i've had doctors who have shoved prescriptions for every imaginable controlled substance at me, regardless of my diagnosis. these are usually my regular doctors who probably find it easier to work with me when i'm mellowed out. i've been on sleeping pills and high-dose benzos for two years, high-dose stimulants, and until recently, vicodin and percocet. i feel lucky to have avoided serious addictions.

on the other end of the spectrum, i run across doctors who give me dirty looks of disapproval and treat me like a junkie because of my prescription meds. they assume the worst of me and the worst effects from the drugs, and if they had the power to yank them, they would in a second.

i've stopped thinking about who is right. like it or not, i'm comfortable now with the drugs, and i don't want to go off of them. but i think you're right-- unless you first establish a relationship with a doctor over time, they're unlikely to give you something like vicodin at the first appointment. it's only (1) if they have known you for awhile and know you're really in pain that they'll give you a script, or (2) if they're tired of your moaning and have to keep working with you through it that they'll cough up some pain meds. once you've gotten a prescription for a chronic condition, though, it's a lot easier to get new doctors to prescribe. i've had to switch doctors a lot in the past few years, and if i say to the new dr, "well, dr. x had me on 60mg of adderall," and dr. x is willing to explain herself, then i usually get my supply extended. i guess pain meds are harder to get because they're usually prescribed for short-term pain and any attempt to go in and get more from someone new is seen as drug-seeking.

anyway, i hope your pain eases up.

 

Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds..

Posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2005, at 15:34:21

In reply to Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.., posted by Spriggy on March 24, 2005, at 10:54:27

Well now you're probably considered not capable of following instructions. Maybe the doc thinks you have saved them up for some dangerous adventure. I really don't know there are too many variables. I could see it if you asked for them, but since you don't I don't know why they would begin to think you might. Also, the antibiotics will lead to more yeast so eat yogurt with cultures, or get some supplements with active cultures to keep your intestinal flora healthy. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds..

Posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2005, at 15:34:50

In reply to Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.., posted by Spriggy on March 24, 2005, at 10:54:27

Well now you're probably considered not capable of following instructions. Maybe the doc thinks you have saved them up for some dangerous adventure. I really don't know there are too many variables. I could see it if you asked for them, but since you don't I don't know why they would begin to think you might. Also, the antibiotics will lead to more yeast so eat yogurt with cultures, or get some supplements with active cultures to keep your intestinal flora healthy. Fondly, Phillipa

 

Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds..

Posted by prodgirl on March 25, 2005, at 20:32:59

In reply to Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.., posted by Phillipa on March 24, 2005, at 15:34:50

I tore ligaments in my foot and the ER gave me Vicodin. Yes, it took the pain away, but I bottomed out. Called my pdoc in dire straights and she said that shouldnt be taking any type of opiates - by nature they will drive me to depression.

So, maybe your docs have some common sense and know your mood could destabilize. Then again, they could just be wack.

I just wish I could take Excedrin still - Lithium taking that away from me. Tylenol just doesn't cut the cake.

Good luck.

 

Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.. » prodgirl

Posted by CareBear04 on March 26, 2005, at 13:42:31

In reply to Re: Bipolar diagnosis and pain meds.., posted by prodgirl on March 25, 2005, at 20:32:59

prodgirl-- i had the same experience with vicodin taking the bottom out of my mood. one day i was fine, and within a few days of taking vicodin, i was suicidal. i've read posts on here, though, about people who get a high off of opiates or, if not a high, then an antidepressant feeling. i can't for all the world imagine opiates making me happier, but i guess we're all different.


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