This is a long story :). My elderly mother has chronic pain caused by severe arthritis and refractory restless leg syndrome. Her pain is intense and she will jerk for hours trying to get comfortable. Until recently, she was prescribed opioids that helped control this and was the most effective treatment she has ever had. She has a long history of this for over thirty years and has been to every specialist or had every test you can imagine. Due to recent law changes and public outcry over the opioid epidemic her doctors have severely decreased her pain meds. She is living in utter hell right now and is losing the will to live because of this pain. I have communicated this to the doctors to no end and they continue with the decreases. She has been to the pain clinic, neurology, orthopedics, sleep studies, rheumatology, etc. How do I help her? Should I file a lawsuit or complaint against the clinic? She can barely walk she is in so much pain and has never abused her medication. I fall asleep listening to her crying, wake up to her crying and hear her crying throughout the day. Please help.
Many times, people can get help for pain through other ways than opioid use - but it costs money for treatment and they have no insurance. If you could help most people deal with pain other than through drugs, then maybe the DEA could be told to do something useful for a change, and the few people who need opioids could get them without a lot of nonsense. The problem would seem manageable and could be dealt with. But when all you have is street drugs to help you, then of course the people in charge get all panicked.
The trouble is, I think, mixing medical practice with the law enforcement mentality. Same problem with local cops - too often they think like the military in hostile territory and their mission is to control the locals, not preserve the community. Some people just have to control things, just have to meddle in what would better be left alone.
Drug use is basically a medical problem; criminalizing it has just caused more evil than leaving it to the doctors.
Another option is a Pain Management Doctor. They are not as limited by the new rules, as other doctors are.
If you are near a teaching hospital, that might be an option too. Their Rheumatology Department would be able to help you Mom.
While you are trying to get her seen, take her to the ER if the pain gets too bad. I hope your Mom has relief from her pain soon.
Apply to skin as a topical to ease pain
www.activationproducts.com/green-med/black-cumin
is better than opioids, but do your own Due dligence, this will help !!
First of all I am PRAYING for you and your Mom. If you are a believer....lay your hands on her and pray! Second of all, My Mother in Law was in extreme pain due to Rheumatoid Arthritis. She did not want to rely on Opioids so she started on TUMERIC supplements and CBD Oil. She feels SO much better it's incredible! Please Try it!!
I am not one of the "problem" patients. But because of them I am being punished. No laws or rules are going to stop the criminals. But the laws will damage many good productive people. I have been the primary caretaker for my wife for the past 13 years until her 4th stroke Nov 2017 when I had to send her to a SNF, I still visit her every day. I've missed 6 days since last Nov. I would not be able to do this with the help of my pain meds, even reduced as low as the pain specialist dares go.
Has anyone mentioned working with a Holistic Doctor? Things like acupuncture. Also Mindfulness therapy, learning how to Breathe through the pain. This one sounds a bit strange but it's similar to childbirth breathing.
Some other thoughts
Can she go to a pain clinic to get daily injections
If she was in assisted living she would most likely get the pain meds she needs.
Will medicare send someone to the home and give her shots
Elder Abuse Law - Look into this because I think it would fall under it. Start with Department of Social Services. They will lead you to the correct attorney.
If the clinic is refusing to give the pain meds, change Clinics, Doctors etc.
If my Mom was still with us I would use it for her pain from Lung Ca., dementia and anxiety for sure.
best of luck to you and prayers for your Mom
I have yet another family member who has a very serious spine condition in which the pain is constant and indescribable. She has metal rods in her back and needs another surgery. Doctors are weaning her off the pain meds. She is very scared and opposed to this, but, they haven't given her much choice.
Last week I saw a story about the doctors who were sent to prison for many years for over prescribing pain meds. So, I think that would get my attention, if I was a doctor.
My primary doctor's office has a sign that says that do NOT prescribe any narcotic pain pills.
I hope you can find some help. For a senior in pain.....I wish there was help. I'd seek a Hospice consult.
My mother has spinal stenosis and osteoarthritis that required a hip and 2 knee replacements 20 years ago. A trip or two to the warm water therapy pool never fails to reduce her pain levels. If you cannot get your mother the medication she really needs maybe you can reduce her need for the medication.
FYI: If you can find a pool/class be sure to take advantage of the ADA compliant showers so Mom can wash the chlorine off the skin and apply a good lotion before heading home. Nylon or some other wind breaking warm up suit or coat makes the trip much more comfortable in colder weather. I have a older cousin who cannot bring herself to remodel her bathroom with a stand up shower (remodel would cost half as much as they paid for the house 50 years ago) so she takes an exercise class and uses the community center's ADA showers twice a week. :>)
The really sad thing about goals like reducing opioid medications by 50% is the people most impacted are the ones who were only taking enough medicine to control their pain. The people who were taking more medication than they needed or selling the extra medication can adapt to the reduced levels. The people who really need it are just left in pain.