Primary Doctor Won't Sign My Medical Marijuana Recommendation

[herbivore21]

My brother, Absolutely no cross tolerance... I've been on the same regime for almost a decade

This shit is absurd to say the least..
This Doctor provides Opioids, and believe it or not, she refused to continue my Klonopin..

Yet another reason "to keep the DEA happy "

I was astonished at how many times she said that phrase.
As a Doctor, should not the patient come as priority? Within reason of course?

If a Doctor is still in the belief that Cannabis (sans combustion) is in anyway harmful, they have a lot more studying to do.

When I began the journey into Pain Management, I studied everything I was placed on , so I established a supply that in which at any given time. I can ween myself off whatever I am on... Regardless of what the Doctor "thinks "

You read me perfectly..

This damn doctor thinks..
"I got him by the balls, he has to comply with whatever I please "

Dead wrong!!

And I may just go after her damn license, I've already reached out to the American Pain Foundation.

To cut a patient's meds from 480 all the way down to 280, is cruel and unusual.

She will not be seeing me and my insurance money ever again.

Definitely take her to task on this one my brother. You (and every sick person!) deserve proper health care without prejudice and/or adverse treatment because of what works for your conditions.

This is about healthcare, and the DEA's conceptualizations of which drugs are and are not ok for a person to use (based on political and moral arguments and being utterly removed from medical arguments - which are all that are strictly relevant here) do not merit consideration.

See in some countries, benzodiazepenes are more recreationally abused than prescription opioids. In these places, I might see where a doctor is coming from in erring on the side of not prescribing benzos. However, I do not believe the US is one of those countries though, from the literature I have read the US is very much opioid central compared to the rest of the world for prescriptions. If we can dole out hydrocodone and oxycodone to everyone and their mothers, surely some benzodiazepenes where clearly medically warranted are no problem!

Hang in there bro, much kudos for staying strong and voting with your feet against this doctor! We gotta send a message that if doctors want patients, they gotta stop treating patients like subordinates and start treating them like clientèle.

 

[Hashtag46&2]

Some good news... Emphasizing "some"
However, I've been waiting for this particular day for a long time now.

I contacted the US Pain Foundation to request a "Pain Ambassador" and a member of the "Pain Warrior"Program .

I was contacted by the CEO personally, was given a pain patient "Bill of Rights"

The new Doctor has nearly violated every single one of the 17 listed Rights.

So, I'm officially a Pain Ambassador, able to share my knowledge, my story and help prevent ludicrous events that are occurring similar to mine.

For the record..
Even though I suffer a great deal of pain... I have never run out of meds, I take my baseline meds like clockwork and use the Immediate Release only when needed.

I've literally witnessed countless patients who came into the old office, and be turned away immediately, because they had came in without even an empty bottle for 4 times!!!!

The old Doctor required patients to at least bring your bottle, preferably with the correct amount of tablets.
He gave a 4 strikes policy (More than fair)

If you can't even remember where your damn bottle is, uhhh, yeah....
Probably a problem, yeah?
I always brought a couple extra tabs with me.. While securing a "Zombieland" emergency fund.

Well, I got a lot reading to do, was sent a ton of literature.
Got a "Pain Warrior" bracelet that I will rock for the rest of my life.

Ironically.... The bracelet is tie-dye

 

[momofthegoons]

I recently reregistered for my medical card and asked the attending physician if he had noticed more acceptance among his peers for medical marijuana. The answer was a resounding NO. I mentioned that he had probably noticed that I don't list cannabis among my medications on my paperwork and said it was for that very reason. I am afraid that if I mention my usage, I will be denied pain meds. He indicated that decision was wise.

Apparently it has to do with insurances and Medicare. He implied that if a doctor is found to be prescribing cannabis that he will be dropped from Medicare practice. He said that, in his office, he never prescribes nor does he refer his patients to the marijuana clinic he works for part time. It would be a conflict of interest.

Until the Feds get on board (and the insurance companies follow) the majority of doctors wont prescribe.

 

[max]

Until the Feds get on board

It's only a matter of time. The only question is how long.

Medical mj legalization- 23 states plus DC.

'96 - 1
'98 - 3
'99 - 1
'00 - 3
'04 - 2
'06 - 1
'07 - 1
'08 - 1
'10 - 3
'11 - 1
'12 - 2
'13 - 2
'14 - 3

Four states have legalized cannabis for recreational use as of 2016.

 

[HomeFree]

I do not tell my physician I use cannabis as I take benzodiazepines and do not want the script to get pulled out from under me (15 years). Seems like most docs will not sign off on cannabis and may even take away scheduled meds if you test positive for cannabis. But they don't seem to like anything natural other than chamomile and peppermint.

I can not believe that cannabis is schedule 1. That is literally insane! half our states have MEDICINAL cannabis (all is medicinal of course). I am sure there are some docs who are pro cannabis. I renewed my rec today and was one step ahead of the doc who gave it, he is big on not smoking it. Good deal. I hope it is flat out legal this or next year in my state, with cultivation allowed. I will be so pissed if it is legal but not to cultivate.

 

[grokit]

A lot of testing issues arise because of pain management agreements. I signed one once, it was before my back surgery and I was going out of town and wanted extra meds. They made it all seem very casual, then asked me if I had any cocktails or mj afterwards, again very casual. Even though the mai tai I told them about could have killed me when combined with the narcotics, all they cared about was the mj use. They told me to go and get a tox screen, I told them I would consider it and promptly found a new doctor.

Moral, for me was be wary of anything you sign, and of what you say to any non-physician

 

[Hashtag46&2]

That is the thing.. I've studied Opioid Agreements adamantly .
The Doctor already was gone to lunch by the time I came across the *I will not use Marijuana * clause. So, I took my Scripts, circled said section and initialed.
However, I refused to sign at the end of the appointment.

Of course, I started initialing, and writing out my meds, had just got to the section that read..
*Medical Marijuana Card Certified ____
I initial..

At this time, I'm called back, was told I can finish the paperwork after the appointment.

Pretty convenient...yeah?
I was under the assumption that this Doctor was merely a "transition "... Of course, I should have known better, it took 15 years to find a Doctor that was pro-Cannabis.

Clinical studies prove that when the pain patient up takes Cannabinoids in coalition with Opioid Therapy , chances for addiction drop considerably.

I'm actually very happy this happened now though..
You see, I suffered severe widespread pain before I even sought treatment... Working full time throughout... Tears rolling many days.

I'm actually going to attempt to quit the pharmaceutical prison... Prison to the Providers mighty pen that is.
I have no "problem " or addiction with Opioids, I've most certainly developed a very dangerous level of physical dependence, as I've been labeled as "Opioid Tolerant " for over 4 years.

I'm not sure if I can handle the pain, but... Hell, I give er a go.
If anything, I've got a great relationship with my Pharmacist, and my Physical Therapist for a decade... I will ask for help and utilize my affiliation with The US Pain Foundation.

I'm going to to try... I'm already down quite a bit, probably too quick of a drop, as I'm feeling rather shitty.

Gonna suck, but I want to be free.

I'm only 36, and the amount of Opioids I've been on has already depleted my Testosterone levels... So, first benzodiazepines to cover the anxiety caused by opioids , then Hormone replacement to correct T-Levels caused by the Opioids.

I'm sooooo tired of it.

I don't care if I have to go back to using my walker, I'm done with pain medication.

Long live the Cannabis plant.

 

[herbivore21]

That is the thing.. I've studied Opioid Agreements adamantly .
The Doctor already was gone to lunch by the time I came across the *I will not use Marijuana * clause. So, I took my Scripts, circled said section and initialed.
However, NO SIGNATURE...I refused to sign at the end of the appointment.

Of course, I started initialing, and writing out my meds, had just got to the section that read..
*Medical Marijuana Card Certified ____
I initial..

At this time, I'm called back, was told I can finish the paperwork after the appointment.

Pretty convenient...yeah?

I'm actually very happy this happened now though..
You see, I suffered SOOOO much pain before I even sought treatment... Working full time throughout... Tears rolling many days.

I'm actually going to attempt to quit the pharmaceutical prison.

Gonna suck, but I want to be free.

I'm only 36, and the amount of Opioids I've been on has already depleted my Testosterone levels... So, first benzodiazepines to cover the anxiety caused by opioids, then Hormone replacement to correct T-Levels caused by the Opioids.

I'm sooooo tired of it.

I don't care if I have to go back to using my walker, I'm done with pain medication.

Long live the Cannabis plant.

Damn bro, sorry to hear about the complications of those meds, good luck with ditching the pharmaceuticals! If I were a betting man, I would be backing your hashmaking abilities and saying you've got this one in the bag though

If you can find a way to manage without, it'll have to do a world of good, those are two of the most addictive and debilitating groups of drugs out there!

 

[Hashtag46&2]

Damn bro, sorry to hear about the complications of those meds, good luck with ditching the pharmaceuticals! If I were a betting man, I would be backing your hashmaking abilities and saying you've got this one in the bag though

If you can find a way to manage without, it'll have to do a world of good, those are two of the most addictive and debilitating groups of drugs out there!

Thank you Brother, thank you...

It's weird man... Never thought twice about this prior to this Doctor kinda making me feel like I'm "Over prescribed " ...and the condescending manner in her flat out denying to continue my Benzodiazepine.

Luckily I've got a ample emergency bank, as I know that one could certainly cause serious consequences. (6mg Klonopin a day)

I just edited my post you quoted, added some detail.
Thanks again my friend!

I got a nice 19gram jar of 6++++ Melt ...
200mg hash caps (THC)
190mg hash caps (CBD)
250mg hash caps (THC:CBD)

I think I'll need a case of Immodium AD, FLU Meds, Nasal Spray.

I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...

 

[newVaper420]

Same boat. NY here. We just got MMJ. My gastro won't certify me for my Crohn's. Not sure my next step.

 

[momofthegoons]

Same boat. NY here. We just got MMJ. My gastro won't certify me for my Crohn's. Not sure my next step.

Don't know how it works in NY, but if you have certification clinics there like the ones in Michigan, just get a copy of any treatment records you have from your doctors and take them with you. You don't have to explain why you want copies of your records, but if they ask you can just say you want them for your records. The doctor at the certification clinic will approve you and then it's up to the state to approve the application. Your gastro never needs to know.

 

[newVaper420]

Don't know how it works in NY, but if you have certification clinics there like the ones in Michigan, just get a copy of any treatment records you have from your doctors and take them with you. You don't have to explain why you want copies of your records, but if they ask you can just say you want them for your records. The doctor at the certification clinic will approve you and then it's up to the state to approve the application. Your gastro never needs to know.

No such thing exists here.

 

[momofthegoons]

No such thing exists here.

How do you get certified there? Does it have to be through a primary doctor?

 

[CNYC]

Well....
I met with my new Doctor today.

She apparently wants a decision...

Cannabis or Opiates.

Good Decision. I haven't touched my Vicodin or Xanax since I got my MJ Rec last year. This MJ is SUPER POTENT....coupled with other CNS drugs is a HUGE NO NO IMO. I never understood why doctors did this but as a life long stoner I can tell you first hand that its the way to go.

Sorry if that isn't what you want to hear.

Every gotten a hangover from weed ? You will when you start taking edibles or smoking medical grade MJ. You have been warned.

 

[momofthegoons]

Good Decision. I haven't touched my Vicodin or Xanax since I got my MJ Rec last year. This MJ is SUPER POTENT....coupled with other CNS drugs is a HUGE NO NO IMO. I never understood why doctors did this but as a life long stoner I can tell you first hand that its the way to go.

Sorry if that isn't what you want to hear.

Every gotten a hangover from weed ? You will when you start taking edibles or smoking medical grade MJ. You have been warned.

That's easy to say... but sometimes not practical. There are times my pain is such that no amount of cannabis, vaped or dabbed, is enough. I think the goal should be to try to eliminate the drugs; or at the very least decrease the amounts taken. Speaking for myself, I hardly ever use narcotics any more. But there is the rare occasion it's necessary. I wouldn't want to lose the ability to access them when I need them. And, imo, for a doctor to draw a line in the sand like that is poor medical practice.

 

[Hashtag46&2]

Update to My self weaning...
Started at 480mg a day for a duration of 2 and a half years, climbing since 2007.

Doc cut all the way to 280 a day , however, I mitigated my emergency meds to slow the process... A 200 mg drop in in one day would have triggered withdrawal symptoms. So I dropped 100mg that first day... Instead had a session with the Solo... No withdrawal symptoms.

Continuing to replace doses with a Solo sesh, putting said dose into the Emergency Bank.

That was less than a week ago.

I'm now sitting at 180mg per day... Goal for next week is 140mg per day.

I must say, after Vaping my elite LSD(Lemon Sour Diesel) with 0.05 of 6Star Melt without the heavy dose of Opioids, it really put things into perspective for me ..

I haven't been on a dose of Opiates this low for over 4ish years.

So, my back and neck was extremely aggravated, extremely stiff.

I load a basket..
One single draw, and my pain levels melted (pun intended) away. I'm still a bit astounded by the effectiveness... (I need to do some more experimenting, but I think at this point, the high Cannabinoid Content is more effective)


I think I will start the CBD caps near the end of the Wean.
Incorporating the THC : CBD Caps here this week.

The THC caps are just plain fun..haha.

I need to post some pics of this batch o' Hash for my brother @herbivore21 .

Gotta get back into photography, more therapeutic treatment.

And today.... Life seems to be getting better and better, the more Meds I've dropped, my Cannabis intake increases..

I think my smile has returned...I'm laughing more. I feel like the "Old Me" the guy always cracking jokes, being silly and loving life.

The Opioid was fogging my character, my personality.. Today is beautiful.

Every event in our lives has a purpose , embrace each event with love.

"This body holding me reminds me of my own mortality, embrace this moment, remember, We are eternal, all this pain is an illusion "
-One of the most infamous former Opioid users.
Maynard James Keenan.

Sorry if that isn't what you want to hear.

Every gotten a hangover from weed ? You will when you start taking edibles or smoking medical grade MJ. You have been warned.

That's exactly what I want to hear my friend!!! Thank you!

I really appreciate the support, but I've been growing my own for 4 years, Extract the beautiful Trichomes for some of the best Hash in Colorado..I will put mine up against any Dispensary Bubble.

Edibles.. Yes sir.... I don't get hangovers, however I awake still high from the day prior. Anything under 125mg of Active Cannabinoid content, I don't even get "high " per sé... But I take the 125mg CBD Hash Caps every morning, it is my favorite Vitamin Supplement.

 

[ataxian]

My God man! What a nightmare that must of been.

Thank you for sharing your story, makes my dilemma seem a bit less daunting.

I've been on OC for over 9 years now.
For the last 2&1/2 years due to tolerance along with absurd widespread pain levels.

I was put on the "Maximum" dose. 3x80mg (Baseline CR) and 8x30mg (Braekthrough IR) = 480mg a day.

The new Doctor cut the 30s in half and took away a baseline.
=280mg a day.

For fucks sake...
If it weren't for my own responsibilities in keeping an emergency supply of these stupid meds, that huge drop would have most certainly caused at least some withdrawal symptoms.

Fuck the pain, I've dealt with much worse....
I will not abide by any means of an ultimatum...

What really pissess me off to no end..

Alcohol!!!!!!!!
I don't touch the stuff, and Alcohol +Narcotic almost always the cause of "Overdoses "

Yet, the Media will only mention overdose..not the fact it was combined with alcohol.

The Alcoholic, can skip a day or two and still be fine to obtain these types of medicines.

I choose to use 0.1 grams of vaporized cannabis as opposed to Ambien, now no pain control???

Gahhhh.

Thank you FC!! For sharing, for reading, for caring, I've bottled this up for quite some time, and only The guys from the Solo Thread and my wife knew about this situation.

FC, easily the most amazing group of friends in the world of the Web.

If our hands had "Tongue's & Cheek's" you might see the intent of my scribble?

Humor is my main MEDICINE, CANNABIS is very close.

You commented about ABIENANT almost killed me?
CANNABIS saved me!

 

[Hashtag46&2]

Some years back I was told that I no longer could take anti inflammatories because of the damage that they could do to my kidneys. My kidneys were starting to show I had 3rd stage kidney disease while I was taking the anti inflammatories to help my arthritis throughout my body. I had finally found a prescription medicine that helped me. I had to go off of the meds and when they tested my kidneys again they showed normal levels. I was told I no longer could use what had been working for me.

They said I could take pain medication such as OxyContin. I was worried about taking something that I could become addicted to. She said they would monitor me and that I was only able to take so much in a day. It didn't help like the other meds I had been on. I was taking 2 pills a day.

When I went into the doctor for a checkup a couple months later, I was asked to fill out a form and sign something, I didn't think anything about it. I saw where I needed to sign that I didn't take any other drugs and one was cannabis. By the way the HMO at the time was against doctors giving out cannabis certifications. I had been a long time cannabis user, they wanted me to take a drug test. I panicked and didn't want to take the test.

When I left the office I didn't go to the lab for a test. Evidently that was something new in the state. Not only does the test check for other drugs such as cannabis but it makes sure you are actually using your pain medication and not selling it. Everyone is treated like a drug addict or they are selling drugs.

I called the doctor's office and told them I decided not to take the pain medication. I said I was worried about becoming addicted.

I eventually went into another doctor and paid out of pocket to get a medical cannabis certification. The first time fee was $170, after that it's $90 for the yearly certification.

Medical cannabis certifications are changing in the state come this July. Not sure how things will effect me. I am willing to be put on a registry but will it be worth it. I will only save on sales tax. I don't grow my own, do I don't need 15 plants. I want access to medical strains though. Not sure if that will be available for everyone or not. Only time will tell. Thank goodness I live in WA state where cannabis is legal.

HeyaLady Carol..

You are in Washington, yeah?

There is one of my on-line YouTube mentors that is a Caregiver in Washington.

He grows some of the very best Cannabis..I have ever seen. (If you recall my shots in the "My Stash" thread., his Cannabis is probably a couple levels (possibly more) above mine.

His name Medicropper, message him on YouTube, before the laws change.

And, although I didn't get to sample his work myself, one of my acquaintances (rich preppy parents) was able to meet him and confirmed the quality of the meds..

So much so, that he wouldn't even share a damn bowl with me, and I told him about him.. Fucker...ha.

Edit..

If our hands had "Tongue's & Cheek's" you might see the intent of my scribble?

Humor is my main MEDICINE, CANNABIS is very close.

You commented about* Ambien* almost killed me?
CANNABIS saved me!

Yeah man, waking up, walking around with no recollection..or waking up, but the body not responding.

The day I woke up and I couldn't move...
I said, never again....

Brought my remaining pills to my pharmacist, said..
Dispose of these please, I'm sticking to pot.

Pharmacy Manager also 10 years of solid patient rapport...also pro-cannabis, gave me a high five.

The fun is coming back man!!! It's profound to say the least..

My wife even noticed..
I'm starting to see the real Hashtag again.

So surreal.

Cannabis (CANNABIS!) is THE HOLY GRAIL!!

Humor coming a close second..
As I wrote post #32, this occurred to me, because I was very well vaked... I have not felt so good in 20 years.

 

[CNYC]

I am curious to know what reason doctors give for not allowing MJ with pain meds. Can anyone explain to the forum what their doctor told them ? Obviously there are monetary issues involved but has anyone come across doctors who mention dangerous interactions between MJ and pain meds or other potent medications ?


In general mixing different CNS drugs together is never a good idea. Don't you guys think that pertains to pain meds and MJ ? I do.

Thanks

 

[Chill Dude]

@Hashtag46&2 sounds like you're making great progress weaning of the opiates. I've heard going slower makes the chance of success greater and is obviously more comfortable. Now, are you weaning off Klonopin at the same time? 6mg a day is a huge dose. Some say benzos take longer to taper and cause more discomfort than opiates. I don't know if that's true or not. I use Klonopin, but just use it occasionally for breakthrough anxiety, presentations and jet lag.. I only use maybe 15mg a month though. If I ever felt the need to use daily I would just stop..

Good on you for tackling your drug dependence. The future is bright!

@CNYC that's the beauty of cannabis. There are very few drug interactions. There's no contradiction with using opiates and cannabis concurrently. In fact, many report being able to reduce their opiate dosages when the start up with cannabis...and some are able to quit opiates entirely.

 

[Hashtag46&2]

@Hashtag46&2 sounds like you're making great progress weaning of the opiates. I've heard going slower makes the chance of success greater and is obviously more comfortable. Now, are you weaning off Klonopin at the same time? 6mg a day is a huge dose. Some say benzos take longer to taper and cause more discomfort than opiates. I don't know if that's true or not. I use Klonopin, but just use it occasionally for breakthrough anxiety, presentations and jet lag.. I only use maybe 15mg a month though. If I ever felt the need to use daily I would just stop..

Good on you for tackling your drug dependence. The future is bright!

@CNYC that's the beauty of cannabis. There are very few drug interactions. There's no contradiction with using opiates and cannabis concurrently. In fact, many report being able to reduce their opiate dosages when the start up with cannabis...and some are able to quit opiates entirely.

Thank you for the comments Chill Dude.

Yeah, indeed, 6mg is almost nuts....

I reduced it 50% when I first got word my doc was retiring, as I knew it would be very difficult to find another Doctor to write so much Benzodiazepines.

So, now I'm taking 2mg a day with an assload as backup.

I will be extremely careful on this one, ask my Rheumatologist for assistance if needed.
I'm nearly positive he would write some pain meds if needed as well.

Thanks again man!!
Word like yours are quite inspiring.

 

[CNYC]

@Hashtag46&2

@CNYC that's the beauty of cannabis. There are very few drug interactions. There's no contradiction with using opiates and cannabis concurrently. In fact, many report being able to reduce their opiate dosages when the start up with cannabis...and some are able to quit opiates entirely.

My experience was different. When I was living in NYC getting Mexican Shwag I did use MJ with Xanax and Vicodin without any ill effect. However since moving to CA I wouldn't dream of it. I went from a 5 joint a day smoker to maybe 5 hits off a bubbler. A huge difference in usage ONLY because my tolerance to CA MJ is so lower. I feel like a newbie but I've been a stoner since 1982. It's wild.

The good news is I no longer have cravings for Vicodin and my Xanax usage is down to almost 5 1mgs per **year. Mainly because I am too buzzed from the MJ.

I definitely respect different tolerances but I still feel that caution needs to be taken....since we are all different when it comes to how these drugs effect us.

 

[TeeJay1952]

Doctor's practices are supported by drug company largesse. If someone kicks you back for scripts written and give you "free materials" to try then you may be adverse to a alternate source for pain relief and lifestyle management.
In my state (Med Use Legal) Clinics that deliver Meds have a system to hook you up with Doctor who prescribes. First card CAN be difficult but rubber stamp after that.

 

[Hashtag46&2]

Well last night was officially one of the worst nights since the wean started. Tossed and turned all night. I should've just grabbed my FW3, or my Solo to boost Cannabinoid uptake, but I'm trying to establish a baseline for my Cannabis as well.

However, I got plenty of Flower, a ample supply of Hash, and as always, Hash Caps.

So, I think I should double up my nightly Hash intake, possibly just 50% more Bubble, my typical load to knockout is 0.1-0.15 Herb and 0.05 Hash.

Might just load up 2 @DDave Baskets, do them back to back in a bong, to achieve maximum Altitude.

@Chill Dude ..
You're right man, I need to slow this wean down... Going from 480mg to 180 in a damn week was much too aggressive, but I wanted to get a feel for what it would feel like..

This should be more like a 3-6 month process, since I've been in Pain Management for almost a decade.

The support from FC has been amazing, I truly love you guys!!

 

[Hashtag46&2]

3 Month t-break starting now (2/16/16)

Same boat man, hopefully it doesn't last 3 months though. Please feel free to share your thoughts/experience here on this thread.. As I was supposed to start my T-Break on the same day as you, but I was told I would have time to clear the Cannabinoids (More accurately Metabolites) from my system ..

I'll be sharing the T-Break Journey here, as a journal per se.

Update...

I did manage to get all the way down to 60mg using my Solo with a tiny flake of 6 Star Bubble sandwiched between Iced Cookies (NL5 X GSC) To replace doses.

I thought I would be able to handle the pain. However the 2 days in which I dropped all the way down to 60mg.. Day 1 was okay, pretty brutal, but I've dealt with much worse.

Day 2 provided me with the fact I'll probably never be capable of having any quality of life without pain management.

Sure, I could dose my 490mg Active Hash Caps, but I'd be in a damn sleep coma, and staying active is an essential part of treating pain.

I do have some hope now... During the first appointment, I felt awkward, like something wasn't "right "

Realized that I didn't even get to see the Doctor, I was delegated to a PA.

Anyhow, T-Break starts today.

Yay!! Double fucking Benzo dose, so I can sleep... FML
HOW STUPID IS THAT?!?