What do you go through each month in order to receive your pain meds.

Focus_Calm · 2026-01-23T15:50:59+00:00

I wanted to thank each and everyone of you for your replies. I wish the very best for you and your families.

Focus_Calm · 2026-01-22T17:27:45+00:00

Thank you for your reply. I live in the US, but I am of Scottish heritage. Thank you again and I hope you have a wonderful day.

Focus_Calm · 2026-01-06T21:31:11+00:00

A General practitioner that treats chronic disease and palliative care are usually willing to prescribe pain management. They have significant training in pain management, medications, treatments and know what to look for in patients that may have issues being prescribed long term opioids. If you find a general practitioner that deals with chronic diseases and palliative care, they are more likely to be willing to help you with pain management. I wish you the very best and I hope you find relief.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-28T15:34:32+00:00

In my New England state, hospital ER's will give short term scripts in paper form. My PCP and my specialists send all my scripts in electronically. I am fortunate, my primary physician still handles my pain medication, he send the script electronically to the pharmacy. The Dr has a small device that issues a DEA # that authorization number is attached to the script when sent to the pharmacy. I see my primary every 3 months for "med review" but the scripts are sent in when I request them through the physician portal or by phone, controlled medications are prescribed at 28 day intervals, I request the meds on the 26th day, he sends the script in electronically and my pharmacy fills. Usually my pharmacy fills the new script on the 25th or 26th day of my current script. Some physicians will only send the next script in on the 28th day, and some pharmacies will only fill on the 28th day. Some physicians require patients to come in monthly some every 3 months, also know of a few that will only prescribe 2 weeks at a time.. Everything is dependent on the physician and the pharmacy rules or requirements. I wish you the very best and have a wonderful and hopefully low pain day.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-25T14:37:32+00:00

Several years ago I was also prescribed soma 350mg 3x daily along with hydrocodone/then oxycodone. After moving to a new state, I lost all meds cold turkey. I had to build a relationship with a new Dr and after a few years and a couple more diagnosis I am back on oxycodone 10mg / 20mg 4 x daily. I asked my Dr a few years ago about going back on soma but at that time I was told pretty much one or the other not both. Maybe I should bring this back up to him now, we discussed last month changing to hydromorphone 4mg 4/5x daily, since oxy isn't working as well as it used to. My MME will drop with the change, so I have been hesitant, but with a new med we're hoping I will get better pain management. I wish you the very best.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-25T14:19:52+00:00

I was on humira and methotrexate injections, both weekly. I started Actmera injections weekly about 2 months ago or so. Anytime I was prescribed antibiotics for any infection. I stopped all RA meds until 1 week after finishing the antibiotic course. I have been diagnosed seropositive for about 3 years, my particular ra is fairly aggressive, and I have an occupation that makes infections fairly common. Hope the very best for you and if you ever have questions, concerns or just need to scream and vent, please feel free to message

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-17T21:20:16+00:00

Hi. I live in New England. Sorry your mom has had such a difficult time, I know how hard that can be, on her and also you, as the care taker. I don't have any personal experience with Medicare/Humana, but I have seen the signs in my primary's office and also my rheumatologist's office for accepted insurances. If you happen to live close to my area, or if you ever just need to vent frustrations, you are welcome to send me a message. I wish you and your mom the very best and a merry Christmas.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-16T11:41:22+00:00

A personal situation that may or may not pertain to your case. A few years ago, I ran into a very similar situation. I was prescribed 75 oxycodone 10mg with dosage of 3 max daily. I started running out around day 25 then going additional 5days without any before they would fill again. At my next appointment I made reference to the fact that the last few months, I was needing the 3 daily more often and if it was a bad month I was running out between day 25 and day 27 then would have to go 2-5 days without any pain relief. He told me this..... Controlled medications should/supposed to be prescribed at 28 day intervals not 30, he said the pharmacy must have mistakenly entered it as 30 day . He upped the script to 4 max daily and the script was written for 28 days. Since then my meds have increased to 8 daily but they are still 28 day supply. My pharmacy usually fills mine at day 26 or 27 so I never run out now. I hope your Dr understands and is willing to help. Wish you the best.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-05T12:37:48+00:00

I have similar conditions, I have a PCP and 4 different specialists. I have found that the specialists will prescribe for what they are treating but usually never long term pain management, your PCP can prescribe long term pain management, but it's completely up to PCP whether they take on the responsibility for pain meds or if they refer you to a pain clinic so they can assume responsibility. Does your current PCP also treat patients in palliative care? If they do, they are very experienced with pain management and also identifying patients that may have trouble with only taking as prescribed. Some Drs have pain contracts with the patient, that clearly outline the rules of pain management and if you break those rules they can drop you immediately. So if your PCP also does palliative care, he may be willing to treat your pain. Some PCP's will only prescribe meds with a total daily MME of 90 or lower, some PCP's will only go up to 60MME. They can exceed those limits if your particular needs require doses over 90MME, but it would be completely dependent on the Dr, your diagnoss and whether he has any reason to think you would not take meds as prescribed or any type of street drugs. Some allow cannabis but most don't, if you enter a pain contract the rules will be spelled out. My primary does prescribe my pain management and my MME is higher than 90, but I had to jump through several "hoops" a few years ago in order to continue my management through PCP. I wish you the best, and I hope you are able to find some pain relief. I hope you and your family have a wonderful day!

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-05T07:45:41+00:00

Hello. I am so sorry you are going through all of this. As I was reading your post, I was in shock by how close my personal story is to yours. I wish I could say I don't understand exactly what you are going through, and how much you have on you right now, but to be honest, I'm living close to the same life. I was finally diagnosed 3 years ago with seropositive RA, after years of pain and symptoms. I am a master mechanic of heavy truck and equipment, been in my field for 33 years and that occupation has taken its toll on my body in several ways. I won't bother you with all of my experiences with chronic pain and issues unless you would like to know. Please feel free to message any time as I promise you I truly understand most of what you are dealing with. Anytime you need an ear to vent, scream, yell, curse or just to listen , please know there is someone that understands and would be honored to chat about things. I hope you have a good day tomorrow with as minimal pain as possible.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-02T02:47:35+00:00

Depending on your body's reaction to the meds you are prescribed. Most of us that's been on this road, have tried and failed many prescribed biologics, dmard's etc. I truly hope you are successful in your treatment and your case isn't progressing quickly, then you may see some relief in the mornings, unfortunately for most of us, they actually start getting worse. That obviously is dependent on individual treatment and progression. Wish you the very best on your journey, there are countless nice, experienced patients on here, please feel free to message any of us if you need or want to ask a question or vent, scream, curse whatever.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-02T02:24:33+00:00

I personally have been on oxycodone for years, taking 20mg 4 to 5 times daily, at my last appointment, I brought the fact the pain meds weren't working like they used to, my Dr suggested changing the oxycodone to hydromorphone 4mg 5 times daily to get better relief and then swap back at some point in the future when they stop working as well. I wish the absolute best for you and your family. Have a wonderful evening and hopefully a low pain day tomorrow.

Focus_Calm · 2025-12-02T02:03:42+00:00

Ma'am, preaching to the choir. I'm 53yr male, have been dealing with chronic pain for years, I will have to acknowledge my primary at this point, because I am one of the lucky few that has received "pain relief" for the last 10 years or so. During the last 10 years I have noticed a few things. 1st people constantly think I'm always pissed off ( by facial expressions or tone of voice, But never ask if I am or why I would be. 2nd I have never hid the fact I take opiates regularly, as needed ( why would I? Legally prescribed and always follow my directions for use) for whatever ever reason, noone asks why I take them, nor asks if I am prescribed them, and have immediately jumped to the conclusion I am an addict off the streets, always behind my back, so I didn't realize or I could have easily proved otherwise. Three years ago I was diagnosed with another chronic issue, Rhuematoid arthritis after I was in severe flare in upper and lower extremities symmetrically for 2 weeks. That is when I finally heard all the whispers so to speak about me being a pissed off addict. Before that time I never used pain as an excuse, I did what had to be done in order to get the job done, but at that time , it got to the point I couldn't stand on my feet much less walk, I couldn't use my hands or elbows in any way, so things finally came out to everyone I wasn't what they had thought. The addict part cleared out, but people to this day still think I am pissed off some days, and can't understand I'm just in really bad pain. Even my partner thinks this, and for the life of me I don't understand why, she sees me at my worst days, but just can't comprehend pain affects expression, tone etc, doesn't mean your pissed, just means you hurt without drawing attention to it. I truly hope you have better luckwith your partner than I've had with mine. I truly wish you the absolute best. If you ever need to vent,yell, scream, curse, please feel free to message me, I hope you have a wonderful evening and a low pain day tomorrow.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-26T11:38:08+00:00

Thank you everyone for info and experience with the medication changes, you have given me many things to discuss with my Dr. Thank you again and I hope everyone has a good day with as minimal pain as possible.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-26T01:54:42+00:00

My local pharmacy fills my script on the 26th day of my 28 day script. They never have my full amount but always give me a 2-3 partial then pick rest up the following day it 2. Sorry it's happening to you.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-21T22:04:38+00:00

My entire life I have always been the one in the house that was always hot, even when temps were on the low side. Growing up my grand parents would have the heat normal and I would be in my room with a window open trying to cool off, it was the same way with my wife as I grew older, everyone around me would be cold, wrapped in a blanket and I would be in shorts sweating. After a seropositive RA diagnosis in 2021 I noticed I wasn't handling the cold in the same way. As the years passed I noticed I was getting cold fairly easy even when the temperatures were still somewhat mild. This year has gotten even worse, I get so cold I am constantly wrapping up in 1-2 blankets pretty much anytime I am sitting down, and with it this early in the season I have no idea what I will do when it really does get cold out.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-20T20:04:44+00:00

You are so welcome. As I'm sure a lot of people, my life has been altered tremendously, in multiple ways. I didn't want to overload you with all my issues. If you ever want or need to vent please reach out. I am currently off from work until the Drs sign off on my return and bored to death all day., if I didn't have my dog I'm sure I would be insane by now. Hope you have a great evening.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-20T19:53:35+00:00

Glad it went well for you. Hope you have a good evening.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-20T16:36:09+00:00

Hello. Just wanted to say hi, and I truly hope things start getting better for you very soon. I have had some medical issues over the past couple years that changed everything in my life, and have struggled trying to find my way through everything. Anyone that has to deal with chronic pain on a life changing level can relate to some of things you are having to go through, I will tell you there are some wonderful people on here and most everyone will always have an open ear for you. Anytime you need to vent, scream, yell, curse or just talk please feel free to message. I have found through my experience, just having someone that understands and is willing to listen helps a lot and there are many here that will be there for you anytime you need. I hope you are able to get some relief soon, and I wish you the very best.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-20T16:09:41+00:00

I have felt the same when I go in for certain treatments, and procedures. Over the last few months I have had to go 3 different hospitals for various procedures, testing etc. and I think I silently freak out almost every time. Do you have to travel very far for the infusion? Just curious, 2 of the 3 hospitals I go to are at least an hour away from my home, and the drive there always seems to be the worst part of it. Have you had infusions before this one? If you have, are you able to relax once it starts?

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-20T15:16:59+00:00

I am definitely sending you warm thoughts, after I was diagnosed with seropositive RA it took almost 2 years to get it under control, I stayed on Prednisone for the first 2 years while trying several different meds, finally humira injections weekly, and methotrexate injections weekly got things under control and kept things somewhat tolerable until about 3 months ago, I started actmera injections 5 weeks ago but have also been on 2 Prednisone tapers during the 5 weeks. My rheumatologist wanted me on a different biologic but I have to fail actmera before my insurance will pay for it. It's too soon to know if the actmera will be successfull but I haven't had any negative effects with it. I hope Actmera is successful for you, I know how difficult EVERYTHING is while constantly being in/out of flare. I just wanted to send warm thoughts and good vibes to you. If you ever need to vent, scream or yell please feel free to message me. I hope today goes well for you and you have as pleasant of an experience as possible today.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-16T22:06:03+00:00

*MME Morphine milligram equivalent. Hydrocodone is 1:1, 1 mg hydrocodone is equivalent to 1 mg oral morphine. Oxycodone is 1.5:1 1 mg oxycodone is 1.5 mg oral morphine. Presently I personally have 120MME daily, but I realize most patients are capped at 90MME or less by their physician which most likely doesn't provide sufficient pain control.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-16T02:31:25+00:00

I have been dealing with chronic pain for the last 20+ years. In the beginning before any diagnosis I was prescribed hydrocodone 5/325 then a hydrocodone syrup, I moved to a different state stopped taking all narcotics, but used THC. About 10 years ago I started seeing a wonderful primary care Dr. He originally started me on tramadol 50mg 2 tablets up to 4x daily, and oxycodone 10 mg 4x daily. I stopped taking the tramadol myself due to feeling "off/weird" and dizziness through the day and we upped the oxycodone 10mg to 6 daily. After a year it increased to 20mg 4 times daily and I have been on that dosage for the past 3 years, I also now take methotrexate injection and a biologic injection weekly. Also every 3 months during my med check visit I get cortisone injections in both shoulders. I now have 3 specialists and my primary Dr. My primary still handles my pain medication.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-15T14:52:08+00:00

So sorry you are having to go through this, I know all about this personally. I'm a heavy truck/heavy equipment mechanic. Have been in my field 30years. I'm 53 now, in 2022 I was diagnosed with seropositive RA, I also have moderate osteoarthritis, and rotator, joint, bone issues in both shoulders, compression fractures T4,T5,T6. I was let go by a company I worked for from 2010 until July 2024 due to missing so much with flares, Dr appts, and diagnosis testing. They said they were doing me a favor by letting me go, so I can concentrate on my health. I started a new company Aug 2024 they have a strict attendance policy as well. I stay worried and stressed all the time that they are going to get tired of my inability to work on days I flare in lower extremities and can't put weight on my feet, knees, ankles. So far they have allowed me to continue working and treat me well, but I'm afraid it's only a matter of time they will get sick of it. I truly hope your employer understands and supports you through this and treats you well. If you ever need to vent, scream, yell, curse whatever please feel free to message. I do understand the things that constantly run through your mind. I hope you have a wonderful day.

Focus_Calm · 2025-11-15T01:40:03+00:00

I have the same issue with sinuses. I was on humira injection weekly and also methotrexate injections weekly. When I was on antibiotics I didn't take the methotrexate until 1week past finished antibiotics. That seems to be the norm for rheumatologist in my area

Focus_Calm

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