davetucker Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 A family member called me yesterday and confided in me to help him,when he called i knew he really needed me to get over there.When i arrived he sat me down and told me how he has been addicted to pain meds for over four yrs now.The doctor put him on them when he broke his leg and had to have miltiple opperations,and just cut him off after two yrs of hevily medicating him.And we were always close (he's an avid hunter and /fisher),and i never even suspected it.He told me how after two yrs and being cut off just like that he felt like he was being beat with a sledge hammer and couldn't deal with the pain.He beggan buying them from a guy he met through the doctors office visits and he was alset(atleast he kept tellin himself that).So for the last two yrs he's been trying through counseling and a couple in state detoxes to quit.Well he can never make it past the third day,it's always to much.He says and if he told people they'd tell him just stop,and he'd be like ya right.So yesterday he called his counseler and asked what his options were (i was with him),the counseler told him he had the will just needed to get buy the physical part and he thought a program called rapid detox would be his best bet.So we called around and got refrences and found a nationally recognised facility that was fairly close.So we called and heres the thing,insurance doesn't pay for that type of rehab,and it cost 16,600 cash money.He's a pretty good workin man who is in the middle class ,got a nice family,they got two carreers goin on,but still can't afford that.So we've been looking and looking for funding and all we get is if you were from another country we could find you helplike yesterday,and it's like our dr's are doing this crap to goo workin men and then throwin them to the wolves.So now his only american opion is to trade a drug for a drug and go to a clinic,which he refuses to do. I really feel for this guy he's got a nice job,great wife,and some great kids.He volunteers his time at local organizations,and is an awesome hunting/fishing buddie.I offered to empty my bank account but with his and mine combined we only come up with not even half.They told us we could put it on a credit card or finance it and end up payin 4 times the price. Sorry for the long post but i havent slept all night thinking about this.Is this what our country has come to.Just let good people like my freind suffer with something a dr did.Come on and tell us well if you were from another country they have financing for things like that.it just makes me sick.Whats your opionion??Keep im mind he'sa hard workin family man just like most of us!!Who got suckered in by a dr who probably got a kick back family vacation for selling the drug from the drug maker!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 From having several surgeries, I have taken tons of pain killers in my life! The big thing that I found out early on was to quit taking the blasted things as soon as I could! As a result, I have built up a very high pain tolerance! As to your family members problem, does he have enough equity in his house so he could get a second mortgage? If so, do it! It sounds like he might have reached the point where HE really wants to do something to get past this. I wouldn't blame the doctors as every time I have gotten a pain prescription, there are instructions with it that tell you all the bad things about it! YOU have to be the one who makes up YOUR mind to QUIT taking them! Good luck! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS whitetail Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 I wish him all the best But... I agree, it isn't really the Doctors fault, those pills do have warnings with them. It is the same as alcohol, you have to take control before things get out of hand. Also, $16,000 for rehab is just plain crazy Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetucker Posted February 6, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 i do agree with you 100% ojr i ask myself how did he let it get so bad.I guess what i have found out we as humanes are not all alike as some may think.Yes the bottles tell you such instructions but you also got dr's telling you to take them regularly.He told me when i questioned how he let it get so bad was he kept at the dr about it being addictive and all the dr said is he didn't have to worry he hasn't been on them long enough.He had 6 surgeries on his leg within 4 months.And 4 him his leg still ha spain and it did helphim to continue to work.The day the dr. took him off he did'nt even think anything was wrong and went along with the dr. He said 36 hrs after not taking them it waslike he come down with the flu only 10 times worse.After three days his mother finnaly asked him why he was in so much pain if he was taken his meds.Thats when he told his mother about not gettin anymore and right then as an R.N. she knew what the problem was.He did have two left and took one and thats when the struggle began!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 Don't know what to say. I know I almost got hooked on Percocet. The foreigners getting more help than a citizen doesn't wash with me. Just doesn't seem right. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wtnhunt Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 The foreigners getting more help than a citizen doesn't wash with me. Just doesn't seem right. I wish him all the best But... I agree, it isn't really the Doctors fault, those pills do have warnings with them. It is the same as alcohol, you have to take control before things get out of hand. Also, $16,000 for rehab is just plain crazy Best of luck to him, but got to agree with what is said here. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevebeilgard Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 i agree with most of the above also. he needs to get help and take control of his life. and i sure do wish him the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowtech_archer07 Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 I'm with the rest above as well. That is way too much money for rehab, but the painkillers do come with warnings.. not blaming him at all. Now it looks like he really wants to do something about this, and I wish him all the best. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Texan_Til_I_Die Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 That pain and "flu like symptoms" your friend experienced were most likely simple withdrawal symptoms from the prescription drug addiction. Once those are gone, he'll probably be much, much better. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 You can't place blame solely on the patient otherwise, they'd sell the drugs over the counter. That's what a prescription is for, so the Dr. can supervise his part of the healing process and help the patient to heal not just feel no pain. My wife's dr. gave her over 250 pill in 3 weeks time until her hip surgery. When I confronted him about it and told him that she was taking almost 15 pills a day, his reaction to me was that I didn't know the amount of pain she was in. I said well, I'd rather be in pain than dead and that's what she'd be if he didn't reduce the amount of pills he was giving her and help her get off of them. Well, after the surgery, he kept at it until I threatened his license for willful neglect of patient rights and a HIPAA phone call. Tough, yes but I would rather be looked at as a jerk than a wodower. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted February 6, 2008 Report Share Posted February 6, 2008 Good luck to your buddy. Why won't his insurance cover a Rehab that he can go to? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetucker Posted February 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 thank-you!!! You can't place blame solely on the patient otherwise, they'd sell the drugs over the counter. That's what a prescription is for, so the Dr. can supervise his part of the healing process and help the patient to heal not just feel no pain. My wife's dr. gave her over 250 pill in 3 weeks time until her hip surgery. When I confronted him about it and told him that she was taking almost 15 pills a day, his reaction to me was that I didn't know the amount of pain she was in. I said well, I'd rather be in pain than dead and that's what she'd be if he didn't reduce the amount of pills he was giving her and help her get off of them. Well, after the surgery, he kept at it until I threatened his license for willful neglect of patient rights and a HIPAA phone call. Tough, yes but I would rather be looked at as a jerk than a wodower. I don't know why i even come here to post!This thread will be the 5th or 6th time my thread got dogged like i'm some scumbag.First of all if you reallylived in the real world and got out to do more than hunt you would realize them little symptoms that are associated with this aren't all that little.Believe me when he called me and confided in me about this that was my thought.After listening to him i actually researched it and found out it was terrible and 98%can't deal with the symptoms,and as it says in the news all over the countries small middle class towns are falling pray to these pill pushin dr's.So i take offense for my friend to have someone say deal with the symptoms you'll be o.k. after awhile.And like the other guy said he had to stepin or his wife w2ould have been a victim to.YES I KNOW the prescription has warnings and he should read them,what part of my post when i said he confronted his dr several times did you not understand,yet the dr told him i won't letn that happen.I bet the dr and his family sure had a good time the pharmasutical company sent him on.I guess i'm not part of the realtree family for support here,cuz i've read alot of post i didn't think were ethical but went along for the ride.So it was nice talkin to ya's and hope you all have that perfect life you are pertraying now.I didn't know that god had so many perfect people in this world.And i believe there was a thread this morning asking where the oldtimers went(probably were i'm going). REALTREE (FORUMS)CAMO FOR PERFECT PEOPLE!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Michiganbowhunter_SQ2 Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 you came here asking for prayers and opinions, thats what you got. While everyone here hopes and will pray for him to get better. No one is going to sugar coat anything, especially as something as serious as this. The responses may not have been what you wanted to here, but most of them are from people who have had their share of conditions requiring them to take various amounts and types of pills. Your family member should have immediately changed doctors or found a second opinion on the matter. rather than continuing on the path he did, "because the doctor wouldn't help". You mentioned he did go to some counselor, and an in-state detox, but HE quit not the doctor HIM. Unfortunately, I can understand why the insurance company wouldn't cover his rehab, as they see him as a drug addict (no matter who's fault it is, he has become one), you said it yourself, he began to buy the pills from "someone he met at the doctors office" The important thing here is that HE decided he needed help, and now he is looking toward you and whoever else is close to him for help, and if there is no one else involved (family members, CLOSE friends) get them involved so he can see he isn't alone and that there are people who care about him and will support him. Keep him AWAY from the pills, no matter what he says or does, he isn't going to get better by continuing to take the pills while you guys try and figure out how to pay for a rehab...The only other advice I can give is to not worry about who's fault it is and worry about the actual problem, if he is really serious about getting better, than the finance it...I know it'll cost more..but is there really a price limit on his life?? The folks here are a great group, they will pray for your family member, and we ALL hope he (and you) make it through this OK. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NS whitetail Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 sorry to see you got ticket off davet I agree with mbhSQ2 -- opinions are what people give on here, good or bad I also know about highly addictive prescription drugs. Before I had spinal fusion back in 2002, I was taking dilaudid for at least 3 years. I was a lucky one, I kept a handle on it and never abused them. I relize, everyone can't do that I do wish your friend all the best and hope he can overcome his problem. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Finn Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 REALTREE (FORUMS)CAMO FOR PERFECT PEOPLE!!! That's why I love this place Sorry, not sure what you're looking for. Sympathy was shown....prayers were sent....but it seems like it's everyone's fault but your bud's and now you're upset for honest responses. Why did he leave rehab? What type of rehab is he trying to attend that his insurance won't cover it? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 I'm not sure why you're so ticked off davet. You've got a lot of folks here, trying their best to give you good advise for your friend. What exactly were you expecting ? By the sounds of it, your friend really wants to get out from under this thing. The advise about looking into a second mortgage, or a loan is a good one, since it doesn't sound like he can do this on his own, and needs professional help. $16,000 sounds ridiculous alright, but he definitely needs some sort of refuge, and support if he is going to make it through the withdrawal. He's going to need lots of prayer too. He beggan buying them from a guy he met through the doctors office visits and he was alset(atleast he kept tellin himself that) He can hardly blame his doctor for his problem now, if his doctor took him off the medication, and he started buying it elsewhere, from some pharmaceutical pusher. The pusher should be in jail IMO, but your friend has to take the rest of the blame and responsibility too. i take offense for my friend to have someone say deal with the symptoms you'll be o.k. I know it sounds harsh to say, let him suffer and he'll eventually be OK, but, when all is said and done, that is the truth of the matter, when it comes to addiction. That's exactly what he will have to go through in a detox program too, so why seem so surprised, and come down on everyone here ? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BowJoe Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 The part I don't understand is that he quoted my post and I was the only one halfway agreeing with him. I wonder if it's possible there really isn't a "friend" but another person trying to get help. That's how my wife used to react to everything and it was always a dead giveaway that she was taking something again. I used to go through all heck when she was on that stuff. We'd wakeup arguing and before I knew it she was making messed up statements about me to her family and everything. Sorta like how our friend went off the handle here. I sure hope somebody gets some help whether it's with drugs or anger. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetucker Posted February 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 First of all i want to say a big appoligy for the way i went off.I have really been a reck the past couple days trying my best to help my brother in need,but i to have been suckered into his new way of decieveing people.He really is a good guy thats what i don't understand how a guy like him became so week and defensless?I have agreed to mortgage my home to pay for this programe to help him.I amtruely srry and no i don't know what i wanted to hear,but you all as fellow hunting brothers did to me what i needed to do to him and thats show tuff honesty.I showed my wife(who is a socialworker and deals with this all the time)my posts and your replies and her replie was jee wizz dave these guys are only telling you the truth and thats when the light came on.I asked her if we could mortgage the house to help my brother and she agreed.(he will pay us back)!!!Now to tell his wife and kids dad is going to be gone is gonna hurt but hey sometimes the truth hurts. I am still angry with the dr though.It was mentioned how come he didn't change dr.Well in our town there is 1 bone dr\surgeon,unless you plan to travel112 miles one way to see one.But i do agree with him that if the doc told me to be;ieve in him and he is a promanint dr in our town then i would do as directed.O.k enough taking up for him(even though he is my brother and i do love him).I just hope you all can forgive me for getting so wrapped up into this. Will be updateing soon tonight after we sign the papers at the bank he will be on a flight to new jersey.And yes i'm going to accompany him so if he has any second thoughts i will kick his butt all the way to the bed myself.Oh and by the way he is feelin kinda lousy right now cuz after my little light went on i tricked him into showing me what the pill looked like and the fool showed me his whole stash and yes they went strait down the toilet!!TIME FOR SOME TUFF BROTHERLY LOVE,OH AND THANKS REALTREE FOR WAKING MY BUTT UP!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bowtech_archer07 Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 First of all davet, apology accepted. Everyone has to go off at some point and with the situation that you are in, it wouldn't take much for anybody to explode Secondly, it's great to hear that things are going to get turned around and your brother is going to get the help he needs. I wish him nothing but the best in his recovery and will keep everyone involved in my thoughts and prayers. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
davetucker Posted February 7, 2008 Author Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 Thanks Bow-tech!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tominator Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 Takes a big man to apologize Dave, and I think you just earned a lot of respect from a lot of fellow forum members with that post. You earned points with me anyway. I hope it all works out. You sure are going the distance for your brother. Hang in there. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 You didn't have to apologize, but being as you did, it is accepted completely! I am so glad that you are taking a "tough" stand on this thing! That is the only way it is going to stop! Now the big thing is for your brother to accept the fact that he needs help badly! Don't give up! Wishing you and everyone involved nothing but the best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
buckee Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 Apology accepted here too Dave. Hang in there with him, and stay strong and tough. Love isn't always a gentle thing. It's going to be a long road. Prescription drug addiction is no different than an illegal drug addiction, when it comes to the recovery process. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest chappy Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 I injured my shoulder a little over a year ago and have been on Vicoden every day since. I had the surgery over a month ago. The pain is gone, but I was continuing to take the pills even though I didn't need them. The addiction to these pain meds is unbelievable. I have just stopped with them this past week. The first few days were not bad, but the nights were unbearable. Legs aching, bad dreams, little to no sleep... But it has passed and now I feel 100% better. Pass this on to your brother!!!! He just has to get over the hump and then he will be fine, but he can never go back!!!! I am quiting smoking as well, so you can imagine how difficult it is to stop not only 1 habit, but2 at the same time. But thanks to God I have been without a smoke for 8 days and no pills for 10!!!!! I will pray for your brother and for you. Getting him setup is a very kind and generous thing for you to do. Keep us informed on how he is doing... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OJR Posted February 7, 2008 Report Share Posted February 7, 2008 Chappy, hang in there! Wishing you nothing but the best! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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