So I’ve yacked about my back issues enough that if you visit here often you know. My most recent visit to OrthIndy was different than it was some 14 years ago and I’m not a huge fan. Don’t get me wrong… I still think OrthoIndy is the place to go with issues like I have, but that doesn’t mean the changes made have improved the care received.
Just like at home, now there’s a gatekeeper. To get to me, you go through these two…
Physician’s Assistants are the gatekeepers of doctors/surgeons.
I love Dr. Jackson’s PA, Meghan, but at the end of the day, she’s the bandaid when you sometimes need more. I’m not a big baby when it comes to pain, you guys, but without something stronger than Tylenol I couldn’t have made it this far.
Because so many abuse pain meds, my old, senior-woman self wasn’t prescribed any. I’m an existing patient, (back surgery there previously) and still had a big bottle of 14 year-old pills left. I showed Meghan, asking if they would hurt me if I took them, so she was acutely aware that I’m not just trying to get drugs.
She said she’s only authorized to write a script for stronger pain meds if there’s a fresh break. I have had 3 broken arms and this pain outranks that shit times 25.
Controlling addictive substances isn’t some new thing.
When I worked for a dentist in the 80’s, we had people that would come in and request a perfectly good tooth be pulled just to get a script for pain medication. Yes, seriously. Being a professional, it’s not like you can’t recognize the signs — and if you get tricked once, it doesn’t happen a second time. Rather than a case-by-case basis, now the rules apply across the board and people like me pay for the addictions and abuse by others.
Once I escape my gatekeeper…
Of course, I plan to voice my opinions at my next appointment. I doubt it will even get 5 seconds of brain time, but someone needs to hear it anyway. 🙂
Now you know: Ferrari has a set of rules that its cars’ owners must follow, for example, criticism of the brand is discouraged, Modifications are not allowed through unofficial channels, and you’re not allowed to sell or trade your vehicle during the first year of ownership. Those that fail to follow faced lawsuits and bans.