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I'm Taking A Desperate Shot In The Dark Here But

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Posted on Sat, 31 Oct 2020
Question: I'm taking a desperate shot in the dark here but I'm getting old and can't wait for attitudes to change but I also can't risk what I have. I'll keep it short as I can and if you want me to flesh it out I will. When I was an 8 year old child, in 1964, I had a tumor removed from the base of my spine. My dad was air force, it was done in Japan and the navy surgeon who had operated on president XXXXXXX back was flow in. Much later we found out that several parts of my spine were removed to get at it. I was flown stateside for cobalt radiation and when I was 17 two fusions posterior and anterior were done along with rods placed. Anyway everything went bad with time, long struggle to stay off disability, I lost.
My question is when CDC put forth guidelines for opiods to treat pain I was placed on dose that only allows me to sit up in bed mostly. I follow whats going on and they backed off saying its been overreaction. I'm afraid to try for a second opinion for fear of appearance of doctor shopping. I've stuck for years because of that. I'm not looking for anything but ability to participate in life. I have access to my SOAP and COMM scores and I'm low risk. Never asked for anything early. Would it be worth a try to find better relief or would I be risking what I have. When I finally gave in and went for disability it took Senator Nelson's medical team to get it thru. I'm no thrill seeker
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (3 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Take a second opinion by a neurologist

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.

I understand your concern.
Opioids are medications that are used to treat pain.
If the case of a chronic pain, the doctor should be very careful with the dosage. This is mainly because opioids can cause addiction.
So it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions related to the dosage of the opioid.
Said that, I recommend you to take a second opinion by a neurologist.
The neurologist can do a neurological examination and review the actual dose of opioids that you are taking.
The painkillers are used to improve the quality of the life of the patients.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Kind regards!

Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
General &Family Physician
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (21 hours later)
I understand opiods very well. Ive been on them for almost a decade. When all my surgeries and my condition went bad I was trying to stay off disability. I tried every other option, procedures, I sent my records to specialists all across the country before it was obvious I had no choice. I know how touchy this is and I'm afraid to pursue more relief in fear of losing what I have.What I'm asking is how hard and fast do doctors in Florida hold to the CDC guidelines. Guidelines that the CDC themselves said have been over used. I have been on a higher dose before this crackdown, which I understand what brought it about, but would I be looking in vain if I seek a doctor willing to carefully bring my medications up? Is the 90 mg a day held hard and fast or are there compassionate doctors willing to help me out of this hell. I'm running out of hope, Not asking for a recommendation to a specific doctor just some educated advice if there is any legitimate above board help out there?>
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Follow up: Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (11 minutes later)
My apologies. I replied to your reply before fully reading it. A lot happening at once here.
Thank you for your help, I'll try to see a neurologist soon. XXXXXXX
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You are welcome dear.

Detailed Answer:
Hi again dear,

You are welcome for any other queries that you may have in the future.

Take care,
Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 13592 Questions

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I'm Taking A Desperate Shot In The Dark Here But

Brief Answer: Take a second opinion by a neurologist Detailed Answer: Hello dear and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. I understand your concern. Opioids are medications that are used to treat pain. If the case of a chronic pain, the doctor should be very careful with the dosage. This is mainly because opioids can cause addiction. So it is very important to follow the doctor's instructions related to the dosage of the opioid. Said that, I recommend you to take a second opinion by a neurologist. The neurologist can do a neurological examination and review the actual dose of opioids that you are taking. The painkillers are used to improve the quality of the life of the patients. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Kind regards! Dr.Dorina Gurabardhi General &Family Physician