Questions on Dear Abby Letter
Janice Reynolds
This is a little different, but it has me concerned for several reasons; more negative information on “how easy it is to get opioids prescribed”; implications that a provider would hand out like candy and has no responsibilities; false image of opioids being overprescribed; (and we won’t even go into the comments, scary). My first thought this was a hoax (see if you agree with me) but then I realized the letter was from someone in England, “Abby”s” response was inadequate as well.
http://www.uexpress.com/dearabby/2015/9/7/1/doctors-visit-reveals-sisters-subterfuge
DEAR ABBY: My 35-year-old sister accompanied me to see the doctor because I told her I have been having thoughts of harming myself. While we were there, the doctor expressed concern about the amount of strong prescription painkillers I have been taking. He brought up my record, and it showed I have picked up this medication four times in the last month.
Abby, my sister has been getting these pills, not me! In the past, she ordered them and picked them up for me when I was unable to do it myself, but I had no idea she has been collecting more in my name until today. I didn't want to get her in trouble, so I didn't admit the truth to the doctor, but then he started to insist that my sister keep any medications I have under lock and key "in case I decide to harm myself."
I don't know what to do. She made me promise not to tell anyone, and I don't want to get her into trouble. (She's training to be a nurse and this could get her kicked out of the course.) Please help. -- ANXIOUS IN ENGLAND
DEAR ANXIOUS: Straighten this out with your doctor immediately! Do not try to "protect" your sister. There are programs for health care workers who become addicted to drugs, and she needs to get into one right now. If you need medications, you will have to arrange for someone other than your sister to dole them out -- another relative, a friend, pharmacist, whomever. Your doctor may be able to suggest someone.
What do you thick, hoax?
If real wouldn’t the provider questioned the need for the second prescription and required her to come in?
Does she even have a pain plan and it should have been obvious it wasn’t working with several requests for opioids in a month?
Where was the pharmacist, he should have alerted about multiple prescription (at least in the USA they would have)?
If real then sis has an ethical, moral, and legal obligation to tell the truth plus if she is someone with pain, this may affect her ability to get appropriate treatment, correct?
Any misinformation given in newspapers and internet affect all people with pain and providers.
Janice
Janice Reynolds RN, BC, CHPN
Retired
Brunswick, ME