[TazziRN]

Originally Posted by southern_rn_brat

How have you been clean for 2 years if you relapse in the winter of 2005?

Good question.......unless she meant last January 2005?

[francescafree]

I meant 2004...frannie

[Lady InPain]

Hello Everyone,
I have been wondering around this board for a few weeks and finally have the guts to ask a few questions. I am currently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Anxiety, & Depression. I am currently under the care of a Pain Management Dr. My problem is the following, I was an office nurse for 5 years. During this time I underwent several surgeries. The strongest pain med I had ever had that worked for me was Lortab. Well the Dr who had originally dx'd me with Fibromyalgia basically wasn't interested in treating my pain. He tried every med in existance, and nothing helped. (I had Gastric Bypass in 2001) So "I" referred myself to one of the Rheumy's in our area, She was not liked by many of the md's in our large practice. She was very supportive and also tried various medications, tests, etc. Over a period of months I kept going to see her. She told me to hang in there, and if she couldn't help me, that she would refer me to a Pain Clinic. Well, during this time, I had been getting my Lortab in a not so legal fashion, by calling in RX's and writing them out on a script pad that was already signed. (This was given to me because one of the MD's that I worked with was in and out of rehab twice in 1 year) I knew that eventually I would get caught, but I had no other choice. If I did not have pain meds, I could not even get out of bed to go to work and missed many days if I was out of them. When the day came that my supervisor called me into her office, Our office manager was in there too, so I knew my butt was busted. After I signed the papers that I understood what I was being fired for, she told me that the Dr I worked for wanted to talk to me also. It was very emotional and all three of us were crying. I had never gotten into any trouble and was praised daily for the work I was doing. So about 10 days later, I was notified by an investigator for the Alabama bon. He asked if I was using the meds for myself and I told him yes. I guess that he didn't need much more than that, since they already had all the proof that they needed. I missed my first meeting with the BON (too scared to go), and am now scheduled to go at the end of this month.
I really need some advice here as I don't know of anyone else who is in my position to talk to. I will not be able to go to a rehab, because of my pain medications. Any idea what my alternatives may be? I doubt very seriously that my office is going to press any charges on me, can the BON press charges? How does that work? Do I need a lawyer? I saw on the BON website where a girl that I used to work with voluntarily surrendered her license, how do you go about that?. I have been a nurse for almost 12 years and don't think that right now or in the very near future will be able to hold any type of job, due to my physical condition (I am only 34). Any advice, help, or support will be greatly appreciated.
Lady InPain

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by Lady InPain

Hello Everyone,
I have been wondering around this board for a few weeks and finally have the guts to ask a few questions. I am currently diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Migraines, Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, Anxiety, & Depression. I am currently under the care of a Pain Management Dr. My problem is the following, I was an office nurse for 5 years. During this time I underwent several surgeries. The strongest pain med I had ever had that worked for me was Lortab. Well the Dr who had originally dx'd me with Fibromyalgia basically wasn't interested in treating my pain. He tried every med in existance, and nothing helped. (I had Gastric Bypass in 2001) So "I" referred myself to one of the Rheumy's in our area, She was not liked by many of the md's in our large practice. She was very supportive and also tried various medications, tests, etc. Over a period of months I kept going to see her. She told me to hang in there, and if she couldn't help me, that she would refer me to a Pain Clinic. Well, during this time, I had been getting my Lortab in a not so legal fashion, by calling in RX's and writing them out on a script pad that was already signed. (This was given to me because one of the MD's that I worked with was in and out of rehab twice in 1 year) I knew that eventually I would get caught, but I had no other choice. If I did not have pain meds, I could not even get out of bed to go to work and missed many days if I was out of them. When the day came that my supervisor called me into her office, Our office manager was in there too, so I knew my butt was busted. After I signed the papers that I understood what I was being fired for, she told me that the Dr I worked for wanted to talk to me also. It was very emotional and all three of us were crying. I had never gotten into any trouble and was praised daily for the work I was doing. So about 10 days later, I was notified by an investigator for the Alabama bon. He asked if I was using the meds for myself and I told him yes. I guess that he didn't need much more than that, since they already had all the proof that they needed. I missed my first meeting with the BON (too scared to go), and am now scheduled to go at the end of this month.
I really need some advice here as I don't know of anyone else who is in my position to talk to. I will not be able to go to a rehab, because of my pain medications. Any idea what my alternatives may be? I doubt very seriously that my office is going to press any charges on me, can the BON press charges? How does that work? Do I need a lawyer? I saw on the BON website where a girl that I used to work with voluntarily surrendered her license, how do you go about that?. I have been a nurse for almost 12 years and don't think that right now or in the very near future will be able to hold any type of job, due to my physical condition (I am only 34). Any advice, help, or support will be greatly appreciated.
Lady InPain

I strongly advise you see an attorney. Call your state bar association and ask for the names of two or three who specialize in labor law. He/she will see you for a set fee, for one hour. He/she can advise you as to your rights and responsibilities.

Grannynurse

[southern_rn_brat]

I agree, dont go without an attorney. The BON's focus is on providing SAFE patient care and you were not providing that. Unfortunately, they will more than likely suspend your license for some time. You will have to go to rehab and sign a contract with PAP. I was in rehab with a nurse with almost your exact story. Good luck to you.

[Lady InPain]

Thanks you two,
However, Like I said, What if I just surrender my license?

Thanks,
Lady InPain

[krisssy]

Thank you for your post Tuli. I agree. What makes me the saddest is when an addict is in recovery, and he or she decides she wants nothing to do with a suffering addict. Like maybe it will hurt her sobriety or something. I always thought that sober addicts needed to help suffering sick addicts in order to stay sober themselves. At least that is what they say in AA. I have been told by addicts and alcoholics that by helping the less fortunate, they stay sober themselves. For all the recovering people out there, I am so happy for you, and I wish you well. But you have so much to give the still suffering. I wish everyone in recovery would find it in their hearts to give what they have found away. It is bad enough to see people, including nurses, judge. But to see people in recoivery judge is so sad. Krisssy

[grannynurse FNP student]

Originally Posted by Lady InPain

Thanks you two,
However, Like I said, What if I just surrender my license?

Thanks,
Lady InPain

In most cases you lose it for life. And it is a black mark that will follow you. Talk to an attorney first.

Grannynurse

[LoriAlabamaRN]

Originally Posted by Lady InPain

Thanks you two,
However, Like I said, What if I just surrender my license?

Thanks,
Lady InPain

Definately get an attorney. I would also look into non-narcotic pain management, such as Toradol or Ultram. Obviously you do have a problem if you are forging prescriptions to get narcotics. I think that rehab would be a good idea, especially when it could save your life (as well as your nursing career!)

How are you managing to live without the lortab now?

[CrunchRN]

I kind of think a time can come when surrendering your license might be the best idea. That way you wont be in difficult situations (meds/Rx pads around). Their are other careers and jobs out there in the big old world. I would think the BON will probably require treatment and how can you do that if you must take the meds? Unless you are so passionate about nursing that it would absolutely ruin your life then I would think about giving up the license. It is a big world and you can do many other things. Best of luck to you with everything. You can always tell future employers nursing just wasn't for you.