Advice please, re Narcotic Diversion/Rx Forgery

LSRN · Jan 30, 2006

Why is it obvious you will not be able to go to rehab/treatment? Maybe I'm missing something, but I would be more worried about going to jail if I were you. Good luck to you. I hope you get the help you need.

Lady InPain · Jan 30, 2006

Hi, thanks for the reply. I am currently under the care of a pain management dr and take multiple medications for pain. The thought of jail does concern me, I do know that my employer is not pressing charges. I would love to keep my nursing license, but at this point in my life, I can barely take care of my own ADL's

Thank you

soliant12 · Jan 30, 2006

I sincerely doubt you will be keeping your nursing license without entering some form of treatment. You would have to show a lot of interest in getting help before they are willing to budge. I understand you are in a lot of pain but that will not be an excuse for Rx fraud. I wish you the best.

VeryPlainJane · Jan 30, 2006

You will need to get a lawyer if they turn it over to the Dist. Attorney. Which they prob. will.

jerseyboy · Jan 31, 2006

The fact that people in pain have to resort to illegal activities to have their pain properly treated, is the real crime here. Did anyone see 60 Minutes last night? Richard Paey was on. He is in prison for 25-Life for having to obtain his own pain medication. I don't know about you all, but I'll sure sleep better at night knowing that this "crimina" in a wheelchair is locked up.

www.painreliefnetwork.org to read about Richards' suffering.

QuigRN · Jan 31, 2006

Chronic conditions have led many nurses like you down the same path. The BON will not probably let you keep your license unless you seriously consider rehab. I'm not understanding why this isn't an option for you. If it is because you are under the care of a pain management clinic/doctor, then your pain is not being adequately treated if you felt the need to further self medicate. You are lucky that your former employer isn't filing charges, too. BTW, did you self report or did your former employer report to the BON?

Lady InPain · Jan 31, 2006

HI Quiq,

Yes, my supervisor said that she had to report it. This was about 3 months ago. Since then, I have started seeing the Pain Dr and am doing better (all though I only leave the house to go to Dr appts and dont drive right now) No, I did not self relf report. I have a very hard time expressing my feelings and felt I guess, that I could not get my MD who even diagnosed my fibro several years ago the extent of my pain. I have since been started on Kadian, Actiq, Lyrica and effexor. I couldn't imagine going off of my meds to go through rehab. I have never felt so hopeless in my life.

Thank you

P_RN, ADN, RN · Jan 31, 2006

You do need an attorney. If possible a Nurse/Attorney. You not only have the problem of surrendering your license, but also there are possible criminal or civil charges that may happen. Meeting with the board alone is NOT a good idea.

Lady InPain · Jan 31, 2006

Yes, On my first upcoming visit, I will just be speaking with one lady that I intend to only find out what my options are. Then after I find out what they are, I will see / decide what to do from there.

QuigRN · Jan 31, 2006

HI Quiq,
Yes, my supervisor said that she had to report it. This was about 3 months ago. Since then, I have started seeing the Pain Dr and am doing better (all though I only leave the house to go to Dr appts and dont drive right now) No, I did not self relf report. I have a very hard time expressing my feelings and felt I guess, that I could not get my MD who even diagnosed my fibro several years ago the extent of my pain. I have since been started on Kadian, Actiq, Lyrica and effexor. I couldn't imagine going off of my meds to go through rehab. I have never felt so hopeless in my life.
Thank you

I feel for you!! (((hugs))) I have never heard of Kadian, Actiq or Lyrica. What are they? You might not have to go off them to go to rehab. Hang in there. If you really want to keep your license, there will be a way.

Lady InPain · Jan 31, 2006

Ahh, Thank you Quig those are the first positive words I have heard from anyone! Kadian is a long acting morphine, Actiq is a quick acting fentanyl for breakthru pain, Lyrica is a new drug similar to cymbalta, it is supposed to work on peripheral neuropathy pain. I really loved my job and would like to keep my license. I honestly believe that my former employer would take me back. We will see, any other advice?