Can anyone help me with this. Before leaving S.A went to see local G.P for normal medication scripts and off we went ONLY to get to the N.T and go to have the script filled and told OH NO we can't fill that here you need to go to a N.T registered Dr to write out script for you, so though okay as frustrating as this was will just see the doc and all will be ok. WRONG after getting the third degree from doc and told you shouldn't be on this med for so long and being told I should try useless things like Physio, meditation,exercise, etc and made to feel like a junkie he ended up writing percription for 1 month only. How do other people get on, I have tried other ulternatives but nothing works other that said pain killers.After selling our house to buy suitable car and van we have no home to go back to. At the moment we are on the start of a 3 year lifetime trip around Australia but I just feel like going back to S.A renting a place and curling up and dying. Any help appriciated sorry for the rant just made to feel less than human today.
I think that's terrible Madcart. Sorry you have had to put up with such treatment. We have had similar experiences with Pharmacists who think they need to prove they are not just label stickers and want to sit you down and discuss your medication. After being on medication for long periods we (and our usual Doctors) know what is best for us. We will keep your story in mind when we next head to NT.
Madcart, Drug abuse is rife in NT - and Dr's loathe to prescribe to unknown patients - Suggest you contact your own GP and have him/her fax through your pertinent details in the future - NT doctor is correct in supplying on a monthly basis - medications are very saleable in NT Communities, so how do they know you are genuine? Be a little more considerate of some doctor trying to do the right thing - if you lived in the Territory and was aware of the problem being faced up there you may have a different outlook.
Next time have your local Pharmacist fill all prescriptions before leaving - That's what I do before going away for months.
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Possum3, I think your comments are unwarranted. Madcart is obviously in constant need of pain relief and has been very upset by his treatment by this NT doctor. He should not have been put through this trauma and any reasonably competent GP would have seen he was in genuine need of medication. To suggest hypnosis and meditation is ludicrous. The GP should have contacted the prescribing doctor if he needed verification.
Madcart, We had no trouble getting scripts filled in WA and other states so I suggest you get out of the NT asap and start enjoying your 3 years of travelling. It is a great place out there, enjoy!
Unfortunately Christine, you will face this issue in a number of states with respect to Schedule 8 Drugs (drugs of addiction).
I have faced the type of attitude you found in Alice Springs on 2 of 3 occasions when visiting doctors there. Last year I went to get a renewal for a Schedule 8 drug I had been prescribed in Adelaide by my GP, and also got a lecture re stopping its use, that my illness wouldn't kill me, and more modern drugs were available. In that instance I just walked out and went elsewhere. The second doctor was much more understanding, gave the required script, and a plan to come off of the tablets, which I had explained to he first doctor was my plan anyway. 6 weeks later I had achieved that plan.
The other time I had gone to get a normal monthly hormone injection I was on. It wasn't a Schedule 8 drug, but the female doctor gave me a 10 minute lecture on the fact that I would become domestically violent taking the hormone. I had been using it for 8 years at the time, and still have it 8 years later, without any incident. Personally I think the doctors have a cheek carrying on when you have medication that has been prescribed by your own GP who has a much more holistic idea of your medical needs, than some doctor who has met you 5 minutes before. I am wondering if the doctor you saw was in the Central Clinic?
I think you will find similar requirements for Schedule 8 drugs in WA and Qld, as I did contact those states last year when I was the schedule 8 drug. Unfortunately I don't know the answer apart from suggesting that you get a letter from your own GP to take with you, and use that as evidence of your legitimate need for the medication.
As for Possum3, I would just ignore his comments. I would certainly like to see a local pharmacist fill scripts for a 3 year period, especially as Schedule 8 drugs are often prescribed on a month to month basis. As far as I know, even normal drugs can only be prescribed 12 months in advance.
I would speak to your GP, and see what help he can be for you, and then get on and enjoy the trip. I am certain you will!
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Saturday 5th of August 2017 06:52:22 AM
-- Edited by TheHeaths on Saturday 5th of August 2017 06:52:59 AM
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Regards Ian
Chaos, mayhem, confusion. Good my job here is done
I can't get supscribtions filled for months with a section 8 medication and I did have a letter with all my details of my injury as well as what I had tried ,been seen by a pain clinice who were the ones who put me on these drugs. I also stated my gp was quiet happy to talk to the doctor if there were any problems.So I do understand the N.T doctors point of view and if you had been in constant severe pain for years on end it does get to you when people and gp assuming you go for the drugs as a first option instead of a last resort
Thank you for your support I Really appreciate it as you said I am in constant pain and I did try last year to reduce my medication under Dr supervision and I old but it left me bedridden for the majority of the day. My gp didn't think I would be able to do it but supported me anyway
I always carry a print out of health problems and medications from my doctor hoping it would cover me. May have to head to the territory next week so will be taking a supply with me. Normally take scripts and have had no problems in NT before but these days situations change quickly.
Take care madcart and safe travels
-- Edited by CC Bear on Sunday 6th of August 2017 06:36:40 AM
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Life Was Ment To Be Easy If You Have The Ability To Adapt
Guys, Maybe it's because I've been admitted to Winton & Townsville (Qld), Westmead (CABGX4) and Liverpool (six times) in Sydney, Royal Darwin Hospital (three times) or my links with the Communities - but I have never had difficulties in obtaining schedule 8 prescriptions filled at larger pharmacies - there has been a couple of times the store didn't stock the correct meds and it had to be ordered in. I can only suggest as CC Bear advised that you carry at all times print out od medical problems your red hospital wrist tags with all your health record numbers - any doctor can go on line and check your complete history - when they know your numbers, you only then need proof if identity (I carry mine always anyway). I suggest further that your purchase a medi-alert bracelet or dog-tag - so paramedics know your status if you are ever involved in an accident or situation where you cannot verbally communicate.
Don't blame doctors for ensuring you are in physical need for medications, or not prescribing more than 30 day supply of scheduled drugs - It is a fact that they are sold on to addicts (more so in NT Communities).
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Possum; AKA:- Ali El-Aziz Mohamed Gundawiathan
Sent from my imperial66 typewriter using carrier pigeon, message sticks and smoke signals.
Possum3, I think your comments are unwarranted. Madcart is obviously in constant need of pain relief and has been very upset by his treatment by this NT doctor.
I do not see Possum's comments as being unwarranted. He was just giving an explanation of the situation up there and was giving an explanation of a way to get around the problem. I think it was your comments that are out of order
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PeterD Nissan Navara D23 diesel auto, Spaceland pop-top Retired radio and electronics technician. NSW Central Coast.
We are planing a trip of just over 2 months,starting in October.
My wife has chronic lower back pain and was prescribed drugs that are on the schedule 8.PBS list.As we will be in areas that a chemist might not be handy.Our Doctor is in the process of getting the drugs,using Section 24 regulation.Hoping all goes well.
I take morphine etc im going to start a solo indefinate painting trip im going to have to look at this very hard. Spinal pain and failed spinal stimulator.
Be very aware of drugs when driving. !! Have found itās best to talk to your Dr before leaving . Not saying itās legal . We just aquaired a 6 month supply ..
Had a friend on the Sch.8 drugs for pain, after being run over by a car - twice - hospitalised for three months, out of action for over a year. She was reliant on these drugs, until she started travelling. It was such an effort to get the drugs, she decided to wean herself off them.
Went and camped up where she had friends living, and after a very hard three months is totally free of the Sch8 drugs. She still has pain, but manages it with a natural product, works a treat, started out with three daytime drops in the morning, and three of the nighttime drops, If she woke in pain through the night, she would have one more drop.
8 months later, she is a different person - bubbly, bright - and as she says "my old self" - only better.
What she uses is a controversial product, not readily available unfortunately, but hopefully won't be long before it is available nationwide.
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jules "Love is good for the human being!!" (Ben, aged 10)
