You are all so sweet...I originally didn't want to bother you all with this because I know you worry for me and hurt for me when I'm in pain or scared. Thank you so much...your words warm my heart and bring tears to my eyes.

First, Gini...is the mom I would have chosen (I love my own mother of course! But Gini is just an added bonus)! I called her in tears because of how the pharmacist treated me on Sunday - for the second time. I'm usually a strong person, but I'm wearing thin and tearing up a lot quicker now. Gini was right, I'm getting the feeling that because my insurance is now requiring prior-authorizations (required for long term narcotic use), my pharmacists are judging me. I wish they'd LOOK at my other drugs, my diagnoses and the TYPES of specialists I'm seeing before giving me such a hard time. I'm changing pharmacies to a now local, small pharmacy where I got my Fentanyl patches...(stronger narcotic pain patches for chronic pain) and they were as nice as could be! They even gave me a cute sunflower/sparkly pen, to welcome me back to Newbury Park!

I have been refered to a pain specialist and I truly feel validated by this doctor. I had a run-in with who I *think* is the office manager today about getting her to do a pre-authorization after my meanie pharmacy screwed up yet again - but she didn't get to it and I had only 2 pills left. While I see their side of it, I only learned of the mess up (pharmacist on Sunday REFILLED, didn't use a PRE-AUTH code when she refunded my money...so it looked like I picked up my meds on Sunday) this morning at 9:00. I called the office mngr at 10:30 (when I took my lunch) and by 3:30 she hadn't done anything. When I called after work (3:30), I was told she couldn't get to it till tomorrow. When I told the girl that if I don't have my meds, I have to go to the ER and that I respected their time, it was out of the norm for me.

It seems like everywhere I turn, people are messing things up. Ugh.

I ended up paying for my pain meds, yet again.

I have an appointment on 12/28 to see if my pain is a nerve ending issue. I'm going to have 2 seperate nerve blockers done. If they work, my doctor is going to preform a permanent nerve block to the nerves that are causing/triggering my pain. It doesn't mean my pain will be GONE, but if the first nerveblock works...it'll at least help when he does the permanent procedure. That's a good sign.

I have an appointment at 4:15 on Thursday to talk about my meds...what I have aren't working if I'm still ending up in the ER. Gini and I talked about having something on hand that is much stronger than what I have at home only for emergency use so I'm not going to the ER.

As far as a new GI...that'll be interesting. Dr. Daneshgar (my local GI for the past 3-4 years) is basically the BEST in this area. I'm going to look into some more, ask around. I may just stick with my Cedars doc. He thinks my pain is a nerve ending issue as well, so if I end up in the ER again (will go to Cedars), he'll be on the same page. I don't envision any poor treatment there...they are wonderful.

About complaining. I sent Los Robles a 4 page letter, to the head of nursing over a month ago...still no reply! Now, I'm going to send a letter to the hospital director...with a copy of the letter I sent with these new "adventures". I'll never set foot in that hospital again...ever!! I'm appauled at the attitude...you all know me...I'm sweet, nice and annoyingly positive...even when sick!! I talk to my nurses and doctors...I'm smart (I use medical terms, I get to the point - don't waste their time with unneccesary details, etc.), I'm totally patient, I'm usually a happy patient, etc. Regardless if I was mean or nice, there's NO excuse for that treatment. I'm appauled!!!

Thank you all again for your kind words, concern and love.

I wanted to add that while some people don't agree with AMA, with the things I've seen, sometimes its the best and smartest thing to do. These doctors/nurses are idiots...as you can see from my experiences. I've been lucky that usually my GI respects my wishes and will discharge me when I want to go home.

I hope I answered all your questions. If not, let me know.

(((((PT))))))

Love, Kelly