Why Do You Use Prescription-Free Online Pharmacies, Rather Than Getting A Prescription From Your Doctor?

[jaders]

Glad to read other's stories, which are variations of my own. I have a neck issue, which would require surgery to possibly resolve ("possibly" - which is why no surgery, and potentially risky as well). The neck issue causes me terrible headaches. There is always a baseline level of discomfort, but one wrong move - or, one awkward night tossing or turning the wrong way on the pillow - and I could end up with a debilitating, level 10 migraine-like headache... (migraine-like: nausea, but bilateral and no aura. Other symptoms similar to a migraine, and sometimes relieved by throwing up). Because its migraine-like, I've taken every known migraine headache known to man... none work, however, because its not a true migraine. Well, scratch that: one class of meds does work, and does so incredibly well. But, well, those are simply not easily obtainable under almost any circumstance. If I survived getting hit by a train, with every bone broken, I'd be lucky to get three 50mg diclofenacs, an icy-hot patch, and a lollipop... the last with a long lecture about candy and the dangers of sugar. Frustrated? YES I am, so here I am toughing it out on my own because of absolutely ridiculous nanny-government. I've managed to live a decent and honorable life, but having to take care of myself and my health clandestinely gets VERY tiring.

Very sad. I would say almost everyone here is probably a very productive and tax paying member of our societies, with our only crime - the need to self medicate. It's so pathetic that this is the case. 10 years ago you probably wouldn't have had ANY issue obtaining those needed meds for quality of life.

I do know some folks in pain management who do get opioids prescribed at somewhat ok levels. Have you looked into any of this route? I know I could never stand the hoops they are put thru tho - UA's and counts, etc. But if someone did get adequate meds it might be worth it?

When you're self medicating the fear of not obtaining is always there, altho considering I've been doing this for a very long time - it does seem like there's always a way, if there's the will. Getting 2 reliable vendors and then splurging on getting as good of a stockpile to have as backup - those are my necessities that make the rest of it pretty tolerable.

I hope you find some stress relief here... No one should have to live in pain - especially when meds are available that work!

 

[Charlie E.]

@jaders. Ten years ago was just about when this all came to be. It started with a low-level, daily, chronic headache (with slight nausea). Then I started getting bad migraine-like headaches about a year or so in. That brought me to the doctor. And, of course, because of the symptoms, an immediate diagnosis on migraine (which was logical). I was given the usual first-line migraine treatment that didn't work (sumatripan I believe). Then something else - and then something else ineffective, until - at long last - a small quantity of a more, well, "effective" drug for breakthrough pain. That little extra worked wonders - almost no pain, and no nausea (from the med, or from condition). When I eventually asked for more, I was given the NO - and the "lets try other migraine" meds. These, of course, didn't work (wasn't the issue, so how could they?). Asking for more of the other became "drug-seeking" behavior. A few years in, as the headaches got worse, I found out about the neck involvement quite randomly (for another time). I have followed up with that, but the suggested interventions are not guaranteed and not a route I'm ready to go down). I was, however, given by that specialist a steady scrip of a med that does help, so the overall situation is better; many more better days, and less spikes of excruciating headaches. But, well, that med doesn't manage (what I'll call) the "breakthrough" pain. For that, I'm on my own, or I just have to destroy my stomach with NSAIDs and tax my liver on acetaminophen to get like 5% relief... the whole thing is maddening. I basically have to engage this whole other secret life to just take care of myself. I have had ZERO success in getting any doctor to provide me any real help. I don;t even ask anymore, because my motivation forces me to behave like an addict regardless: I'm there, with a hint of desperation, trying to get something specific. Some of you know the drill.

I watched a family member die a few years ago, and it was a struggle to get them any pain relief in hospice. On the day she passed, she was finally given something. It was disgraceful. The last month of her life could have been made vastly more comfortable.

 

[jaders]

@jaders. Ten years ago was just about when this all came to be. It started with a low-level, daily, chronic headache (with slight nausea). Then I started getting bad migraine-like headaches about a year or so in. That brought me to the doctor. And, of course, because of the symptoms, an immediate diagnosis on migraine (which was logical). I was given the usual first-line migraine treatment that didn't work (sumatripan I believe). Then something else - and then something else ineffective, until - at long last - a small quantity of a more, well, "effective" drug for breakthrough pain. That little extra worked wonders - almost no pain, and no nausea (from the med, or from condition). When I eventually asked for more, I was given the NO - and the "lets try other migraine" meds. These, of course, didn't work (wasn't the issue, so how could they?). Asking for more of the other became "drug-seeking" behavior. A few years in, as the headaches got worse, I found out about the neck involvement quite randomly (for another time). I have followed up with that, but the suggested interventions are not guaranteed and not a route I'm ready to go down). I was, however, given by that specialist a steady scrip of a med that does help, so the overall situation is better; many more better days, and less spikes of excruciating headaches. But, well, that med doesn't manage (what I'll call) the "breakthrough" pain. For that, I'm on my own, or I just have to destroy my stomach with NSAIDs and tax my liver on acetaminophen to get like 5% relief... the whole thing is maddening. I basically have to engage this whole other secret life to just take care of myself. I have had ZERO success in getting any doctor to provide me any real help. I don;t even ask anymore, because my motivation forces me to behave like an addict regardless: I'm there, with a hint of desperation, trying to get something specific. Some of you know the drill.

I watched a family member die a few years ago, and it was a struggle to get them any pain relief in hospice. On the day she passed, she was finally given something. It was disgraceful. The last month of her life could have been made vastly more comfortable.

Damn. I read these stories and know they’re true but I have to admit, I haven’t seen things this bad in my own state. Like I said - I know a couple of folks in pain management who do get scripted opiates in somewhat adequate amounts.

You can still self medicate - which sounds like your only choice now. Stick around and explore some options?

 

[Jam62]

@jaders. Ten years ago was just about when this all came to be. It started with a low-level, daily, chronic headache (with slight nausea). Then I started getting bad migraine-like headaches about a year or so in. That brought me to the doctor. And, of course, because of the symptoms, an immediate diagnosis on migraine (which was logical). I was given the usual first-line migraine treatment that didn't work (sumatripan I believe). Then something else - and then something else ineffective, until - at long last - a small quantity of a more, well, "effective" drug for breakthrough pain. That little extra worked wonders - almost no pain, and no nausea (from the med, or from condition). When I eventually asked for more, I was given the NO - and the "lets try other migraine" meds. These, of course, didn't work (wasn't the issue, so how could they?). Asking for more of the other became "drug-seeking" behavior. A few years in, as the headaches got worse, I found out about the neck involvement quite randomly (for another time). I have followed up with that, but the suggested interventions are not guaranteed and not a route I'm ready to go down). I was, however, given by that specialist a steady scrip of a med that does help, so the overall situation is better; many more better days, and less spikes of excruciating headaches. But, well, that med doesn't manage (what I'll call) the "breakthrough" pain. For that, I'm on my own, or I just have to destroy my stomach with NSAIDs and tax my liver on acetaminophen to get like 5% relief... the whole thing is maddening. I basically have to engage this whole other secret life to just take care of myself. I have had ZERO success in getting any doctor to provide me any real help. I don;t even ask anymore, because my motivation forces me to behave like an addict regardless: I'm there, with a hint of desperation, trying to get something specific. Some of you know the drill.

I watched a family member die a few years ago, and it was a struggle to get them any pain relief in hospice. On the day she passed, she was finally given something. It was disgraceful. The last month of her life could have been made vastly more comfortable.

Damn. I read these stories and know they’re true but I have to admit, I haven’t seen things this bad in my own state. Like I said - I know a couple of folks in pain management who do get scripted opiates in somewhat adequate amounts.

You can still self medicate - which sounds like your only choice now. Stick around and explore some options?

I had to self medicate for a broken clavicle that didn’t show up on ER imaging. They discharged me with ibuprofen 600mg, which obviously did nothing to relieve the burning and shooting pains. The point was to force the healing through the pain. Every Dr I’ve talked to says this is a silly way to heal a clavicle. Enter self-medication

 

[jaders]

@jaders. Ten years ago was just about when this all came to be. It started with a low-level, daily, chronic headache (with slight nausea). Then I started getting bad migraine-like headaches about a year or so in. That brought me to the doctor. And, of course, because of the symptoms, an immediate diagnosis on migraine (which was logical). I was given the usual first-line migraine treatment that didn't work (sumatripan I believe). Then something else - and then something else ineffective, until - at long last - a small quantity of a more, well, "effective" drug for breakthrough pain. That little extra worked wonders - almost no pain, and no nausea (from the med, or from condition). When I eventually asked for more, I was given the NO - and the "lets try other migraine" meds. These, of course, didn't work (wasn't the issue, so how could they?). Asking for more of the other became "drug-seeking" behavior. A few years in, as the headaches got worse, I found out about the neck involvement quite randomly (for another time). I have followed up with that, but the suggested interventions are not guaranteed and not a route I'm ready to go down). I was, however, given by that specialist a steady scrip of a med that does help, so the overall situation is better; many more better days, and less spikes of excruciating headaches. But, well, that med doesn't manage (what I'll call) the "breakthrough" pain. For that, I'm on my own, or I just have to destroy my stomach with NSAIDs and tax my liver on acetaminophen to get like 5% relief... the whole thing is maddening. I basically have to engage this whole other secret life to just take care of myself. I have had ZERO success in getting any doctor to provide me any real help. I don;t even ask anymore, because my motivation forces me to behave like an addict regardless: I'm there, with a hint of desperation, trying to get something specific. Some of you know the drill.

I watched a family member die a few years ago, and it was a struggle to get them any pain relief in hospice. On the day she passed, she was finally given something. It was disgraceful. The last month of her life could have been made vastly more comfortable.

Damn. I read these stories and know they’re true but I have to admit, I haven’t seen things this bad in my own state. Like I said - I know a couple of folks in pain management who do get scripted opiates in somewhat adequate amounts.

You can still self medicate - which sounds like your only choice now. Stick around and explore some options?

I had to self medicate for a broken clavicle that didn’t show up on ER imaging. They discharged me with ibuprofen 600mg, which obviously did nothing to relieve the burning and shooting pains. The point was to force the healing through the pain. Every Dr I’ve talked to says this is a silly way to heal a clavicle. Enter self-medication

It is SO comical and SO hypocritical because the standard meme 10 years ago is that you will stay more active and heal MUCH better if you control and even eliminate pain. Gawd it's maddening. We all know it's much better for a million reasons to control pain. Otherwise, depression, lack of movement and activity, and just a totally rotten quality of life in general - that's what they now claim is "healthy?"

Yeah it's pathetic that they think anyone believes these lies...

 

[Charlie E.]

@jaders. Ten years ago was just about when this all came to be. It started with a low-level, daily, chronic headache (with slight nausea). Then I started getting bad migraine-like headaches about a year or so in. That brought me to the doctor. And, of course, because of the symptoms, an immediate diagnosis on migraine (which was logical). I was given the usual first-line migraine treatment that didn't work (sumatripan I believe). Then something else - and then something else ineffective, until - at long last - a small quantity of a more, well, "effective" drug for breakthrough pain. That little extra worked wonders - almost no pain, and no nausea (from the med, or from condition). When I eventually asked for more, I was given the NO - and the "lets try other migraine" meds. These, of course, didn't work (wasn't the issue, so how could they?). Asking for more of the other became "drug-seeking" behavior. A few years in, as the headaches got worse, I found out about the neck involvement quite randomly (for another time). I have followed up with that, but the suggested interventions are not guaranteed and not a route I'm ready to go down). I was, however, given by that specialist a steady scrip of a med that does help, so the overall situation is better; many more better days, and less spikes of excruciating headaches. But, well, that med doesn't manage (what I'll call) the "breakthrough" pain. For that, I'm on my own, or I just have to destroy my stomach with NSAIDs and tax my liver on acetaminophen to get like 5% relief... the whole thing is maddening. I basically have to engage this whole other secret life to just take care of myself. I have had ZERO success in getting any doctor to provide me any real help. I don;t even ask anymore, because my motivation forces me to behave like an addict regardless: I'm there, with a hint of desperation, trying to get something specific. Some of you know the drill.

I watched a family member die a few years ago, and it was a struggle to get them any pain relief in hospice. On the day she passed, she was finally given something. It was disgraceful. The last month of her life could have been made vastly more comfortable.

Damn. I read these stories and know they’re true but I have to admit, I haven’t seen things this bad in my own state. Like I said - I know a couple of folks in pain management who do get scripted opiates in somewhat adequate amounts.

You can still self medicate - which sounds like your only choice now. Stick around and explore some options?

At some point, I will just have to go under the knife I think for a more permanent solution but I am desperate to avoid that for as long as possible. I actually haven't gone to a pain management specialist. In part, because I'm both a little jaded, but also because there is a potential "surgical" solution to this, which would obviate any rationale for long-term maintenance on suitable meds. I might be completely wrong here, so I'm just speculating (and that's the jaded part of me in all of this). Pain specialists are under a lot of scrutiny as you (we) all know, with a lot of pressure for non-pharmacological interventions, etc. I present with an non-pharmacological option that I'm just not, at the moment, willing to take. BTW - I do exercises, etc. and try to stay fit but the issue isn't really addressable through those PT-type interventions. Oh well.

 

[jaders]

@jaders. Ten years ago was just about when this all came to be. It started with a low-level, daily, chronic headache (with slight nausea). Then I started getting bad migraine-like headaches about a year or so in. That brought me to the doctor. And, of course, because of the symptoms, an immediate diagnosis on migraine (which was logical). I was given the usual first-line migraine treatment that didn't work (sumatripan I believe). Then something else - and then something else ineffective, until - at long last - a small quantity of a more, well, "effective" drug for breakthrough pain. That little extra worked wonders - almost no pain, and no nausea (from the med, or from condition). When I eventually asked for more, I was given the NO - and the "lets try other migraine" meds. These, of course, didn't work (wasn't the issue, so how could they?). Asking for more of the other became "drug-seeking" behavior. A few years in, as the headaches got worse, I found out about the neck involvement quite randomly (for another time). I have followed up with that, but the suggested interventions are not guaranteed and not a route I'm ready to go down). I was, however, given by that specialist a steady scrip of a med that does help, so the overall situation is better; many more better days, and less spikes of excruciating headaches. But, well, that med doesn't manage (what I'll call) the "breakthrough" pain. For that, I'm on my own, or I just have to destroy my stomach with NSAIDs and tax my liver on acetaminophen to get like 5% relief... the whole thing is maddening. I basically have to engage this whole other secret life to just take care of myself. I have had ZERO success in getting any doctor to provide me any real help. I don;t even ask anymore, because my motivation forces me to behave like an addict regardless: I'm there, with a hint of desperation, trying to get something specific. Some of you know the drill.

I watched a family member die a few years ago, and it was a struggle to get them any pain relief in hospice. On the day she passed, she was finally given something. It was disgraceful. The last month of her life could have been made vastly more comfortable.

Damn. I read these stories and know they’re true but I have to admit, I haven’t seen things this bad in my own state. Like I said - I know a couple of folks in pain management who do get scripted opiates in somewhat adequate amounts.

You can still self medicate - which sounds like your only choice now. Stick around and explore some options?

At some point, I will just have to go under the knife I think for a more permanent solution but I am desperate to avoid that for as long as possible. I actually haven't gone to a pain management specialist. In part, because I'm both a little jaded, but also because there is a potential "surgical" solution to this, which would obviate any rationale for long-term maintenance on suitable meds. I might be completely wrong here, so I'm just speculating (and that's the jaded part of me in all of this). Pain specialists are under a lot of scrutiny as you (we) all know, with a lot of pressure for non-pharmacological interventions, etc. I present with an non-pharmacological option that I'm just not, at the moment, willing to take. BTW - I do exercises, etc. and try to stay fit but the issue isn't really addressable through those PT-type interventions. Oh well.

Understandable, but actually I'm a big believer in at least "gathering information," to see if things might be different (better) than you'd expect? I think it's certainly reasonable to avoid surgery for as long as possible, and I would also expect a reasonable MD to understand that. Anyway, it still might be worth one visit to one place that is known to prescribe pain meds? I guess some don't do it no matter what. But like I said - I know of a few folks who are getting pain meds and have been for quite a while for chronic issues.

Anyway - I understand your reluctance. Personally I detest having anyone have that much "control" over me and my life. Yeah, it's stressful to self medicate, but the relief of not having to feel like a child in a situation that should just be two adults working together towards the same goal - I sure love avoiding that...

 

[cajunbulldog]

Still not getting any pain relief despite having injuries so guess I will join the seeking crowd but it will be domestic only for me.

 

[cajunbulldog]

@jaders yea I am watching his topic just gotta get funds together.

 

[Charlie E.]

@jaders I appreciate the suggestion and the advice and glad to hear that others have had success with this route. Maybe I'm being overly stubborn, and/or managing this on my own plays into some fantasy of "stickin' it to the man." I just envision having to "play" the game - a game I've played many times, with many doctors, in many different clinical settings all offering up the same algorithm: a clutch of worthless meds, another referral for PT (great for overall fitness, just not what ails me), and a resignation that I should just have my cervical spine toyed with... Maybe I'll do when I'm at that very last step, and I have the confidence (as in, nothing to lose) to say that "the following this have worked. Can you help? No? Okay - so long. Yes? Wow! I should have listened to jaders and come here earlier!"

 

[jaders]

@jaders I appreciate the suggestion and the advice and glad to hear that others have had success with this route. Maybe I'm being overly stubborn, and/or managing this on my own plays into some fantasy of "stickin' it to the man." I just envision having to "play" the game - a game I've played many times, with many doctors, in many different clinical settings all offering up the same algorithm: a clutch of worthless meds, another referral for PT (great for overall fitness, just not what ails me), and a resignation that I should just have my cervical spine toyed with... Maybe I'll do when I'm at that very last step, and I have the confidence (as in, nothing to lose) to say that "the following this have worked. Can you help? No? Okay - so long. Yes? Wow! I should have listened to jaders and come here earlier!"

I totally get it. LIke I said - the way they come across as a "concerned" parent instead of an equal co-collaborator with you about your health, and actually trusting you instead of looking for ANY sign that someone is playing them because you're actually just a junkie lowlife - believe me - I get it. Even if you do find a good situation, it can change at any time.

I have a very good friend who's taken pretty large amounts of opiates her entire adult life for a condition called Ehlers-Danlo and is really in constant pain. She was getting pretty much everything she needed for years and never not once showed them a reason to distrust her - now even she is getting forcibly tapered by a new pain management situation that she had no choice but to join when her previous doc retired. And because she has an implanted pain medicine pump that delivers a strong opiate to her lower extremities, he wanted to stop ALL oral meds even tho her pain is certainly not confined to her lower extremities alone. It really threw her into a highly stressful situation altho at least he so far has relented somewhat.

It's unconscionable that they have that much power over another person's quality of life. It really enrages me...

 

[Skats]

I am just wondering: what are the reasons that people choose to use online prescription-free pharmacies, rather than getting a prescription from their doctor, and then buying their drugs from a regular high street pharmacy, or from a regular online pharmacy that requires prescriptions?

Presumably lower cost is going to be one reason, but I am curious to learn of any other reasons why people use online prescription-free pharmacies.


In my own case, I have used online prescription-free pharmacies for many years, mainly because the medical condition I have (chronic fatigue syndrome, CFS) is not really taken seriously by doctors in the UK, so it is hard work to get my doctor to let me try a drug that may have benefits for CFS. Thus I find it a lot easier to just order the drugs I want to try online at a reputable prescription-free pharmacy.

So in my case, it is an issue of accessibility to drugs: without online prescription-free pharmacies, I may not have been able to road test the dozens of different drugs I have tried out that can have benefit for CFS. It actually often costs me more to use these online pharmacies, because with the NHS socialized medicine system in the UK, any drug prescibed by your doctor costs a standard subsidized fee of £8.20. So it would be cheaper for me to get a prescription from my doctor, as I could then have any drug for £8.20. But I have found that online prescription-free pharmacies provide hassle-free accessibility to drugs, which is why I use them.


I also understand that those from the transgender community often prefer using online prescription-free pharmacies, rather than trying to convince their doctors to put them on the feminizing hormonal protocols they require. It may also be an issue of sensitive personal matters: transgender individuals may not want to discuss their orientation and sexuality with their doctor. So here is another reason to use an online prescription-free pharmacy.

I would think that some people who require pain medications may need to obtain these at online prescription-free pharmacies, if their doctor is refusing to prescribe them.


So here are some reasons why one might choose an online prescription-free pharmacy: cheaper costs, hassle-free accessibility to drugs, because of sensitive personal matters, and because of uncooperative doctors.


My question is: are there any other reasons why people might choose to use online prescription-free pharmacies?

I moved and changed doctors so in the process my new doctors gave me the new age shpeel of you can have 6 Valium for a flight if needed, but if not then you’re best bet is an ssri and gabapentin

Yeah right bud…. I’ll go take a long walk