ULPT: How does one get medication prescribed - if I lie about my identity for emergency medical care in an ER?
Posted by KagePriest@reddit | UnethicalLifeProTips | View on Reddit | 132 comments
I’m suffering immensely from pain and have been for a month with no insurance. I’ve tried all kinds of stuff - occaisonal alcohol - marijuana - aleve - and herbs and supplement s and dieting.
In hindsight I should’ve gone sooner. This month has been hell and I’ve almost lost everything.
I have very little energy and mobility rn and so tomorrow I’m going to the er and read the post about lieing about my identity and leaving my wallet. I’ll also be going alone. My partner is autistic and cannot lie.
I cannot find info on what to do after for the meds I’m gonna need.
AdRegular1647@reddit
OP, please update when you are able. Hope you're doing well. Many hospitals have patient assistance programs that will help with covering the bills. I'm hoping that this comes through for you and that you're feeling better quickly! 🙏
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Updated !
AdRegular1647@reddit
In comments? I'm hoping that you've gotten relief and a diagnosis. So sorry that you've had to go through all of this ❤️ Hoping you feel better quickly!
AdRegular1647@reddit
NVM. I just saw the update. Good on you for seeking out care, you were right to get in asap.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Comments and main post. Idk how to embed picture in main post so pic is in comments.
whyweirdo@reddit
If you feel like you need emergency medical care and cannot afford it, you’re much better off just using your real identity. Wait till after business hours and tell them you don’t have your insurance info on you and ask if they can “look it up” or something because you are sure you have insurance. Get a little frustrated but not rude and ask if you can get through this visit and come back tomorrow once your “office” opens tomorrow and you can get things straightened out with HR and insurance tomorrow but get the help you need now.
You only put yourself in danger when you lie to doctors. They want to help you, not call the cops and tattle on you. The person you are seeing wants to quickly get you through to the waiting room and trying to be cooperative might help them want to help you.
Don’t worry about the bill. Just don’t pay it. That’s my unethical part of the tip. That’s a problem for another day. Maybe you need antibiotics. If you get a prescription for that, the common ones are very low price even without insurance and you can absolutely fill a prescription with just your id and cash
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Thank you. I did show my ID. I also thought - since it could be - and is serious - that I’d need it on file if I ever wanted real care and if it’s chronic or long term.
AdRegular1647@reddit
Good. Please apply for financial assistance. It shouldn't be too difficult. I'm really hoping that you feel better quickly. It's so,good that you're getting help and needed treatment!
Dnugs94549@reddit
7oh Kratom products are available at smoke shops in most states. I found that 2mg of 7oh was equivalent to 1mg of oxy for managing pain after a motorcycle accident
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Omg I forgot about Kratom. I used to use it in college. Thank you. Uunethetical pro tip indeed. Thank you.
Dnugs94549@reddit
Be very careful with the 7oh kratom, the regular stuff never did anything for me but the 7oh is genuinely powerful and therefore highly addictive. I know people with 10 years of clean time who threw it away over kratom. Should be treated with the same care as a script for opiates, extreme care is needed around children or pets. You could straight up OD from 20 bucks worth of smoke shop pills with no tollerance.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Do you have a recommendation on brand to look for and/tips on spotting a quality product?
I have past opiate experiences- I broke my pinky and left elbow.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Hey - so I got some. Some 7OH 15 mg tablets - four of em. Tried a quarter sublingually and within minutes felt significant pain relief. Tried another quarter and virtually no pain - obviously a dull pain. I’m not trying to get high. And I need to save them because I’m poor. So $26 for 4 15mg tablets of 7OH and I got a $5 28g bag of Red Maeng Da to supplement as well so I’m not ingesting too much extract. Did about an hour or two of research prior.
Thanks so much. You’ve helped me a ton. I can now walk my dogs and cook for my daughter. I was having trouble sleeping let alone standing and fighting with dogs or cooking.
Dnugs94549@reddit
So with kratom, dont re dose, it doesnt work and can kill the effect for some people. Like dont take another piece until the effects wear off. 7 hydro is the best common smoke shop brand, was 40 for 200mg total. If you buy online, simply 7oh is the best choice. Just dont buy the powder, its insanely dangerous and far easier to get hooked on because its harder to dose. Please, please, be careful with this stuff. You have kids and dogs that need you as a functional human being. This stuff is a degree away from heroin, and you can buy it on a credit card and have it shipped to your door. Can you trust yourself to be responsible? If not, step away while you still can. Be careful that you dont overdo it while medicated and cause more damage to your body. I frequently had that problem, woke up feeling like I crashed my bike all over again. Then it was oh so easy to pop a pill in the morning to deal with the pain.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Thanks for the kind words man <3.
leopardspotte@reddit
!RemindMe 1 week
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Updated
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Stopping drinking. They gave Me phenobarbital, Zofran and Protonix while in the ER and then the last two only after. The benzo was to stop my tremors -
My levels are insane.
The way I was treated was terrible.
I told the truth and used my ID. I was prescribed Protonix (PPI Stomach Acid Reducer) and Zofran (Nausea) because I couldn’t hold down water or food for two days and hadn’t slept in two days.
I am still on a ton of pain. I mentioned it a couple times because I really just want to be able to rest.
I found some gabapentin and seroquil in my old medicine bag and so I took 300mg of gabapentin and 100 seroquil so I finally slept. From 3pm to 8am now.
I’m still in a lot of pain but I have ibuprofen.
I know it says 1-2 every 4 hours (200mg each).
Can I get any tips on ibuprofen? How much can I actually take? I’m not writhing but I’m still very uncomfortable and hard to stay still laying down.
Thanks all.
KahurangiNZ@reddit
Stick to the recommended dosing of ibuprofen - max of 2 tablets every 4 hours and no more than that.
IF you can take acetaminophen (check with your doctors first, since you have liver damage and if you're on other medication), you may be able to take that offset from the ibuprofen to improve the overall pain relief. I.e., take the ibuprofen, then 2-3 hours later take acetaminophen, then 2-3 hours later take more ibu, etc. Jus be certain not to exceed the maximum stated dose or combine them with other pain relief unless directed to by your doctor.
You haven't said where the pain is / what is causing it, so we have no idea what might be helpful to you.
Fingers crossed it's just going to be a matter of getting through the next few weeks and you'll be on the mend physically. It's going to be a bit of a slow process, and unfortunately, you're going to feel like shite for a while, but there IS an end in sight. Just stick to your plan and stay away from the alcohol and other non-essential pharmaceuticals. You can't heal if you keep damaging yourself further. Find groups to help you get through it, one day at a time.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
The pain is in my lower right back to my side and front lower right at times.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
All lower right tho.
Ghoshki@reddit
Treat your delirium tremens with the barbital and their instructions and stay away from the booze.
Ibuprofen for what?? What hurts?? You down several tablets of mystery plant supplement yet you need guidance on low dose ibuprofen??
The barbital is supposed to stop your alcoholic cravings and its up to you to get some self control. Your liver is looking shitty
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
The phenobarbital was in the hospital. I woke up with no tremors. And no cravings. I felt okay.
Grouchy_Fee_8481@reddit
lol this man is pasted and needs advice. Some of ya’ll are clowns. Explain your injury, how it happened, where it hurts, your current limitations, and as others have said your id. Maybe you’ll get a good doc but our country stopped believing in pain management after the oxy fiasco. Hope you luck out.
An easy way to get prescribed an opiate is go to a buprenorphine doctor and tell them you’re addicted to fentanyl and trying to quit. That shit will fuck you up with no tolerance.
Source: professional drug addict and certified pharma hustler. I was prescribed fentanyl before it was ever cool 😂😂
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Updated main post.
And yeah. You got some things spot on. Using Kratom. I do not want subs. That is a rabbit hole. They both are but I just want mild pain management. I’m still in pain. But I can function. I’m not blasted or high.
UrbanScientist@reddit
Following this thread as a Nordic citizen is WILD. Pay up or be in pain and die in agony. Land of the free and all that.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Updated
AffectionateTaro3209@reddit
You actually don't have to pay for the ER in America which is why this post feels crazy. They are legally obligated to treat you whether you can pay or not.
the_unknown_garden@reddit
Only if you are not stable. Emergency rooms are not legally required to treat conditions that are not immediately life-threatening. Even cancer.
AffectionateTaro3209@reddit
No one would go to an ER for cancer unless they were an idiot. Even with insurance, er can't do anything about that. This person is struggling to breathe so yes, they will treat them without insurance.
TheSunIsAlsoMine@reddit
LOL you think the millions of junkies in this country haven’t tried every trick in the book to get pain meds? Spoiler alert: unless you travel back in time and go to a hospital in 1998 - you ain’t getting shit. Or actually you’ll be getting red flagged on every healthcare system in the country as narcotic seeker, which will then ensure you will NEVER get prescribed any sort of painkillers even if you ACTUALLY need them or have a surgery.
Don’t do it.
Salty-Ambition9733@reddit
IKR?! ER docs can spot a liar a mile away.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Y’all both wildin. lol.
Fr3sh3stl4d@reddit
You come here seeking advice and then dismiss everyone who's telling you the reality....
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Bro I was in so much pain and hadn’t slept in 2 days because of it.
I apologized in an edit.
UseUrWords@reddit
My guy. You admit to being an alcoholic in terrible pain. Has it occurred to you that you may have pancreatitis and may need to be hospitalized? The ER doesn't just exist to prescribe pain meds and send you home.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Absolutely. I have. They told me my pancreas was perfect levels apparently so that’s good! Thanks for the concern!
Blessing!
Objective-Amount1379@reddit
Go to urgent care not the ER if it’s not an actual emergency. Most counties have a county hospital where uninsured patients can seek treatment. They will have a department that can work with you on payment or help you enroll through a county based health plan. If you have chronic pain you need to treat the source not just get meds
Not unethical but your plan just won’t work. If you have an ACTUAL emergency you can go to an ER but good luck getting much pain relief there. If you want any medication at all you’ll need ID to fill a prescription.
World-Critic589@reddit
I second this. Don’t go to the ER. You will get less attention for 4 times the cost. Also, don’t go seeking controlled substances. Go seeking a workup and imaging if needed.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Yeah I want testing primarily. I’m afraid I’ve done too much damage.
Kellerhouse@reddit
So what did you have?
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
World-Critic589@reddit
Read all your updates. My ER recommendation would have been different if I knew it was more than pain and included alcohol withdrawal. The ER was the right place to go and it sounds like you got appropriate advice, even if it wasn’t delivered in a kind way. Take care.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
That’s exactly the turn out and my friends a doctor too so now with these results he is pointing me towards specialist. Thanks so much!
Kellerhouse@reddit
Idk what any of that means
Ghoshki@reddit
Whoever's labs are those has alcohol related liver injury–elevated liver enzymes and low nutrition intake low potassium, maybe metabolic syndrome related to antipsychotic consumption
GreenLooger@reddit
Ibuprofen is not recommended for people with liver disease.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
What would you recommend? That’s literally what the doctor told me to take but to avoid acetaminophen.
Ghoshki@reddit
What to recommend depends on wtf is wrong with you...
If you spoke a doctor than do what he said
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
The doctor recommended ibuprofen.
Ghoshki@reddit
No, it's not liver toxic.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
I’m getting mixed results. I’ll probably still take 200mg every 6 hours to go with the Kratom. At this moment what I’m doing is working so I’m glad.
Ghoshki@reddit
How about fuck the internet you clearly cannot scrutinize information properly.
Your CBC panel is hidden but holy fucking shit your liver enzymes are elevated asf and yeah you need to stop drinking ASAP, and do the phenobarbital taper that was suggested to you, and maybe go to rehab!
You are also extremely low on potassium, you have not been eating and drinking properly, or you've been puking a bunch.
Your liver injury isnt gonna go away, and sooner or later you're gonna crave booze when they literally got you off. It sounds like you didnt want to taper and then they were "mean to you"
Stop putting random drugs and shit in your body, unless that was your normal dose of seroquel and gabapentin, in that case you're not supposed to drink on anriosychotic medications it systemically bucks you up!
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
I am done drinking. I said that. The info and the pain is enough.
I do struggle scrutinizing information.
Water under the bridge man. Sorry you got so worked up.
And they’re not random. I said in my old medicine bag. Hence. They’re my old pills. Hence my old scripts. Hence I know the dosage to take. And I didn’t drink on them. I took the phenobarbital in the hospital. They didn’t send me home with it.
It seems to me perhaps you also have trouble discerning information or with reading retention. But here we are.
No worries. No offense taken.
Blessings brother/sister.
Ghoshki@reddit
Ibuprofen/NSAIDS – Kidney Disease Acetaminophen/Paracetamol –Liver
Tylenol is not recommended for liver disease
Any_Fun916@reddit
The only way your getting pain meds at the ER is if your admitted and they administer them intravenously or watch you swallow
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Didn’t happen but all good. I’m managing fine now ^_^. Thanks tho!
ThePureAxiom@reddit
I mean, if you go in there talking about meds they're going to peg you as a drug seeker and give you nothing but a hard time.
Focus on getting a diagnosis for the cause of the pain so it might get resolved by treatment, not just masked by addictive pain meds.
uncle_nightmare@reddit
Would not someone in pain be said to be “seeking”?
It’s like, yeah, that’s why I’m here. I’m in pain and you have technology to make it stop.
Please, sir…..
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Agreed.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Hey. As long as I get tests done. Idc how hard it is. My life is hard asf rn even to move my body. I don’t care if I get pain pills. I care if I get results, blood works, mri - whatever - they recommend - and how to get my meds after if I were to not give my ID.
IVE DECIDED IM JUST BRINGING IT. Yall kicked the ULPT outta me this morning. lol…
Jesus…
Otw to the ER.
I also always intended on mention I’ve been drinking daily for 6+ months. I am a drug seeker. Idc about the label.
And rn I am also a human needing healthcare and treatment.
Thanks all for comments.
Skyblacker@reddit
Before the ER, consider the Urgent Care. They can also run some tests and write perscriptions, but you won't be stuck behind car crash and gunshot victims for hours on end
Alum2608@reddit
And be honest about your medical history. Based on your description, it seems the alcohol use was an attempt to self treat the pain. Go in & tell them you are in pain, how long, & want to find out why I'm in pain. When they ask medical history, be honest with alcohol & other self medication efforts----it can help with why or why not you're in pain & medication that are contraindicated. As long as you are clear in wanting answers vs pain medication, you should not be labeled a "drug seeker"
ThePureAxiom@reddit
This is a very good point, if it's not immediately emergent you could be sitting in triage for hours at an ER and pay upwards of a grand just for 'facility fees' to be seen.
Skyblacker@reddit
Whereas the Urgent Care is priced more affordably.
ThePureAxiom@reddit
Still can run the gamut in terms of pricing, but generally it's 2-3 figures in the price rather than 4.
Skyblacker@reddit
Also, be honest about your drinking. They can prescribe pills to reduce that. Or if you're at the Urgent Care, ask about their deal on GLP 1 injections, which a recent study has shown can reduce alcohol consumption.
ThePureAxiom@reddit
I forget their names, but there are two prescribed medications for alcohol abuse, one which simply decreases the 'reward' sensation to deter consumption, and another that will make you physically ill if you consume alcohol with it.
I'm not on board with GLP-1's for off label use.
Big-Formal408@reddit
One of the ones you're thinking of is certainly Naltrexone/Vivitrol. Doesn't just work for alcohol but also fully blocks the opioid receptors too. So great if you're trying to avoid both but terrible if you're trying quit drinking but also need opioids to manage pain.
Tiradia@reddit
The other is Librium.
Big-Formal408@reddit
I doubt it. The other one they can't remember is likely either Campral/acamprosate or Antabuse/disulfiram. Librium is just used for initial detox, not deterrence from drinking or maintenance in recovery.
ThePureAxiom@reddit
I struggle with names, my ex worked in admin at a substance abuse treatment non-profit so I heard about a lot of treatment meds. I can remember naloxone since we carried and administered it when I was in EMS, but outside of that most of the names fled my memory while the effects or method of action stayed.
ThePureAxiom@reddit
I hate the US medical system's fuckery, but if you want it to work as properly as it can, especially with regard to pain (which can be difficult to diagnose the cause for) you need to be honest so they get on the right track for diagnosis.
I'm not in a position to say you're a drug seeker or not, but if you come in specifically seeking painkillers (which are addictive controlled substances) they will make assumptions, and like I said give you a hard time. It's rather infuriating for folks who deal with chronic pain, but that's an outcome of the opiate crisis. Docs are less willing to prescribe them and on the lookout for signs that a patient is drug seeking.
Emergency-Kale5033@reddit
You’ve got abnormal LFT’s because you’re an alcohol abuser? Tell them the truth or Hiw the he’ll will they know what tests etc to do?
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Read the post. I did tell them the truth.
LoomLove@reddit
If you show up with no ID, talking about pain and meds, you won't be believed or taken seriously. They'll think you're a random drug seeker. Take your wallet, admit to being you and try to get real treatment. Source: am retired RN.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
What if I show up and say I’m a freaking alcoholic and don’t wanna pay for the er and I’m not looking for pain meds and just treatment and wanna get my prescriptions- whatever they are after I receive care? Ever think of that?
ninjette847@reddit
I've been to the hospital for alcohol withdrawal multiple times and have never been prescribed anything from the hospital.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Definitely not faking.
Ghoshki@reddit
What prescriptions??
The malingering is annoying. How do you even know you would need a prescription?
And how would anyone figure out treatment if you're dishonest and shady?
Scrappyl77@reddit
Say your pain was from an ear infection and you need antibiotics -- the ED will send the script to a pharmacy and you will have to pay for them out of pocket. If you lie about your identity the ED will still triage ans diagnose but outpatient meds come from an outpatient pharmacy and if you lie about your name and don't have insurance your option is to pay for the medication yourself.
cookiecutie707@reddit
Don’t say you are an alcoholic. That won’t help. Best to say you are allergic to a common narcotic and cannot take it or you have hives and trouble breathing. Really emphasize you don’t want pain meds because you are afraid of your allergy and don’t want something you may be allergic to.
LoomLove@reddit
My friend, your very first sentence was about your pain. I was trying to warn you that opening with that will get you nowhere fast. Particularly with NO ID. Just don't pay the bill if you can't afford it.
JacOfAllTrades@reddit
Most major hospitals have some kind of financial aid plan, but you can also just not pay them if you don't think you'll need a medical lien in the future.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Thank you
Ghoshki@reddit
I mean, yeah I'd think so too.
He's in severe non-specific pain
Self Medicated with alcohol and weed before he tried ibuprofen. Mentioned other herbal bs
Wants medication specifically. Mentions outcome being medication...he clearly can't consider like any other treatment or workup.
What's your deal with lying? Is big bad billing gonna ding your credit in 30-90 days?
Don't lie to physicians, What's the point of going to see professionals then?
OP go see a doctor, I've walked into ERs straight from car accidents, no ID nothing, just pain and they immedietly rushed to sit me and pushed morphine, zofran, IVd me with blue dye and saline and rushed me to a scanner.
They never ID'd me or sent any bill.
the_unknown_garden@reddit
People with ID aren't believed when they go to the emergency room.
D3-Doom@reddit
This is terrible advice. They’re many ways to seek treatment that do not involve handing over identification at the onset. Consequently, in doing so substance is recorded on a semi-national level and shared amongst insurance providers sorta like a permanent record. This will make seeking care, even for tertiary issues difficult, and impossible for receiving more restricted substances even if a qualified medical necessity is found.
LoomLove@reddit
Well, let's hear about your many ways to receive quality treatment in an ER that involve hiding your identity, yet still hoping to obtain scrips.
D3-Doom@reddit
That wasn’t exactly what I was addressing, but literally any and every hospital will fill necessary prescriptions from the hospital pharmacy if you tell them you don’t have ID and/ or are homeless. You get a substantially larger bill, but given you don’t have ID they can’t realistically bill you anyway. You can provide a fake address, but you’d probably be better off listing a homeless shelter on the other side of town.
(I truncated here as getting into the minutia became a few paragraphs too long)
prettyowlwatcher@reddit
Especially if this is your first time going to this location or hospital and I know because my dumbass has tried this before, and it does not work, they most likely will only give you pains if you are in desperate need of them and have some sort of record as you being there beforebecause somebody being brand new that they’re gonna think that you’re drug seeking
LizardPerson68@reddit
If you're in enough pain to go to the ER it's very likely you'll be prescribed narcotic pain meds and you will need valid ID to pick those up. However, it doesn't matter if the name on the prescription isn't your name. People pick up prescriptions for others all the time. As long as you have current, valid state issued ID you're good to go. Just tell them the name and DOB you gave in the ER and if asked say you're picking them up for a family member or partner.
sweetawakening@reddit
Go to the ER with your wallet and ID. You’ll wait in the waiting room. While there, think about the one big symptom you’re there for (where exactly it hurts, when it started, what makes it better or worse, all the things you’ve tried, etc). Don’t over exaggerate your symptoms. This helps them diagnose you and lessens the risk of sounding like a drug seeker.
Once in the exam room and triaged, ask the nurse or staff member if you can talk to a social worker about insurance and helping you establish with a primary doctor. Depending on the state, medicaid may be retroactive to cover today’s date (cheaper bills!!)
Make sure the nurses and provider know you are an alcoholic. They may give medications to help prevent serious withdrawals. Don’t lie about other medications you do/do not take. Do not ask about disability, that is what your primary doctor can help with. Follow all directions from your discharge summary, including all the follow-ups they recommend.
ETA: just noticed which sub this was posted to. Try piss discs?
insicknessorinflames@reddit
Why lie about identity? You need to go to the ER and be honest about your symptoms and get help. That help may include pain meds. They will refer you to a doc who can help after your visit. Worth going to ER after pain that bad for so long, make sure youre not dying.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Because I’m poor.
Koumadin@reddit
are you in the US? have u applied for Medicaid?
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Yes and disability. I have adhd, autism and a diagnosis of chronic depression.
insicknessorinflames@reddit
Also if you've already applied and are waiting they will backpay your ER visit
jax_in_the_lake@reddit
I got Medicaid in two weeks. What is the cause for delay with your application?
insicknessorinflames@reddit
Damn they were fast for you. Medicaid and Medicare take a min for many people
insicknessorinflames@reddit
Im poor too. They cant reject you at the ER for nonpayment.
Regular_Yellow710@reddit
You don’t have to pay the ER, they will bill you.
jax_in_the_lake@reddit
Give them your real information and never pay the bill. Do not go to jail for fraud.
ConfusionMindless579@reddit
I don't know what country you're in but a lot of them have free healthcare. Maybe not unethical but you could get it for free. Maybe move to Sweden or Canada
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
I am considering it. Thank you for the suggestion.
kawaiian@reddit
Another drink won’t stop the pain, the drink is what causes the pain.
One day at a time, and if that’s too hard, one hour, and if that’s too hard, one minute at a time.
This is how I got through quitting some very dangerous habits
ShrimpSherbet@reddit
Does your partner also like big butts?
dragonfeet1@reddit
Sounds like you spent a lot of money ....but not on health insurance or getting on state aid. Huh.
Ems here and your plan will get you marked as a drug seeker. Esp if you state you're homeless. Bc even the homeless have medicaid. And the non addicts don't go ordering meds like it's a Wendy's. Chances are it will eventually be traced back to you and it will end up in your records.
Tiradia@reddit
^medic here, will confirm this. Don’t lie about who you are not. The ER is not as naïve as ya think they are. They will find out. It’s better to be honest. Simple as a “hey I’ve been dealing with XYZ, I am in pain and I need help”. They may try non-narcotic options first before resorting to stronger meds.
coupdelune@reddit
IV Toradol is such a lifesaver, honestly
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
I hope so. I don’t really want any narcotics.
Salty-Ambition9733@reddit
OP: “How does one get medication prescribed…” “I’m suffering immensely from pain…”
Also OP: “Idk why everyone assumed I was trying to get pain medicine…”
catsnglitter86@reddit
I wish you and the doctors luck in finding a diagnosis for you so that you may continue on without pain.
Glum-Establishment31@reddit
The er is for emergencies. Their job is to stabilize and refer to the proper specialist. They are not going to do a deep dive on diagnosing a chronic condition. If they do give pain meds, it will be a limited amount.
You may do better establishing care at an urgent care or primary care physician.
420bipolarbabe@reddit
If you lie about your identity you won’t be able to pick up your prescriptions. If you are prescribed narcotics (doubt the ER will) when you get to the pharmacy you’ll need to have ID matching the name the ER sent in to pick up narcs. So lying about your name and identity won’t work if you go in as Billy White but you’re really James Brown.
uhhh206@reddit
Slight correction: you'll need to show a valid ID, but it won't need to match the name on the prescription. They'll have a record of who picked it up (ie: write down your license number) but someone else can pick up a prescription -- controlled substance or not -- aslong as the person knows the name and DoB.
[Example: recently I got out of a hospy stay and went straight to bed, and the pharmacy was fine giving my schedule II painkillers to my mom to bring to me, even though we don't share a surname and I'm not underage.]
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
This info is what I needed. Thank you.
Kerri_Kabergah@reddit
So basically you want to steal drugs from a hospital.
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Jesus Christ.
SuspiciousStress1@reddit
After looking at your post history, I believe mental health may be your best bet. Call your county for resources, there are often income based programs you can participate in to get the help you need!!
You just had a major breakup of a serious relationship 3mos ago, you lost your best friend recently....dude, that would take a toll on anyone!! You would be shocked at how much!!
Vitamin D & B12 can affect your energy & pain levels.
As a pain patient, I am not one to disparage opiates, they absolutely have their place(I could not exist or function without them at this point in my life, almost 20y in with PPMS), but I am not sure you are wanting to take them for the right reason-you seem to just want to be numb...and thats not the way.
Combining alcohol with opiates is a quick way to an early grave....dont do that!! You are young & I can assure you, this is all temporary!! You have so much to live for, so much life ahead of you!!
I wish you much luck & if you want to talk, I am always willing(I lost my best friend at 31(he was 32), was an only child raised by my grandmother(mother is a bipolar narcissist), my father passed when I was 22, my grandmother when I was 28-leaving me alone in the world with 2 kids, one having CP, 6mos later I was diagnosed with cancer-went through chemo alone while taking care of 2 kids....desperate times, man! Today, despite the MS life is amazing! I am married, have 5 wonderful children(2 adults, 3 preteen/teen), a house, pets, & life is pretty awesome....I no longer even feel alone in the world in the same way as I once did, I dont even feel like the same person that I was at your age).
I promise it gets better!! I truly do mean it, I would be happy to help if I can, even if you just need someone to listen.
Good luck!!
KagePriest@reddit (OP)
Thank you. Idk why everyone assumed I’m trying to get pain medicine.
I’m saying - how can I skip paying for the er - and still be able to pickup whatever they prescribed.
Popular-Drummer-7989@reddit
OP the ER can't turn you away if you have no insurance. You can apply for financial relief once they've tallied the bills.
Go to the ER with a Tiimeline like this. I'll make this one up for example - you make yours to describe your situation::
Dinnertime laat month I was all of a sudden really tired. So tired that I couldn't get out off bed.
It took an hour of laying there before I left ok to get up.
Since then I noticed this strange twinge, a pain that comes and goes. I have been ignoring it. I usually feel it here (point to where it's hurting).
I don't have the stamina I used to and I get tired really early in the day now. I'm kinda achy all the time and I zone out.
Something it's wrong and I am freaked out. CAN YOU HELP ME PLEASE ?
SuspiciousStress1@reddit
This sounds like a timeline for a primary care doc, not the ER.
Think we have lost the meanings of these places through the years.
Popular-Drummer-7989@reddit
No. You can be in thyroid storm and close to death and not even know it. I know because it happened to me
BAT123456789@reddit
You tell them you fell and hurt your back and it's been killing you. Most ER docs will give you a few pills. One I worked with always did because of a friend of hers who was also an ER doc. She didn't give a drug seeker pills. He waited in the parking lot until she finished her shift and killed her.
SuspiciousStress1@reddit
Omg!! That is awful!!
slutty_muppet@reddit
What is your purpose in lying about your identity in the ER? Unless you're on America's Most Wanted (I can tell you're American bc you called it the ER) there's a zero percent chance that anyone will report you to the cops for anything you did before walking in.
srirachasanchez@reddit
Go to the ER. Get treated. Get your medication. Get well. Pay if you can, don't pay if you cannot.
5pens@reddit
And if you cannot afford it, ask to speak with the hospital social worker for financial assistance.
jessihateseverything@reddit
Yes!! I cannot advocate for this enough. I didn't have insurance and wound up in the hospital twice in a month for multiple day observation. The financial aid worker bent over backwards to try to help me any way she could. Gave me her number for future help. I hope the universe blesses you Wendy!!
stupidugly1889@reddit
This is a horrible idea
Illustrious_Hotel527@reddit
Find an outpatient clinic and establish a primary care practitioner and make an appointment. Lying about your identity and asking for pain meds is a sure way to get thrown out of an ER.