OK. I have given myself 2.5 weeks to calm down, and I just wanted to post some information. I originally saw Dr. Hanson in January of 2007, and my initial impression was that he didn't have a lot of compassion for the pain associated with scoliosis. However, after losing my sister, finding out I was pregnant, having a healthy little girl, and at the recommendation of another person who has had fusion surgery with him, I gave Dr. Hanson another try. His office rescheduled me twice and I finally saw him in on 11/4/2008. He didn't seem impressed with the 5 degree change since 1/2007, but agreed that I am progressing and would eventually need surgery. We agreed that Ellie, my youngest, should be 2 or 3 before we proceeded.
So, I asked him if he would manage my pain meds as Dr. Shelokov had previously. He agreed, but didn't know what Tizanidine was (when I got home it turned out to be the generic for Zanaflex) and only proscribed Soma, once a day I think, and no refills. So, as instructed, emailed Dr. Hanson about my prescriptions that Dr. Shelokov had written. Dr. Hanson had his PA call me to talk about it. I Had been prescribed Soma, Zanaflex and Hydrocodone. His PA said by phone that Dr. Hanson didn't see why I was on 2 muscle relaxants, and just limited it to Soma (the less effective one of the two) and said I could take it twice a day. When I asked him about the pain medication, 1/2 to 1 tab of hydrocodone (Vicoden)twice a day (which I really only taking PRN), he said he didn't want to prescribe that, but would prescribe Darvocet instead. When they called it in, however, somehow it was only for the Soma (no Darvocet) and, while it said to take the Soma twice a day, it was only for 30 pills. My insurance will not fill again 1/2 through the month. So, I just had the pharmacy request a correction...three requests until they finally rejected the request.
So, I called them explaining that all three of my girls had RSV, as did I and my husband, and my special needs child had just been admitted to the hospital for dehydration and RSV. I was sleeping on a pull ot chair bed, when I was sleeping at all. They told me that it was against their "protocols" to fill any Rx for more than 30 pills. So, I told them their protocol was ignorant and, if they write an Rx for twice a day they should fill it for 60 pills for a month! Soma isn't a pain killer, it's a muscle relaxer and not a very good one at that. I had gone for a month and a half without complaining while I had to carry my special needs 3 year old every where in the house, put her in her stander, take her out, put her in her wheel chair, take her out, work on OT and PT on the floor with her, feed her with an eye dropper to prevent her from dehydrating, etc., etc., etc., on a daily basis.
I have had chronic pain since my 20s, [I] have had Rhizotomies, I have lost a sister due to complications from the surgery for scoliosis and medications. Therefore, I do NOT take this surgery lightly! I do NOT take the medications lightly! And, I do NOT like being made to feel like a liar when I tell a specialist in the field that I have pain!!!! Also, I took NOTHING for pain while pregnant, and I never abuse the stuff when not pregnant. A month Rx of pain meds can last me 3-4 months! I guess first impressions should be trusted, I just don't think he cares at all.
While I have no doubt that he has excellent surgical abilities, I cannot recommend Dr. Hanson if you need pain management. I would also have to question how much pain he will think I would be in AFTER the surgery. I have no idea what I will do at this point to find a surgeon, but I am certain I will end up at a pain management doctor for my medication management.
Anyway, thank you for letting me vent, and I apologize if your views are different. I just have my own. Thanks and I hope everyone out their has there best New Year ever!!!
Ann
So, I asked him if he would manage my pain meds as Dr. Shelokov had previously. He agreed, but didn't know what Tizanidine was (when I got home it turned out to be the generic for Zanaflex) and only proscribed Soma, once a day I think, and no refills. So, as instructed, emailed Dr. Hanson about my prescriptions that Dr. Shelokov had written. Dr. Hanson had his PA call me to talk about it. I Had been prescribed Soma, Zanaflex and Hydrocodone. His PA said by phone that Dr. Hanson didn't see why I was on 2 muscle relaxants, and just limited it to Soma (the less effective one of the two) and said I could take it twice a day. When I asked him about the pain medication, 1/2 to 1 tab of hydrocodone (Vicoden)twice a day (which I really only taking PRN), he said he didn't want to prescribe that, but would prescribe Darvocet instead. When they called it in, however, somehow it was only for the Soma (no Darvocet) and, while it said to take the Soma twice a day, it was only for 30 pills. My insurance will not fill again 1/2 through the month. So, I just had the pharmacy request a correction...three requests until they finally rejected the request.
So, I called them explaining that all three of my girls had RSV, as did I and my husband, and my special needs child had just been admitted to the hospital for dehydration and RSV. I was sleeping on a pull ot chair bed, when I was sleeping at all. They told me that it was against their "protocols" to fill any Rx for more than 30 pills. So, I told them their protocol was ignorant and, if they write an Rx for twice a day they should fill it for 60 pills for a month! Soma isn't a pain killer, it's a muscle relaxer and not a very good one at that. I had gone for a month and a half without complaining while I had to carry my special needs 3 year old every where in the house, put her in her stander, take her out, put her in her wheel chair, take her out, work on OT and PT on the floor with her, feed her with an eye dropper to prevent her from dehydrating, etc., etc., etc., on a daily basis.
I have had chronic pain since my 20s, [I] have had Rhizotomies, I have lost a sister due to complications from the surgery for scoliosis and medications. Therefore, I do NOT take this surgery lightly! I do NOT take the medications lightly! And, I do NOT like being made to feel like a liar when I tell a specialist in the field that I have pain!!!! Also, I took NOTHING for pain while pregnant, and I never abuse the stuff when not pregnant. A month Rx of pain meds can last me 3-4 months! I guess first impressions should be trusted, I just don't think he cares at all.
While I have no doubt that he has excellent surgical abilities, I cannot recommend Dr. Hanson if you need pain management. I would also have to question how much pain he will think I would be in AFTER the surgery. I have no idea what I will do at this point to find a surgeon, but I am certain I will end up at a pain management doctor for my medication management.
Anyway, thank you for letting me vent, and I apologize if your views are different. I just have my own. Thanks and I hope everyone out their has there best New Year ever!!!
Ann
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