"Need for medication denied"

I have recently moved to Brisbane. I have seen 4 different doctors since my arrival a month or so ago and am so very upset and disappointed in the quality of care here.

I suffer from chronic pain from a degenerative disease for which I have been taking Endone and I have been using Norspan patches for the past several years to help control my pain.

The last time I saw my usual GP I had a health summary printed out so that when I saw a new doctor here I wouldn't have any trouble getting my usual prescriptions.

Unfortunately, even with a referral letter and xrays in hand I have been unable to find a doctor who is willing to help me and now I have run out of medication and am in extreme pain.

On top of that, about 3 months ago I became ill with pain and swelling in my hands and feet and suffer from a rash which my previous doctor recommended I see a rheumatologist for and I was put on Prednisone and Hydroxychloroquine. Not only can I not now get help with the chronic pain I suffer from with my condition, none of the doctors have addressed the pain and swelling I have from the rheumatoid/psoriatic arthritis.

I am trying my best to keep some resemblance of a normal life and at least some degree of quality of life but without my pain medication I am slowly deteriorating and it won't be long before I can hardly walk and will be bed ridden for the majority of every day.

I could understand the doctors' hesitation if my condition was fairly new or if it was a Worker's Compensation claim or something but I have had this condition with the degenerative spinal disease for many years, I have seen all the specialists and tried everything that they have recommended for my pain, unfortunately they have told me that the only other thing that they can do for me is to implant a morphine pump inside my body.

I'm feeling very frustrated that the only medication I have access to that helps me to cope on a daily basis is now being denied.

I hope and pray that someone out there who reads this may be able to help me.

I am suffering because the doctors I have seen have not chosen to contact my previous doctor and speak to him so that I am able to continue with the only medication that has been able to make a difference in easing my pain.

Please help me!