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tonynico

Apr 20, 2011, 7:42 PM

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Pain in Mexico

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lets say you have chronic back pain or just chronic pain. In the states they can give you pain meds. I read that in Mexico they are not allowed to be given out to patients.
So the question is what do people with chronic pain in Mexico do?I am sure back pain is not limited to the U.S. Do they suffer every day wishing and praying for relief but doomed to suffer since they cannot get the meds?

Tony

Rolly

Apr 20, 2011, 7:48 PM

Post #2 of 9 (2261 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Pain in Mexico

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Pain medicines are available in México, but they are under very strict controls. And expensive.
I have some information on my website.
http://rollybrook.com/health.htm#Pain

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

surebought

Apr 21, 2011, 7:48 AM

Post #3 of 9 (2176 views)

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Re: [tonynico] Pain in Mexico

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I had two Drugstores for years in Tijuana and Ensenada. Our policy was not to sell control because it was such a hassle paperwork wise. And control meant that it was controlled two ways. A Doctors prescription was needed from a Doctor that was approved by the Health Department which is hard to get. And it was controlled price wise. so it wasn't worth it for the Famacia to take a chance on selling it for the controlled price which is very low, because there is no money in it and lots of paperwork. Only the medicines with abuse potential are really controlled in Mexico
First. Go to the Farmacia that stays open all night in your town. Then ask them if they carry the medicine you desire. If they have it, but say you need a prescription, then ask them if they would recommend a Doctor that they could go to. Many Doctors will charge you money and write you a prescription for anything, but the gatekeeper is the Farmacia. They decide who gets it.
There have been instances where possessing controlled medicines (even with a prescription) have led to real problems in Mexico. It is much easier in the States to get these kinds of Drugs legally than in Mexico. I know what you are going to say. "What about the poor people with chronic pain. Just be glad that its not you.

Gringal

Apr 21, 2011, 8:07 AM

Post #4 of 9 (2170 views)

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Re: [surebought] Pain in Mexico

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My family doctor told me that the serious pain meds, like vicodin and its cousins, can't be prescribed except by special "pain doctors" and it's not easy, then.

The grapevine story is that the ordinary docs were selling their samples to increase revenue.

Many medicines that used to be OTC, such as antibiotics, are only available now by prescription.

This might be a good reason to stay in the states, if you are the unfortunate victim of chronic pain.

There is a certain irony in all this, since we know Mexico is awash in drug cartel activities while ordinary residents can't get what they need.

Rolly

Apr 21, 2011, 8:17 AM

Post #5 of 9 (2162 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Pain in Mexico

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There are only three types of drugs that require a prescription: antibiotics, narcotics and psychotropics.

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

Gringal

Apr 21, 2011, 8:30 AM

Post #6 of 9 (2150 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Pain in Mexico

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That covers the territory for anyone with serious chronic pain, Rolly.

Maybe the theory here is that pain will get you a higher rung on the ladder to heaven?

Enough of it makes you feel like hell.

Rolly

Apr 21, 2011, 8:35 AM

Post #7 of 9 (2147 views)

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Re: [Gringal] Pain in Mexico

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Excuse me for repeating myself. Serious pain medications ARE available in México.
They are not as easily obtained as in the USA, but they are available.
http://rollybrook.com/health.htm#Pain

Rolly Pirate

E-visit me http://Rollybrook.com
On Facebook as Rolly Brook

joaquinx

Apr 21, 2011, 9:12 AM

Post #8 of 9 (2130 views)

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Re: [Rolly] Pain in Mexico

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Rumors are more believable than facts.

Gringal

Apr 21, 2011, 9:13 AM

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Re: [Rolly] Pain in Mexico

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And please excuse me for repeating myself as well:

"My family doctor told me that the serious pain meds, like vicodin and its cousins, can't be prescribed except by special "pain doctors" and it's not easy, then. " (from my previous post)

This was not a rumor. The doctor told me this directly, and he should certainly know.

I don't wish to suggest they are unavailable: they just are not as easily obtainable as they are in the U.S.

The real question is: At what point of personal misery caused by back problems, for instance, will the "pain doctor" be willing to prescribe effective meds? This is one of those conditions not easily measured, and each individual has a different sensitivity to pain.
Perhaps someone on the board would be willing to share their own experiences in this regard.

IMO, anyone planning a move to Mexico should be made aware of the boulders in the road as well as the good things. One of the positives is that the Mexican health care people are much more willing to take time with their patients and their attitude seems more caring.

(This post was edited by Gringal on Apr 21, 2011, 9:21 AM)