Quote from: EmilyMK03 on August 15, 2016, 03:23:17 PM
Today I had my final appointment with Dr. Zukowski before my surgery next month.  I guess things have changed since I had surgery with him last January.  Back then, Dr. Z had prescribed for me a narcotic pain medication (Hydrocodone/Acetaminophen, also known as Vicodin).  But now he is prescribing something else.  He said that federal regulations are making it much more difficult for doctors to prescribe these types of narcotic pain medicines.

I told him how well the Vicodin worked for me last time.  And I said how I had also taken it years before for laser eye surgery, and how helpful it was for me both times.  And that I have no history of drug addiction.  And I'm a previous patient of his, so he knows me well.  So after some discussion, he finally did prescribe it for me again.  Dr. Z really cares about his patients!!  But yea... I guess things really are changing with regard to prescription narcotic pain medications these days.  Darn regulations!

Hi Emily,

Yes, the DEA regs have changed and hydrocodone prescriptions can no longer be faxed or phoned in.  Dr. Zukowski has switched to Tramadol. I had a discussion with Cole and I told him I didn't want Tramadol.  He said I can pick up a prescription for hydrocodone in person the day before surgery and fill it myself.

I hope to see you in Wilmette!

Terri