Since I believe the neuropathy is keeping me from sleeping through the night and that’s related to the pain in my feet and legs, it was my thought that a pain killer might help dampen the pain and give me a few hours straight of sleep. But my parents’ doctor had recommended something called Halcion, so I brought that idea up as well. Of course it wasn’t the NP that actually called me but another nurse down in the pecking order! She can’t do anything so she needs to confirm with the NP directly. Two hours later she says we’re getting you the Halcion. As this is ANOTHER controlled substance they either have to mail (snail) me the scrip or I have to come pick it up – however, I didn’t realize that.
I decided to make the move – from CVS to Duane Reade (Walgreen’s) that is next door to my building. “Just fax it over…” – famous last words! To be sure, I called Duane Reade to make sure they were aware of my scrip coming. Of course they needed basic info but they also needed my prescription drug card identification. I carry my BCBS card everywhere – that’s my insurance card – but it’s NOT my prescription drug card. I call BCBS who tells me they can refer me over to Caremark who handles my prescription drugs. Then I have to tell CVS/Caremark that I’m switching to Duane Reade! Then I pass along all the identifying details to the pharmacists via the Duane Reade voicemail system.
I head over to just confirm they got the scrip and everything is fine, etc. That’s when I learned about the controlled substance issue. They were able to get me a 5 day emergency dosage based upon the doctor’s verbal confirmation and I should be receiving a physical scrip in the mail for an extended dosage. That leaves me with the very quick Facebook poll I placed on Friday – should i:
- use “binaural beats” audio therapy to lull myself to sleep – the act of using two varying frequencies to ‘entrain’ your brain to a certain frequency that is akin to sleeping or;
- take the drug
My completely unscientific poll proved one thing – I don’t have the reach I used to! :) Three people said go binaural, two said go drug and one said if one doesn’t work, try the other. Thursday night I tried the binaural beats. My wireless headphones died while doing it so i woke up hearing waves but not through my headphones. When I switched to the wired headphones I found out how much the cats love playing with headphones and how much they can hurt your ears when you leave them in and roll over onto your side. Bottom line, it didn’t work and I was a miserable wreck on Friday.