Question:
BEWARE of lies always be honest with your doctor!

Lieing to get quaifyed could cost you your life. Please read my story below based on my experience. Always be honest with all doctors. I had a addiction to prescription drugs long befor I had surgery. I never told anybody not even my doctors or my family. That I had a drug problem. When I woke up from surgery I was in so much pain I just cryed allot. I had allot of swelling and eating problems I spent 3 weeks at stanford hospital and was realsed with a stomach tube because I could not eat. I now know why that happened and so does my familiy and my doctors. I can't believe I could of died from my secret and no one would have ever known why. DONT KEEP THIS FROM YOUR FAMILY OR DOCTORS IT COULD SAVE YOUR HEALTH AND LIFE!!!!!!!! DID YOU KNOW THAT THE FACT THAT I WAS ALREADY USED TO HIGH DOSES OF PAIN KILLERS THAT YOUR BODY JUST GETS IMMUNE TO THEM AND WHEN YOU REALLY NEED THEM ESPECIALLY AFTER SURGERY THEY CAN BE FATAL CAUSE. IF YOU SMOKE POT OR DRINK ALCOHOL GET HELP NOW. IF YOU EVER HAD A REAL EATING DISORDER DONT LIE TO GET APPROVED IT NOT WORTH IT. IF ANYBODY NEEDS A HONEST ANGEL PLEASE EMAIL ME AT [email protected] PLEASE IF YOU NEED HELP OR SUPPORT EMAIL ME! MY JOURNEY HAS BEEN HARD AND DIFFICULT AM NOT A MODEL PATIENT BUT I CAN PREVENT THIS FROM HAPPENING TO ANYBODY ELSE. THANK YOU SHERI BURKE    — sheri B. (posted on November 14, 2003)

November 13, 2003
Wow, Sheri, I am not quite sure what to say to that except that it took a lot of courage to post that on here and I truly hope that your situation improves with time. Good luck to you and I hope the rest of your journey is much smoother.
   — Dawn P.

November 13, 2003
Thank you for posting this.<br> I know someone who is in a similar situation right now, and damaging herself beyond repair. I wish she had the courage you have.br>
   — kultgirl

November 13, 2003
Sheri I had to have root canal and when my dentist (I love my dentist and their staff!!)went to do his thing, he hit a nerve and I thought I was about to die! Apparently I was not numbed up enough, so I can imagine, on a much smaller scale, the agonizing pain you experienced. I am sorry you have to go through that, but I appreciate you stressing the importance of honesty. Your doctors are trained to diagnos and pinpoint problems you are having, so just tell them str8 up. YOU PAY THEM to help you so be honest or pay the price later.
   — Shayla527

November 14, 2003
sheri, well said, and thanks for sharing. Your so right.
   — Cindy R.

November 14, 2003
Way to go Sherri!! I know it took guts to post what you did and I really think you can(if you haven't already) get off these drugs now. You are a wonderful person to reach out and try to help someone else. Maybe even save their life!! Hang in there girl, you can do this!! Good luck!!
   — Sharon1964

November 14, 2003
I have had an eating disorder in my past and I told my doctor about it as well as my psychiatrist. I also have O.C.D., A.D.D., and I believe I am bi-polar. I was honest with my doctor and he was honest with me when he told me he wasn't sure if he would do my surgery because of my past mental instability issues that I shared with him. He told me later that he had a meeting with his staff about me and decided to do my surgery. It took a little longer to get my paperwork to the insurance co because he wanted to be sure he was going to do it for me but he did. I had my surgery 10/6/03 and feel great. I started taking my prescibed medication for O.C.D. the day after my surgery (while I was still in the hospital) and have been doing very well. I agree with you that you must be honest with your doctor and yourself. Remember this is a life changing surgery and everyone has to face their own "demons" or they could end up in a lot of trouble, physically or mentally, if they decide to hide something. Just because you have had some issues doesn't mean the surgery is off limits for you, you just need to let your care giver know what to expect when they do this to your body. Thank you for sharing your story, I hope it helps someone too. God bless you and good luck.
   — tntwildlife77

November 14, 2003
We are experiencing a similar situation with my mom right now. She fell and broke her knee, and being an alcoholic and lover of various pain meds, she was absolutely impossible to soothe with meds. A week later, after they did surgery on her, she was even worse, crying and begging for something to make her feel better. The doc told her he'd already given her enough to kill an elephant! The Dr. put her on Oxycontin every 12 hours and strictly nothing else (we had secretly discussed her problems with him). He felt Oxycontin was the best because you don't have to take it often and it works without any "breakthru" pain. He stood there and told her under no circumstances would he give her anything else, nor would he refill the Oxycontin. Ten days later, she is still pitiful and always begging us for something more, and since my sister and I won't let her have anything but her prescribed medication (we keep the Oxy away from her and give her one at a time), she is double-dosing her previously prescribed Xanax and anything else she can get her hands on when we arent there to watch her. She hasn't had any alcohol, until my sis discovered some missing yesterday. So we now know she's a lot more "mobile" than she lets on. It's a mess, very stressful for us, and she just sits there and LIES to us! Please, if anyone recognizes this in yourself, please get help and spare your loved ones! You can't lie to the people who know you well, you are just hurting them!! It's not worth it to be in denial. Sorry, I just started spouting, it's been building up! Thanks Sheri for your brave post.
   — cddgo

November 14, 2003
Dear Sheri, I take my hat off for you and your honesty...I think you have helped a lot of people out there with your open post. All my best to you in the future. Hugs
   — Tove Annelise H.

November 14, 2003
Hi Sheri- Thank you for that heartfelt post. I think it's also important to mention that some people have naturally high or low pain and/or medication thresholds. Good Luck in your journey :o) Mea
   — Mea A.

November 14, 2003
Sheri... I too applaud your courage. God bless you & take care!! Amy
   — Amy G.

November 17, 2003
Sheri, I'm sure this post will make some people decide to come clean with their doctors. Thank you for your wise words of warning! Sorry about your troubles!! I'll pray for you.
   — Soosan

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