One more more thing. Don’t underestimate the effectiveness of filing a complaint.
A few years ago, I had to have some warts removed. The dermatologist kept blinking and winking convulsively. His assistant injected the Novocaine and applied the CO2 or whatever it was, then the doc prescribed codeine. I never filled the prescription because I didn’t have any pain. When I went back for a followup, I told the doc this, and he said jovially, “Why don’t you get it filled anyway…'case you feel like flying?”
I called whatever number you’re supposed to call at the HMO. They were fairly blase until I repeated the “flying” remark, then they sat up and took notice. I got a form in the mail shortly afterwards, filled it out appropriately, and a while later, got a letter from the dermatologist announcing his retirement.
Also, and I’m not swearing this is true, but I heard from a friend, who often has to take painkillers, that codeine doesn’t get you high any more. He says they’ve “taken out” whatever the ingredient was that had that effect. I dunno. Maybe he’s taken it so many times he’s built up a tolerance.
