I'm fortunate in that my Family Physician is completely sympathetic and cooperative to help us insure that we have extra meds to fill a JIT gap in the event of a hurricane, tornado, flooding, etc.

I have scripts for a broad spectrum antibiotic and a decongestant to supplement my onboard/BoB FAK/OTC meds. Before I use either, I call my Dr's office and consult with him concerning my symptoms. If needed, then I start them and sked a follow-up appt with him, for when I return home.

We also have additional supplies of several drugs at home that any disruption could make getting timely refills difficult.

I really do wish missing even one day's dose would not cause issues, but it does. The side effects leave one almost chained to a toilet for 24 hours, not to mention the mood swings.

I have a few doc's in the prepared group that understand, and claim they would fill-in in a pinch. My concern is they and I will not be in the same area.

Well, if you can just get one 30 day supply ahead, you can rotate it so you will always have it. Good luck.

Can't you tell the doc your going on vacation for over a month and need more... ?

Nope, not even close. I might have tried it in the past, and I might have been asked for the travel itinerary.

These aren't your run of the mill scripts. They have even turned heads crossing the border into Canada, Mexico and the Cayman Islands.

To give you an idea, the monthly bill NOT covered by insurance is approximately $3000.00. We actually keep them in a safe in the master closet. That way if sons#1&2 have friends over, we don't worry about them getting into them.

That is an idea. All but one are "normal" in size. The one that is really strong is absolutely tiny, I mean miniscule in size and is only 3mg. I accidentally got one mixed in with my meds one time and the damn thing knocked my butt OUT in about 20 min.

We were on a one day motorcycle trip. To save room, I put all our meds into the same small container. That night I took my medication first. About 5 min later DW asked "have you taken your medication?". "Yes dear." "Well you got one of mine, and you better go pee and get in the bed fast, cause you are about to be stoned out of your mind." "I do kkkkiinnndaaa feeellllmff ffuunnbbby."


I slept on the floor that night. seems the hotel didn't have enough manpower to lift 240lbs into the bed. Good thing I always carry extra meds for her. I got one by accident, she took one that night, and one the next night because I still didn't feel right and wasn't riding the bike back like that.

Evidently having no acquired resistance to the medication tends to qualify one as an instant light weight.

After Hurricane Iniki, I decided 30 days was as reasonable a time as I could make space for.

Though you may meet the same resistance with your wife's doctor, docs will sometimes have samples that they can give out. While not a 30 day supply, it might give you some cushion. My DGF has asked for and received them because her insurance company would not immediately refill a prescription.

Another thought is many insurance companies offer through-the-mail prescriptions for 90 days. This supposedly saves everyone money. The insurance company pays less for the drugs and you pay the same co-pay but only once every 90 days. At least this way, your average supply would be around 45 days instead of 15.

I am not even going to try guessing.
I have a brother with a real bad back.
I have been on serious painkillers a few times but when I read my younger brother's prescriptions I just shudder.
I showed him how to grow poppies 5 years ago and explained to him how to make tea.
It is not anywhere near what he should have available, but would likely help a bit if he was without supplies.

Hey Desperado,
Sounds like you're in a harsh situation.
Keep fighting the good fight.
Doug