For those of you wondering about the true details behind the reason for the suspension of Joseph L. Giacchino’s Illinois medical license, I have some answers for you.
Information has come to the attention of the Illinois Department of Professional Regulations that Joseph L. Giacchino has allegedly issued and/or provided prescriptions for large quantities of various Controlled Substances, including but not limited to Norco, Vicodin and Xanax, to numerous patients of his medical practice without therapeutic purpose and without proper evaluations and/or examinations of the patients.
The Department has received information from a patient of Giacchino’s practice, patient G.K., indicating that Giacchino engaged in sexual activities with the patient during her office visits. In addition, the Department has received recorded conversation between Giacchino and patient G.K. revealing that Giacchino offered said patient free medications in exchange for oral sex.
Moreover, the Department received information from Naperville Police Department revealing that on February 17, 2010 that a patient of Giacchino, patient C.S. was arrested for possession of cannabis, possession of drug paraphernalia and various traffic violations. During the search of patient C.S.’s belongings, the prescription for Xanax 2 mg and Norco 10 mg/325 mg was located. Said prescription contained Giacchino’s signature and was dated February 24, 2010.
Several patients of Giacchino’s medical practice indicated that they were obtaining various controlled substances from Giacchino with intent to sell these controlled substances to other individuals.
The Departments investigation revealed that numerous local pharmacies have made complaints to the Department and/or DEA regarding Giacchino’s Controlled Substance prescribing habits.
Robert J. Schafer, M.D., the Deputy Medical Coordinator of the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulations, has been consulted regarding these matters and believes that the continued practice of medicine by Joseph L. Giacchino presents an immediate danger to the safety of the public in the State of Illinois.
86 Comments
Enough of convicted gangster Rudy Fratto’s false and baseless accusations of calling people perverts – according to the article above, Joseph L. Giacchino, Jr (Rudy Fratto’s valued physician) is a bona fide pervert!
Here is the porn star – I think she is ugly!
http://www.hardsextube.com/video/116986/Maria-Luisa-Gil
Dear Reg,
I agree with both of your comments. Thanks.
Dear Readers,
Please be sure to visit this article tomorrow. Either tonight or tomorrow morning the 4-page document, marked Exhibit F, titled “Petition For Temporary Suspension” will be linked at the bottom of the article. This document affirms the allegations stated in my article.
Please do not be fooled by the word ‘temporary’. It means that Giacchino’s medical license is suspended until the prosecution hearings are concluded, at which time the status of his medical license would be changed to ‘indefinite suspension’. Based on the information above, I would say the only thing temporary in Giacchino’s life is his marriage – and possibly his liberty.
Thank you.
Joe,
The articles just get better and better about this scumbag ……….!!!!!!
Dear Tom,
The news of Giacchino’s behavior will only get worse. Thank God, he is out of commission now.
I am extremely upset due to the fact that i was given DR G for my pain thru PA and now the doctor i am seeing is treating all of his former patients like junkies which I find appauling. I explained that i am willing to go thru whatever test to reprove that all my ailments are true and I or any of his patients should not be treated unprofessionally due to Dr G’s legal , and personal issues
According to a source, the patient indicated as C.S. is purportedly Christopher Skedd. You may read a few interesting things about him here:
http://www.nbcchicago.com/news/local-beat/Cops-Bust-Arson-Suspect-Twice-In-Two-Weeks.html?__source=Facebook
Sorry Reginald Forester Armistice Harrington Somersault III Maria is hot! Possibly a drug dealer but hot nonetheless.
And C.S. a real winner!!!!
Mr. Fosco,
I decided to call myself Ambrose Burnside because of this breaking news of Dr. G. I don’t know if you remember the seige at Petersburg, VA (1864) where the Union Army dug a tunnel under the confederate line and tried to blow a hole in the confederate line? That was a “stupendous failure” according to the historical marker at the crater at Petersburg National Battlefield. It looks like Dr. G’s dream team of lawyers is looking at the same scenario. Is this site confidential? I would really like to make a comment that I know would be of interest to many but I’m afraid I’ll stir up a bee hive.
Dear Ambrose,
When you ask, “Is this site confidential,” I am not sure I understand your exact meaning. I will say this; I do not reveal my commenter’s identity, i.e., email addresses (some commenter’s provide a decoy email address in the first place). I do have a policy to report credible criminal accusations to the authorities, which I have done many times (mostly related to Joseph Giacchino). However, if someone does not provide his or her correct name and email address, I will obviously be unable to pass such information on to anyone. Posting information on a blog is the polar opposite of being confidential – thousands of people view my blog daily. Some tipsters contact me directly by email, jfosco@ktfmediagroup.com. I have never (publicly) revealed a tipster’s identity on my blog, and I never will.
Dear Joseph,
Holy Cow, I am appalled!! I had been sitting with this man every few months for over a year, I am absolutely disgusted at the fact that he would suggest trading pills for oral sex. My jaw literally fell to the floor when I read this article! I want to thank you soooo much for informing me on issues with my “doctor” that I otherwise would have never ever known!!! Im still taking this all in! This is a lot for me to take in because at first, I was such a strong “Dr. Giacchino” supporter, but now I am quite the opposite. For all the people suffering through the terrible withdrawls, this is TRULY a blessing that this man is no longer able to supply the thousands of addicts that has played a very signifigant part in creating and supplying! And Im sure that the Norco and Xanax companies are going to notice a DRAMATIC decrease in the amount of money that they are making off of these drugs. I was doing the math, and if it is true that he was writing a thousand scripts a month, and if every script was at the VERY least, 120 pills, that is 120,000 pills a MONTH that giacchino is responsible for, and thats probably not even a quarter of the drugs in the chicago area that he is resposible for supplying. I am still saying Oh my god in my head over and over. He seemed so warm and welcoming to me, he listened and acted like he cared. I feel like i have been sitting with the devil and did not know it. Again, thank you for giving me this knowlege Mr. Foscoe, your time spent on this should feel rewarding simply because it should help a lot of people to have to get clean, unless they unfortuntly turn to other drugs… worse drugs. its a very very sad thing that has taken over a lot of people’s minds. Once everyone gets clean, they too will see the evil that it really takes to do these kind of things and abuse the power he had in the way that he did. people trusted him, I TRUSTED HIM! this is crazy!
Dear Viewers,
In the interest of being fair, I will report the following:
On May 10, 2010, a commenter accused me of being an Outfit Bookie and sustaining a physical ‘beating’ in 2004, (I have not sustained a ‘beating’ in any year, aside from a few fistfights as a minor. And, I have NEVER worked as a ‘Bookie’) – please be advised that both accusations are 100% false. The comment was not approved and therefore is not on display on KTF’s threads. I advise others to refrain from wasting their time addressing this subject, as KTF’s new policy, which is ‘moderating comments’, will now prohibit comments of an inappropriate nature from being displayed. In this case, I felt it was necessary to clear up some rumors.
Although many bad people have it in for me (as I exploit criminals via KTF), luckily I have been able to rely on excellent security procedures in remaining safe.
The issue here is Joseph Giacchino and his unlawful practice of medicine – anything other than that is inappropriate for this thread. Thank you.
I have been seeing Dr. Giacchino for almost a year and he has always acted in a professional manner to me.
The office environment is completely different. You always had very long wait times (one time I waited 4 hours)you sometimes felt like you were being herded like cattle from the waiting room to the other side of the door where you would sit in front of everyone and get your blood pressure checked and asked which medications you were here to refill. Once you finally made it to a actual room you sat with the door open listening to everyone’s stories. Patients paying cash always seemed to go to the front of the line. He did take all insurance and you only had to pay your copay. Most people I saw there did have insurance.
He helped me a lot. I was doing things that I wasn’t able to do for years because I could put the pain aside and live again. I suffer from chronic pain no other doctors would give me the amount of Norcos that Dr. G. was giving me. So now I’m back in pain and trying to figure out what to do. I do know now that being on pain medication for so long is not a good way to keep going. I think the doctor understood that you don’t have to suffer there’s medication to help.
When I read what the doctor has done it makes my skin crawl. I’m so upset how could someone who had so many people lives in his hands participate in such reckless behavior. He knew he had hundreds and hundreds of patients on addicting medication that is extremely dangerous to just stop abruptly.
If he would have stayed away from the young punks and from the pay to play prescription writing, he would still be able to practice medicine today.
There are many responsible adults who do suffer needlessly. If all of this stuff is true this doctor should never get his license back again.
Dear Another,
Giacchino will NEVER get his license back because everything alleged against him will be proven, in my opinion. A number of audio tapes have Giacchino’s voice on them as he espouses illegal dialog. Such evidence is very difficult to overcome. Let us not forget that Mrs. Giacchino will likely have an issue with Giacchino’s infidelity. In one instance (the oral sex matter), Giacchino destroyed his family, marriage and medical practice. Frankly, I am surprised it took so long.
If anyone knows whom patient GK (sex victim) is please let me know, jfosco@ktfmediagroup.com.
Mr. Fosco,
If the allegations against Dr. G are true and he is affiliated with the Chicago Outfit doesn’t this put anyone associated with this case in danger? Most common people do not have the same security as you do so therefore making any incriminating statements could put an individual’s life at risk. I would think that Dr. G is now in danger with the oufit. I’ve seen all the gangster movies and I know when there is a problem they like to take care of the problem. I would think that the legal problems are less trouble than the problems he will have with Italians in Chitown. Also I think that his patients should use extreme caution in what they say because getting involved in this is not a good idea. I think the legal system will uncover all of the facts they need to take him down.
Dear C III,
It could be argued that you are trying to intimidate witnesses thru KTF Media Group. If witnesses refused to testify, justice would be obstructed.
Dear Joe,
In the interest of being fair, I’m wondering if you’ll address the following question. Why won’t you publish and respond to non-vulgar, totally appropriate questions and comments that are contrary to your agenda?
Thank you.
Dear Soft,
I will gladly answer your question. My agenda is to fight crime. Why would I publish or reply to anything contrary to that?
Joe,
My only concern is the saftey of Dr. G’s patients. Dr G is clearly a lowlife dirtbag if he is giving out pills for sexual favors at his office. That is completely disgusting! I have a friend that reads a lot told me that this case could be a RICO case. I’ve never heard of one but he said, and I don’t if this is true, that in a RICO case they (Federal Agents) will bug phone conversations and offices in that type of an investigation. If that has happened then that would explain the recordings they have of the Dr. otherwise the girl must have been wearing a wire like we see on the TV show Cops.
It would not take a rocket sceintist to take him down with secret patients I don’t know but I bet that was done also. I don’t want the scumbag to get away with ruining lives and creating addicts at all and I do NOT want to obstruct justice however, this is a dangerous person here not your everyday Dr and your readers should be aware of that. I bet many people do not know about the connections with the outfit. I have read many of your articles and I understand your loss at the hands of this evil man.
Could you please explain what a RICO case is and was my friend right about what the Feds do?
Dear Concerned,
RICO is an acronym for Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations. However, the hearing that Giacchino is currently embroiled in is a Professional Regulations hearing within Illinois State Government. RICO is clearly federal, unlike a Professional Regulations hearing. Whether Giacchino is actually the subject of an ongoing federal investigation that relates to RICO is something that we civilians do not know right now.
If you are truly concerned for Giacchino’s patients, stop blowing things out of proportion as if the current hearing is a major federal matter, it is not. In my opinion, it looks as if you are attempting to put fear in witnesses, assuming they might read this thread in between recess. In fact, be advised that I will not post another comment from you that include any mention of intimidating circumstances about the witnesses. And be advised, if law enforcement should ask me for your IP address, I will gladly hand it over.
OH MY WORD.
Wow!!
Well there it is in black and white on official paper.
You think he’ll be the next to check himself in a “sex addiction clinic”
If this wasn’t so deplorable it would be funny.
See what happens when you spit in the wind doc, I mean Mr. Giacchino.
Although I do not know much about “the outfit”, I don’t think anyone connectd with it is going to put themselves out for a junkie doctor. In fact, I think that since the feds are involved, any outfit people are taking one giant step backwords to put as much distance between themselves and Dr. G.
Joe,
Is it possible that Giacchino could cooperate against the Outfit, for some reason–ie, might he work with the gov’t to combat the Outfit in exchange for some kind of leniency, re: future charges?
Dear Ollie,
Sure, it is possible. I would not put anything past Giacchino – he is a major dilemma. However, Giacchino’s problem right now is with the State of Illinois, not the feds.
Joe, FYI, this is how it works — If the Outfit suspects you’re cooperating, they send a mob enforcer to track you down and kick you square in the beanbag. That’s the reason NO one usually cooperates. The fact that Joey Giacchino completed his medical degree, makes no difference; The Outfit will dispatch one of its heavies to kick him in the beanbag, as well. At least that’s my guess. What is your opinion?
Dear Max,
Giacchino lives in a gated estate with guard dogs, cameras and is a firearms owner (despite his wife’s status as a convicted felon), according to my recollection. I believe that Giacchino will protect himself. As to your question, I am sorry; I cannot speak for the Outfit.
Mr. Fosco, I think you have done a fine job of exposing Giacchino. No doubt, Giacchino is a Pusher MD and his fate is now sealed.
Good going Illinois Department of Professional Regulations.
I was just wondering if there have been any new updates since he’s been going to court or if you had recieved any transcripts from his court dates. I’m so angry at what this doctor has done to my families life.
Dear Not My Doctor,
Nothing yet, but I will let you know what is going on soon. Thanks.
Dear Joe,
Your website is kind of lame now because of Giacchino-only content. Also, there are hardly any interesting comments, anymore.
Is KTF on its way down?
Dear Fat,
Contrary to your blind estimation, KTF’s ratings have never been higher.
Noticed John Kass’s column this morning about Dr G – will Goudie now take notice?
Dear Vag,
I do not care what Goudie does.
You did it again, Joe Fosco! Who’s riding who’s coattails?
http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/columnists/ct-met-kass-0514-20100514,0,4808185.column
Dear Clank,
You must be referring to today’s Tribune/John Kass. I admit, reading his piece was like rereading some of my articles.
So where can I go to get my scripts now? I really need my meds.
Dear Jimmy J,
Try going to a real doctor. The phone book is full of them. I wish you the best of luck.
Joe,
I wonder why Kass balked at trotting out the Outfit connection re: Giacchino, as you have always done so aptly?
Exposing the Outfit-element of some crime/corruption situation is something he’s usually pretty good at. Any opinion on the matter?
May I also ask what the holdup is, as far as churning out more articles? KTF used to be known for that, and I admit it’s been frustrating staring at that Mother’s Day thing for the past week. Is Giacchino or other insidious forces distracting or, in some way, keeping you from writing more? I remember the time you informed your readers that you received an Outfit threat, via a 3rd party, that you were going to have your fingers broken to prevent further exposés. Are they continuing to turn up the heat on you, as you turn up the heat on them?
And when will you write more about DiFronzo, Fratto, and Cerone? I was looking forward to that Cerone Marisie piece that you had planned that was going to shake things up, but I haven’t seen it yet. You know, the “how could our friend do this to us” article? That sounded good.
What is going here?
Thank you in advance.
Dear Clank,
I cannot answer for Kass. As far as your inquiry about any holdups at KTF, have you ever heard the phrase, ‘the calm before the storm’?
It is I again… Just wondering the date of the alleged sexual victim’s event account. I recall rumors of this floating around when I worked there (around 2004), as a big “joke” about Giacchino’s innapropriate un-doctor-like behavior.
Oh and I have been “warned” already about the posts I have made regarding my testimony on Giacchino’s failure as a medical practitioner, and I must say, with all due respect, I don’t give a tiny, rat’s, you know what, who sees this. God and Jesus are the real “dream team” and I know their justice will prevail.
Thank you again Mr. Fosco.
Dear First Hand,
I cannot answer your question because I am aware of so many cases that are similar to the sex case you are speaking about, that I cannot keep things straight.
I WOULD JUST LIKE TO TAKE A MOMENT TO TRY TO PERSUADE ALL OF THOSE FORMER PATIENTS OF DR. G. THAT ARE STILL SUPPORTING HIM TO WAKE UP. HE IS NOT A GOOD DOCTOR! ANY DOCTOR THAT GIVES YOU AN UNLIMITED AMOUNT OF NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION IS NOT DOING YOU ANY FAVORS.
YES, YOUR FEEL GREAT AND YOU THINK EVERYTHING IS PERFECT BUT IT IS ALL AN ILLUSION AND NOT REALITY.
IN REALITY YOUR BODY AND BRAIN ARE SUFFERING PERMANENT DAMAGE. YOUR BRAIN STOPS PRODUCING IT’S NATURAL OPIATES AND DOPAMINE. THIS IS WHAT MAKES YOU BE ABLE TO BE HAPPY. WHEN YOU STOP TAKING THE NARCOTIC PAIN MEDICATION YOUR BRAIN DOESN’T AUTOMATICALLY HEAL ITSELF. IT HAS BEEN DAMAGED AND THEY DON’T KNOW IF YOUR BRAIN CAN EVER GET BACK TO THE WAY IT WAS BEFORE OPIATES.
THAT’S WHY ONCE YOU GO THROUGH THE HORRIBLE WITHDRAWALS YOU STILL DON’T FEEL RIGHT. YOU FEEL LIKE YOU HAVE NO MOTIVATION AND DEPRESSED.
DR. G. DIDN’T CARE ABOUT THE LONG TERM DAMAGE HE WAS DOING TO THOUSANDS OF PEOPLE. THAT’S WHY NO OTHER DOCTOR WOULD GIVE YOU AN UNLIMITED SUPPLY. NOT BECAUSE THEY DIDN’T CARE OR UNDERSTAND BUT THEY KNEW THIS IS NOT THE SOLUTION.
IF HE WAS SUCH A GREAT DOCTOR HE WOULD STILL BE PRACTICING MEDICINE TODAY. I UNDERSTAND THE PEOPLE SUFFER IN PAIN AND SOMETIMES YOU FEEL LIKE NOTHING ELSE WILL HELP BUT YOU MUST TRY OTHER THINGS AND UNTIL YOU DO YOU WILL REMAIN A SLAVE TO THESE DRUGS. IT’S A HORRIBLE MONKEY TO HAVE ON YOUR BACK.
PLEASE GET HELP. THEY HAVE TREATMENT CENTERS THAT UNDERSTAND THE LONG TERM DAMAGE THAT HAS BEEN DONE AND CAN HELP YOU TRANSITION BACK TO A NORMAL LIFE.
THIS DOCTOR HAS DESTROYED SO MUCH AND HURT SO MANY AND THOSE OF YOU WHO ARE STILL IN DENIAL PLEASE WAKE UP.
Dear j. fosco? do you feel like some of your critics ‘best’ you on here?
i certainly feel that way. are you developing plans for a more formidable line of attack?????????????????
Dear Biff,
We both know how many alters you have on here; therefore, your numerous identities represent merely one source of opposition for me. Get a life.
i do not feel dr g made anyone a drug addict. everyone has choices what about us REAL PAIN PATIENTS now we suffer cuz of addicts. So not fair. IF he was trading sex for drugs yes he should be arrested that is terrible but noone forced anyone to go to him his patients need to be responsible!
First of all Eric, I was a patient of Dr. G. and I did think he was the best doctor in the world and I do suffer from Chronic pain. I thought that until I WOKE UP! The reason I put this in all caps is because this is a SERIOUS AND DEADLY matter.
When I woke up and had some time now to clear my head and see this doctor for who he really is.
What I said above is not an “idea” it is the truth and I found it out after going to a REAL doctor that cared about me and my future.
He explained that the long term effects of opiates on your brain are real and some people have to stay on a therapy drug like Subutex in order to be able to function normally.
Please don’t take my word for it go and see and doctor and ask them for yourself. When the doctor lost his license it hit me hard! I had no meds left and was scheduled for an appoitment. They didn’t even bother to call and let me know. In was a desperate and crazy time in my life and that is when I WOKE UP! I really mean no offense to you. This is the hard truth and some people don’t want to face it.
As far as the other comments above, when a doctor gives you 240 Norcos a month it doesn’t matter if you’re Mother Theresa you will become an addict. There’s no, ifs and or butts about it.
I wish the best for all of you who haven’t faced the truth yet and I mean no offense.
Eric-I’m not another mad patient cut off from my meds. I have insurance and can go to any doctor and get more. In fact I did do that at first and then I started learning about the long term damage that was being done. This has nothing to do with being cut off and EVERYTHING to do with a doctor who was IRRESPONSIBLE in every way. If you were taking all that medication for two years there’s no way that you didn’t go through withdrawals.
Joe,
What is going on with this case now? No new info in several days. I’m losing interest in this now just wanted to say thanks for the info on Dr. G. I was reading your stuff before the big blow up no punn intended. Anyway we do not always agree but I respect what you are doing. I have to say that I am disappointed it took these investigators so long to shut him down. I went there about 8 times and it was obvious as hell that it was a shady operation. What took them so long? Anyway no more comments from me until something else develops and once again thanks for the info. Oh and by the way I was there the day after it went down early in the morning and it was like some else said I felt like I was in a herd of cattle. It was PATHETIC seeing all of us addicts there to get our fixes. I’m glad it’s over. This event (liscence suspension) has put a complete stop to rx meds in this community so hats off to Mr Murphy. And for all of Dr G’s patients that haven’t given up yet good luck with your doctor shopping.
Dear What,
It is the prosecutions case and it is in recess until Wednesday, May 19, 2010. Thanks.
Joe
Great work , I know I always start out that way . What do you think of the Sarno -Zizzo article in the Sun Times today ? Who due you think is the informant for the last 25 years ?
Dear Tom,
Let me put some thought in to it. However, please know that I have no idea as of right now.
It would mean the informant began his career as a double agent in 1985 and is still alive today.
I will get back to you.
the staff is great.. they r only put under a lot of stress cuz of everything thats happening… everyone at the clinic walked out even the doctors n dentist.. therer is only a couple of loyal workers that r still there with him cuz they do believe will be ok .
Hey Joe,
Was watching the 4:30 news on ABC and they brought up Betty and the KTF web site you guys so free adveritsment
Dear Tom,
I caught it too. Too bad it was not on the 5 or 6 pm times. Perhaps they will air it at 10 PM. If not, they have an article posted on their website, which can be found here: http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=7450858
The Sun-Times wrote a piece today as well: http://www.suntimes.com/news/sneed/2290440,CST-NWS-SNEED19.article
Hey Joe great article on Dr.G in trib today…John Klass is on the case! Check it out….can’t wait to hear from you regarding hearing updates.
Dear Sue,
I read it earlier this morning.
Unfortunately, my concern for justice precludes me from attending the hearing as Kass has the liberty of doing. My presence, coupled with my history with Giacchino might create a disturbance at the hearing. Therefore, in the interest of justice, I will not attend the hearings. However, I plan to write a piece every time Kass writes a piece in order to clarify things for my viewers. I am finishing a piece right now on Kass’ article in today’s paper. I hope to get it off to editing very soon. I would like it up sometime later today.
Joe,
I understand….thanks for keeping us informed about this criminal. Looking foward to your piece later today. Love the website, very informative!
Joe,
Yes the Dr, certainly has faithful followers..Erik is one of them.But the truth is the truth.You do wrong to people and try to justify your actions sooner or later you get caught.Can’t give out presc. drugs to family and friends just because.Dont we know someone who also recieved some kind of pres. from the Dr????Was there a medical condition that the person would need the presc?
Lets see one million pills yearly divided by 2700 patients is 370 pills per patient per year. That would include every patient man, woman and child was on some sort of pain medication.
I highly doubt more than 10% of his patients were for his “pain” management clinic so gee where did all these other pills go? I guess he did report 10,000 stolen a few years back that only leaves 990,000 more account for. (for that year)
You morons trying to support Dr G are merely rearranging deck chairs on the titanic (just like his defense ‘dream’ team).
Dear Holding,
Thank you.
Debbie,
Once again, thank you for keeping the bathroom vulgarity off of the threads. I’m sure we all appreciate it. Thank you.
Erik,
Are you the same Erik Zalkus, 30 years old, from Berwyn who got arrested for aggravated assault and retail theft after threatening the employee at the store with a knife after stealing a muffler part in March? (Google is so much fun) If so, I doubt Dr. Giacchino wants your help at the hearing. Then again, maybe you are just his kind of witness. If that isn’t you, how unfortunate that you share the exact same name and my apologies.
Also, how nice of you to take your acquaintances to see the good doctor. How do you know so many people with chronic pain? Are you a referral service? My relative took people to see Dr. Giacchino for pills – not for a legitimate reason. Then he got a credit towards the payment for his visits, eventually getting free visits. Great benefit! He took A LOT of people there.
He was seeing Dr. Giacchino since 2005 – NEVER had a blood test there, NEVER had a physical exam of any kind, and received #120 Xanax 2 mg, #120 Vicodin 10 mg and #90 morphine 60 mg – EVERY 6 WEEKS! Thay’s way, way more than 1 pill/day! And pills in excessively strong doses. He ended up totally addicted, no job, no insurance, on public aid, no house, no savings, no roof over his head – while the doctor went home to his mansion and weird artwork.
I’m thinking that there is an awful lot of denial going on with former patients. I’m sure there were a few legitimate ones because Dr. Giacchino had to have a “front”. I have worked for a family practice doctor for over 20 years and any patient needing help for chronic pain can be referred to a “real” specialist. If you truly were one of his legitimate chronic pain patients, I have an idea – spend less time defending this “quack” and go find a primary care physician who will be more than willing to help you find specialty care – and who will monitor your overall health as well.
I can’t help but feel that you are trying to convince yourself – as much as anyone reading these blogs – that you are not addicted. The gentleman dost protest too much, methinks!
Dear Readers,
Erik’s 6:28 pm comment was moderated. I left out all the insults that he directed at the others and me that contribute to KTF. Mr. Zalkus is of the opinion that I am ‘Witness’, which is false. In fact, my moderation of his comment was a favor in disguise – he had at least 20-words spelled incorrectly.
Dear Erik,
Call Barbra Walters for all I care. And good luck with your website, make sure you use spell-check.
Dear Erik,
Your psychotic behavior of submitting dozens of the same comments – that are simply being deleted – is beginning to concern me. Rather than calling the Tribune or Barbra Walters, please call (800) 662-HELP. Thank you.
Mr. Fosco,
I am sorry that you got accused of being the source on my post. Trust me, I can google any person’s name as easy as I can google “Joseph Giacchino M.D.”. Erik provided the name, the rest is, well, as they say – history.
Mr. Fosco, I do want to go on record that I truly appreciate all your work to try to bring this corrupt doctor to justice. You show incredible courage and I know that many people would speak more freely if they weren’t concerned about their safety.
I also want to say for all of those people suffering, there is someone who cares about you. I know all the blame can’t be placed on Dr. Giacchino, but if he didn’t make getting those pills so easy, most probably wouldn’t stoop so low as to prowl the streets looking for a “fix”. I have compassion for those who don’t know which way to turn. I say to them, trust your family – your mother or father, your spouse, your siblings or your child – and seek help.
Everything I wrote is the truth. I have had to live with the aftermath. In the end, Dr. Giacchino does NOT care if you live or die. But your loved ones do care.
Peace.
Dear Witness,
No need to apologize, you have done nothing wrong. Thank you for your valuable contribution to this comment thread.
Dear Erik (and all the others like him – Giacchino’s people),
I will provide the name and contact information for two local institutions that offer detox, mental health and substance abuse programs and short term residential programs. Both of these institutions allow self-pay patients and do provide a sliding fee scale. They are as follows:
Loretto Hospital
645 South Central Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60644
(773) 854-5444
McDermott Center
120 North Sangamon Street
Chicago, Illinois 60607
(312) 226-7984 x480
Furthermore, you may contact the following number during business hours to find other similar programs funded by the State of Illinois: (800) 843-6154.
Thank you and good luck.
MR.FOSCO, I AM A FRIEND OF ERIKS FAMILY… I ASKED HIM TO RERIGHT HIS DEFENSE TO YOUR PAGES REGULATIONS… HEREIT IS:
MR. FOSCO, THE TIME I WAS ARRESTED WAS ALREADY SEEN BY A JUDGE AND I WAS FOUND NOT GUILTY. THIS DOES NOT RUIN MY CREDIBILITY WHATSOEVER, THATS ALL I WANTED YOU TO UNDERSTSND…THANKS HOPE YOU UNDERSTAND
Dear Alderman,
Please tell Erik that I am not the person that exposed his arrest on this thread, which I already told him a couple of times. In addition, I am glad to publish his appropriate response.
Well thats kind of the response I wanted. Still waiting for you as a professinal man of buisness and athority to the breaking medical news here in chicagoland to take ERIK’S name off your propaganda to help others from this devistation by going to hospitals you put my friends name in front of. Thats not nice. Lets keep this out of the courts unless you have some desire to see how far we will take it? You can contact me via telephone at my office at 1312-808-9000 will only put through your calls thank you.
Dear Alderman,
I have done as much as I am willing to do on the matter. In my opinion, Erik is overreacting. I do not understand what his complaint is. And, I do not care. Take your threats of brining me to court and file them in the trash. If you file a bogus complaint against me, be prepared to be sanctioned.
Your spelling and IP address are strikingly similar to someone else on this thread. Please call (800) 662-HELP.
Dear Erik Zalkus, aka Alderman (IP Address 99.108.223.11),
Please be advised that KTF Media Group, thru me, consider your comments via our submission process to be very harassing, and your threats to be very frightening. I am specifically speaking about your threats indicating bodily harm upon me (readers, I have not publicized the greater portion of this individuals comments – however they are in a safe place).
Erik, please cease and desist in contacting KTF Media Group and me any further. You are not welcome to communicate with us.
Please be advised of the following link (you may need to read it a few times):
http://law.justia.com/illinois/codes/chapter53/1883.html
Thank you.
Respectfully submitted,
/s/ Joseph Fosco
thank you for the numbers for assistance,sadly i know way to many loved ones that i hope will reach out to these sources…little aside here ,yikes way to many flashbacks to my past when i read many of your columns,the names, the places , the ages….yikes …lol
u r an idiot if u think all vicodin users are addicts or will become one true pain patients assimilate the drug different than recreational users educate yourself before you write stupid things. of course dr g over perscribed and the addicts loved it but AGAIN… what about failed back surgery patients or accident victims. it is NOT easy to find drs to prescribe pain pills
Arrivederci, Eric. Don’t drop the soap!
http://www.wgntv.com/news/local/breaking/chibrknews-man-gets-2-years-for-bird-theft-at-naperville-pet-shop-20110502,0,6926997.story?track=rss
Erik is another drug addict that Giacchino has treated by giving drugs.