Another question?

 Of course there is the regular types of exams. They will ask you on a scale of 1 to 10 where is your pain level. Most doctors don't to seem to excited if you are at a 3 or 4 but the again, we have not found a good scale to judge by. My 6 could be your 4. Everyone is different. I suggest honesty and openness as the best approach. They really cant help unless we are honest with them. We hope they are honest with us right. I hope this helps answer some of your questions. If you need more direction, just ask as we are here to help.

It seems your uncle may have had a bad experience with a pain dr. However, I have been seen by 3 different ones over the years and had good drs all three times.

To answer your question about being given pain meds on the first visit, yes, I was always given a script for meds. Some pain drs send you a packet thats a questionaire about your pain problems and you complete it at home and take it to the appt. But, then some may have you fill the info out when you arrive for the appt. I suggest that you arrive a little early so you can do your paperwork if its to be filled out in the office. The form gives them a fairly good picture of your pain problems.

I have to disagree with your uncle on how to present your pain to the dr. If you over exaggerate your problem to the dr it may send a red flag up that you are there for pain meds only. Don't do that. Instead be honest and forthright with the dr. By being honest and giving a true and accurate description of your pain it makes the drs job easier and he can treat you more effectively. Most drs know when a patient is not being honest about their pain and it only makes that person look bad in the drs eyes and could result in being dismissed from his care. So, as you can see the uncle's suggestion is not one of the best ways to handle yourself at the appt.

If I remember correctly you are taking Norco and they have become ineffective in covering your pain. If this is correct be sure to tell the dr this. I went thru alot of different pain meds over time, they always ended up eventually not taking care of the pain. So, when this happened, I told my dr and he would try me on something else. You are the only one who knows how the pain is affecting you, so relay that to the dr.

Take care and let us know how the appt goes.

Straydog/Susie

Moderator Chronic Pain

crohns disease dx 2002 & small bowel resection, still looking for remission whatever that is, chronic pain 22 yrs, added ulcerative colitis 6-05 to the mix, high blood pressure 28 yrs, aortic heart valve insuffiency, depression, osteoarthritis, osteoporosis lumbar spine, scoliosis lumbar spine, peripheral neuropathy hands & feet, COPD & on oxygen therapy, lupus & decreased circulation in both legs. Too many surgeries to list and too many medications to list. Currently on 16 different daily medications. Intrathecal pain pump implanted June 05.