my drs appointment today

That's really ashame that she is not treating your pain. I would have probably been more straight forward with her and asked her to increase my medication--probably out of desperation of being in so much pain. I know though that that's probably not the best idea. Hmmm. I wish I had advice. When she calls, I would tell her again that your pain is not under control. I hope someone else pops in to give some advice.

Hugs,

Flower

I think this is just wrong!!! I can't even imagine somebody thinking an OTC cream would do anything to really help major back pain. It just goes to show that Dr's sometimes have no idea of what a patient really goes through. If they did, then they would have a clearer understanding that pain meds are not a want, they are a need!

I'm glad you decided to go ahead with the cement thing. I met a lady one day who was having it done outpatient. She was hurting so badly that I could "feel" her pain. It was because I understood and my back had an almost sympathetic response. They were doing her's that day in this tiny little hospital with just a needle and some cement.

Please don't get me wrong....I've never had it done and I don't have any friends who have, but I would certainly be willing to do it if it would help me now.

Please do read up well. It may be a lot more complicated than I was led to believe.

Good luck and I hope you feel better soon!

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Failed fusion L5-S1, Pituatary damage, HGH Def, Fibro, Bladder surgery failure, Nissen Failure, GERD, OCPD, GAD, MDD, CTS (Bilateral Surgery completed), CFS, TMJ, Migraines, Vit D, A, Magnesium deficiency, Pre-glaucomic (sp?), HBP, Idiopatic Reactive Hypoglycemia, Edema, too many Drug/Food allergies, sensitivites, and current meds to list.

Hi Loretta,

I, too, am sorry your appointment didn't go so well.  It's more than frustrating to go in needing help - and to walk out w/out what you need.  I would have been extremely frustrated when seeing what she gave was an OTC cream - espeically one you've tried before. 

All I can share is my own experience - but I had many years of tears, frustration and extreme pain until I finally had enough.  I somehow found the voice to demand that my pain be treated adequately.  You can do this w/out being nasty, for sure.  I simply would say "My pain is not adequately controlled and I can't live like this, because it is decreasing my quality of life".  It's tough at first; I know, because I'm a relatively shy person :)  But it's really important... and, over time, I've found wonderful doctors who really respect the fact that I advocate for my own health issues.

When the nurse called, I would just share that perhaps the doctor didn't quite understand how much you are suffering because obviously you've already tried all the OTC stuff - and it's not working and you can't live like this.  Period.  I woud say that you are doing everything on your end - going for all the testing...procedures...and so forth; but, until all that's completed, you need something that is going to cover your pain better.

If the nurse doesn't call in a timely way in the morning, I would definitely give a call back by late morning.

Let us know what happens, Loretta... Good luck and take good care...

--Tina

 

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Main Health Issues: Dysautonomia/POTS; CFS/Fibro; Chronic Pain (back issues, migraines, carpal tunnel, among other things); Chronic Hypertension; Hypothyroidism and Hypoadrenalism; Mixed Sleep Apnea (on BiPap); Depression/Anxiety; Vitamin D Deficiency.

Good luck with your dr. Your lucky your family dr prescribed you pain meds at all most gp's wont. I hope the procedure works for your pain.

Hey Loretta

So sorry to hear your appt. didn't go well. I don't know your situation with your doc, but mine does not like when I hint around. She hasn't said that but it is pretty obvious, because when I try that approach I get nothing.

I have finally gotten to where I just ask. I ask her for what I think will help. She is alot more receptive to that. For the most part (because I really don't ask for crazy increases at 1 time) I get the increase in mg or add another med. When she isn't comfortable with it, she tells me and we compromise.

I have been seeing her for about a year and it took awhile to be able to talk to her and be able to ask for what I need, but now we have a great patient, doctor relationship. Maybe it's time to look for someone else who you feel more comfortable with. I wish you the best. take care.

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Gentle Hugs,
Shannon

Fibromyalgia, Chronic daily headaches, Migraines, Possible Graves Disease, GERD, High blood pressure, Depression and Anxiety

Oxycontin, Percocet, Lopressor, Lexapro, Omeprazole, Promethazine as needed for nausea, Ventolin inhaler and Vitamin D3

Thank you all so much for the support. I don't know what I would do without you all. You're the best.

I called the doctors office again today. The receptionist looked in my file (electronic) and the doctor said maybe I'll have to buy the cream over the counter. So, tonight I bought the stupid cream and just like last time it does nothing, absolutely nothing. No pain relief. I didn't even feel the heat from it for about 2 or 3 hours. I'm just flabergasted, I guess that's the word for it. I'm so mad. I want to find another PM dr. or maybe I should just call the one I saw before. I was afraid when I agreed to see her (the PM dr) until she got me leveled out as far as pain and then she would turn me over to my pcp to continue writing the scripts for my pain meds. I was afraid to try it, but I said ok i'll try it. I had had a hard time finding a pm dr. that would take my medicaid. Now it has came to fruition (sp?) I'm in so much pain that my anxiety is out the roof. I'm shaking so much at times that I can hardly type properly. AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA **************It would hurt my husband too bad and I wouldn't be with my babies in heaven. There's no way I could take that chance. Don't worry, i won't do anything like that. I feel like pulling my hair out. What do I do?

Could you all give me some advice? any websites that I can find a pm dr? Please help me, please. It hurts so bad. I'm sorry.

i'll go now. everyone take care.

love you all and big hugs
Loretta

( Rule #1)

Post Edited By Moderator (Mrs. Dani) : 3/18/2011 9:33:10 AM (GMT-6)

Hi Loretta,

What state do you live in? Maybe someone can recommend a doctor.

Oh, dearest Loretta, I'm so sorry you're having to go through this right now.

You know if they're just going to suggest a topical cream to rub on your back to help with pain there are so many of them out there. As far as ones that warm up the area Extra Strength TigerBalm was always my first line of defence. The other one I use alot, especialy in the summer, is BioFreeze, but the local CVS stopped carrying it so I'll have to go to my old chiropractor's office. I'm hoping they still do refills if you bring your original bottle in, as I have a big bottle, and a smaller travel size one. Be warned, it's just like the name suggests - a lil on the cold side.

One of the things I learned when it comes to discussing my pain with doctor's, especially in hopes of having my medication levels raised, is how you word things to them. I never thought wording would be so important. When I would ask my PM doc if he could up my doseage because of my pain he was really reluctant to do so. Another month went by with no improvements, even though I followed my pain med regime to the letter. So the next time I saw him and he asked (as always) how my pain was doing, I told him it'd gotten to the point where it was interfering with my quality of life, and that especially as a single Mom my ability to function and care for my son was of the utmost importance. I'm not saying that's guarenteed statement, but it sure sounded alot better in comparison to our prior conversation and in the end he did up my doseage.

Take care of yourself and do your best to try and relax. Maybe a heating pad would work best for the time being. Don't lose hope, and remember we're all here for you. *hugs*

I am sorry that you are not getting a treatment that is working for you. I do not understand why they would send you back to a family doctor unless they assumed your issues were resolved. Family doctors can only treat certain things that is why they have specialists. No doctor in the world could possible know about, and how to treat every illness.
If you have chronic untreatable pain then you need a pain specialists for the rest of your life. Just as you would need a cardiologists for heart disease, or endocrinologist for diabetes.

I used to just go whoever they sent me and do what they said, but after a surgery I started getting an infection. I called the office told them what was going on. I was in terrible pain and it was red and swollen. I knew something was wrong. He was going out of town for a few days and said it was fine it was to be expected, and to call the office next week. A week later I was in intensive care with a deadly rare infection.

I know it isn't easy to switch doctors, but it is your life and the quality of it that is at stake. I had to go to many different doctors before I found my "dream team" that actually cared if I lived or died. I have a family physician, pain specialist, gastroenterologist, endocrinologist, and neurologist. I see all of them on a regular basis to ensure my health and quality of life. They all communicate with each other so each knows what the other is doing and why.

Now if I were to call any one of my doctors they would postpone their plans and tell me to come on in. That is a true doctor. And I thank the powers that be every day for each one of them.

I am sorry I did not mean to go on and on. I just feel bad for you and want you to get a good doctor. I found all of mine by researching on the internet. Good luck My thoughts are with you.

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dx: Malabsorption disorder causing severe vitamin deficiencies, osteoporosis,osteomalacia,14 broken/fractured bones,anemia,hyperparathyroidism,hypertension,IBS,kidney stones,abdominal adhesions,immune supressed,23 surgeries to date
Rx:must be liquid or patch form,massive vitamin supplement fentanyl,percocet,protonix,clonidine,klonopin,phenegran,synthroid,pain pump implant april 4th

   Dear Loretta,

     I hope you are able to relax today. How is your pain doing right now? You know, I have a heating pad made by the company "Sunbeam" it is 2 feet long. I found it at K Mart. Just a thought. It is hard to read about what is happening to you. I wish there was some way that I could help.

     I am glad you are going to find another PM to give recommendations to your primary care again. I remember last year when you had originally seen the PM. She finally got the right combination all worked out, then told your primary care what to prescribe. I remember you were doing well for a while. So, when your primary care was not hearing your complaints I began to wonder if you would need to visit your old PM again to update and change your medications again. Where you able to find one that accepts your insurance? Or are you still making calls and checking leads? I hope you are able to find one soon. You pain has been out of control for a long time now.

     I hope you are able to get some sleep in at some point. KNow you are in our hearts.

*hugg*
   dani 

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TWO roads diverged in a yellow wood
And sorry I could not travel both
And be one traveler, long I stood

^{Chronic Pain Moderator}
Mail

9yrschronicpain
Im sorry for the pain and suffering that your having to go through. I know all to well what this can be like and if your not already bi-polar or have depression etc. it can certainly induce you into a negative mental state. I think I read where you have a husband. You should use him to your advantage. At only 28 years old i know what its like to suffer and be in constant pain. If not for my wife advocating for me, who knows what position I would be in. In the past my wife has went to my initial consultations or visits where I need to be spoken up for and things got done. I got the pain medicine and relief I needed to function in everyday life. You have all these complications with the main support frame of your body, which is your back. Get the medical records and proof needed that shows your conditions, take your husband and proffessionally demand to be on opiate therapy (If this is a treatment your wanting to consider). We are Americans and have the right to be functional and as pain free as possible. If there is somthing I can help you with please let me know. I've been ran through the mill with illness and disease, so I wold be happy to tell you my opinion in approaching this.

Can he possibly meet you there at the office? Bus or cab or car,friend maybe? If not maybe he can leave a tele message to have your Doc call him at his convience to discuss your tx and this wont be a problem as long as you have a signed hippa form designating him to be the person they can discuss your medical info with.

He can at least let her know how this pain and non-treatment of it is effecting your lives together as well as his.

Good luck to you.

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Disabled since 1999 from knee injury
DX: Bil knee meniscus removal with LTKR in 01. 6 knee arthroscopy for plica removal meniscus repair. Ank spondyl,ddd at L3-4 S1. disc collapse at L-3 with nerve impengement. legally deaf,copd,rt shoulder rotator cuff tear repair 06. some memory deficit post encephalitis,GERD
MEDS: methadone,xanax,cymbalta,zantac,maxide,K+,lasix,prempro,celebrex,combivent