Saw Neuro/PM Specialist today...

So, like I figured, I seem to be starting all over. They asked me what types of medications I was on before that had helped, and I told them a couple of them. They basically just gave me some mobic, which I told them I was on b4 and it did nothing. I also said that I wasnt sure, but I thought that might have been the one that made me throw up black looking stuff, and he said to eat food and drink lots of water. They ordered some blood work, to rule out RA, and I told them that I was diagnosed with psoriatic arthritis a few years ago. Im not sure what the other blood work is for, dont know their abbreviations. I gave them my MRIs from one year ago, I had them updated when I was on pregnancy medicaid after I had the baby (you keep preg medicaid for 2 months after giving birth.) They didnt look at them in front of me, but I assume they did behind the scenes. They also ordered new nerve damage testing (you know when they attach stuff to you then shock the crap out of you) even though I gave them the written results of the same tests from 1 year ago. When they asked about what I want out of treatment, I said to get my life back. To have less pain. To be able to pick up my son, and play with him. Ieven told them that I wanted to go back to school and contribute to my family, but as it is now I can only sit in my recliner. I told them about the muscle spasms I get everyday, and about the depression. I didnt even get to see the neuro Dr. Griffin... it was one of her lakkies. I'm sure they just want to get their own testing to cover their butts bc drs in FL are under alot of scrutiny bc of the huge opiate abuse in this state by drs and patients, but now its going to be another month before I can even tell if this doctor is going to help me at all. Of course this visit was devistating, but I guess that at least all angles will be covered. I dont know how Im going to make it another month, but thats my problem, not theirs. Apparently the fact that I have been able to get it somewhat manageable by sitting in my recliner and doing nothing means that what...I should be able to deal with the pain. It hasnt been easy, and I havent been perfect, but Ive done what I had to to get by. I guess Im just afraid that nothing is ever going to get better. And it really pisses me off that a friend of mine was just dismissed from one dr bc he found out she shared some of her neurontin with her mother, and she immediately went to another dr and got fentynal patches and pills galore. Im doing it the right way and getting squat.

Now Im too pissed off to keep typing, and cant see through the tears anyway, so I'll check in later.

Thank you so much, Screaming Eagle. I feel like a piece of crap bc im sitting here crying and feeling sorry for myself, while my son is alone in his walker. I guess hes ok, hes playing, but I feel like Im neglecting him, along with everything else. I found out you dont have to have a referral from PCP for a psychiatrist, so I called one and couldnt get thru. Im waiting for someone to call me back to see if I can get in. I am at the end of my rope, and I just cant seem to stop crying. Too much stress. My hands are shaking from the anxiety and Ive been getting heart palpitations. I just want to say that Im done and let it be at that, but theres my son in there being cute and I dont have that option. I dont know what I would do with out this support. My hubby only thinks along the lines of fixing things and this cant be fixed. He means well, though, and I am lucky to have him. Guess im rambeling now, but I just wanted to say thanks again.

Pixie,
First...

((((((((Pixie))))))))))))

Big hugs. We unfortunatley understand what you're up against, and those feelings of desperation. I am so glad you were proactive and called a psychiatrist. Heck, get out the list your insurance covers and put calls into them all. Around here it take take a couple of months to go in to see one, but your PCP is usually willing to give you an anti-depressant, and it looks like you need something more than the elavil. So ask for something to help your depression. Usually that won't get you labeled as a drug seeker! At least you might elevate your mood a bit while you're going through all these tests. Even the new PM may be willing to prescribe that, and you could call and explain the crying, low mood, etc., and that the elavil isn't work. Could they at least help you with the depression right now.

As far as new testing, the EMG may be because nerve damage can accerate. This way they can compare findings from a year ago. Heck, the neurosurgeons around here would not even see me (this was for a surgical consult) unless the MRI was 6 months old or less. So the tests may be needed. What you can do is see what records they've received from your former doctors (these things often don't get where they should, or are left sitting by fax machines, etc.) and start calling until your new doctor has all your previous records. That will help shorten some of the time.

In the meantime, we're here. And you could also try calling a psychologist, or other therapist, preferably someone with experience with chronic pain. Your doctor may have some names, or you could ask your insurance company, or just look in the phone book and start calling. Call a bunch and leave messages. Don't call one and wait for a call back.

(((((((((Pixie)))))))))

PaLady

Thanks PALady, the lady at the medicaid office gave me 3 psychs that take medicaid. 2 of them no longer take it when I called them. Hopefully the one I left a message with will call back tomorrow. My hubby just gave me a big lecture about how I should be happy that things got started, that our kid has food, that Im one step closer. Im supposed to feel better because of these things, and he is right. Im not the only one dealing with this, and I guess I should just get over it, but for some reason I cant. There was on emergency walk-in psych place, but I dont feel Im at that place yet. The one that Im waiting for a call back on says in the phone book that they take medicaid, I will try to call again tomorrow. If that doesnt work I will go down the line in the phone book. I dealt with all this emotional type problems when I was a kid, and I know the tools, they just dont seem to be working for me right now. It seems like a giant step back as far as my mental health goes, but I can admit when I am overwhelmed.

Everyones support is staggering in the face of what you are all going through.

Hey Pixie what happened to the enbrel? Is this no longer on offer?

I just thought with PsA you should have some sort of biological med thrown in there. It stops the inflammation and cuts out the joint damage or minimises it. Plus helps with pain.

I'm sure you are so frustrated with the need for more tests, sometimes I feel like I must be radiating magnetic energy all by myself. I sincerly hope they come up with something for you at the end of this long slow process.

I'm continually amazed at the medical profession, I've been left feeling so depressed by some of their wayward comments. Its like you're an inconvennience at times, especially if you don't respond like you're suppose to to a med. Mobic is one of the ones I'm on, its heavy on the digestion and they put me on nexium to help digest it!!! Endless cycle at times.

My heart is with you, golitho

I just talked to my mom (who was a nurse) about the blood tests abbreviations on the lab order, and she said that that they are a RA and immune system related. Maybe I am starting over, but this seems like more extensive testing is being done. I have suspected for a long time that RA was causing most of my pain, maybe, I cant be sort of fast tracked to a rheumy through this neurologist. It will be reeeaaally hard to wait, but this could be for the best.

Also the psych office called this morn and they can get my in for intake on tues at 1:15. Hopefully things are looking up... at least I feel like I'm doing something instead of sitting around. Thanks for being there.

Pixie,
So glad you got an appointment with the psychiatrist. That was really proactive on your part! What you might do is write down all your symptoms, all your current medications & doses - that's important, what's worked/not worked in the past, and any other questions you have. That will save time and if you're at all like me I can never remember everything once I'm in the doc's offce so I always have my little list of questions on a notecard in my hand!

PaLady