HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

Wait A Little Longer Syndrome

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 1/16/2010 9:09 AM (GMT 0)
I have been contemplating the issue of why I put things off. I am sure I am not the only one who does this. As I look at this, some of the things I put off don't seem to be very rational. My medical expenses connected with my back are paid for through work comp and that is to continue for the rest of my life. As many of you know, I do have limitations on what doctors I can see since my work comp is from another state and Oregon doctors don't take out of state work comp claims.

I have not been in to see a doctor since July. My doctor just refills my meds and most come through a mail order pharmacy. They have told me that they can also handle my pain meds if I went in to my pcp. It amazes me that they do the pain meds but they assure me they handle many pain med scripts. I just put off going into the doctor. Not because of fear, I have just grown tired of dealing with them and having to explain where it hurts, when it hurts, how much it hurts, what kind of hurt it is, what makes the hurt worse or better, etc, etc etc. Depression has nothing to do with this, right? I came home from work tonight and was in more pain than normal, whatever normal is. My scs unit was turned up so high that it was difficult to walk. Took my pain meds and waited but nothing. I thought about going to the ER but decided to wait. (I have not gone to the ER since the night I was injured 11 years ago). But I waited, putting it off until later. Later, things were worse but I decided to put if off a little longer. Now it is 1 am and why go to the ER, what will they really be able to do. It does not sound rational does it. Any way, do others find themselves putting things off? Maybe I have wait a little longer syndrome.      

Posted 1/16/2010 10:37 AM (GMT 0)
Well hello my old procrastinating friend!
So sorry to hear your in so much pain!!!! Also that we haven't been in touch for a while!!! Guess we've both been pretty busy over the hollidays so expect a call soon, I think it's my turn to call!

To reply to your post, you my dear friend may be the only procrastionator I know that may be worse than I am!!!! I sure don't want to make this a pissing match on all the things we put off and put off again but between the 2 of us, I think we could write a good size book!

I think that like you, I'm just sick of playing the same games over and over and over and over!!!! At our age, you would think they would give us a break, especially after reading our health histories!
All for now>>
Hang in there old friend> better days are coming!!!
Pete
Posted 1/16/2010 5:33 PM (GMT 0)
 

 

   Dear Father John,

 

     Good morning *hugg* It is good to hear from you. How did the rest of your morning go? Well... hopefully you are sleeping right now. Thou I fear you are not....

 

      You know I was reading.. And I just don't know if "waiting" "putting off a doctor visit" is depression related. I suppose it sure could be? I will be sure to ask my doctor.. then next one I see at any rate. I have that going on currently in my life right now, ive calculated it out so I can be left alone for about 4 weeks, I just never thought it could be related to depression?

 

      I dont mean to.. whats word? ..encourage? Your putting off the ER. But really, generally speaking we (CPers) arnt treated too well in an emergency or urgent care situations. Shoot I had a new nurse look at me like I cross eyed as I was confirming my perscriptions.... I think your apprehension is completly understandable!

 

       ..thou, if it persists... you might want to go to urgent care or your reg doctor. And I only say that because you have an extremly high pain tolerence, and if it is bothering you, it may very weel be something new is injured or something more serious is going on. Its kind like when I read about pete getting laid up in bed with pain (NO OFFENSE pete!!!) it takes alot for you two to even be bed bound, let alone in enough pain to consider medical help. Just blows "normal pain tolerence" out the window. Just my quick 2cents worth of thoughts on that.:-)

 

      ~~>"Any way, do others find themselves putting things off?" ..... Guilty. I can barly be "awake" for 2 hours before im down and fast asleep for 30-45 just to be able to get up again for 2hrs. The cycle reapeats its self over and over all day long.  This has been going on for a little over a week. And still, I refuse to tlak to my doctors, any of them, because it took so much maneuvering to get them to agree to leave me the heck alone for a month. I like to call it a "mental health holiday". I was sure if I saw another white lab coat and clip board I was going to loose my noggin. They all seemed to understand, and the "health race" will start again next month anyway. I just never thought it could be related to depression. It certianly could very well be connected!

 

      I see this post is rather long, so I will end it here. I do hope thou, you consider calling the doc and see if you can get in for a quick appointment. I hope you can, at some point, get a little bit of rest. Please take care of yourself. You are in our hearts here.

 

*hugg*

  dani 

        

Posted 1/16/2010 6:15 PM (GMT 0)
Father John,
It is truly good to see you again! Your posts have been missed! You are not the only one with wait a little longer syndrome, I'm afraid. That is how I wound up with such a nasty case of pneumonia last year. I was sick for a long time before I finally went into see the doctor and by then , should have been in the hospital long before. I put that off too. My hand/wrist problem should have been taken care already, but I am currently in the how long can I stall before I have to get it fixed syndrome again. And so far I am managing to put it off until sometime in March and I know when that gets closer I will find yet another reason or two to postpone it again........
I avoid going to the doctor and have put off the ER too many times in my life, always to my own detrement. Not with my husband or children, only with myself.
I wonder if there is a 12 step group? Maybe we can start a chapter?
Posted 1/16/2010 6:19 PM (GMT 0)
Father John,

I am very guilty of the same thing. I will wait until the very last minute or until the pain gets to be utterly unbearable before I call my docs. I also tend to wait forever to get laundry done. Its so darn hard for me to do it since it involves two flights of stairs so instead of being good and doing it in small loads through out the week I wait until the last minute to do it!

I hope this message finds you feeling better!

take care,
sarrah
Posted 1/16/2010 7:48 PM (GMT 0)
Here I am still awake, must be putting sleep off. Before my wife left for work she left strict instructions I was to be in bed all day. Pete, I am sure we could write a good book, the only problem is we would keep putting it off as we wait alittle longer. I will look forward to talking to you but the phones have been put out of my reach today.

Dani, no problem with your two cents. I am known at urgent care and the ER as my students frequent there and I have to handle the paperwork. My son was in the other day after a physical basketball game and they reread the xray and found a broken tailbone but could not reach him so they called me to get him a message. Small town syndrome. I know that the ER would not do much and as I said, I am tired of answering the questions so I will wait alittle longer. My wife agrees with you that I need to call my PCP this week.

Mrsm, I like the stall before I get it fixed syndrome. We could write up our own list of syndromes. I was told it was a "man" thing about not going to the doctor. I see that it is noy gender specific.

Sarrah, Maybe wait alittle longer syndrome is ok for some things like laundry. I know when it comes to the pain issue, I am always hopeful that meds will kick in or the pain will somehow decide to take a break. They say the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again the same way and expecting different results. I fear I have some insane friends.  

 

Posted 1/16/2010 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
For me, my big procrastination is taking my meds too late! LOL I was just talking to a friend about this last night so to see a thread like this is kinda ironic! Last night I was watching a movie with my husband and I knew I was hurting and I also knew it was time to take my pain meds. Since I was watching the movie, I put it off until the end. By that time, I was REALLY hurting and if I don't stay on top of my pain it takes FOREVER to calm down. I know this about myself but I still conciously put it off! Why? Because that's just me! LOL

I'll try not to do that again, it was too painful!

Tammy
Posted 1/17/2010 2:39 AM (GMT 0)
Oh how I can relate to your "wait a little longer syndrome," Fatherjohn. That very syndrome may have even helped contribute to my CP since I was stubborn & waited over 2 wks to see my doctor after my initial injury because I had "just been to see him" and "the semester just started and I was too busy to go to the doctor." Yup, procrastination is never a good thing, yet it always seems like the better thing to do at the time...

I hope you're feeling better this evening!! ((((((((fatherjohn))))))))

Skeye
Posted 1/17/2010 7:17 AM (GMT 0)
fatherjohn

I hope you are doing better now, Your post hit a nerve, as most of your post do! You are not alone, I had a very bad experience at an ER once I do refuse to go back. I will after many hours or even days or putting it off go to our local convenient care, however to go there it is close to a forty mile drive, so I have to really convince myself that I really do need to be seen by someone, before I am willing to drive that far! Anyway I know exactly what you mean!

It is really nice to see you posting again! I have missed you!

White Beard
Posted 1/17/2010 10:41 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I hope I can get to finish this post. I will cosider it a huge success to be able to post to your thread!

Oh, count me in on that syndrome. I like the idea of making up our own list. But so many of the things we are "supposed" to be doing aren't exactly things to look forward to. I'm finding my life is WAY out of balance with the list of "have to's" or "shoulds" and very little on the list of things "I want to do" or things that may be in some way relaxing or enjoyable. Maybe that's the problem. And I think it's quite normal to avoid stuff we don't like!

And repeated doctor visits (which usually lead to MORE doctor visits, right?), more tests, procedures, etc. Right now I've been putting off my EGD (to check for progress with my Barrett's esophagus) not that I want to put off finding out about cancer, but I'm deciding whether to do yet another test, or go ahead with a treatment to possibly ablate the precancerous cells BUT which does have some potential side effects/risks. Add to that my cousin, who's the main person who takes me to these things, has been out of town with her daughter who just had a baby. And the weather. These things seem to be always scheduled in early morning and as if getting up and going wasn't bad enough while on all these meds, driving (and asking someone else to get up and do the driving and waiting) in unpredictable weather isn't thrilling. So I may wait until March. And then I started thinking and I have to get down to see that new doctor in March, too. And I forgot that's the month my dentist wants to do the implant surgery! And I don't want all this junk done in the same month. Two of the 3 procedures will likely have some discomfort for awhile after. More pain. Gee, just what any of us needs, right? No wonder we put stuff off.

So add me to your list, and tell me where the 12 step meeting meets.

Hugs to all of you!

PaLady
Posted 1/17/2010 6:53 PM (GMT 0)
I find myself in the same boat. Seems pointless to go to the Dr. when you get the same answers all the time, "We can't do anything else." I guess it's the idea of thinking if we don't go and don't hear that, we might still be able to hang on to our hope that someone can fix us and we can get better.
Posted 1/17/2010 11:44 PM (GMT 0)
Hey all;

I too am guilty of this! Seems I have been putting off what I need to do as well. I think "I'll do it another time" or "Ya know the pain isn't all that bad" but it is and I need to do these things so that I can keep on track and by the time I do them or take my meds, its way to late and I play catch up. Now, lately I have been pretty good with my pain control, as I know how bad it hurts when I am at full "Pain Mode" so I try hard not to put that off to long. But the house is a mess and I know I should clean it up, but it just seems like I don't have enough energy these days to do all that.

I've also noticed that with my health I have a tendency to wait on things. I'm either too busy with something else or I make up excuses to not go. I think a lot of it is we CPers don't trust or care for doctors, they look at us strange when we rattle off our medications, or I, myself, wonder if they even believe me! Okay, here is an example, I have been getting a lot of muscle spasms in my legs as of late. I know it's related to the back, but I can almost bet I won't tell my PCP doc. Not that I don't trust her, but I know that she won't increase my meds so why bother telling her right?

Anyway, thought I'd put my two cents in.


Hugssssssssss

Scarred
Posted 1/18/2010 7:18 AM (GMT 0)
Well it seems that many of us are infected with the virus that causes Wait A Little Longer Syndrome. For those wanting to join the 12 step program to deal with this issue, I will be glad to moderate and lead the group. But, you guessed it, I will wait alittle longer before we actually start it. Something else popped out at me from several of the responses regarding our putting off going to the doctor or even the ER. I will start a new thread on this one maybe even tonight as it seems sleep might not be in the plans again.

Skeye said "Yup, procrastination is never a good thing, yet it always seems like the better thing to do at the time..." You are so right as we use solid reasoning skills to determine that waiting is the better of the choices. That could have a deep meaning about our reaoning skills. We can decive ourselves pretty easily, are we just as good at deceiving others?

Tammy brings up a good point as well. If we are distracted from our pain long enough, even though the pain never left, we can reason that waiting a little longer won't have that big of an impact. I have been watching some cooking shows, dealing with an issue with my daughter as she freaked out when our dog had a seizure, then talking to my wife as she came home from work and debriefed regarding its happenings. The everyone goes to bed and I lay here wondering when my pain increased to this point again. I have spent two days in bed and I am at the same place I was when the weekend started. Oh well, life moves on.

Posted 1/20/2010 5:09 AM (GMT 0)
I was thinking about this thread today as I waited to hear from my doctor today. Knowing that I have a difficult time getting into doctors because of my out of state work comp issue, he suggested a pain clinic that he though he could help me get into. I left a message at the pain clinic and waited to haer from them. At the same time, I called my PCP and told his nurse that for some reason, my pain level has escalated this last couple weeks and I need help.

The doctor's office did not get back to me which is out of the norm as they have always responded very timely in the past. I received a message back from the pain clinic and I did some back ground on them. They do not prescribe any medications. they do no surgeries or implants. It appears they use PT, a psy. and group sessions to deal with chronic pain. It is a 10 week session with two appointments per week which includes the PT, psy visit and group sessions. They say if I can get my insurance company to pay $4500 up front, they will allow me into a 10 week session. That means I have to convince my work comp company this is what I need when I have no idea that this is what I need. What happens in 2 or 3 weeks and this does not work. What do I tell the work comp company when I want to try something else or it just does not work?  

As I lay here tonight, I keep thinking maybe I just need to wait alittle longer and see if the pain lets up. Wishful thinking anyway.

Posted 1/20/2010 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Most of us wait because the care at ER is non-existant. no I don't go there I wait and wait with the thought it will pass in time, lol.
Posted 1/20/2010 9:00 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Father John, I too can relate and guiltily put up my hand at procrastinating and putting off calling specialists. I'm suppose to have my next infusion on Monday and need to tell "someone" about the bad reaction I had to the last one( 4 weeks ago). I feel sort of lead like, the thought of having to deal with it all is beyond me. I finally picked up the phone yesterday and made the call to be told my specialist is away. So now I feel like its in the too hard basket.

I'm not sure which ostrich I'm trying to become. I just keep swallowing my pain killers and ignore my feet and wrists as much as I can.

You however definately need to call your PCP, days in bed with pain is definately impinging on your everyday life. Get that telephone in action, make that call, get that appointment. Don't go to the ER! I hate the doctors there, I hate having to reprove I'm worthy to be treated. Definately not an option unless there is no other!


Please look after yourself, we need your wonderful philosophical bent on this site. Its so good to get the brain cells working, please go and see about this current pain and depression, goodluck and best healing wishes, golitho
Posted 1/21/2010 2:33 AM (GMT 0)
Well, I had contact with my PCP office today. Unfortuanely he is out of town for the next two weeks. Becaus my PCP has made an exception by handling my cp, the other docs that cover for him do not want to see me because they are not pain specialists and won't make any changes in meds. I know this is the price I am willing to pay to keep him as my PCP. He told me that under his new policy, he would not accept me since I have an out of state work comp company. He has been good to me and even made an eception to get my son in immediately when his office said it would take over a month for a new patient. So, 2 weeks it is. Now I have little choice but to wait a little longer. Due to a recent change in my job status, I am limiting my work hours which I hope will help in the next 2 weeks.
Posted 1/21/2010 8:09 PM (GMT 0)
I'm sorry your PCP is away, but I'm very proud of you finally making the call. I guess you're back to heat pads and rest.

Please pace yourself at work. Don't end up in hospital.

I'm worried about you, Fatherjohn, pain is there for a reason, please look after yourself, golitho

Posted 1/22/2010 1:21 AM (GMT 0)
Golitho, Thanks for the support. I told them at work I was taking tomorrow off and that means I will not be going in until Monday. I am going to try and take it easy all weekend to get this settled down. I am getting to where I hate nights again if you know what I mean. I will post more later.
Posted 1/22/2010 3:11 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,

I'm sorry to hear that your pain is worsening & that your doc is away when you need him most. Doesn't it always seem to work that way? My PCP handles my pain management as well & I don't think any of his partners would touch me with a ten foot pole.

I hope you don't suffer too much over the next couple weeks. I absolutely agree with your feeling about nights. They are the worst! I'm at the point where I dread going to bed because I know it is just going to bring me even more pain & very little sleep (as if increased pain levels at night wasn't enough, REM sleep is also very painful for me).

Enjoy your weekend off, although knowing you, you'll probably be back in the office once or twice anyway. I'll be thinking about you!

hugs,
Skeye
Posted 1/22/2010 3:32 AM (GMT 0)

Skeye, thanks for the thoughts. Without the PCP I would be in big trouble. There was a major change at work so I am not planning at going in at all. I was, well, fired, demoted or something like that. I am not sure. They told me that they have someone new taking over but they don't want to pay my unemployment and they are afraid the school would close if I were to leave. I was told I would be recieving a big pay cut so I am weighing my options. Anyway, try to have a good weekend yourself.

Posted 1/22/2010 3:36 AM (GMT 0)
Oh wow! I'm both sorry to hear that & glad for you that you will be getting away from all that aristocratic BS. I hope everything works out for the best, my friend! Feel free to email me if you want to talk.

many hugs,
Skeye
Posted 1/22/2010 4:36 AM (GMT 0)
Skeye, I sent you an email. You will understand.
Posted 1/22/2010 8:49 AM (GMT 0)
FJ, I have been away for awhile dealing with my never ending cellulitis problems. I do remember the school going to have their big pow-wow which I assume from the above post it happened. Correct me here if I am wrong but it sounds like, they gave you a different job, less money the whole bit in an effort to avoid paying you unemployment, is that correct? I guess we knew this was coming but its still a surprise.

Just take care of FJ first, let the new person be the one on the chopping block. We all here know how much time you spent putting that place first. I think this was a blessing in disguise, you may not see it that way right now, but eventually you will. Hugs,
Posted 1/22/2010 9:19 AM (GMT 0)
Fatherjohn,
I just read the last few posts in this thread, and hope my machine lets me write to you. Like others, I'm glad if it means you're easing back some, but I also hope you're talking to a lawyer to find out your rights and your options. I think I remember you were going to talk to one when all this started, but maybe I'm wrong. It sure sounds like these people are playing some games with you, to say the least.

I will send you hugs and wishes for some mental and physical rest, and then maybe re-thinking things. You are a good man, and I can't believe there's not something else out there for you that won't work you to death, literally.

Hugs,

PaLady
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
12