here we go again/ long and confusing

I mentioned that my new pain doc wanted me to see a neurologist just "to see if anything was missed." I had seen neuro 5 years ago, went through all the scans, tried all the "neuro" meds, gave it a good year until I was told that nothing could be done and was moved along to the pain docs.I agreed to see the new neuro my pain doc works with on the understanding it would just be a consult. My appointment was for July but last friday I got a call saying they had a cancellation so would I like to come in Monday. I told them I didn't have reports because I wasn't planning to go in until July but they said no problem, c'mon down.
I have to admit that this new neuro was very nice, sounded very knowlageable, reviewed the scans, did the whole history bit but now wants to "start over". She prescribed a new med (nolodol), a beta blocker saying she didn't want me to leave without trying something, has arranged to get all the reports on the old scans, wants all the other doctor records( her office will get them, I don't have to do a thing).She really listened, seemed to care, wants to help, said shes treated headache before but nothing like this. It could be a good thing BUT heres the question for you my dear friends...when is it ok to say no...thanks but no, I've already done this. This will mean a slew of new meds, more scans, now shes' talking spinal taps so I'm looking at more invasive procedures.
The thing is I've been through all this and I'm scared, not to take the meds etc but frankly scared to hope that maybe this time she might find something. Do you know what I mean? I'm sort of in a place of "this is where I'm at", accepted that I need to learn to live with it and frankly the thought of getting my hopes up again after 10 years really scares the hell out of me.
What do you think? do I politely say thanks but no thanks or do I just in again feet first . I really don't know.
catahoula

Hi Cat,

I have to agree with WhiteBeard. You should sit down with her and explain your concerns. Chances are she thinks she can help and wants only the best care for you. When you explain your concerns, she will consider them as part of the treatment plan. It is quite natural that you want all the pain to stop, but that you don't want to go through anything else painful, scary, confusing, stressful, or expensive in the process. I would think anyone (especially a good Dr) would understand that. You have every right to be concerned about additional procedures and to say no if you so choose, however, you did go see this Dr in an attempt to get help and you should seriously consider the options before opting out of the whole thing.

All the best to you! I'll keep you in my prayers!

While we all know how much we hate tests and the hassles of going through this bunch of marlarce, I can see why a doctor would like to see where you're at right now.  A lot can change in 5 years within the body even though we're not fully aware of it.  On the other side of the coin, you always have the right  to say you've had enough and that you just don't want to be messed with anymore.  In return, the doctor can also feel like you're tying his/her hands  since he's being forced to work with very dated information, so nothing can really be accomplished.  Sort of like making stock investments with a newspaper dated 2005.  There are some health conditions that validate the need for current info.

Anytime we start a new relationship with a new doctor we're all exposed to starting all over again.  Unless the tests are very new and current (90 days or less), it's not unreasonable for a highly dedicated doctor to double check both your current situation and the diagnosis of other doctors leading up till now.  If we're not willing to accept the fact that most doctors will always demand very current information on anything and everything, then we might as well just stay home and just keep riding it out the way we are, but after 5 years it sounds like it might just be time to look once again and check everything under your hood before proceeding with whatever step is next as far as care, treatment and medications go.

Best of luck you'll get the results you need.  Bob.

Hey Catahoula, once again you got wonderful advise from all of the very wise people here. This place is great. I agree with everyone and don't have anything to add other than you are in my thoughts and prayers and know when the time comes you will make the right decision for you. Have trust in yourself my friend!