New PM doctor appointment today.....worried

Am I strong enough to speak up for myself and be assertive enough to tell this doctor if I don't care for his treatment plan and ask to compromise? Will he even consider what has worked or not worked in the past? Will he not believe me as so many doctors have done before and send me packing? Or will it be a good change that leads to many more opportunities that other doctors weren't aware of?

I know that most of you have been where I am right now, waiting anxiously and worrying about what tomorrow will bring when you face down a new doctor. That fear of being treated as a liar or drug addict, or of being told that you are exaggerating, or have no reason to complain and it couldn't possibly hurt that bad is strong in me tonight. I did so well for the 2 months of waiting that I can't believe I am falling to pieces the night before the appointment. All my records are in my bag, ready to go at 7 this morning, and if I don't sleep then this is sure to be harder than it needs to be. I am just so sick of doctors! Tired of going over the endless surgeries, years of pain, multiple symptoms that don't seem to be tied together but are intricately working together to cause havoc in my body with a man that I don't know who has the power to make life the hell it was before adequate pain control.

I feel like a kid sitting outside of the principal's office after being called to the office wracking my brain trying to think of what I did wrong and what punishment they could possibly find for it, and dreading going home afterward to face my dad. Meditation hasn't worked, so I may crochet until my hands are sore so that I can work my issues out by creating order. Does anyone else ever face this fear with new doctors?

Mindy

    Good morning Monty's Mom! How did you're appt go with the new PM?

         I'm starting another pain day here, and happen to see your post from yesterday.

        Please do update if you can.

   SE

This doctor began by apologizing for not treating me during my 3 weeks in part time daily physical therapy. He was leaving the practice within a month and was afraid to begin treating me if he could not follow through. He said I looked amazing compared to when I saw him once in May, and asked my short- and long-term goals were. He did confirm that this is the best I will ever feel again, and my adhesion pain may only get worse. They will eventually stiffen and solidify if I do not keep moving. I lost 18 pounds in 3 months! He said my reflexes, flexibility and mobility is better than in May and that I have come a long way and improved through my hard work and stretching. He gave me papers of massage to do and stretches to help with the SI joints, my arthritis, and pelvic adhesions. Over all a nice appointment for once.

He also worked with me on what I would like to do medication-wise because of my reactions too, and agreed that changing what works is not a wise idea. He added an antidepressant that also helps with sleep. He gave me a hug at the end and is glad I am not a text book case. He like challenges. I go in January for trigger point injections in my pelvis to see if they will help.

A great big sigh of relief. After years of feeling ignored and denied I have found a genuinely nice doctor! If I wasnt in pain from the examination I would be doing a happy dance!