HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

my drs appointment today

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 3/15/2011 5:52 AM (GMT 0)
I went to my pcp appointment today about my back today sad

I thought for sure that she would increase my pain meds in one way or another, but she didn't. She examined me and we discussed me getting another MRI of my thoracic and lumbar spine. I agreed because it's been a year or so since I've had one. We also discussed me seeing the neurosurgeon again that I saw before about getting the (I forgot what it's called) where they put cement in the spine where the compression fracture is at tll. I told her ok. I told her that I thought I wanted to have it done now. She told me she was going to send a script into my pharmacy that is for muscle spasms. I said ok. When Jerome went to pick it up, come to find out it's capsaisin(sp?) cream and my insurance doesn't cover it because it's over the counter. I bought it over the counter when she prescribed it the last time and it didn't do that much for my pain. So, Jerome came home and told me what it was and that the insurance doesn't cover it. I called my drs office and my dr. had already left. I told the receptionist about my insurance not covering the cream. She said "Do they want another kind of cream?" I said I don't know but I just want something to help this pain in my back. I wasn't nasty. I just stated the fact. She said she would get a nurse to call me, but I haven't heard a word from anyone. Later when I get up I'm calling back.

Needless to say, I'm really upset. I just wish she (my dr.) could walk in my shoes for a week, then she might do things differently. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't wish this pain on my worst enemy, ya know what I mean?

I hope you all are having a low pain night and are getting a good night's sleep. Take care everyone.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 3/15/2011 9:32 AM (GMT 0)
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
Posted 3/15/2011 10:08 AM (GMT 0)
Loretta, I'm so sorry your appointment didn't go as well as we were all hoping. I hope you can get back in touch with her tomorrow and help her to understand the pain you're in. And that she can do something to help you quickly. Have a good restful night and best wishes for a low pain day tomorrow while you wait to get all of this taken care of.

-Jeff
Posted 3/15/2011 10:47 AM (GMT 0)
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!
Posted 3/15/2011 11:24 AM (GMT 0)
Loretta, I'm sorry that your appointment didn't go well. If you have the sort of relationship with your doctor that makes this possible, I would be totally honest with her and tell her what you need - if you're getting to the end of your rope with the pain right now, tell her. Ask her if she'd consider increasing or giving you stronger pain meds.

I hope that you can manage some rest tonight. Good luck in talking to your doc again tomorrow.

Laura
Posted 3/15/2011 11:57 AM (GMT 0)
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

 

Posted 3/15/2011 1:43 PM (GMT 0)
Hello Loretta. I'm sorry to hear that you are having so much trouble controlling your pain. My mother-in-law had the cement procedure done a couple months ago and it went very well for her, almost instant relief. Her compression fracture was only a few weeks old though as compared to yours being 10years old. I truly hope that you get the same kind of relief. If you do have the procedure done, please let us know how it goes.

Good luck, Lee
Posted 3/15/2011 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 3/15/2011 5:42 PM (GMT 0)
 Dear Loretta,

    My goodness! I really thought you would be able to finally get some much needed help. I was floored when I read your update. shocked

    I really do not see how a topical cream is going to make any kind of significant impact on your muscle spasms? I looked it up on the computer and it is about 10.00 at wal-mart and walgreens. I vaguely remember trying it once. I do not remember it lasting more than an hour? The muscle area between my shoulders never relaxed, it was just... therapeutic. If you can afford it, I highly suggest arnica (gel form). It is a bit costly. It works every well though. It is an anti-inflammatory that lasts about 2+ hours. It allows you to continue using the muscle group without it  "locking up". If that makes sense.

    As a whole, how do you feel about your Primary Care taking care of your pain management? Have you ever given thought to seeing a spine specialist? I see one specializes in spinal deformities. They keep track of my spine. Watch my progression very carefully. open communication and updates with all my other doctors. Manage all my testing and imagery (x-ray and MRI). Coordinate my medications and alternative therapies. Bring in specialists in other areas as needed. It might be worth looking into.

     Are you still seeing your pain management doctor? Or did the PM switch over all of your medications to your PCP? If so, I wonder if a visit with your old PM to get your medications updated would be worth a try. Did your PCP tell you why she did not want to increase your current pain meds? If she didn’t, perhaps just a follow-up visit and ask her plainly if you need to get reassessed by the pain management doctor.

     I am really sorry that you are still in so much pain. I hope you are able to catch up on some much needed rest. Please know you are in our hearts!

*warm hugg*
       dani

Posted 3/15/2011 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 3/15/2011 6:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey 9Years, so sorry to hear about the bad experience you had with your PCP....I hate to say that I'm not very Shocked....I hear this all the time from CPer's that don't have good Doctors.. Especially with Primary's....It's a shame that our most trusted Doctors are the ones that are either "scared" or "think they know everything about CP"...when "WE" know they don't have a clue. You'd think that the Doctors that know us the best, our PCP's, would trust that we are in pain and not trying to "get one over" on them.

I am so very lucky....and the more I read about other people's PM's and PCP's I think I'm even more lucky...I've been seeing the same PM Doctors since 2002....and they are great!!! Some little problems here and there, but overall they treat me well....and as long as I abide by my Pain Contract it will continue to be good...

I wish everybody here at HW were as lucky as I am, and had great Dr.'s....

Rhonda
Posted 3/16/2011 8:36 AM (GMT 0)
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)

Posted 3/16/2011 10:34 AM (GMT 0)
Oh, Loretta, I'm so sorry that you're feeling like that. I understand the feeling of desperation cause by uncontrolled pain, and it is a terrible, terrible feeling. It's great that you're going to start looking for another doctor. It really sounds like you need one--and I really think that you will find one. There are doctors out there that are kind, sympathetic, and understand what it's like to live a life of pain. There are doctors that care.

I have family members in the medical field, so I usually ask them for recommendations. But, I know that there are great websites for people with pain. I would start there. Pain.com has a search engine to find doctors, as do many pain related websites. I don't know which are the best sites though.

Choose a doctor and then Google the doctor's name and then the word "reviews." Then you'll get sites up like ratemds.com, and you'll be able to read about other people's experiences. Also, call the doctor and ask about what types of treatment the doctor does for your condition. There are PM doctors who do meds and injections, just injections, etc. Find out that information before you make an appointment.

Finally, you don't have to go to a "pain clinic" per say. You can search for anesthesiologists and physiatrists as well. There are patients that have great success with both.

I will be thinking of you. I really believe that you will find a doctor.

Hugs,

Flower
Posted 3/16/2011 10:37 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Loretta,

What state do you live in? Maybe someone can recommend a doctor.
Posted 3/17/2011 3:58 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you Flower for the support. I've written a lot of names down for PM doctors. Now the work of calling them and asking if they take my insurance (medicaid). When I found the PM dr. I went to that prescribed my meds now and pushed me to my pcp for her to prescribe them, I thought she would keep me a lot longer before she decided to send me back to my pcp. It was hard finding her because so many didn't want to take my insurance. Now I have to look again. It's very frustrating. I got some BenGay today and it doesn better than the Capsaicin cream but my back still hurts really bad. Well, i'll go now. You take care.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 3/17/2011 7:08 AM (GMT 0)
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*

Posted 3/17/2011 11:49 AM (GMT 0)
The BioFreeze is a wonderful med for me too....but really hard to find. I can only find it at the Physical Therapist's office. Otherwise, there is an OTC med that is very similar. The Bio-Freeze is amazing.

I never thought about it before, but have you considered asking for a TENS unit. I would think the Dr would be happy to order you one and I think Medicaid should pay for it since it is considered Durable Medical Equipment. It helps alot for me when I'm in a bad way with the back. I know I pulled mine out the other night when I was having such a bad time and was thrilled that it helped.

I'm making the non-med suggestion because I think the Dr wants to do that....considering the response he/she gave before. Perhaps you could get a new appointment and discuss it (kind of....I'm in so much pain that I cannot function. I've heard that a TENS unit may help. Would you consider that or would you consider some time of oral medication that is stronger than the over the counter stuff. I've tried taking everything over the counter and all it does is hurt my stomach ....or whatever it does for you....). Hopefully this will get you something....maybe a TENS and maybe a little oral meds for relief. I would never venture to guess which one you need or anything like that, but this Dr seems so concerned about adding meds that it makes me question if he/she is going to give you anything.

I hope you find some relief soon!
Posted 3/18/2011 9:36 AM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 3/18/2011 10:41 AM (GMT 0)
So sorry that you have to deal with this on top of the pain.

Everyone has given you some great info to start and I know it is so overwhelming to just sit down and get on the phone and start calling these places so pace yourself with that maybe if you have someone who can make some of the calls for you and ask the general questions re: do they accept medicaid, if they dont no further contact is even needed.

I want to say here if you can get past the receptionist in your Docs office and get an appointment to go in there sooner then the next scheduled visit and I would say no more then I am having problems with my pain or my meds whatever,she needs to know no more then that to make you a appointment!

In your post earlier in this thread where you say " I cant take this anymore,I want to just end it all but cant, I want to pull my hair out" Go in there and say those things to your Doc,just like that! Let him or her know exactly how this is effecting you. Be as honest as you possibly can and if you have to get upset,mad,weepy whatever it takes to get the message across that this is literally killing you and your life by inches.

I have found that when I go in there and state the truth in the simplest of ways about how I really feel and not sugar coat it or tone it down out of fear of looking like a nut, I can assure you that each of us here have had everyone of those feelings you described at one time or another so you are NOT the odd man out! I have gotten the required actions I was looking for. Better options for my pain with more agressive treatment and the Doc and I have a better understanding of where this relationship is headed or not.

Good luck to you and by the way do you keep a pain journal by any chance? If not you might want to consider starting one today and put everything in it,the topical creams the number of baths you have had to sit in,the times you have slept in a chair,or missed an important event in your life,what helps what doesnt,what makes it worse, things you try on your own,things you try others tell you to, keep it and be as explicit as you can and take it with to every PM appt. you go to.

Posted 3/18/2011 3:30 PM (GMT 0)

   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 

Posted 3/18/2011 4:11 PM (GMT 0)
Thank you all so much for your support. It means so much to me. I've seent the BioFreeze at Walmart. I hope that the one that was looking for it has a Walmart she can go to. I have a heating pad, but it doesn't do a lot when my pain is as bad as it has been. I've also got this thing where you put it on your chair and it gives you a massage and you can get heat from it too. I got that out and the massage was a little too hard. I am going to try it again later. I've got an appointment with my pcp for my annual checkup today at 2pm, so I'm going to talk to her about ordering me a TENS unit. I had a really small one and I can't find it. I loved it. I bought it on the internet. I'm going to see if she'll do that for me. I sure hope so and I hope that medicaid will pay for it. I have been using the BenGay and it takes the edge off the pain for about 2 hours, so that helps a little bit. If she won't do the TENS unit, I'm going to be very upset because i've been seeing her for about 4 or 5 years now and our relationship as patient and doctor should count for something. We have a good relationship, but I'm mad at her for not trying harder to help me with this pain.

Well, I gotta go. You all take care. I hope you're all having a low pain day.

love and hugs
Loretta
Posted 3/18/2011 11:09 PM (GMT 0)
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.
Posted 3/20/2011 5:41 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you denoli. I agree with you that we all deserve to be functional. I would take my husband with me but I'm on medicaid transportation, and they won't let him ride with us. I'm glad to hear that your wife was able to help you. I'll let you know if there's anything you can help me with.

hugs
Loretta
Posted 3/20/2011 10:55 AM (GMT 0)
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.
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply