My PM Appointment

Hi all,

Oh, it's been a day, lol. Thank you for all the thoughts and encouragement on my other thread. I literally was up all night.... not only w/ pain... but w/ anxiety over my appointment today. I literally was making myself sick.

All that being said - the appointment itself couldn't have gone better.... Even though all my 9+ years of medical records are on her computer she comes in with.... she basically just went through everything w/ me verbally. I was able to tell her everything. Every medication I've been on. Every facet injection; epidural; nerve block; TENS unit; physical therapy; acupuncture; intrathecal pain pump trial - you name it - I told her about it, lol.

She was extremely compassionate and understanding. I think maybe we just had gotten off on the wrong foot before? I don't know - but something happened! She told me that she knew that I've worked very hard to cope w/ as little meds as possible; that I've gone to great lengths to try any and all procedures for my pain; etc etc.

She asked me how I thought we should proceed from here... and I was honest. I told her that I usually come in - having some sort of idea of what I'm asking for... but, at this point, I'm discouraged and just don't know what to do.

Basically - she doubled all my medications. Doubled my long acting med. Doubled my BT. I'm going to go back in 2 weeks. Depending on how I'm doing... we'll explore adding oral dilaudid to the mix again..... (I've been off of it for 7+ months - so maybe it will work again?). She tried to encourage me by saying that she'll go up as much as we need to improve things for me... and then help me taper again if things improve. But she also wanted me to seriously think about the pain pump if these changes don't help. Since I've already had a successful trial (well, minus the meningitis, lol)..... I'd get the permanent one w/ either dilaudid or fentanyl.

In addition, I'm going to have botox for my migraines..... and perhaps RFA in my thoracic region. All that is getting approved.

Today brought mixed emotions..... I'm SO grateful for her compassion.... and that she took the time to get to know "me". So thankful for that. Thankful for her willingness to step outside of her "conservative" ways and make the adjustments I needed - at her idea.

On the other hand.... after going through my history and all that.... it just made me realize that I'm really at the end of the road here, having to make some big decisions. I'm just praying these med changes will really work.

Thanks for supporting me through all of this....I don't think I could have made it through w/out the support I received. I'll update and let you all know how the new meds are helping...
Take good care everyone
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Tina

This is wonderful news tina. I am thrilled for you and i pray that the med increases will bring you the much needed relief you need. You're in my thoughts and prayers every day my friend. Keep the faith.

Hugs

suzane

Glad to hear it went well! It's always such a relief when these things go better than we expect.....

Glad to hear the doctor listened and offered up so much without your request. Hopefully they help you find some relief. Good luck and keep us posted!

Randy

Tina

I too had been thinking of you, and worried how your appointment had gone. Isn't it funny how things that really worry us turn out OK in the end. I am so glad that it all turned out good for you in the end. She sounds really caring. There have been times in the past when I got off to a bad start with a health professional and i wouldn't have gone back if my husband hadn't agreed to come with me. In the end it turned out well. Maybe your doctor was just having a bad day last time!!Lol

I really hope the inrease helps and allows you to relax and enjoy time with your family. You certainly deserve that. And at least now there is a plan in place. I can understand your reluctance re the pump but maybe you should give it some thought. The doctors know what happened last time so it would be unlikely to happen again. Especially when people on here seem to have good results. I asked my pain doctor about a pain pump, just wanted to know what was available should I ever need it, but was told that he only uses the pump in palliative patients. Even SCS is used very little here, sometimes I think the UK are well behind when it comes to some things.

I just read an article in a newspaper here today talking about Botox for migraines. Seemingly the results are good. Sometimes it doesn't take the headaches completely away but makes them less severe and more bearable. Sounds good to me, especially if it takes a wrinkle or two away also lol!!!!

Tina, I hope you don't mind me asking - is your back you main problem. I am new here and I know how much you suffer and just wondered what caused you to be in so much pain.

I really hope you are able to build up a good relationship with this new doctor and that the new regime works out well for you. At least now you won't be so worried when you go to see her.

Best wishes

Jane

Hey Tina,

I'm glad it went well for you :) Hopefully the meds will work again and all will be well.

Yippee! That is great news..I'm so happy to hear this..

I really hope the change in dosage gives you greater relief along with the botox treatments. I have a friend who gets them done for her migraines and has said it has really helped.