The gift of a mascara streaked face.

Jennie, ….depression is common among chronic pain patients. Are you being treated for it? Maybe seek help with it, if that is the case? Also, I agree with you,and think the younger patients get a raw deal, when it comes to being treated for chronic pain.

SE

Something to keep in mind is that Pain Management Dr's have been under the spotlight lately because of the increase in prescribing pain meds. When I switched to my current PM Dr, he didn't start prescribing me meds until the second time I saw him 3-4 weeks later. I had already had a treatment plan in place from my previous PM and also did an email intro between the two.

Based on my experience with PM Drs, they're basically interviewing to deciede whether to take you on as a patient. Even though its not fair they do have the right to not take you on as a patient if they don't think they can help you (or if they don't believe what is being said.) Its not really ethical but I know that PM Drs deal with allot of people who are just trying to get meds that they can abuse.

Sucks for those of us who are in an incredible amount of pain & actually need those meds just to get through the day. I'm sure everybody on here has had to jump through hoops before for both drs & meds. Its not fair but unfortunately how these situations work.

For me its been really really important establishing trust with my PM Dr. It took a little time but now he knows me & my history/situation.....

I also read that you had mentioned something to that Dr about him prescribing a bunch of meds to someone you know & not prescribing you something for your pain in that moment. That could have also red flagged him because he probably gets allot of people who are just trying to get meds from him.

I wouldn't say anything negative to him on your next appointment. If anything I would defer to him & ask him to help build a treatment plan. Even though its not necessarily fair......I would definitely keep expectations in check & be open to conversation about processes\procedures that could help your pain level. If he trusts that your intentions are sincere he will most likely help you & get you on some meds to help manage your pain (could take weeks though) . If you don't like him then don't waste your time seeing him a bunch of times. Remember that the process with PM Drs is that your 1st consultation will most likely not involve them prescribing you meds.

Being in pain all the time is not something that anybody should have to go through. Even with meds its barely manageable. Hope that this process happens quick for you & that you get some relief soon!

Good Luck!

Metro, oh no no no I didn't say anything of the sort to him I was debating on saying that as a result of why I was so upset.

Well good news guys, I took the advice and kept quiet lol. I didn't even bring up my melt down. But this apt went way way better. He is starting me off with a med at a time which is fine I just wanted some help. But he listened to me and everything. He said he's convinced my problem is fibro. I asked if I'd benefit from cortizone injections but he said since with fibro it hits all parts of the body & he wouldn't know where to give the injection. I see him again in 2 weeks to see how I am doing with the new meds. Thanks for all of your help.

I will keep you guys posted Merrida.

SE, lol. I'm glad too. It has helped the pain a lot, don't care for the side effects much but what can you do...

I think I am going to maybe try talking to him again about injections, I know he said fibro hits all different areas of the body but if it's always hurting my back then wouldn't I still benefit from it?