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Posted 4/15/2015 2:42 AM (GMT 0)
Saw my new doctor. She was great. She had a scribe so she was able to focus on me. I was switched to an extended release medication.


I was really impressed. Best day ever.
Posted 4/15/2015 6:36 AM (GMT 0)
Glad to see a positive pm appointment for a change! !

Unfortunately we don't see enough.

Wishing you luck with your new med.
Posted 4/15/2015 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Yay SyXx! Like you, I am hopeful my new doc is just what I need! It's amazing how uplifting it makes me feel!
Posted 4/15/2015 12:52 PM (GMT 0)
I was so impressed and happy with her. The best part was the scribe, that allowed her to to talk directly to me and not have to constantly be typing on her laptop. My appointment went almost 2 hours. I told her and she saw everything I have tried. She said that a note about a pain pump was put into my chart, I told her yes it was mentioned. She said that I am to young to worry about a pain pump and that I have tapered myself to a good maintenance dose. She started me on Oxycontin CR. So no more taking pills every 4 hours.

The cool thing was this though, I did not realize that they could send the Oxycontin CR electronically. I did not have to get a script, I just stopped at Target and it was ready.
Posted 4/15/2015 3:22 PM (GMT 0)
Really...wow in this state you can't get a prescription for narcs without a physical paper script. What state is that??
Posted 4/15/2015 4:24 PM (GMT 0)
So very glad the appt went well for you. I too am shocked she did the electronic script because they cannot do that in my state. Either way, I am very happy for you.
Posted 4/15/2015 4:26 PM (GMT 0)
I am in Minnesota. I always thought a paper script to. They told me they have an arrangement with the Target across the street so they would like me to fill my pain meds there. I am not sure if the doctor gets all of them at one time and signs them or what.
Posted 4/15/2015 4:45 PM (GMT 0)
Sean...GOOD STUFF!!

IF ONLY...All of those who choose the specialty of pain management would choose to manage pain.  So many lives would be saved and/or enriched with a modecum of relief.  I'm convinced that my wild and crazy ride with my PM has made my issues worse (stress).

I don't know what to do now.  I just tried Fentanyl patch for 6 weeks, but weaned off due to bad results.  I don't know what he'll do next...probably quit.  He wants fast, easy, OUT.  My case isn't fast or easy, so I want OUT!

It's great to hear you've found a good fit.  Congrats!

~Dixie

Posted 4/15/2015 4:59 PM (GMT 0)
I have had the best day today pain wise, I cannot remember a day where the pain has only been at a 2 or 3 for so long. The new medication seems to be working great. She wants to change a few other meds also, but only do 1 at a time.

One of the nicest things she said to me was after I complained about my previous PM doctor. I was telling her how they always mentioned my age and being to young to be on pain meds. She then looked at me and said as a PM Doctor my job is to do everything possible to help make your pain tolerable. She also said that having it eliminated totally will probably never happen, but if she can make it so I am comfortable then she is doing her job. My age should not matter as it is quality of life that is her concern.
I was so impressed.
Posted 4/15/2015 6:18 PM (GMT 0)
I went to pain management class that my GP gives last friday and she actually told me that the federal government says it is ok to send in refills for pain meds electronically, but the state of Oregon (where I live) said no way that a paper script is needed, until this month. It is now okay in Oregon to send refills electronically. I'll see next month if it works or not. :)
Posted 4/15/2015 6:37 PM (GMT 0)
 

  shakehead My problem is not obtaining prescription.  My PM consult, upon enrollment a year ago, said "monthly visits" until we establish a good protocol of pain relief.  He said "There are meds that can change your life completely"...if only you could afford them. Huh?

Within 2-4 visits, he changed his story...He didn't know what to do with me (pain/GI issues).  He has continued to see me every 3 months, though a successful protocol for pain management has NOT been established.  He prints out the paper scripts pre-dated for refills monthly.  I bring them home and fill as needed.

My problem is that he is not willing to do the hard work (spend the time). I weaned myself off the Fentanyl patch after 6 weeks of misery.  I reported the SEs, dumping, and failure to provide relief...just sedation.  He told me to "stay with it".  He didn't know what else to do.  I'm currently taking nothing for pain except Neurontin (low dose) for SHINGLES, NSAID Diclofenac, and leftover Lortab sparingly.  My next appointment is early May.  I'd rather eat DIRT.

I'm back where I started this journey.  I'm at a crossroads.  Do I continue or do I nullify my contract?  I will always suffer with horrendous pain in my gnarled spine/joints and my pelvic/anal region.  Although he's offered the "big gun" meds, because he knows they are justified...I simply cannot tolerate them due to major GI issues.  HELP! 

Posted 4/15/2015 8:03 PM (GMT 0)
I am sorry that it seems like your doctor is just kind of sailing through on your treatment Dixie. That is why I left my last PM. I was treated very rudely, they did not have any new ideas about treatment, they said I was to young to be on pain pills etc. etc. etc.

When my new doctor told me it was her job to make sure she made my life better no matter what the treatment is that is when I was sold. No issues with me being on an extended release med, the other doctors talked about it but never followed through. She told me that if it does not work, why keep doing it. So very few injections going forward, maybe an occasional one to try to reduce inflammation. She was totally against a pain pump, she felt like they were doing all these big things to get more money from my insurance. I am having a great day pain wise today.
Posted 4/15/2015 8:33 PM (GMT 0)
Oh Sean...I cried out to God last year, as I was approaching 53 w/almost 4 decades of pain under my belt..."How much worse can things get?"  SHINGLES in my eye that remain almost one year later!  I have a salty sense of humor (a must to survive).  I joke that I feel like JOB...put upon, "punished" by God.  I went to build a fire in the firepit to sit amongst the ashes and brood.  I couldn't even get that right cause someone peed out the fire=)

I don't ask for perfect...just possible.  I'm so happy that your new PM doctor has provided you with "possible".  Maybe I see a spark for me!?  If you can share, what are you taking?  We share some of the same maladies with our lumbar spine.  I see that your T's are a problem.  My injuries have been cervical (into T1) and lumbar, with anular tears and posterior herniations, DDD, stenosis and BOB pain.  I need a major anti-inflammatory, but oral delivery of Diclofenac caused ulcers.  I've wondered about injectables of AIs, but fear them with my enigma status. smilewinkgrin

Tell me again, what does GOOD feel like?  Can I have some?  I'll trade my Jelly Belly Dips...

Hugs~Dixie 

Posted 4/15/2015 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
This is what I am on for my back:

Currently:
10mg Oxycontin CR 2x a day
5 to 10mg of Oxycodone IR for breakthrough
3600mg Gabapentin
2mg Tizandine 3x a day
75mg of Zoloft

There is a chance the Zoloft will be changed to Cymbalta. However, I am waiting to hear back from my liver specialist as I do have cirrhosis due to a long term bile blockage. I read Cymbalta can cause liver damage and I would prefer to have my GI tell me it is ok to take.
Posted 4/15/2015 9:07 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for sharing, Sean.  The similarities continue, as I suffered liver failure in 1993-94.  It was first feared as liver cancer (at 33).  It was correctly diagnosed (during surgery) as a lesion of endometriosis that was choking the common bile duct.

I, too have to be very cautious with my "giver" as my nephew pronounces "liver".

I tried Oxycodone, but had too many ups and downs. The cost of the OxyContin as an ER was prohibitive for me. I was distraught because the Oxycodone was gentle on my GI, and stimulant rather than sedating.  That is paramount for me...the GI issues and mental clarity.  Do you take an NSAID? Toradol gives me such relief, but I'm told it's harmful if used long term.

Keep us posted on progress, whether or not you can start the Cymbalta.  I, like you, fear starting too many different things at once.

Hugs~Dixie

 

Posted 4/15/2015 9:13 PM (GMT 0)
I am not taking any NSAIDs per my GI's recommendation. I have had Toradol given to me when I had a migraine. So I rarely use an NSAID, I also do not take Tylenol.
Posted 4/15/2015 9:31 PM (GMT 0)
Same here, Sean.  I NEED anti-inflammatory, but pay for it if used long-term.  Very little Tylenol for me, too, now...though Darvocet and Lortab both have some, which I have taken.

Oh what tangled webs this PM weaves...Now go enjoy your day...Don't waste it on me, friend!

~Dixie

Posted 4/17/2015 12:11 AM (GMT 0)
Another good day pain wise, never got above a 3.5 to 4 pain wise. Also heard back from my GI, he said Cymbalta is fine so it sounds like I will change in 2 weeks.

Consistent pain relief has been a huge relief.
Posted 4/17/2015 1:23 AM (GMT 0)
 

  tongue  GOOD NEWS continues, Sean.

Cosistent pain relief...what a concept!?!  I am so happy for you.  Is the Oxycontin CR the same as the extended release or is it different?  I've not tried the extended release for 2 reasons:  cost and whether the tamper-resistant will metabolize for me.  I took a chance on the Fentanyl...quite an expensive trial.  I'm certain I can't afford to try the ER form of Oxycodone.  I digress.

Just wanted to say KUDOS.  I can always use GOOD NEWS!

~Dixie

Posted 4/17/2015 1:51 AM (GMT 0)
It iS extended release. It only costs me $35 a month due to my insurance from work.
Posted 4/17/2015 4:07 AM (GMT 0)
Oh SyXx--this whole thread was just the reminder I needed.

Stay the course.
Do all it takes til you find that physician that'll help you find the relief from pain that you desire.
There's hope and we're each worthy of less painful lives.

I'm soooo glad for you! :-)
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