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Posted 8/10/2015 6:04 PM (GMT 0)
So its been crazy for me lately all around. I haven't been able to post much and I miss you all.

During my last visit with my PCP we were talking about exploring the possibility of injections. She told me its worth at least discussing with pain mgmt.

Now, for years my PCP has scripted all my meds including pain meds. To make it short, basically she contacted the pain mgmt Dr and told him that she did not want me becoming a typical patient who signed the exclusive paperwork and ended up in their system.

So I've been told to sign nothing and that my PCP will continue as usual with all meds. She called me personally as well as cleared this plan with the other Dr.

Has anyone else ever experienced this? How should I proceed at my initial appt? Should I expect to still have to do a urine test etc? I've never been to pain mgmt but many people close to me have.

But in their cases they had a PCP who just turned over care completely.

Also... What sort of injections are typical? I think cortisone was one potential option...

I just need some advice and input/thoughts. I'm pretty wary of all this stuff.
Posted 8/10/2015 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
I have a regular palliative care doctor who prescribes narcotics if I need them, but he sent me to another pain management doctor for an injection, because he doesn't do injections himself.

When I went to the other doctor, they asked if I was switching to him, and I explained it was only one injection. They asked if he would be prescribing for me, and I said I would be staying with my regular doctor for all prescriptions.

That was it. No contract, no urine test, the doctor just came in and talked about the injection, and then set up an appointment to do it.

In my case, it was a steroid shot to help my nerves heal after shingles. Awful! Increased the pain for almost three weeks till it wore off. But that was an oddball kind of injection for something notoriously hard to treat, so I'll let others share about typical injections.
Posted 8/10/2015 9:58 PM (GMT 0)
Okay so maybe what my Dr wants to do isn't so unusual after all. She said there just really is no reason to change my care plan so drastically if the injections aren't feasible or I do it one time and that's it etc.
Posted 8/10/2015 10:39 PM (GMT 0)
As long as everyone is on the same page, sounds like a plan.

I would think your biggest concern would be if, for any reason, you would have to switch up Drs. It might be hard finding another PCP to continue in this manner.

But-if you have a good setup now, I hope if finds you relief.
Posted 8/10/2015 11:33 PM (GMT 0)
Lucky you! I used to have the same deal. Then, I switched back to my previous primary care doctor, who refuses to write my Tramadol and insists my Pain Management doctor write anything to be used for pain. I get facet joint injections in my lumbar spine which must be done by my pain doc. Stick with what you have!
Posted 8/10/2015 11:58 PM (GMT 0)
What are facet joint injections? My back is the area of treatment at the moment. I know there are many types of injections and I have a bit of anxiety about looking this stuff up. You guys know how disastrous that can be....
Posted 8/11/2015 12:37 AM (GMT 0)
From what I understand, facet joints are where one vertebrae meets another. Pronounced fa set. My pain doc injects steroids into the joints. The first time I was given 3 injections. They lasted for about a year! The second time he did both sides, for a total of 6 injections. They lasted for about a year also! I'm due to have them done again, but we are trying to schedule them so I get the best benefit and not have them wear off at a time when I am very active. Basically, trying to schedule around the spring and summer, so perhaps late fall would be best for me. I've experienced complete relief of my chronic pain with little break through pain episodes reducing my need for pain pills to almost zero! The down side is, when they wear off the pain comes back in full force, seemingly overnight, but for me, it's worth it.
Posted 8/11/2015 10:27 AM (GMT 0)
Good to see you Lexi and no it's not all that uncommon for you to be sent to PM or Neuro for injections since it's their forte and I wouldn't want anyone else messing around with needles in my back. Just make sure that they understand that you are not transferring care but merely taking benefits of a procedure and they will not be prescribing any narcotics and if they have any suggestions for a medication that you can benefit from to forward that to your prescribing Dr please. You may still be required to have urine screen simply as a safety net for the dr rendering injections since he will be giving you medications and needs to ensure there's no chance for interaction occurring with something he's not aware of. Contract likely would not be needed and I personally would not sign one and if they give you flack I would simply reschedule and talk to your Dr. They generally use one of the steroids and a numbing meds
Posted 8/11/2015 2:13 PM (GMT 0)
My two biggest anxiety triggers are new drs and needles. Part of my brain is saying im absolutely crazy to be doing this. Especially because my back is so sensitive. Sometimes even a shirt is too much.

I hate going into these situations anxious because as we know first impressions are everything...ugh.

But at the same time my stubborn self says there's no way I'm gonna chicken out of something that might help..so suck it up!
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