HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

no cooperation...no pain management

Support Forums
>
Chronic Pain
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 6/8/2018 10:50 PM (GMT 0)
Two days ago, I called the dermatologists office where I was scheduled to have surgery to remove basal cell carcinoma from my forehead, to explain that I have a pain management contract and only my p.m. can prescribe for me.

They told me to bring my p.m.'s information with me the day of surgery.

Today, when checking in for the surgery, I reminded them and handed them one of the business cards with my p.m.'s name and number on it.

Once the procedure was completed, the doctor said he was going to write a prescription for an antibiotic and one for percocet. Again, I explained that I am under a pain management contract and had provided the contact information before the appointment.

He would not make the call.

I have stitches from the hairline down to my eyebrow. The marcaine and novocaine are wearing off. I am in terrible pain.

Why can't doctors work together??????

It's Friday! I don't even know if I'll be able to get a hold of my p.m. office tomorrow. AARRGGHH!!
Posted 6/9/2018 12:23 AM (GMT 0)
PM, so sorry this has happened. I learned the hard way a few years ago to always discuss it with my PM dr prior to having anything done. He allows the dr to rx the meds, all I do is give the drs name & phone number & what was prescribed so it can go in my chart.

I swear, I think when the numbing agents start wearing off it amplifies the pain. I know you see a PM dr & get pain meds, have you considered taking some of that. It may help take the edge off. If you have some I would take it along with some Advil/Aleve for inflammation.

I hope you can get some relief.
Posted 6/9/2018 3:04 AM (GMT 0)
I did take my tramadol...and advil...and a bendryl. Hopefully, I'll sleep through this!

I don't know if my p.m. has Saturday hours, but will call in the morning.

I only have 3 tramadol left. waah!
Posted 6/9/2018 3:15 AM (GMT 0)
Pitmom:
I am sorry that you are having to weather through a rough patch of pain due to lack of communication by your dermatologist surgeon to your pain management physician.

Dentists often recommend alternating Tylenol with Advil/Motrin after dental procedures. One seems to maximize the effectiveness of the other. It might be worth a try.

I will hope you are able to reach the on-call physician covering for your pain management provider tomorrow.

Hugs,
Karen
Posted 6/9/2018 1:45 PM (GMT 0)
PM, I would call the PM dr this morning. Surely he has an answering service that takes his calls. It is worth a try at least.
Posted 6/9/2018 9:30 PM (GMT 0)
Pitmom:
Just wanting to check in with you . . . How is your incisional pain? Did you call into your pain MD’s on-call service? Or are you riding the situation out with your remaining tramadol?

Hope today is a better day for you,
Karen
Posted 6/10/2018 11:34 PM (GMT 0)
2 weeks ago I had Mohs surgery for a recurrent basil cell. It was right in the middle of my back at waist level. I ended up with over 30 stitches. My PM allows you to get meds from other doctors, you just have to let him know. I didn’t think I would need anything besides what I am already on until about 9 pm that night when everything had worn off. That night and the next day was brutal but by the next morning, it was fine, no pain at all. Hopefully you either got a hold of your doc, or the pain lessened after the first few days.
Posted 6/13/2018 2:32 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks all.

I'm 'toughing it out' with Advil and ice packs. I keep repeating that this is an 'acute pain' that will stop and not a chronic pain with no end.

My tramadol does nothing for it.

The stitches are to be removed on Friday. After that, I'll be looking for a new dermatologist for any future care.

I'll also be seeing my pm next week and will discuss this with them. It is likely I will need other areas of skin cancer treated at some point in the future, so I want to be clear on 'the rules' of my contract.

I'm thinking that since the tramadol did absolutely nothing, it's not likely something stronger would help much and since I'm a recovered alkie, it's better to just wait it out anyway. I'm just pissed that the doctor wouldn't even call my pm. With all of the changes taking place, one would think the medical community would cooperate with each other!

Physically, I'm amazed at just how much our foreheads 'move' when talking, smiling sneezing, laughing, etc! I'm short statured and must look up often...which hurts like h***. The top of my head is still numb. I feel 'itch' but not 'scratched'. Cold is cold...I must remember to be careful with hot. My eyelid droops more than it used to. Hopefully, these issues will be temporary.

Thanks again for the input. Oh, and Seashell, Tylenol is out for me...liver issues...probably from a combination of drinking history and prolonged use of 'Ultracet' (which my g.p. discovered and changed me to just 'Ultram' without the 'cet'.)
Posted 6/13/2018 2:58 PM (GMT 0)
Glad that you were able to keep things at bay. Drs for whatever reason often will not communicate, nothing surprises me anymore. I knew I was looking at having a lot teeth pulled & cleared it with my PM dr prior to having it done. He preferred the dentist rxing something short term & had me notify the office what was prescribed. A couple days later I had my regular appt with him & took the bottle in so they could note it again, especially since I going to be doing a UA, lol.

Good luck if you need to be seen again by a dermatologist. I had one that was absolutely horrible. I was referred to him by my usual one. My dermatologist was not willing to treat me because I was on Humira for crohns. He told me "I plan to retire in a few years & if you were to get cancer from Humira I would not want that on my conscience". I wasn't happy being referred but there was no choice. I ended up finding one that I liked much better in the long run.
Posted 6/14/2018 10:22 PM (GMT 0)
Pit mom:
It is good to hear from you.

My brother (60 years of age) had a recent oral surgery consisting of an goodly-sized gum tissue graft. The oral surgeon offered him a post-procedure antibiotic only. The oral surgeon advised him to alternate Tylenol (500 mg) and Ibprofen/Motrin (250 mg).

I think almost everyone undergoing an outpatient procedure that is considered to be “minor” is going to experience the same or similar - sparse offering of a narcotic analgesic.

I am sorry that you had a rough couple of days pain-wise but am glad that the worst of the experience is behind you. Best wishes in your continued healing.
Karen
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply