Posted 12/31/2009 1:24 AM (GMT 0)
Cat,
Looks like you are a Chi-town girl as well. If you'd like, I can send you the name of my PM (who obviously had no issue prescribing Actiq, since that is what I am on -- though, fair warning: he is quite strict as far as requiring psych profiles, U/A testing, med counts, etc. & he does recommend non-narcotic options whenever possible -- though at least he doesn't do anything stupid like recommend a treatment designed to reduce dependence on pain meds as a requirement to stay on the same dose of those meds). I'd rather not post his info on-line, but you're welcome to email me if you'd like me to send it to you.
My personal opinion is that sometimes it's better to see people not affiliated with teaching hospitals. It means they can take the time to listen to their patients, rather than constantly being focused on teaching the latest & greatest techniques/treatments to their patients. It's a personal bias, but based on probs I had from UIC, Rush, NU & a few visits elsewhere. I was constantly being recommended for surgical treatments, but no one could ever explain why they were better than staying on medication. My PM is totally up-to-date about the news meds & the latest treatments. He does get excited to try out the new things, but is respectful of his patient's input & as long as his patients are not asking for anything crazy, illegal or dangerous, he will usually try to work with them. He is one of the few doctors I've found who seems to both know what he's doing & care about his patients. He uses all sorts of treatment methods -- chiro, accupunture, pain psychology, PT, pain pumps/stimulators, meds, alternative therapies, etc.
My email is in my profile. Let me know if you'd like his contact info. No worries if you'd like to keep with your current doc. I totally understand. :)
feel better,
frances