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Posted 10/5/2010 12:14 PM (GMT 0)
So yesterday I had an independant medical exam, that my work place recommended I go to.  The dr was very nice, said I definately have chronic pain, had me fill out the tender points sheet which showed 15/18 plus a whole lot more of other pain points.  She's going to send a letter to my family doctor, saying that I need more testing done and she wants to see the results from the rheumy.  She will send a letter to my boss stating that I still can work but will most likely have frequent sick days.  So nothing new, really. 

It was nice to talk to a doctor who seemed to know some stuff about chronic pain even though she can only make recommendations.

As for my pain levels, they are really bad right now!  My collarbone and shoulders are hurting so bad I can't stand to hold my purse or open a door! I can't wait to get to work to take my hydromorphone!  I can't drive with them so I wait until I get to work to take it, and it's usually worn off by early afternoon.  I don't know what will happen when I run out of meds...I'm feeling pretty dependant on them right now and it's only been a week! 

 

Posted 10/5/2010 2:54 PM (GMT 0)
Krista, Im glad you found a dr. that listened to you and it is too bad that you cant make her your regular dr. It has been a year now since I last worked and I do know how bad it can be somedays. I hope you feel better real soon.
Gentle Hugs
Shirley
Posted 10/5/2010 4:25 PM (GMT 0)
Krista,

It really is great to have a doctor who will listen and take you seriously. Glad you seem to be on the right track now, and I hope you feel better soon. I get pain like that too, and opening doors is something I avoid studiously, unless they open very easily.
What is hydromorphone?

Debbie
Posted 10/5/2010 4:32 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks ladies! It's nice to know someone knows how you feel, bu unfortunately it means you are suffering through it as well! :(

Hydromorphone is a type of morphine....
Posted 10/5/2010 5:01 PM (GMT 0)
I'm glad you have someone that listened to you, too.  Have you tried gentle massage?  That helps me so much.  I get a massage once a month.  I wish I don't afford to do it more often because it does get the knots out.  BUT you need a massage therapist that knows what they are doing and knows how to massage a fibro client...gentle massage.  Here is a link where you could find a MT near you if you are interested. 

 

http://www.amtamassage.org/findamassage/index.html?utm_source=%2Ffindamassage%2Flocator.aspx&utm_medium=web&utm_campaign=redirect

 

Sherrine

Posted 10/5/2010 9:20 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Fibro Gang

I've got an appointment next week with the head honcho of Rhuemat. in this state. Question: "What can I expect from him? Secondly, I've noticed that Sherrine takes an enormous amount of D3 daily. My vitamin bottle says RDA 1,000IU. Are larger amounts safe?

And get this ... Lyrica in Australia costs around $75AU per month! With fibro I can't work full time any more and therefore can't afford it. At the moment my family doc gives me samples. I've written to my federal political representative, but haven't yet got a reply. Anybody got any comments?

Oxygene
Posted 10/5/2010 9:52 PM (GMT 0)
I live in sunny Florida.  I am in the sun several hours a day...but I always use sunscreen.  That prevents the Vitamin D from being absorbed.

 

Several years ago I found out I had a moderate case of osteoporosis.  I've been taking calcium supplements for over 20 years but you need vitamin D to help absorb the calcium.  So, my doctor checked my vitamin D level through blood work and it was in the dumper.  Even now, with taking 5,500 IU a day, I'm still only 33 ng which is barely in the low normal range.

 

If you go in the sun for one hour without sunscreen, you can absorb 10,000-20,000 IU a day.  So, what I'm taking isn't that high.

 

Here are a couple of links that could help you.  Vitamin D is very important.  It can help chronic pain, absorption of calcium, heart, diabetes, and even cancer!  My doctor does know and agrees with how much I am taking and periodically checks my vitamin D levels.

 

  http://www.huffingtonpost.com/andrew-weil-md/new-recommendation-why-yo_b_446580.html

 

http://www.vitamindcouncil.org/treatment.shtml

Sherrine

 

Posted 10/6/2010 4:41 AM (GMT 0)
Krista,

 

I too had an IME which was requested by my long term disability provider.  I have been out of work for 2 years now. We moved about a year ago, and I had to start all over with docs. My PCP told my LTD carrier in June that he had not done a disability eval on me (even though he signed the paperwork and declared me totally disabled last fall...?!), so that's why they ordered the IME.

 

My doc was very professional, asked me lots of questions about my symptoms, then he did the tender point exam and a few other physical tests. 

 

When I asked him what he was going to report, he told me he could not tell me...that I needed to go to my LTD carrier for a copy of the report!  I got absolutely no feedback from him sad !!

 

That was back in August, about 6 weeks ago.  I'm afraid to call my carrier and ask them the results of the IME.  What if they haven't reviewed it yet? I don't want to lose my payments sooner than I would have if I just leave well enough alone.  On the other hand, it sure would be nice to know if that doc supported me or not, especially as I have now been asked by the LTD carrier to apply for SSDI. 

 

The whole doctor thing and being evaluated is so hard, because you could be having a good day when you go and then the doc doesn't see just how bad things really are. 

 

I can't remember who asked about the Vitamin D - fogive me - but I have low D and take 50,000 iu weekly (this is a prescription) and I also take 1,000 iu daily. 

Posted 10/6/2010 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Julie,

That is crazy! Sometimes I am very lucky to be in Canada! Our health system is definately not great, but wow!
I can't belive that....they should have to give you this information! Did you sign an agreement before having the IME? I would review what that says....In my opinion, that is a violation of your self rights!

Can your gp request a copy of the report? That might be an idea....
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