HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

still can't get pain management referral

Support Forums
>
Fibromyalgia
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 11/12/2014 8:46 PM (GMT 0)
I've asked my PCP probably 3-4 times now to see a pain doc but she refuses. My insurance and even the pain clinic have to have a referral before I can get seen. My PCP said that all the pain docs in town only do shots and that it wouldn't help me. I know she is wrong because I know a few people in pain management that get more than shots.

My pain levels continue to bother me and I don't think my PCP takes it seriously or she don't like prescribing the meds I take. The pain pills are prescribed twice a day and that's just not enough.. They last 4-6 hours tops. I've tried so many meds and these are about the only thing that work for me that don't give me side effects. My current work situation pretty much forces me to rely on pain meds.

What would you do if you couldn't see a pain doc?
Posted 11/12/2014 9:18 PM (GMT 0)
I would change doctors. She sounds terrible.
Posted 11/12/2014 9:19 PM (GMT 0)
I went to a pain management clinic. They added gabapentin to my meds and referred me to physical therapy and P.T. was supposed to order me a TENS unit. Physical therapist didn't want to do that so it never happened. I will say the physical therapy helped a ton! I did aqua therapy in conjunction with it.
Posted 11/12/2014 10:16 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with couchtater, sounds like you need a new doctor. My doctor is very strict when it comes to pain meds, it took me almost 5 years to even get her to give them to me and then I had to sign a contract. Although she is strict she is a very good doctor and believes in fibro, so she has loosened up a bit on the pain meds. The thing is the DEA is after doctors that prescribe pain meds and they are cracking down so alot of doctors don't like to prescribe them. I would definitely find a new doctor if yours isn't listening to you, that would piss me off to have a doctor like that.
Posted 11/12/2014 10:26 PM (GMT 0)
I'd definitely find a new PCM. I've very fortunate that my PCM understands Fibro and is willing to work with me to try and find something to help my pain. Unfortunately 2 years in and we have yet to find the right solution.

As for the Pain Mgmt, my PCM referred me to one and I've been twice so far. He thinks I've got more going on than just the Fibro. He gave me a TENS unit, prescribed Lidocane patches, and injections. The TENS and patches help while in use. I've had one injection so far - not sure it really helped all that much. Jury is still out. He also mentioned PT, but we're holding off on that for the moment.

Have a blessed day!
Mari
Posted 11/13/2014 12:13 AM (GMT 0)
Did you know you can get a simple TENS unit at pharmacy? I bought a small portable for $40. I love it when my back is in spasm.
Posted 11/13/2014 6:11 AM (GMT 0)
I do agree with the others that this is not the right dr. For you..

You need someone who understands the disease...my dr argued with me to take more meds so i could remain more active...i know this is the right approach...we just get worse if we cannot control the pain...i find i can take very low doses if i take it proactively, rather than let the pain build and take it reactively.

Soothanol x2 helps and vit d, as well as heat, and i use a mens unit rather than a tens...tens can overwhelm me.....
Posted 11/13/2014 7:50 AM (GMT 0)
I would look for another Dr. for sure. There are some pain managements Dr's that don't like narcotics for fibro so you might want to do some homework on your Dr's if your looking at narcotics. She might be trying to look at your best interest because she knows long term narcotics can create problems in some people. I was one of them, but I still wouldn't want a Dr. Let me suffer if I was truly hurting.
Posted 11/13/2014 2:06 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks for all the great replies.. I've already changed docs this year and don't feel like doing it all over again. My last doctor before this one was even worse. I honestly believe it's because I'm a young male.. If I was older I don't think I'd have as much trouble getting the pain under control.

I've tried numerous meds even the ones for fibro. I've gotten ulcers from nsaids so was told to stay away from them. But like I said.. Because of work is why I require actual narcotic pain medication.
Posted 11/15/2014 8:22 PM (GMT 0)
I agree with what others have posted. Your doctor should give you a referral simply because you asked for it! I used to have a doctor who was pretty useless in helping me most of the time and even she gave me any referral I asked for. I know it's a hassle to change doctors. I put it off for a long time, but finally forced myself to do it. I'm still pretty new with my new doc (a male, and I always swore I'd only see female docs), but he's empathetic and talks things out with me. The hassle in changing docs is worth it because you will find the one who is right for you. :)
Posted 11/15/2014 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
I don't recommend you do this, but what I did, during a cranky, pain filled morning appointment when I felt brushed off by my pcp/pa for the "last" time. I growled, "I am NOT frickin' depressed!!! I'm in pain!" (I didn't use frickin' though, you get my meaning?) While I felt kinda embarrassed later, it did get the results I needed and I wished I had been that way sooner. She basically typed into her computer, said she'd order tests and refer me to a pain center, then walked out of the room without a goodbye or nary a look.

Best thing that's happened. I got a specialist who listened, understood, prescribed a sleep/pain aid that's been the first move towards progress in years. I got the formal Fibromyalgia diagnosis, that I'd known for years while the pcp said "depression". I coulda gone in with Ebola and they'd have claimed I was depressed!

My PCP isn't as friendly with me anymore, but oh well.

Do what you think best and hope you aren't as much of a grump as I am!

Jen
Posted 11/16/2014 11:18 AM (GMT 0)
You really do need another doctor. It's not even the point whether a pain management doctor would give you more pain meds. You deserve to be evaluated by a pain specialist if you want to be. Perhaps your doctor feels offended that you think their care isn't enough- like wanting a second opinion.

We need all the help we can get finding solutions or some type of relief! My pain management doctor does give narcotics and does injections sometimes(like for my sciatica), has referred me to physically therapy for a couple things, has ordered ct scans (for my arthritis and disc), etc.

He doesn't go hog wild with the pills either though. He's cautious. I have mentioned to him before how much a friend is on to him before and he did tell me I am too young (just turned 40) to be on all that. I get what he means although at times I feel desperate for more relief!

I just really think you deserve the choice to see a specialist if you feel it could help you. My primary doctor and pain management doctor work together. In the least, the pain doctor sends over a report to my main doctor.

Good luck!

Dawn
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply