Pain Appointment Results

Hi all,
As promised, here is what happened at my Pain Management Docs appt yesterday. The doctor that I saw was an orthopedic doc who now only treats patients for pain management. His nurse came in and did the initial and asked the dreaded....so how would you rate your pain today? So I paused and was thinking....ok, what scale am I supposed to use? SO I said, well for ME I would rate it as a 10. (keep in mind I haven't taken anything for pain in 2 weeks and my GP would not prescribe anything for pain).

The doc came in and we talked about my symptoms and he started doing the exam, which was almost identical to what the rheumy did with a few variations. He asked if any of the pain radiated anywhere. He said that while he agrees that I have fibro, its not the only thing I have going on.
His diagnosis:
1. Fibromyalgia
2. Myofascial Syndrome (upper back, shoulders, neck)
3. Osteoarthritis (hands, lower back, SI joints and hips)
4. Bursitis (hips)

Treatment plan:
1. For the myofascial, he did lidocaine injections in my upper back, shoulders and neck to start relieving the pain.
2. Bursitis, I go next week for injections in my right hip, which is the worse one.
3. Osteoarthritis, SI joint injections which requires a guided xray procedure so he can ensure the needle goes into the joint. He will put me under general anesthesia and we are doing one hip at a time. Those appts are in early June.

Prescriptions:
1. Celexa for depression (an on-going problem for me)
2. Vicodin (finally! something for pain!)
3. Muscle relaxers. Was told to take these every 8 hours no matter how I'm feeling
4. Sleep aid (forgot the name, the pharmacy had to order it - not ambien)

Overall, I was very happy with the appointment. I'm a little upset that the rheumy didn't recognize the arthritis issues?? The pain doc said that if he can replicate the pain, he can treat it. LOL....it took me awhile after I left to get the joke. I'm overwhelmed at all the issues he uncovered, but am feeling that I'm on the right track.
TGIF!!
Dana

I'm glad you like  your new doctor.  That's half the battle!  I, too, am surprised your rheumy didn't mention arthritis and bursitis.  I hope these treatments do help you.

 

Sherrine

WoW Dana sounds like good NEWS..Yeah!!
I'm so happy for you sweetie!
Have a Blessed and pain free day!!

Hugs, Pod

Great to have someone competent, eh? I'll bet you start getting your energy back once you've got your pain under control!