PM doctors just for Fibro?

Jadensmommy

Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 104

Posted 1/12/2010 5:26 AM (GMT 0)

I'm just wondering how many of you see a PM doctor specifically for your Fibro? I've spent alot of time on the Chronic Pain forum and most of them see a PM doc, but I need to know what your experience has been. I have Fibro, and that's what my PCP has referred me to the PM doc for. But I also have problems with DDD in my lower back and DJD in both knees. I have also had migraines since I was 13 (now 35) 3 or 4 times a week.

When you see your PM doc, what is the process? This PM doc is pretty far from my home (about 2 hours) and I'm afraid that all my time is going to be spent driving that distance back and forth getting tests done for this or that. If anyone could share their experiences with me, I would greatly appreciate it! Thanks!

Chutz
Veteran Member

Joined : Jan 2005

Posts : 9477

Posted 1/12/2010 6:04 AM (GMT 0)

Hi Tammy!

Personally I am able to use my PCP for pain management but it's one area where he's had extra training and continues to go to conferences to learn how to help his patients. I feel very lucky. So, I haven't been to a PM doc. I've seen others talk about it and most have good experiences and some have nightmares to share. But, remember that if things are going good it's not as likely we'll get online and rave about it as it would be if things were awful. So you will see an unbalanced number of people with problems. With that said....If you find someone you really like then it might be worth the drive, but if it's just so-so or awful then you might consider changing. I would urge you to tell them you are changing because of the commute because some will start to wonder if you are doctor shopping if you don't have a valid reason.

If you have a teaching/university hospital anywhere near you they most often have PM clinics and are on the front edge of new treatments. If I had to drive some distance I'd prefer one of these.

I know this doesn't answer your question but I thought I'd pitch in a few cents.

Warm hugs,
Chutzie

Jadensmommy
Regular Member

Joined : Nov 2009

Posts : 104

Posted 1/12/2010 2:34 PM (GMT 0)

THanks for the comment Chutz! The PM doctor I am going to see is at the best teaching hospital in the state. It is a Pain Clinic and the info I received told me to be prepared to be seen by more than one person at a time, because they often include students and residents when seeing a patient. The literature I got in the mail said that they are a teaching hospital so hopefully that means I'll have great care there. You never know though. The bad thing is, if this doesn't work out for me, I can't go anywhere else because it's the only place in my state that accepts my insurance. That makes me even more nervous. I have no other option.

Thanks again!
Tammy

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