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Pain Mangement vs. staying w/ Rhuemy only...

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Posted 3/26/2012 9:45 PM (GMT 0)
I have been seeing a Rhuem. for a few months now, but I still have a lot of pain. I have some days where I have to hobble around bc my feet and legs hurt so much, and other times, at night - where I have to sleep on the floor w/ a heating pad bc of m back pain. Im assuming that I need a referral from my primary (mmakes us get referral for everyting), but do you think that the Rheum. Dr. would be upset if I choose to seek more help?
Posted 3/26/2012 9:53 PM (GMT 0)
Any doctor wouldn't like seeing a patient leave. However, by law, you are entitled to a second medical opinion, as many times as you see fit to get the right care needed. I know what you go through, it seems my floor is more my bed than the bed is.
Posted 3/26/2012 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
I just switched rhemys, because the one I had been seeing for almost a year did not seem to have my best interests in mind, nor did I feel she was listening to my concerns.

You have every right to seek additional help, even if that means changing doctors. Sure, the rheumy you have been seeing is going to be upset; they are losing your business. But they cannot stop you from leaving, and they cannot deny your request for copies of your medical records.
Posted 3/26/2012 11:16 PM (GMT 0)
Rheumatologists and pain management doctors don't do the same things or treat the same conditions. I see both.

My rheumy figured out the fibro and that I don't have any rheumatoid arthritis or conditions like lupus. He injects my hip bursae when they are inflamed.

My pain doc, a physiatrist, treats my spinal pain and radiculopathy. His partner, an anesthesiologist, works on necks and thoracic nerves. He ablates the nerves to my slipping ribs.

They all can prescribe medications, and the pain docs are pretty good with fibro, but if you have autoimmune or need to be checked for those conditions, you want to keep the rheumatologist.
Posted 3/27/2012 12:38 AM (GMT 0)
You should have no problem with seeing both Drs.

The only concern is not getting any narcotic pain medication from both. As well as let them know about each other and making sure they know your intention is to never do that.

As mentioned, they have different specialities so should absolutely understand why you are seeking help from a PM.
Posted 3/27/2012 12:53 AM (GMT 0)
Thank you everyone for your knowledge about this. I was worried that Id have to stop seeing my Rhuemy once I was seen by a pain mgmt Dr - and also thinking about how tough it may be to switch back, if I didn't like the pain Doc.
And Snowbunny, Im only getting neurontin and flexeril from my Rheum Dr. and anti depression meds from my primary. So, double dipping on the pain meds wont be an issue. I think the issue that Im dealing w/ now is that I have these episodes of pain that Ive only been taking OTC meds for (like alleve). These "episodes" of pain weren't that often, and I thought that I cold just deal w/ them and continue on - but now they've increased and Im having a big issue w/ mobility now - bc of the pain.
Posted 3/27/2012 1:01 AM (GMT 0)
Oh...I hope you know I wasn't thinking that you were trying to double dip...

Just make sure that THEY know this as you will be a stranger to the PM and that is something they will ask you.

I think if you approach the PM that you are looking for a more comprehensive way to approach all of your pain issues with both medicinal and non medicinal modalities....they will see your intentions.

I would tell your Rheumy and your Primary before you make the appt. as well as you most likely will either have to bring your records or have them sent over to the PM showing your diagnosis as well as any/all treatments, including the meds you are on now.

The PM will want an overview of all your medical issues.

Again...it should be perfectly fine...just wanted to say that it's best to have everyone on board and on the same page...

Good luck:)
Posted 3/27/2012 6:34 AM (GMT 0)
More and more Dr's seem not want to be resposible for long term pain management anymore. I would think they wouldn't mine giving someone the responsibility. I would try.
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