kdel
06-04-2007, 10:38 AM
I am in such pain again and am going to call the doctor today for an appt. My question is this (and I know it's silly) when I call to make the appt. the receptionist always asks what the problem is and I hate answering that. I really don't feel like explaining it to her as it's not really something I care to discuss with anyone other than the doctor so what do I say? I'm not coming in for any typical illness but can't wait a week either. Do i just tell her it's personal? That sounds kind of nasty doesn't it? Oh well anyone?
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hereinwi
06-04-2007, 10:48 AM
I would just tell her pain, don't explain anymore then that. But a lot of the times they enter it into the computer so that the doctor knows why you are calling.It also helps them know the importance of your visit and how long before you should be seen. If it is something like headaches once a month, they might schedule you for an appointment in 2 weeks, but something like numbness in your limbs or face they might want to see you the same day. :blob_fire I just got put on Gabapentin and it has helped SO much. I am no longer in pain everyday and it is AmAzInG:cool:
MSNik
06-04-2007, 02:20 PM
I agree with Herinwi on her answer, but I do have a question. Are you calling your Neuro? Or a regular doctor about this? IF its your Neuro, and you are dx...I would say Im a patient of dr. so and so's and I have MS and I need to be seen, I believe I am having a relapse. Thats what I do. Now assuming you dont have a dx, youre going to have to say to the receptionist, Im a patient who is being diagnosed and was told to call when I had another flare up, Im having one- can I please get in to see the dr as soon as possible?
Question Hereinwi--why is it that so many people have luck like you with garpentin (neurontin- same drug) and others like me have used it several times, and NO EFFECT at all. IM suffering wildly because they cant find a nerve pain drug which helps...IM so jealous of your luck with this! Congrats. Stay feeling better!
Nikki
Question Hereinwi--why is it that so many people have luck like you with garpentin (neurontin- same drug) and others like me have used it several times, and NO EFFECT at all. IM suffering wildly because they cant find a nerve pain drug which helps...IM so jealous of your luck with this! Congrats. Stay feeling better!
Nikki
hereinwi
06-04-2007, 02:32 PM
Hey Nik!
Nice to hear from you again! I do feel very lucky with my luck on the Gabapentin because it has really relieved a TON of my pain, and I am taking a very very low dose. He offered me 900mg a day, but I only take 200mg and that helps. I am concerned that if I take too much it will disable my ability to take care of my daughter since it is sedasive. As for what you (Nik) tell the receptionist I agree that it is how you should handle the situation if you are diagnosed. I am sure that if you are calling a neurologist they are used to speaking to people with MS, and any information relayed to people who work in clinics and hospitals is strictly confidential under the HIPAA laws, atleast in Wisconsin (I work in clinics ) I do not believe it is at all because the person on the other line is trying to be intrusive or nosey. It is just part of their job.
Nice to hear from you again! I do feel very lucky with my luck on the Gabapentin because it has really relieved a TON of my pain, and I am taking a very very low dose. He offered me 900mg a day, but I only take 200mg and that helps. I am concerned that if I take too much it will disable my ability to take care of my daughter since it is sedasive. As for what you (Nik) tell the receptionist I agree that it is how you should handle the situation if you are diagnosed. I am sure that if you are calling a neurologist they are used to speaking to people with MS, and any information relayed to people who work in clinics and hospitals is strictly confidential under the HIPAA laws, atleast in Wisconsin (I work in clinics ) I do not believe it is at all because the person on the other line is trying to be intrusive or nosey. It is just part of their job.
MSNik
06-04-2007, 02:47 PM
HEPA laws apply everywhere, you are right. I doubt very much anyone is asking for their own curisoity, but probably as you said, to deem the significance and urgency of the appointment.
Glad you are feeling better Hereinwi. FYI, You can take up to 300 mgs of that stuff 3 times a day and still be considered in normal range...what you are taking is hardly anything. You lucky duck! Stay feeling better!
N
Glad you are feeling better Hereinwi. FYI, You can take up to 300 mgs of that stuff 3 times a day and still be considered in normal range...what you are taking is hardly anything. You lucky duck! Stay feeling better!
N
kdel
06-04-2007, 04:00 PM
Thanks everyone, I don't think the receptionist is being nosy, I know it's her job to ask I just don't like to answer it. Pretty stupid I guess since she can read my whole chart if she wants to. This would be my regular doc who I'm calling because I just started with a neuro and am not diagnosed as of yet with MS however I am diagnosed with Fibro from the other doctor. It's just that I feel like I'm always there complaining and not really sure what else he can do for me at this point. I'm frustrated with this pain and hate to try new meds and my doctor gets frustrated because of that so it's like I'm a real pain in the neck and can almost hear the eyes rolling on the other end of the phone. I don't know I guess I'll just call and get it over with. I have my sons birthday party coming up (5) Sunday and don't know how I'm gonna get through it if I feel like this. Thanks all.
MSNik
06-04-2007, 04:07 PM
kdel, your frustration is understood. Can you call the new Neuro you SHOULD be seeing to validate your physicians dx of Fybro?? You do have a Neuro appt, right? And, you do want a second opinion, right? get where Im going. IF you have been given a referral, can you call that office up and ask them to push the appt ahead?? You might not get too far with a GP for pain anyway..you might- but you might not. Neuros tend to be alittle more understanding, since this is the type of stuff they see each day and treat. BY the way, if you feel that your doctor is frustrated with you and possibly even rolling his eyes at your complaints, you might want to consider a new doctor to begin with. ANyone who makes you feel like that makes you wonder...
Just know we understand.
Nikki
Just know we understand.
Nikki
kdel
06-04-2007, 05:03 PM
Hi again, well I called and they didn't ask this time. Maybe I didn't write that last post too well as far as the eye rolling I was talking about the receptionist. The doctor has been very understanding, it's just that I feel like he doesn't know what else to do for me. I spoke to the neuro's office today too and the soonest they can get me in is a week from wed. As far as the fibro diagnosis goes I've had it for years and it has been confirmed by a rheumatologist twice. The problem with that is although I know I have it there are so many other symptoms that have come up since that I really don't feel are related. The nerve pain is the worst and I was told this may be because of a really awful bout with shingles that started almost 2 years ago. I kept getting it over and over again but the first time it was on the back of head neck and face and got infected right at the brainstem area. I have since had it about 10 times (no kidding) and that is NOT supposed to happen. I can't believe I forgot to tell this to the neuro! Would any of that show on mri of brain or would I need a test like an emg of the neck area? I really hope I can remember to tell him at my next appt. You guys are great, thanks.
Kara
Kara