Hi All, generally speaking, what can I expect from my first appt. with a pain management specialist? My spine specialist referred me. I am going because I am in daily pain, post (2) microdiscectomies in less then a year and a half.

Thanks!!
Heidi

Hi All, generally speaking, what can I expect from my first appt. with a pain management specialist? My spine specialist referred me. I am going because I am in daily pain, post (2) microdiscectomies in less then a year and a half.

Thanks!!
Heidi

Heidi,
The first appointment is usually an interview of sorts with the doctor asking you questions about your pain levels, what makes them better or worse, what your average pain is a day. He will also do a physical examination to see where your pain is, if it is coming from the discs, from the facet joints, etc. He will discuss medications with you, what you are taking now, how it is working for you, what you have taken in the past, what has not worked and make suggestions for injections,etc.
My first appt. with one was as I said above and he determined that nothing he could do for me was going to work until I had surgery. So back to the surgeon I went.
Good luck,
Sandi

Hi,

You'll have to fill out questionaires relating to your pain, how bad it is, where it is, etc...plus other medical info. Of course the doc should also discuss these things with you. You should bring any x-rays, MRI's, etc..with you. The PM doc I went to wanted all that and did look at all the images & even found an annular tear that the MRI report didn't. You'll have to let him know your doctors and what meds you're currently taking; and you'll probably have to sign a contract with PM stating he will be the only one that may prescribe narcotics, etc. I had to sign one of these. After reviewing everything & discussing your pain, the doc will suggest treatments he thinks might help. The PM doc usually prescribes meds, does all sorts of injections (a PM is usually an anesthaesiologist, which is best when you need to get injections) and procedures of that nature. They should work with you to try to manage your pain in the best way for you. I wish you luck! Let us know what the doc suggests you start with...

My brother had a visit with one and said that he (my brother) did not say anything more than a quick hello, some chit chat.
The PM doc then ran his fingers along my brother's spine and said "Ahhh, here is the problem. You hurt right here don't you?"
My brother said "YES!"
The PM guy told my bro where he hurt and was dead on.
He administered the shot and my bro is doing much better now.

Well I dont want to be the one to give neg info, i do know for the most part they are great. I saw mine for the first time last week and I did not like him. I will not go into details but i do have a thread here about my experince. I will not go back to the pm doc i was assigned to, I want another one. But, I pray it works out for you. Good luck!