SOPHIABELLA
08-09-2007, 10:48 PM
I am losing my pain doc and have just over 30 days to find a new one. The problem I have is that there are pain docs out there that dont except anymore medicare insurance, or I find a doc that does take medicare, but wont deal with the pain issues. I AM DESPERATE! I found some doc in Seattle put that is too far to drive in my kind of pain. Please let me know if you know someone good in my area of Tacoma, Federal way, Auburn or Puyallup where I live......Thanks...Kari
Sponsor
Fabrashamx
08-09-2007, 10:55 PM
Hi Sophia,
My aunt sees a great guy, I think his office is in Fife, is that too far from where you are? If not let me know, and I will call her and ask his name.
~Fabby
My aunt sees a great guy, I think his office is in Fife, is that too far from where you are? If not let me know, and I will call her and ask his name.
~Fabby
maggieloop
08-09-2007, 11:38 PM
I'd be interested also. I live in Shelton and there isn't anyone near me.
Maggie
Maggie
SOPHIABELLA
08-10-2007, 01:01 AM
Dear FABRASH.....Fife would be wonderful!!!:) :angel: :bouncing: !!!!! Now I just need to pray that the doc takes my medicare! Name of the doc PLEASE!!! If this works out, I will be forever in your debt!!! PLEASE let me know ASAP! ..HUGS, Kari
SOPHIABELLA
08-10-2007, 01:05 AM
****Dear Maggieloop*** I have the name of the very best pain doc in Tacoma, (I know that is a ways for you) I cant see him anymore....snif....its a long story, but he is the best for sure! What kind of pain issues do you have? Let me know!!! Hugs...kari:D
Fabrashamx
08-10-2007, 01:47 AM
Hi again,
His name is Dr. Jack Lake, he sees my auntie for fibromyalga, so I know he treats chronic pain. He's either a GP or a family practitioner. My aunt says he is compassionate and a good listener.
I know his office is in Fife, so you should be able to look him up.
Good luck!
~Fabby
PS~I'm sorry, but I have no idea if he takes medicare or not, worth a try though!
His name is Dr. Jack Lake, he sees my auntie for fibromyalga, so I know he treats chronic pain. He's either a GP or a family practitioner. My aunt says he is compassionate and a good listener.
I know his office is in Fife, so you should be able to look him up.
Good luck!
~Fabby
PS~I'm sorry, but I have no idea if he takes medicare or not, worth a try though!
SOPHIABELLA
08-10-2007, 04:00 AM
Dear Fabby,
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! :bouncing: You are truely an :angel: !!!! I will give him a call tomorrow and see what is what. Im keeping my fingers crossed! I will keep you posted. BIG GIANT HUGS!!!!:D Kari
THANK YOU THANK YOU THANK YOU!!!!!! :bouncing: You are truely an :angel: !!!! I will give him a call tomorrow and see what is what. Im keeping my fingers crossed! I will keep you posted. BIG GIANT HUGS!!!!:D Kari
maggieloop
08-10-2007, 02:11 PM
I have issues with my hip, back and sciatica on both sides. It started afteer the birth of my 2nd daughter 16 months ago. I also fell down the stairs and broke my right ankle, sprained the left and sprained both knees when I was 7 months pg with my 1st daughter 3 years ago. I swear, no pregnancy is simple for me!! ha ha ha I've tried PT and it isn't helping and Im getting the run around from insurance about another MRI.
SOPHIABELLA
08-11-2007, 06:21 AM
Hi Magieloop, welcome to the Boards!!
First off, sorry to hear you are still in pain. Something is wrong, you shouldnt still be having pain for these issues. I would try posting your problem here but as a thread of your own and see what responses you get. Also, under pregnancy too, start a new thread. Search by catagory from the top boards, see if any fit best for you. You may find someone with the same problems like I have. Good luck, and if you have any other questions at all, just ask!! Hugs...Kari:)
First off, sorry to hear you are still in pain. Something is wrong, you shouldnt still be having pain for these issues. I would try posting your problem here but as a thread of your own and see what responses you get. Also, under pregnancy too, start a new thread. Search by catagory from the top boards, see if any fit best for you. You may find someone with the same problems like I have. Good luck, and if you have any other questions at all, just ask!! Hugs...Kari:)
Fabrashamx
08-11-2007, 12:33 PM
Sophia,
Were you able to get ahold of Dr.Lakes office? I really hope that worked out for you.
One thing I was thinking about is, try not to tell the people at the front that you even have medicare, They will tell you no when the doctor might not feel that way, Its better to just say you were referred, make an appointment, and present your insurance info when you get there.
I had a great doctor for about 12 years, she has since retired, but what happened was her office told me all the doctors had closed practices, but I could see the nurse practitioner til one opened up.
On my first visit, my doctor was the one who came in to examine me, she had a med student with her and was so great and knew right away what was going on with me, I asked her to please be my doctor, and she said sure, just tell them at the front desk to over ride the closed practice, and she also was at her limit for medicare patients, but said she would over ride that as well.
Just try and appeal to the doctor whenever possible, and not the front desk people, they are just doing their jobs, but if they have been told no new patients, or no more medicare, then the doctor is who you need to see.
HTH, Fabby :cool:
Were you able to get ahold of Dr.Lakes office? I really hope that worked out for you.
One thing I was thinking about is, try not to tell the people at the front that you even have medicare, They will tell you no when the doctor might not feel that way, Its better to just say you were referred, make an appointment, and present your insurance info when you get there.
I had a great doctor for about 12 years, she has since retired, but what happened was her office told me all the doctors had closed practices, but I could see the nurse practitioner til one opened up.
On my first visit, my doctor was the one who came in to examine me, she had a med student with her and was so great and knew right away what was going on with me, I asked her to please be my doctor, and she said sure, just tell them at the front desk to over ride the closed practice, and she also was at her limit for medicare patients, but said she would over ride that as well.
Just try and appeal to the doctor whenever possible, and not the front desk people, they are just doing their jobs, but if they have been told no new patients, or no more medicare, then the doctor is who you need to see.
HTH, Fabby :cool:
SOPHIABELLA
08-12-2007, 01:56 AM
Hi Fabby,
Shoot, I feel asleep and didnt get to the phone in time to call the doc. So, now I shouldnt say I have medicare? I will be totally embarrased if I get there for an appt, and then find out that the doc wont take me! I am a high maintenence patient. I have been treated so badly by so many docs that I am afraid to offend, say the wrong thing or anything! Can you tell me, before I try him and hopefully not embarrase myself, does he perscribe opioids for pain? Docs either are for it or against it, and if he is against it, it would be great to know in advance. You honestly would NOT believe what I have been through with doc's, it is enough to give me post traumatic stress disorder literally! Can ya talk to your aunt for me and let me know?????............Hugs:) Kari
Shoot, I feel asleep and didnt get to the phone in time to call the doc. So, now I shouldnt say I have medicare? I will be totally embarrased if I get there for an appt, and then find out that the doc wont take me! I am a high maintenence patient. I have been treated so badly by so many docs that I am afraid to offend, say the wrong thing or anything! Can you tell me, before I try him and hopefully not embarrase myself, does he perscribe opioids for pain? Docs either are for it or against it, and if he is against it, it would be great to know in advance. You honestly would NOT believe what I have been through with doc's, it is enough to give me post traumatic stress disorder literally! Can ya talk to your aunt for me and let me know?????............Hugs:) Kari
Fabrashamx
08-12-2007, 02:02 AM
Hi Sophia,
Yes, I think you'll have to tell them you have medicare when you make the appointment, but try and get the appointment by saying you were referred first, (if they ask by who just say a friend). You dont want the first thing they hear to be medicare and have them say no way, they still might, but try not mentioning that right off the bat if you can.
Yes, I know this doctor treats fibro with narcotics, He actually kind of specializes in that and chronic fatigue. He is a christian, if that is something that is important to you, and he has a great reputaion for being very gentle and caring. My aunt thinks the world of him.
Good luck and please let me know how it goes!
Hugs, Fabby
Yes, I think you'll have to tell them you have medicare when you make the appointment, but try and get the appointment by saying you were referred first, (if they ask by who just say a friend). You dont want the first thing they hear to be medicare and have them say no way, they still might, but try not mentioning that right off the bat if you can.
Yes, I know this doctor treats fibro with narcotics, He actually kind of specializes in that and chronic fatigue. He is a christian, if that is something that is important to you, and he has a great reputaion for being very gentle and caring. My aunt thinks the world of him.
Good luck and please let me know how it goes!
Hugs, Fabby
SOPHIABELLA
08-12-2007, 02:11 AM
Hi Fabby, that was fast!!:) He sounds so much like the kind of doc I have been looking for. I wish there was some way I could say "who" referred me. Does your aunt go to church or anything? Then I could say, someone from such and so place referred me. I dont go to church, but I do pray on a daily basis. What should I say if they ask me "who" referred me?:angel:
Fabrashamx
08-12-2007, 05:43 AM
Hi again,
I know we arent supposed to give our names here, so I wont give my aunts name either, I think its a board violation, sorry.
But I would just say a friend from the online medical boards recommended him.
I don't think my aunt goes to his church, we're catholic, and I think if he was too, she would have said 'he's catholic' instead of 'he's christian' lol.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you
Fabby
I know we arent supposed to give our names here, so I wont give my aunts name either, I think its a board violation, sorry.
But I would just say a friend from the online medical boards recommended him.
I don't think my aunt goes to his church, we're catholic, and I think if he was too, she would have said 'he's catholic' instead of 'he's christian' lol.
Keeping my fingers crossed for you
Fabby
SOPHIABELLA
08-12-2007, 05:30 PM
Thanks Fabby!
Now, I gotta do some heavy duty prayin, because Lord knows what I have been through, and perhaps all the other docs I have seen by just were not the right ones, and I have to believe there is a path out there for me, and to try and not fight it. I knew that your not suppose to give names, and that is a board no no,:nono: so thats why I asked about the church. You are probably right about him not being catholic though, your aunt would have surely said catholic if he was catholic. I will give them a call late tomorrow afternoon, (people arent generally in a good mood on monday mornings), and I will let cha know!!! Thanks again for everything......Hugs,,,,Sbella,
Now, I gotta do some heavy duty prayin, because Lord knows what I have been through, and perhaps all the other docs I have seen by just were not the right ones, and I have to believe there is a path out there for me, and to try and not fight it. I knew that your not suppose to give names, and that is a board no no,:nono: so thats why I asked about the church. You are probably right about him not being catholic though, your aunt would have surely said catholic if he was catholic. I will give them a call late tomorrow afternoon, (people arent generally in a good mood on monday mornings), and I will let cha know!!! Thanks again for everything......Hugs,,,,Sbella,
Fabrashamx
08-12-2007, 05:50 PM
Hi Sophia,
I know how nervous you are about this, so I called my aunt this morning. She doesn't know what church he goes to, but they have talked about the power of prayer in their lives, and he said he was'nt catholic but didnt say what church he goes to.
You can still say you were referred by one of his patients, if they ask the name, just explain its from a medical message board and no one uses their real names. My aunts first name is Katherine, if that helps, I think its okay to tell you that.
She told me again how kind and patient this guy is, I will be praying with you that you get in.
Post tomorrow and let me know what happens, please!
Hugs, Fabby :)
I know how nervous you are about this, so I called my aunt this morning. She doesn't know what church he goes to, but they have talked about the power of prayer in their lives, and he said he was'nt catholic but didnt say what church he goes to.
You can still say you were referred by one of his patients, if they ask the name, just explain its from a medical message board and no one uses their real names. My aunts first name is Katherine, if that helps, I think its okay to tell you that.
She told me again how kind and patient this guy is, I will be praying with you that you get in.
Post tomorrow and let me know what happens, please!
Hugs, Fabby :)
SOPHIABELLA
08-13-2007, 06:27 PM
DEAR SWEET FABBY!!!! I GOT IN!!!!!:angel: :angel: :bouncing: :) :) :) I just cant believe it!!! I guess he is in Milton, not Fife, but close enough!!! I just told them that I was on "Secure Horizons" which is part of medicare but I dont think she knew that. She did say, and this does worry me a bit, that he is a PA (Physican's Assistant) Now does that mean that he is NOT the actual doc? Are you SURE that he fills opiod scripts? I have a pain doc that just dumped me because he doesnt know anything about Fibromyalgia, and he got offended everytime I brought in an article about breakthrough pain because he was just not giving me what I needed for breakthrough pain. In the past I was on 240mg of Oxicontin and dilaudid for breakthrough pain, then the Oxicontin I built up a tolerence to over time so I switched to Methadone and that has been a real God send for me. But I still need dilaudid for breakthrough pain. The only thing that doc would give me was 30 percocet a month, which isnt even as strong as Methadone for breakthrough pain! That pain doc just told me to "Suffer":mad: :mad: Makes me wonder why he IS a pain doc. I also have 2 herniated dics in my neck, chronic myofascial pain disease, arthritis in my back, and this wierd thing I call frozen bone where it actually feels like your bones are on a block of ice and they ache so very badly! It is also a fine line when you go in and see a new doc, and they dont know you from adam, and you try and explain everything and at the same time try not to look like someone who fits the mold of "drug seeking behavior". I will try and find my old records AGAIN, and probably bring in a list from my pharmacy for the past 6 months or so. I just wanted to double check with you about the meds since he is only a PA, (I dont care if he is right out of med school, I just need someone who knows my dx and can give rx and further recommendations on any other treatment out there) I can tell you, I sat down and cried when I prayed before that phone call, so the power of prayer helped this time! Let me know what you can about him!! Ide send you flowers, but I cant know who you are other than an :angel: !!!......My appt is on Wed at 3pm.......BIG BIG HUGS!!!....Sbella
Fabrashamx
08-13-2007, 10:14 PM
YAY!
Oh I am so glad you got in to see him! Yes, PA's can and do write opiate prescriptions, the same as a doctor. The only difference is that they have to have a doctor 'sponsoring' them.
I dont know what my aunt takes, exactly, and of course there are no guarantees that Dr.Lake will prescribe, but I know my aunt said he was the first doctor who really listened and has not been afraid to treat her pain.
It was my pleasure to help you, I am only paying a tiny bit back from the hundreds of times this board has been there for me.
Good luck on wed., please let us know how it goes!
Hugs, Fabby:cool:
Oh I am so glad you got in to see him! Yes, PA's can and do write opiate prescriptions, the same as a doctor. The only difference is that they have to have a doctor 'sponsoring' them.
I dont know what my aunt takes, exactly, and of course there are no guarantees that Dr.Lake will prescribe, but I know my aunt said he was the first doctor who really listened and has not been afraid to treat her pain.
It was my pleasure to help you, I am only paying a tiny bit back from the hundreds of times this board has been there for me.
Good luck on wed., please let us know how it goes!
Hugs, Fabby:cool:
Fabrashamx
08-13-2007, 10:24 PM
I hope we didnt goof, this is the name of his office
Family and Internal Medicine of Fife General Practice
The address I looked up was in Fife, are you sure you have the right guy? My aunt never mentioned that he was a PA, so I double checked his address on line.
This other guy might work out for you too, but I am not sure its the same one I was talking about. and the one I mean specializes in Fibro cases.
Maybe the address on line is old, and you have a new office. not sure. lol.
Let me know what you think.
~Fabby
Now I think I found it listed under 'Family Medicine of Fife' same street address, but says Tacoma. lol argh! I hope we have the right one!
Family and Internal Medicine of Fife General Practice
The address I looked up was in Fife, are you sure you have the right guy? My aunt never mentioned that he was a PA, so I double checked his address on line.
This other guy might work out for you too, but I am not sure its the same one I was talking about. and the one I mean specializes in Fibro cases.
Maybe the address on line is old, and you have a new office. not sure. lol.
Let me know what you think.
~Fabby
Now I think I found it listed under 'Family Medicine of Fife' same street address, but says Tacoma. lol argh! I hope we have the right one!
SOPHIABELLA
08-14-2007, 08:47 AM
Dear Fabby :angel:
Okay, so I freaked a little but I looked him up and I see what you mean about all the different cities! The address starts with 6040A right? and phone starts with 922? Well, I found him under Suprise Lake Clinic that has the same address but says Tacoma, Family and Internal medicine of Fife, and also found him under "Christian Doctors" same address again, so I did a map quest to get directions using that address and using all different cities, (they are all close together) and the clinic is like on the border of Fife/Milton which is just outside of Tacoma, so I think I have the right place. Especially from the christian doc web site (didnt even know that existed) he is listed under general practice with extensive knowledge of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. It said that he was very nice and understanding and actually cares! WOW a doc without an ego problem? Someone who will treat me with the respect I deserve? Now THAT is truely an answer to my prayers!!! and quite frankly so are YOU! :angel: So, day after tomorrow, Wed at 3p and they have me down for 20 min (thats the max they could give me). I hope it works out, but either way I am eternally greatful!! BIG HUGS......sbella
Okay, so I freaked a little but I looked him up and I see what you mean about all the different cities! The address starts with 6040A right? and phone starts with 922? Well, I found him under Suprise Lake Clinic that has the same address but says Tacoma, Family and Internal medicine of Fife, and also found him under "Christian Doctors" same address again, so I did a map quest to get directions using that address and using all different cities, (they are all close together) and the clinic is like on the border of Fife/Milton which is just outside of Tacoma, so I think I have the right place. Especially from the christian doc web site (didnt even know that existed) he is listed under general practice with extensive knowledge of Fibromyalgia and Chronic Fatigue. It said that he was very nice and understanding and actually cares! WOW a doc without an ego problem? Someone who will treat me with the respect I deserve? Now THAT is truely an answer to my prayers!!! and quite frankly so are YOU! :angel: So, day after tomorrow, Wed at 3p and they have me down for 20 min (thats the max they could give me). I hope it works out, but either way I am eternally greatful!! BIG HUGS......sbella
SOPHIABELLA
08-16-2007, 07:31 PM
*****Dear Fabby!!! :bouncing: *****
I was so excitied to get to this post, but when I got home yesterday, we were having problems with our internet connection! Girl, I owe you one big fat HUG!!!!! I saw Dr Lake yesterday, and I was really really nervous because I have had so many docs be mean to me for the past 6 months, the last one telling me and I quote "You are just going to have to tough out the major pain!" (and he was a Pain Doctor!) When I first met Dr Lake, I told him how nervous I was and told him what the last doc has said to me he said and I "almost" quote "That is a bunch of sh**!!" I nearly fell of the table!!!:) He said that he was not taking anymore pain patients because he was too full, and then we started talking, and he tested me for Fibro, and I have 14 of the 18 symptoms. (You have to have at least 12 I think to qualify), then I told him about my other woes and he said I most likely also have Diabetic Neuropathy. The appt. was suppose to be 20 minutes and he spent a whole 45 minutes with me! He listened to everything I had to say and his input was very very caring. He is one of those in your face, YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, OR YOU WILL END UP IN A COFFIN, YOU DECIDE, kinda doc. He is just what I needed!! :bouncing: He gave me exercises (very mild) that I have to do, and WILL do. I was not expecting all that, you know with him being so christian, and the crosses etc everywhere. Before I left, (I was there with my hubby, who was equaly impressed) Dr Lake got in my face kinda like a military sargent, and said, "Now I have such severe arthritis, and I do not have any toes left on either of my feet, and I will be damned if this pain will keep me from living my life! I golf, I go boating, I do what ever I can because this damn disease will NOT take my life away" (Kinda a pep talk) and he said that he could tell that I have not cared about myself in a very, very long time, and it is time I started to do that! I told him I was still grieving for my old life of being an owner of a travel agency for 17 years and how I travelled the world, first class, free suites, food etc....(wouldnt you grieve for that?!) He said GET OVER IT!! "This is your life now, and you have got to change your additude!" all of this, in my face with a raised voice! He had them take blood and made another appt for me for next week!!! So I guess I am in!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS MAN!!!! He laughs a lot, has a good spirit and he really does care! He is the answer to all my prayers, and maybe I had to go through a lot of bad docs to get to him, but it WAS worth it!! I simply cannot thank you and your aunt enough! :angel: He has changed and added some new meds so we shall see what happens by next week. Please tell your aunt that she was right and send her a hug from me too okay!!! and many many many hugs to you, my friend, you saved me from a lot more abuse from bad docs!!!!!:D :D :D .......Sbella[/I]
I was so excitied to get to this post, but when I got home yesterday, we were having problems with our internet connection! Girl, I owe you one big fat HUG!!!!! I saw Dr Lake yesterday, and I was really really nervous because I have had so many docs be mean to me for the past 6 months, the last one telling me and I quote "You are just going to have to tough out the major pain!" (and he was a Pain Doctor!) When I first met Dr Lake, I told him how nervous I was and told him what the last doc has said to me he said and I "almost" quote "That is a bunch of sh**!!" I nearly fell of the table!!!:) He said that he was not taking anymore pain patients because he was too full, and then we started talking, and he tested me for Fibro, and I have 14 of the 18 symptoms. (You have to have at least 12 I think to qualify), then I told him about my other woes and he said I most likely also have Diabetic Neuropathy. The appt. was suppose to be 20 minutes and he spent a whole 45 minutes with me! He listened to everything I had to say and his input was very very caring. He is one of those in your face, YOU HAVE TO TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF, OR YOU WILL END UP IN A COFFIN, YOU DECIDE, kinda doc. He is just what I needed!! :bouncing: He gave me exercises (very mild) that I have to do, and WILL do. I was not expecting all that, you know with him being so christian, and the crosses etc everywhere. Before I left, (I was there with my hubby, who was equaly impressed) Dr Lake got in my face kinda like a military sargent, and said, "Now I have such severe arthritis, and I do not have any toes left on either of my feet, and I will be damned if this pain will keep me from living my life! I golf, I go boating, I do what ever I can because this damn disease will NOT take my life away" (Kinda a pep talk) and he said that he could tell that I have not cared about myself in a very, very long time, and it is time I started to do that! I told him I was still grieving for my old life of being an owner of a travel agency for 17 years and how I travelled the world, first class, free suites, food etc....(wouldnt you grieve for that?!) He said GET OVER IT!! "This is your life now, and you have got to change your additude!" all of this, in my face with a raised voice! He had them take blood and made another appt for me for next week!!! So I guess I am in!!!!!!!!! I LOVE THIS MAN!!!! He laughs a lot, has a good spirit and he really does care! He is the answer to all my prayers, and maybe I had to go through a lot of bad docs to get to him, but it WAS worth it!! I simply cannot thank you and your aunt enough! :angel: He has changed and added some new meds so we shall see what happens by next week. Please tell your aunt that she was right and send her a hug from me too okay!!! and many many many hugs to you, my friend, you saved me from a lot more abuse from bad docs!!!!!:D :D :D .......Sbella[/I]
Fabrashamx
08-16-2007, 10:39 PM
Hi Sophia,
OMG I am so very happy for you! Thats why everyone on this board says, do NOT give up, keep looking, the right doctor is out there for you.
I will pass your kind words on to my Aunt, but really, It was my pleasure, and only a small repayment for all the help and support this board has given me.
I am so happy you have found someone good, it really improved my self esteem when I found a doctor that was on my side, I hope everyone on this board can do the same.
Hugs, Fabby :cool:
OMG I am so very happy for you! Thats why everyone on this board says, do NOT give up, keep looking, the right doctor is out there for you.
I will pass your kind words on to my Aunt, but really, It was my pleasure, and only a small repayment for all the help and support this board has given me.
I am so happy you have found someone good, it really improved my self esteem when I found a doctor that was on my side, I hope everyone on this board can do the same.
Hugs, Fabby :cool:
SOPHIABELLA
08-17-2007, 02:42 AM
HEY EVERYBODY!!!!PLEASE SEND YOUR PRAYERS AND HUGS TO A RECENTLY DECOVERED ANGEL!:angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: :angel: HER NAME IS FABRASHAMX. SHE SAVED ME FROM THE DEPTHS OF DESPAIR TO SEE THAT THERE IS HOPE OUT THERE!!!!!!!!
My dearest Fabby, please tell me a bit about yourself and what YOU are going through. Perhaps I can be of help in some way. I have been through a heck of a lot in my lifetime, so I will always be there to lend an ear for you ! Forever in my heart......Sbella :wave:
My dearest Fabby, please tell me a bit about yourself and what YOU are going through. Perhaps I can be of help in some way. I have been through a heck of a lot in my lifetime, so I will always be there to lend an ear for you ! Forever in my heart......Sbella :wave:
Fabrashamx
08-17-2007, 03:13 AM
Thanks, that is so sweet! My story is posted at the top, so I wont go into the whole thing, I have a fusion in my neck from about 13 years ago, constant pain there and in my shoulder and arm, and I have other disc trouble, and lower back issues.
Lately I have been having a hard time, my friend has cancer and I go with her to chemo every week, but sitting on those hard hospital chairs for 6 hours has been pretty bad. My hubby and I lost med. benefits a while back, But I found a great doctor, he's willing to put me on methadone, but I would have to get off tramadol and I've been on it for like 13 years, so not sure what to do. I also take prozac, baclofen, and hydrocodone.
I have been married for 27 years to a great guy and I live with my hubby, 2 sons that are in college, and my black lab Emmett.
Thanks again for the kind words, really, it was no bother, I'm just happy you found someone! The people on this board are the best, It has been a real life saver for me.
Hugs, Fabby:)
Lately I have been having a hard time, my friend has cancer and I go with her to chemo every week, but sitting on those hard hospital chairs for 6 hours has been pretty bad. My hubby and I lost med. benefits a while back, But I found a great doctor, he's willing to put me on methadone, but I would have to get off tramadol and I've been on it for like 13 years, so not sure what to do. I also take prozac, baclofen, and hydrocodone.
I have been married for 27 years to a great guy and I live with my hubby, 2 sons that are in college, and my black lab Emmett.
Thanks again for the kind words, really, it was no bother, I'm just happy you found someone! The people on this board are the best, It has been a real life saver for me.
Hugs, Fabby:)
SOPHIABELLA
08-17-2007, 06:42 AM
Dearest Fabby,
I read your story, and as far as the back issues we are a lot alike. I have herniated disc in my neck c5-6, and I just found out that I have a disc bulge at T8-10, T9-10. I just found out about the T disc's yesterday by looking at an old x-ray done by a bad doc that had my MRI sent to me after having it in their possission for 3 years!!! I think that is my mid back if I am not mistaken. All I know is that my neck, mid back (around the bra line) and my low back around my tailbone area hurt. I broke my tailbone several times, and is now totally healed but I get severe cramps and spasms along with a dibalitating sharp pain from my tailbone area across to my sciatica. That tailbone pain got a 100 times worse when I had a hysterectomy and bladder reconstruction back in 2002. 30 days after the surgery I was in the hospital with severe pain, and have had it ever since. I can stand only for about 4-5 minutes at a time before I have to lay down, and then the pain radiates down my legs and makes my bones feel like they are on a block of ice, even though my skin is warm to the touch. I owned my business as well. It was a travel agency. I had worked my way up the latter to owner in 1999 after putting in 13 years. After my surgery, I had to sell my business that I had worked so hard for, and after 911 and the war the business needed me there more than the few hours a day I worked until I had to get home and put ice on my hinney. Selling you own business is hard huh! It is like selling part of your soul over something you had no control over. I am still grieving for my past life of free travel all over the world, and helping others to do the same. So I can relate to what you went through. I applied for disability in 2003 and finally got it after several appeals, 1 year ago TODAY. It killed us financially. (I was the main bread winner) with perfect credit, and we ended up filing for bankrupcy, (that is humulating hell) I am also married to a very warm caring (most of the time) husband who is ALSO Bi-polar. We have been together since 1999, and married in 2002. In 2004 he had an on the job accident that herniated his c5-6-7 and had it operated on. (I will NEVER have that done) He almost died from a serious infection from the surgery. I had to nurse him for months. He had blood clots after they put a pic line in. (a permanent IV for the strong antibiotics he was on) and of course he lost his insurance and I went on cobra, he had L and I to cover most of his issues, but nothing for the bi-polar. I didnt marry for money, he was an incredible man. Always caring, and has really been the one who has raised my now 18 year old daughter. For the past year though our marriage is suffering from all the stress and the gambling problem my husband aquired from his depression. My daughter really went down hill when I closed my business, I think because I had a nervous breakdown. I slept for months on end, and all I did was cry and cry. She and I were VERY VERY close before all that happened. We had traveled together just her and I since she was 8 months old. It really freaked her out that I was in pain and was so depressed, so she got addicted to cocaine last year. She came to me and told me, and we put her in an inpatient re-hab. Her road has been tough too. Our home is getting run down, (my daughter and I had it built after I divorced her abusive father when she was 5) Well....like you my story is under "Depression here is my story" if you want the whole nightmare I have been through. Anyway back to my point, my husband is now in worse pain than he ever had prior to surgery. He can only life 20 lbs max for the rest of his life. He is dislecktic (sic?)and only has an 8th grade education (long story, his parents abandon him to his older brother down in california because he is also ADHD and they didnt know how to handle him) So now, really all he can do is blue collar work, and cant lift over 20lbs. We only have 56 days left until his unemployment is run out. URG! My horrible x-husband had surgery for some disc in his neck, and a year later he said he would have never done it, it was not worth it, and he is also in more pain than before the surgery. That is why I wont get the surgery. I have heard of this new thing, but may only work on your lower back, where you lay down and they strech you out and literally the disc goes back to where it should be. I know of people who couldnt even walk and now they can because of this new contraption. Have you heard of it? An old friend of mine has a husband who works in a chiropractors office, and he is a massage therapist and they supposedly have this machine. That means no surgery! If you want more info, just let me know! Now, about the Methadone. I was on 240mg of oxicontin for about 4 years, and over time I built up a tollerance for it, and it made my mind foggy. My old doc finally talked to me about methadone, (I was reluctant because of the ties with Herion addiction) but I tried it. I took lower doses of oxicontin and small doses of methadone until I was completely off the oxicontin and on higher on methadone. I have to say that was the best thing for me!!! You dont build up a tolerance over time with it, it blocks the nerves that make you feel druggy. You have to be careful though, I was first on a dose that was too high for me, and I fell asleep in the middle of the day and my daughter got worried because she couldnt wake me up all the way. Of course there is always a chance of dying from these types of meds, and one of the warning symptoms is deep deep sleep, and when you are woken up you dont make sense. Dont freak out over this, I just had my dose lowered and very slowly worked up to the dose I am on now. It has been around for decades for pain control. I highly reccommend it, it is wonderful! It is funny about the tramadol you are taking, that the med my vet gives me for my fat wiener dog when she slipped a disc. Your doc will wean you and you will be okay. Percocet is okay for your breakthrough, although I needed dilaudid for my breakthrough pain, (which my new doc thanks to you, is trying to get it so I dont need break through pain meds) Currently I take:
Cymbaulta 60mg a day - antidepressant and helps pain too
Lyrica 2 x a day for fibro and possbile nerve pain from my diabetes
Flexeril - muscle relaxer as needed
zanaflex - 4 at bedtime for RLS and insonmnia
hyzaar - blood pressure
metformin - diabetes
Lipator - cholesterol
dialaudid - breakthrough pain unless new doc can fix it
TENS UNIT - this is a must for back pain, if you dont know what it is, ask me
xanax 2mg 2xday for anxiety and pain from stress
albuteral - asthma attacks that I seldom get
I think thats it, now on top of the disc problems I have severe Fibromyalgia, Chronic Myofascial Pain Disease, Arthritis in my back, carpal tunnel (already operated on, but is starting to flare up again a little) severe clinical depression, Incontinence and I am only 44! , chronic sinus and bladder infections and diabetes, and apparently now diabetic neuropathy, restless leg syndrome and severe burstits in my right shoulder.
Lovely huh!!!!!
You know, it is always hard to switch meds that you are comfortable with, (we just dont like change) You will be glad you did it! When do you start? Methadone is cheap too!
We have 2 weiner dogs, (never thought I would like them, but their personalities are wonderful! 1 short hair, Haylee, who is the boss, when I was in my deep depression after closing my business my hubby bought me a long hair wiener, named...sophia bella :) , we have an asian bengal leopard cat who is about 30 pounds now and is a holy terror! He opens all the cupboards, drawers, slams down toilet lids! He loves to go for a walk and we take him to the hospice where my hubby's mom is and he loves all the attention! My daughter has a pure white cat who is very smart, and a mutt cat that is mostly outdoors, and is at least 10 years old, and I noticed that her hair is all matted, she isnt bathing herself, so I need to shave her, (lucky me) that usually means thyroid problems, but as long as she seems happy I wont put her down, I just know that hair matts pull on the skin, so this outa be fun to do!:eek: Well, it is now almost 3am, and I gotta get to sleep. You take care and let me know how things are going!!!! Hugs,,,,,sbella sorry this is sooooooooooooooooooo long!
I read your story, and as far as the back issues we are a lot alike. I have herniated disc in my neck c5-6, and I just found out that I have a disc bulge at T8-10, T9-10. I just found out about the T disc's yesterday by looking at an old x-ray done by a bad doc that had my MRI sent to me after having it in their possission for 3 years!!! I think that is my mid back if I am not mistaken. All I know is that my neck, mid back (around the bra line) and my low back around my tailbone area hurt. I broke my tailbone several times, and is now totally healed but I get severe cramps and spasms along with a dibalitating sharp pain from my tailbone area across to my sciatica. That tailbone pain got a 100 times worse when I had a hysterectomy and bladder reconstruction back in 2002. 30 days after the surgery I was in the hospital with severe pain, and have had it ever since. I can stand only for about 4-5 minutes at a time before I have to lay down, and then the pain radiates down my legs and makes my bones feel like they are on a block of ice, even though my skin is warm to the touch. I owned my business as well. It was a travel agency. I had worked my way up the latter to owner in 1999 after putting in 13 years. After my surgery, I had to sell my business that I had worked so hard for, and after 911 and the war the business needed me there more than the few hours a day I worked until I had to get home and put ice on my hinney. Selling you own business is hard huh! It is like selling part of your soul over something you had no control over. I am still grieving for my past life of free travel all over the world, and helping others to do the same. So I can relate to what you went through. I applied for disability in 2003 and finally got it after several appeals, 1 year ago TODAY. It killed us financially. (I was the main bread winner) with perfect credit, and we ended up filing for bankrupcy, (that is humulating hell) I am also married to a very warm caring (most of the time) husband who is ALSO Bi-polar. We have been together since 1999, and married in 2002. In 2004 he had an on the job accident that herniated his c5-6-7 and had it operated on. (I will NEVER have that done) He almost died from a serious infection from the surgery. I had to nurse him for months. He had blood clots after they put a pic line in. (a permanent IV for the strong antibiotics he was on) and of course he lost his insurance and I went on cobra, he had L and I to cover most of his issues, but nothing for the bi-polar. I didnt marry for money, he was an incredible man. Always caring, and has really been the one who has raised my now 18 year old daughter. For the past year though our marriage is suffering from all the stress and the gambling problem my husband aquired from his depression. My daughter really went down hill when I closed my business, I think because I had a nervous breakdown. I slept for months on end, and all I did was cry and cry. She and I were VERY VERY close before all that happened. We had traveled together just her and I since she was 8 months old. It really freaked her out that I was in pain and was so depressed, so she got addicted to cocaine last year. She came to me and told me, and we put her in an inpatient re-hab. Her road has been tough too. Our home is getting run down, (my daughter and I had it built after I divorced her abusive father when she was 5) Well....like you my story is under "Depression here is my story" if you want the whole nightmare I have been through. Anyway back to my point, my husband is now in worse pain than he ever had prior to surgery. He can only life 20 lbs max for the rest of his life. He is dislecktic (sic?)and only has an 8th grade education (long story, his parents abandon him to his older brother down in california because he is also ADHD and they didnt know how to handle him) So now, really all he can do is blue collar work, and cant lift over 20lbs. We only have 56 days left until his unemployment is run out. URG! My horrible x-husband had surgery for some disc in his neck, and a year later he said he would have never done it, it was not worth it, and he is also in more pain than before the surgery. That is why I wont get the surgery. I have heard of this new thing, but may only work on your lower back, where you lay down and they strech you out and literally the disc goes back to where it should be. I know of people who couldnt even walk and now they can because of this new contraption. Have you heard of it? An old friend of mine has a husband who works in a chiropractors office, and he is a massage therapist and they supposedly have this machine. That means no surgery! If you want more info, just let me know! Now, about the Methadone. I was on 240mg of oxicontin for about 4 years, and over time I built up a tollerance for it, and it made my mind foggy. My old doc finally talked to me about methadone, (I was reluctant because of the ties with Herion addiction) but I tried it. I took lower doses of oxicontin and small doses of methadone until I was completely off the oxicontin and on higher on methadone. I have to say that was the best thing for me!!! You dont build up a tolerance over time with it, it blocks the nerves that make you feel druggy. You have to be careful though, I was first on a dose that was too high for me, and I fell asleep in the middle of the day and my daughter got worried because she couldnt wake me up all the way. Of course there is always a chance of dying from these types of meds, and one of the warning symptoms is deep deep sleep, and when you are woken up you dont make sense. Dont freak out over this, I just had my dose lowered and very slowly worked up to the dose I am on now. It has been around for decades for pain control. I highly reccommend it, it is wonderful! It is funny about the tramadol you are taking, that the med my vet gives me for my fat wiener dog when she slipped a disc. Your doc will wean you and you will be okay. Percocet is okay for your breakthrough, although I needed dilaudid for my breakthrough pain, (which my new doc thanks to you, is trying to get it so I dont need break through pain meds) Currently I take:
Cymbaulta 60mg a day - antidepressant and helps pain too
Lyrica 2 x a day for fibro and possbile nerve pain from my diabetes
Flexeril - muscle relaxer as needed
zanaflex - 4 at bedtime for RLS and insonmnia
hyzaar - blood pressure
metformin - diabetes
Lipator - cholesterol
dialaudid - breakthrough pain unless new doc can fix it
TENS UNIT - this is a must for back pain, if you dont know what it is, ask me
xanax 2mg 2xday for anxiety and pain from stress
albuteral - asthma attacks that I seldom get
I think thats it, now on top of the disc problems I have severe Fibromyalgia, Chronic Myofascial Pain Disease, Arthritis in my back, carpal tunnel (already operated on, but is starting to flare up again a little) severe clinical depression, Incontinence and I am only 44! , chronic sinus and bladder infections and diabetes, and apparently now diabetic neuropathy, restless leg syndrome and severe burstits in my right shoulder.
Lovely huh!!!!!
You know, it is always hard to switch meds that you are comfortable with, (we just dont like change) You will be glad you did it! When do you start? Methadone is cheap too!
We have 2 weiner dogs, (never thought I would like them, but their personalities are wonderful! 1 short hair, Haylee, who is the boss, when I was in my deep depression after closing my business my hubby bought me a long hair wiener, named...sophia bella :) , we have an asian bengal leopard cat who is about 30 pounds now and is a holy terror! He opens all the cupboards, drawers, slams down toilet lids! He loves to go for a walk and we take him to the hospice where my hubby's mom is and he loves all the attention! My daughter has a pure white cat who is very smart, and a mutt cat that is mostly outdoors, and is at least 10 years old, and I noticed that her hair is all matted, she isnt bathing herself, so I need to shave her, (lucky me) that usually means thyroid problems, but as long as she seems happy I wont put her down, I just know that hair matts pull on the skin, so this outa be fun to do!:eek: Well, it is now almost 3am, and I gotta get to sleep. You take care and let me know how things are going!!!! Hugs,,,,,sbella sorry this is sooooooooooooooooooo long!
Fabrashamx
08-17-2007, 09:58 AM
Hi Again Sophia,
OMG we are probably giving the mods fits with these posts, But I hope they can leave at least most of them up, because I think they really do describe what it is like to desperatly need a doctor and how it feels when you find one!
We do have a lot in common! I am also 44, my husband also had gambling issues for awhile as part of his bi polar, and I certainly understand how it feels to lose your business, My gallery was a life long dream, and I was actually making a good living with it.
I am so sorry for all you have been through, and your dd. That is a very very good sign that she faced her addiction and got help, My kids literally grew up with me in pain, and I think the hard times have a big silver lining, they now are not in the least spoiled, and are in fact very kind and helpful young men. adversity can build a lot of character in a person, and it sounds like your dd is a big comfort to you.
I hope Dr.Lake can improve your situation for you, and I hope your dh is able to resolve some of his health issues as well. Thanks for the tips, I really do think I will try the methadone, I have heard lots of good things about it from not only you, but others on this board. I think the machine thing you described is called traction, I can't be put in it, because while it would probably work wonders on my lower back issues, there is too great a risk that it could break my fusion.
Your doggies sound adorable, Pets are such a comfort when you have pain.
I hope you keep posting so I can see how you are doing, It's become part of my daily routine for several years to come here and see how our little pain family is doing, I have learned so much here, everyone is really great.
Take care, Fabby :wave:
OMG we are probably giving the mods fits with these posts, But I hope they can leave at least most of them up, because I think they really do describe what it is like to desperatly need a doctor and how it feels when you find one!
We do have a lot in common! I am also 44, my husband also had gambling issues for awhile as part of his bi polar, and I certainly understand how it feels to lose your business, My gallery was a life long dream, and I was actually making a good living with it.
I am so sorry for all you have been through, and your dd. That is a very very good sign that she faced her addiction and got help, My kids literally grew up with me in pain, and I think the hard times have a big silver lining, they now are not in the least spoiled, and are in fact very kind and helpful young men. adversity can build a lot of character in a person, and it sounds like your dd is a big comfort to you.
I hope Dr.Lake can improve your situation for you, and I hope your dh is able to resolve some of his health issues as well. Thanks for the tips, I really do think I will try the methadone, I have heard lots of good things about it from not only you, but others on this board. I think the machine thing you described is called traction, I can't be put in it, because while it would probably work wonders on my lower back issues, there is too great a risk that it could break my fusion.
Your doggies sound adorable, Pets are such a comfort when you have pain.
I hope you keep posting so I can see how you are doing, It's become part of my daily routine for several years to come here and see how our little pain family is doing, I have learned so much here, everyone is really great.
Take care, Fabby :wave:
SOPHIABELLA
08-17-2007, 01:44 PM
Hello again! I have done the traction thing for my neck a few years back. It is where they put your neck on the machine, and slowly they turn this thing and it streches out your neck. Is that what you are talking about? Because that is not the same as what this new proceedure is. And I believe that you can just do like your low back one time and then your mid back too, and then stay away from your fusion. Did that fusion help you at all? Dang, this weather! We here in the Pacific NW sure do have a lot of rain and crap. I can tell that it is gonna rain before the weather man can, and it hurts! How about you? I know it is gonna rain here either late tomorrow or sunday I am guessing by what my back is tellin me. I havent seen the forcast, but my mid back with the bulges and arthritis hurts so bad I woke up after only 4 hours of sleep! :yawn: , well take care. I dont think we will be in trouble for this back and forth because we are helping eachother. But if we are doing something wrong, I am sure they will let us know! :mad: I hope not, I would be kinda embarrased for breakin a rule and then getting in trouble with it. ....Let me know when you change to the methadone too okay!.....Hugs......Sbella
keli44
01-09-2008, 09:17 PM
Hey, Anyone know of a great Fibromyalgia doctor? I live near Tacoma and saw the post for Dr. Lake in Fife someone posted. I wasn't sucessful in looking him up online~the fact that he is a Christian was really a plus too. I use to see Dr. Kenneth Bakken, He is actually a DO and has written several books on Fibro. He is a Minister as well. He dosen't take my new insurance though. I am in my third year of trying to get Social Security Disability. Any helpful suggestions?
I'm new here, but looking forward to getting into the swing of things!
God Bless!
Keli44:angel::angel:
I'm new here, but looking forward to getting into the swing of things!
God Bless!
Keli44:angel::angel:
trowftd3
01-10-2008, 04:25 AM
I can't help you with the doc question...though I do go to the pain department at Swedish and they have been great to me. I don't have fibro but I'm sure they have seen their share of patients who suffer with it.
Anyway, you should really start your own thread with your questions as this thread is rather old. There are a lot of great people here with awesome advice.
Just click on the 'new thread' on the upper left and type away....
Take care and good luck.~Mush
Anyway, you should really start your own thread with your questions as this thread is rather old. There are a lot of great people here with awesome advice.
Just click on the 'new thread' on the upper left and type away....
Take care and good luck.~Mush