ozzybug
01-21-2008, 05:22 PM
Hello Everyone-
As usual, I hope everyone is having a relatively, if not totally pain free day.
I have a question, and am not sure I've actually seen much disussion about this on the board. I seem to remember a couple mentions about it, but nothing in depth.
You all know I currently see a PM doctor. He's great, and has been so helpful in helping me understand my pain, and has also helped get me to a more functional level of living.
OK, the meat of this post is this:
My husband fell off of a two story roof almost 3 years ago. The houses here are up on pilings (stilts) because this is an ocean-front community, so when you add that in, he actually fell head and face first from three stories up. He wasn't critically injured, and actually walked out of the ER that very night with no broken bones. He did however, sprain his neck and his right hip. (all of his weight fell on his face & shoulders, but in the sand thank the Lord)
Since then, he has bouts of severe back pain, and sometimes neck pain. These episodes used to last a couple days and only required Motrin or Tylenol. For the past two years though, his episodes have increased in frequency and also are lasting more like 2-3 weeks at a time and are sometimes bad enough that he can almost not even walk.
He has had several MRI's that show bulging disks and an anular tear in the lower lumbar region. He's been through PT too many times to count, and is in PT now. Our primary doctor treats him when he has these flares. (Either Flexeril or Valium for muscles, and also either Vicodin or Percocet for pain and sometimes Prednisone along with these)
I am thinking that if things continue to way they are going now, this will become a truly "chronic" condition as my husband is in pain about 75% of the time even when he isn't having a "flare".
I have thought about speaking with my PM doctor about whether or not he would be willing to see my husband as a patient too. (If the need arrises)
Are PM doctors allowed to treat both husband and wife? I haven't seen any information that leads me to believe it's not ok, but would it be some kind of ethical problem in anyone's opinion?
Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
PS- Sorry it took me so long to get to my question. Just wanted you to have the full background as to why I asked. :)
As usual, I hope everyone is having a relatively, if not totally pain free day.
I have a question, and am not sure I've actually seen much disussion about this on the board. I seem to remember a couple mentions about it, but nothing in depth.
You all know I currently see a PM doctor. He's great, and has been so helpful in helping me understand my pain, and has also helped get me to a more functional level of living.
OK, the meat of this post is this:
My husband fell off of a two story roof almost 3 years ago. The houses here are up on pilings (stilts) because this is an ocean-front community, so when you add that in, he actually fell head and face first from three stories up. He wasn't critically injured, and actually walked out of the ER that very night with no broken bones. He did however, sprain his neck and his right hip. (all of his weight fell on his face & shoulders, but in the sand thank the Lord)
Since then, he has bouts of severe back pain, and sometimes neck pain. These episodes used to last a couple days and only required Motrin or Tylenol. For the past two years though, his episodes have increased in frequency and also are lasting more like 2-3 weeks at a time and are sometimes bad enough that he can almost not even walk.
He has had several MRI's that show bulging disks and an anular tear in the lower lumbar region. He's been through PT too many times to count, and is in PT now. Our primary doctor treats him when he has these flares. (Either Flexeril or Valium for muscles, and also either Vicodin or Percocet for pain and sometimes Prednisone along with these)
I am thinking that if things continue to way they are going now, this will become a truly "chronic" condition as my husband is in pain about 75% of the time even when he isn't having a "flare".
I have thought about speaking with my PM doctor about whether or not he would be willing to see my husband as a patient too. (If the need arrises)
Are PM doctors allowed to treat both husband and wife? I haven't seen any information that leads me to believe it's not ok, but would it be some kind of ethical problem in anyone's opinion?
Any thoughts are appreciated. Thanks in advance.
PS- Sorry it took me so long to get to my question. Just wanted you to have the full background as to why I asked. :)
Sponsor
forginon
01-21-2008, 05:58 PM
Somewhat similar - my CP Doc took my Dad on as a patient no problem. She simply will not discuss his case w/me or vice versa.
I imagine the arrangement would be similar for you two.
Best of Luck!
steve
I imagine the arrangement would be similar for you two.
Best of Luck!
steve
brianpain33
01-21-2008, 06:24 PM
I agree with Steve. I would think there would be no problem with the doctor taking him on as patient.
Brian
Brian
ladybumblebee
01-21-2008, 06:39 PM
Hiya,
Legally the doctor patient rules attached to confidentiality always apply whether you are husband and wife, sister and brother etc.
So in a nutshell as long as you don't call the doctor and ask him to give you details on your husbands treatment, condition etc and vice versa, there is absolutely no legal reason why you can't both be treated by the same health practioner.
My husband and I both get treatment from the same physician and there is absolutely no problem at all. Granted this is in the Uk but I've done some internet reseach for you - can't get to sleep as I'm having an cp episode! - and the same principles apply in the states.
Hope you both feel better soon. Best wishes.
LBB
Legally the doctor patient rules attached to confidentiality always apply whether you are husband and wife, sister and brother etc.
So in a nutshell as long as you don't call the doctor and ask him to give you details on your husbands treatment, condition etc and vice versa, there is absolutely no legal reason why you can't both be treated by the same health practioner.
My husband and I both get treatment from the same physician and there is absolutely no problem at all. Granted this is in the Uk but I've done some internet reseach for you - can't get to sleep as I'm having an cp episode! - and the same principles apply in the states.
Hope you both feel better soon. Best wishes.
LBB
HappyFlower
01-22-2008, 03:49 AM
Many, I would say most, husband/wives have the same dentist, internist or GP, orthos, gastros-you get the picture!!...it is quite common for us married folks to have the same doctors. I see no reason why having the same PM/CP doc would be any different.
I am so glad to hear that he was not badly hurt...a fall like that could have been very critical. My hubby had a skiing accident a few years back and I feel he will eventually be in PM as well. Oh well, we can hobble around together..:)
I am so glad to hear that he was not badly hurt...a fall like that could have been very critical. My hubby had a skiing accident a few years back and I feel he will eventually be in PM as well. Oh well, we can hobble around together..:)
ozzybug
01-22-2008, 07:59 AM
Thank you all so much for your input. It's much appreciated.
I was thinking that it's basically as Happyflower said, most husbands & wives have the same dentist, primary care doctor, etc. So, this shouldn't really be any different.
I guess, since PM is such a "different" situation because many CP patients take several different medications, it kind of felt weird to think about both of us seeing him.
Like everyone said though, confidentiality- doctor doesn't discuss me with hubby and vice versa.
Hope you all have a great day.
Happyflower- I hope your husband doesn't get to the point he needs PM doctors.
Thanks All!! :)
I was thinking that it's basically as Happyflower said, most husbands & wives have the same dentist, primary care doctor, etc. So, this shouldn't really be any different.
I guess, since PM is such a "different" situation because many CP patients take several different medications, it kind of felt weird to think about both of us seeing him.
Like everyone said though, confidentiality- doctor doesn't discuss me with hubby and vice versa.
Hope you all have a great day.
Happyflower- I hope your husband doesn't get to the point he needs PM doctors.
Thanks All!! :)