atwork
08-05-2008, 01:00 PM
I have been lucky enough to continue to get my meds thru my ortho's office but he has said it is time to move to PM. He said try my family doctor first for referral or refills but he had to let me go as he isn't a PM and my fusion is solid. I had a two level back fusion two years ago.
I have scar tissue that has formed around the nerve root and that is what causes the chronic pain.
What am I looking for in a PM? What should I expect? I don't want to have to jump on the shot mill and PT crap again-I just want my meds refilled!
I have an appointment with the family doctor and my ortho said he would transfer my chart to her but I don't know what her philosophy is on refilling or anything yet. I see her Monday the 11th.
Any help is appreciated!
Blessings,
Michelle :angel:
I have scar tissue that has formed around the nerve root and that is what causes the chronic pain.
What am I looking for in a PM? What should I expect? I don't want to have to jump on the shot mill and PT crap again-I just want my meds refilled!
I have an appointment with the family doctor and my ortho said he would transfer my chart to her but I don't know what her philosophy is on refilling or anything yet. I see her Monday the 11th.
Any help is appreciated!
Blessings,
Michelle :angel:
Sponsor
cmpgirl
08-05-2008, 02:50 PM
Hi Michelle,
A good PM doc is worth their weight in gold. I know it can be difficult to find the right fit, but it can be done.
First, I would suggest that you ask both your ortho and your GP for their opinion/recommendation. Your ortho already knows what you take, med-wise and what other modalities/therapies you have tried. I would think he/she would know of some PM docs who would be on board with continuing your current regimine and/or adding new treatments if needed.
Have you or your ortho kept your GP in the loop, as far as what treatments you have had and the meds that you take? If so, he/she could also be a good resource for a recommending a PM. Also, if you do a search of this board, you can find several threads about what to expect from PM.
This is just my opinion, based on my own experience, but my PM is a physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation doc. They are specifically trained to diagnose and treat pain. I also know that some of the really good PM docs are also anesthesiologists. It makes sense, since that is what they do..... monitor and control pain during and after surgeries.
I hope this helps. It can take a little time to find the right fit and I hope your GP can take care of things in the meantime. I would try to do as much research as possible before choosing a PM doc. It could save you having to switch docs down the road. Please keep us posted, OK? Take care, CMP/MM
A good PM doc is worth their weight in gold. I know it can be difficult to find the right fit, but it can be done.
First, I would suggest that you ask both your ortho and your GP for their opinion/recommendation. Your ortho already knows what you take, med-wise and what other modalities/therapies you have tried. I would think he/she would know of some PM docs who would be on board with continuing your current regimine and/or adding new treatments if needed.
Have you or your ortho kept your GP in the loop, as far as what treatments you have had and the meds that you take? If so, he/she could also be a good resource for a recommending a PM. Also, if you do a search of this board, you can find several threads about what to expect from PM.
This is just my opinion, based on my own experience, but my PM is a physiatrist or physical medicine and rehabilitation doc. They are specifically trained to diagnose and treat pain. I also know that some of the really good PM docs are also anesthesiologists. It makes sense, since that is what they do..... monitor and control pain during and after surgeries.
I hope this helps. It can take a little time to find the right fit and I hope your GP can take care of things in the meantime. I would try to do as much research as possible before choosing a PM doc. It could save you having to switch docs down the road. Please keep us posted, OK? Take care, CMP/MM
ibake&pray
08-07-2008, 01:28 PM
Michelle,
A good PM doctor will want to try and manage your pain also. My PM said that he want to decrease the amount of meds I take while managing the pain. He would like to see me take fewer pills instead of more.
Be aware that few doctors will want to just give you your meds and send you out the door, They will also want to try to help the pain with other modalities, acupuncture, therapy, meditation. A good doctor is more than just a pill pusher.
You might also find that you will be asked to sign a contract with your PM. The are aksing you to only fill at one pharmacy, only get pain meds from that doctor, etc. This is to proctect both the doctor and you, the patient. More and more of the good PMs are doing this. It's a result of the DEA breathing down the doctors neck.
Good luck, I hope you find a great PM on your first attempt.
A good PM doctor will want to try and manage your pain also. My PM said that he want to decrease the amount of meds I take while managing the pain. He would like to see me take fewer pills instead of more.
Be aware that few doctors will want to just give you your meds and send you out the door, They will also want to try to help the pain with other modalities, acupuncture, therapy, meditation. A good doctor is more than just a pill pusher.
You might also find that you will be asked to sign a contract with your PM. The are aksing you to only fill at one pharmacy, only get pain meds from that doctor, etc. This is to proctect both the doctor and you, the patient. More and more of the good PMs are doing this. It's a result of the DEA breathing down the doctors neck.
Good luck, I hope you find a great PM on your first attempt.