Wes1212
07-16-2003, 07:18 PM
Hi. I went to my neurologist today who had been prescribing neurontin, zoloft, and occasionally oxycodone to help me try to finish PegIntron/rebetol therapy, especially after the car accident which caused the side effects to go haywire resulting in discontinuation the Peg/reb. My gratitude was expressed for the help.
Now after therapy, old and new injuries and conditions are haunting me to greater degrees. I was told by the neurologist that an appointment will be made with the same pain clinic that was unsuccessful with me before.
I said that i felt like it would be redundant to go through the same thing again. I NEED RELIEF AND NOW!!
The neurologist told me that the pm doctor was probably keeping my best interest in mind by using such a low dose (5 FIVE mg methadone every 24 hours). That probably this time, methods besides drugs would be used because of my age (44). It was said that if I were 80 years old, it might be different because the probability of becoming tolerant to all the medications would be much less.
I was told that I wouldn't want to take all the drugs now and then be tolerant to them by the time I reached 80. I responded that I have no chance of a productive life now without a change. I can barely go to the grocery store, much less hold a job. Why would I need anything to help me be productive after I reach 80? I asked if this is age discrimination. No answer.
I was told that i did need to see a pain specialist and that i presented so many issues other than neurological, that i need to have other systems evaluated. I left with instructions to follow-up with other doctors and the pain clinic.
At least I have been treated for hepatitis C. Even though it didn't help the pain I was in (leading to it's discovery), it made it worse. I hope for no relapse (awaiting 3 month check-up presently)
When does this merry-go-round stop? I have been in some pain most of my life and essentially a "shut-in" since 1997.
Wishing everyone the best,
Wes
Now after therapy, old and new injuries and conditions are haunting me to greater degrees. I was told by the neurologist that an appointment will be made with the same pain clinic that was unsuccessful with me before.
I said that i felt like it would be redundant to go through the same thing again. I NEED RELIEF AND NOW!!
The neurologist told me that the pm doctor was probably keeping my best interest in mind by using such a low dose (5 FIVE mg methadone every 24 hours). That probably this time, methods besides drugs would be used because of my age (44). It was said that if I were 80 years old, it might be different because the probability of becoming tolerant to all the medications would be much less.
I was told that I wouldn't want to take all the drugs now and then be tolerant to them by the time I reached 80. I responded that I have no chance of a productive life now without a change. I can barely go to the grocery store, much less hold a job. Why would I need anything to help me be productive after I reach 80? I asked if this is age discrimination. No answer.
I was told that i did need to see a pain specialist and that i presented so many issues other than neurological, that i need to have other systems evaluated. I left with instructions to follow-up with other doctors and the pain clinic.
At least I have been treated for hepatitis C. Even though it didn't help the pain I was in (leading to it's discovery), it made it worse. I hope for no relapse (awaiting 3 month check-up presently)
When does this merry-go-round stop? I have been in some pain most of my life and essentially a "shut-in" since 1997.
Wishing everyone the best,
Wes
Sponsor
HockeyCrystal
07-16-2003, 09:51 PM
Wes, I really wish I could help and give you some advice. My doc managed to do just the same thing to me just 2 days ago. I also wanted to know if it was age discrimination...Although, I'm only 21...So imagine my doc's hesitancy. I know it's frustrating, believe me. Check out my post about Upsetting doctor appointment... I hope we both get the treatment we both deserve...No matter what age we are. I thought the same thing... "How can I hold a job?" "How can I even go to school and walk around campus?" I'd much rather have something now than when wait til I'm 80 yrs old. Plus I believe they're mistaken. Surely they'll have tons of new drugs before either one of us 80...I don't think it's really possible to become completely tolerant and un-repsonsive to EVERY pain med out there... I think they're overreacting.
If you need to vent, let me know, I know how you feel!!
Good luck
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
Crystal
If you need to vent, let me know, I know how you feel!!
Good luck
http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
Crystal
mokita
07-16-2003, 10:41 PM
Wes....
So sorry to hear of your troubles. The PM Specialist you w/b going to is the Same that undertreated you before? Is there any way you could go elsewhere? Or is your insurance limiting?
I just can't get over the shi!!y deal pain is for so very many people. And it just doesn't need to be like this. I sometimes get so angry at the inequity of it all. There' NO WAY you'd see a political figure, movie star, rock star, CEO of big Corp, etc... go through the humiliation, degradation, mistreatment that too many good, regular people do Every Single Day of their Lives. It just doesn't need to be this way.
I'm sorry for going off. I just get sick and tired of reading how poorly so many of us are treated here. I feel very lucky that I haven't had bad luck (yet) in that area. But, I almost feel guilty at times as I have Nowhere near the issues so many here do.
You're in my thoughts and prayers that something will happen to get you the relief you need.
God Bless.
Karen
------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnancy, weight gain didn't help
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD, neural foramen involved, Superior aspect S1 and L5 Nerve root involvement -Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Performing doc oversedated, False Negative (pm doc & I agree)
New Consult w/ Dept Head Cleveland Clinic 7/8 to discuss possible new discogram/IDET candidacy
7/8-Doc ordered Facet Joint nerve block for 7/29 to rule out/identify as pain generator. If not, new discogram.
Also, thinks tailbone prob is dif issue - wants x-ray - THOUGHT I had one - didn't!! They are ordering.
So sorry to hear of your troubles. The PM Specialist you w/b going to is the Same that undertreated you before? Is there any way you could go elsewhere? Or is your insurance limiting?
I just can't get over the shi!!y deal pain is for so very many people. And it just doesn't need to be like this. I sometimes get so angry at the inequity of it all. There' NO WAY you'd see a political figure, movie star, rock star, CEO of big Corp, etc... go through the humiliation, degradation, mistreatment that too many good, regular people do Every Single Day of their Lives. It just doesn't need to be this way.
I'm sorry for going off. I just get sick and tired of reading how poorly so many of us are treated here. I feel very lucky that I haven't had bad luck (yet) in that area. But, I almost feel guilty at times as I have Nowhere near the issues so many here do.
You're in my thoughts and prayers that something will happen to get you the relief you need.
God Bless.
Karen
------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnancy, weight gain didn't help
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD, neural foramen involved, Superior aspect S1 and L5 Nerve root involvement -Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Performing doc oversedated, False Negative (pm doc & I agree)
New Consult w/ Dept Head Cleveland Clinic 7/8 to discuss possible new discogram/IDET candidacy
7/8-Doc ordered Facet Joint nerve block for 7/29 to rule out/identify as pain generator. If not, new discogram.
Also, thinks tailbone prob is dif issue - wants x-ray - THOUGHT I had one - didn't!! They are ordering.
Wes1212
07-16-2003, 11:24 PM
Crystal, Hi and thanks for the reply! Yeah, I can imagine waiting until I'm 80 years old to hear, "you are just too old...if you have tolerated all these years, why waste the last few on this horrible relief?"
I want to be back out NOW! While there is time to make a difference for myself and those I'm close to. If something gets worn out past functionality, which is part of having degenerative disorders, then it's time to fix it. It's kind of like a person refusing to drive their truck because they don't want to wear the tires out. That doesn't get the produce to market, does it? Proper maintenance makes sense, but giving up and keeping it in the garage? NOT!
Mokita, Hi and thanks for your reply! I never had a clue how difficult it is for people to get treated until i asked for myself. People actually come across about as if there is something "spooky" about it. Wow! If they don't want to practice medicine, they need to be looking for jobs!
I wonder what the laws are like comparing humane treatment of animals to what goes on in some pain clinics?
[This message has been edited by Wes1212 (edited 07-16-2003).]
I want to be back out NOW! While there is time to make a difference for myself and those I'm close to. If something gets worn out past functionality, which is part of having degenerative disorders, then it's time to fix it. It's kind of like a person refusing to drive their truck because they don't want to wear the tires out. That doesn't get the produce to market, does it? Proper maintenance makes sense, but giving up and keeping it in the garage? NOT!
Mokita, Hi and thanks for your reply! I never had a clue how difficult it is for people to get treated until i asked for myself. People actually come across about as if there is something "spooky" about it. Wow! If they don't want to practice medicine, they need to be looking for jobs!
I wonder what the laws are like comparing humane treatment of animals to what goes on in some pain clinics?
[This message has been edited by Wes1212 (edited 07-16-2003).]
HikingFan
07-16-2003, 11:44 PM
Wes-
I don't have any good advice for you, but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. These situations are so frustrating, especially since it affects the quality of our lives. Basically what your doc is telling you is you don't deserve a pain-free quality life unless you are 80 years old. Common sense tells us that doesn't make any sense. Are you able to get a second opinion?
Good luck, and hang in there.
Sara
I don't have any good advice for you, but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. These situations are so frustrating, especially since it affects the quality of our lives. Basically what your doc is telling you is you don't deserve a pain-free quality life unless you are 80 years old. Common sense tells us that doesn't make any sense. Are you able to get a second opinion?
Good luck, and hang in there.
Sara
chrpps99
07-17-2003, 03:49 AM
Hey There!!
Sorry to hear of your lousy Dr appt.. I was wondering is there a reason that you would have to go to the same PM facility.. It should be your choice if you feel you were undertreated then maybe you could try a different one... It is your right..
OMG wait till you are 80 no doubt that is age discrimination.. I would say that if you are in such debilating pain that you don't ever go out because of it.. You might not make till your 80.. You deserve a better quality of life NOW.. I totally like what you said about not driving the truck to save the tires.. That was really a good way to put it.. Made Sense
I hope you get some relief real soon.. Keep us posted on the outcome.. Sometimes Dr with DO or OD after their name are more compassionate and understanding.. That is who is managing my pain.. I am on the Duragesic Patch and Lortab 7.5 for BT.. I didn't realize that those types of Dr treated Chronic Pain patients till about 3 months ago.. Something to think about.. Wish I had more advice to give.. But maybe this will help..
Take Care
Pain Free Wishes
Sonya
Sorry to hear of your lousy Dr appt.. I was wondering is there a reason that you would have to go to the same PM facility.. It should be your choice if you feel you were undertreated then maybe you could try a different one... It is your right..
OMG wait till you are 80 no doubt that is age discrimination.. I would say that if you are in such debilating pain that you don't ever go out because of it.. You might not make till your 80.. You deserve a better quality of life NOW.. I totally like what you said about not driving the truck to save the tires.. That was really a good way to put it.. Made Sense
I hope you get some relief real soon.. Keep us posted on the outcome.. Sometimes Dr with DO or OD after their name are more compassionate and understanding.. That is who is managing my pain.. I am on the Duragesic Patch and Lortab 7.5 for BT.. I didn't realize that those types of Dr treated Chronic Pain patients till about 3 months ago.. Something to think about.. Wish I had more advice to give.. But maybe this will help..
Take Care
Pain Free Wishes
Sonya
HockeyCrystal
07-17-2003, 04:30 AM
Sonya--
Those docs aren't always that compassionate. My doc that told me to learn to live with it (for the same reason that Wes's doc told him) is a D.O. I am seriously considering finding a new doc. I don't need an inconsiderate uncaring doctor telling me just because I'm 21 I should just have to live with it... That's like a dentist telling you that if he tries to fix a toothache, he will have to keep doing things to maintain that it stays...Who would let that stop them from getting their toothache fixed? Let alone, what dentist would hesitate to fix a toothache? So if we are having pain somewhere else, and there's an option to treat it, even if having to do maintenance every once in a while to keep it up and "fixed", why would they even hesitate? Who cares if you're 5,15,25, or 75...? No matter what age, you deserve to have you pain treated! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!
Good luck Wes... If you need to talk, let me know!
Much http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
Crystal
Those docs aren't always that compassionate. My doc that told me to learn to live with it (for the same reason that Wes's doc told him) is a D.O. I am seriously considering finding a new doc. I don't need an inconsiderate uncaring doctor telling me just because I'm 21 I should just have to live with it... That's like a dentist telling you that if he tries to fix a toothache, he will have to keep doing things to maintain that it stays...Who would let that stop them from getting their toothache fixed? Let alone, what dentist would hesitate to fix a toothache? So if we are having pain somewhere else, and there's an option to treat it, even if having to do maintenance every once in a while to keep it up and "fixed", why would they even hesitate? Who cares if you're 5,15,25, or 75...? No matter what age, you deserve to have you pain treated! No ifs, ands, or buts about it!
Good luck Wes... If you need to talk, let me know!
Much http://www.healthboards.com/ubb/heart.gif
Crystal
mokita
07-17-2003, 07:34 AM
Hi all!
Wes - Love the truck analogy! Good one! ;)
Some people have good luck w/ her DO's and OD's... just as I've had good luck w/ my PM Doc... and others have a really great PCP. (Whoever gets that Dentist oughta turn the Drill on him! :eek: ha)
Just goes to show docs are human, too and make HUGE mistakes. It's just that it IS their job to HELP us not HURT us. Unfortunately, them missing the boat has a Direct impact on our Quality of Life. :mad:Some of the bozos seem to have missed that Class in School, ya know?
Karen
Wes - Love the truck analogy! Good one! ;)
Some people have good luck w/ her DO's and OD's... just as I've had good luck w/ my PM Doc... and others have a really great PCP. (Whoever gets that Dentist oughta turn the Drill on him! :eek: ha)
Just goes to show docs are human, too and make HUGE mistakes. It's just that it IS their job to HELP us not HURT us. Unfortunately, them missing the boat has a Direct impact on our Quality of Life. :mad:Some of the bozos seem to have missed that Class in School, ya know?
Karen