gryffindorfan
09-09-2003, 11:57 PM
I could really use some advice and a pep talk on being proactive with my NS...How long does it usually take to get in to see a NS once referred by the Neuro anyway? My neuro referred me the second week in August and my appt is still not until 9/30...I had to leave work early today because my hands, arms neck and head hurt so much -- I just could not sit any longer. 9/30 seems so far away!
My symptoms: since 98
-- right hand tingles and goes numb; has become much more frequent in the past 5 weeks
-- arms ache as if I have been exercising too much -- that sure isn't the case!
-- nerves in right arm sensitive to pressure -- shocks travel up and out my fingertips -- can;t stand cold either
-- Neck aches -- am constantly rolling my shoulders to relieve pain -- neck makes strange "popping" (?) noises when I do that
-- Headaches start at base of neck and travel up sides of head to focus on right and left temples -- have always attributed to stress
-- Lightning bolts of pain shoot from the base of my neck down my arms and out my fingers about 60% of the time when I sneeze. One of the most painful things I have ever experienced.
-- The pad of my thumb on my right hand has been sensitized to touch for past 3-4 weeks -- tingles and shocks when touched.
-- Last two weeks my left arm has started to experience similar symptoms as right.
CTS has been (painfully) ruled out not once, not twice but three separate times...last test did show a marked delay in response in the nerve that runs down into my right pinkie for what it's worth but dr said it wasn't from CTS...2 MRIs, 4 years apart ... 1st one in 99 said herniation at C5/6 with osteophyte in contact with spinal cord -- ortho surg said he disagreed (even though he pointed ut where something was touching the spinal column...siad it was a flare-up , inflammation based...would not operate unless I lost use of the arm ... put me on NSAIDs, exercise and rest during "flare-ups" -- NSAIDs no longer work, exercise makes my hand go numb, rest works some as long as I lay on my bed and do nothing!
2nd MRI in aug 03: do not understand it all -- C3/4 bulge with moderate left foraminal (I do not have report in front ofme but that was the jist) signs of osteoarthritis and degeneration. C5/7 moderate herniation with bulge and right foraminal involvement (?) something about slight intrusion into the spinal column ... degeneration ... and something called reverse lordosis, which I found on the web and it said it meant the curve of my neck is the opposite of what it should be....that does not sound too good to me but my Nuro never even mentioned it.
For four years i have tolerated this as a necessary evil in my life, but whether this is just a longer flare-up or something else has happened I do not want to deal with this anymore. As silly as it sounds, I want to paint my living room in a weekend instead of the three weeks it seems to be taking me because I can only work for very short periods of time before the pain makes me have to stop. I want to write in my journal and not have to stop every five minutes because my hand is ether cramping or completely numb....I am discovering that life really is in the details.
ANYWAY -- does anyone out there have any words of wisdom as I prepare for the neurosurgeon? I do not want a repeat of my 15 minute "consultation" with the Ortho guy in 99 ... I did not know any better, i believed him...he was the doctor. Man have I smartened up since then! I want this over and while the idea of surgery absolutely terrifies me, if this disc "flare-up" hasn't gotten better in 4 years...
What should I do if he says surgery is not indicated, try NSAIDs try painkillers or muscle relaxants (been there, can't tolerate them)? Is he the sole arbiter of this decision?
Help me be brave!!! I do not do confrontation well...I have read some of your posts and you all seem to know how to get what you need! I need some of that!!
Thanks!
Terry
My symptoms: since 98
-- right hand tingles and goes numb; has become much more frequent in the past 5 weeks
-- arms ache as if I have been exercising too much -- that sure isn't the case!
-- nerves in right arm sensitive to pressure -- shocks travel up and out my fingertips -- can;t stand cold either
-- Neck aches -- am constantly rolling my shoulders to relieve pain -- neck makes strange "popping" (?) noises when I do that
-- Headaches start at base of neck and travel up sides of head to focus on right and left temples -- have always attributed to stress
-- Lightning bolts of pain shoot from the base of my neck down my arms and out my fingers about 60% of the time when I sneeze. One of the most painful things I have ever experienced.
-- The pad of my thumb on my right hand has been sensitized to touch for past 3-4 weeks -- tingles and shocks when touched.
-- Last two weeks my left arm has started to experience similar symptoms as right.
CTS has been (painfully) ruled out not once, not twice but three separate times...last test did show a marked delay in response in the nerve that runs down into my right pinkie for what it's worth but dr said it wasn't from CTS...2 MRIs, 4 years apart ... 1st one in 99 said herniation at C5/6 with osteophyte in contact with spinal cord -- ortho surg said he disagreed (even though he pointed ut where something was touching the spinal column...siad it was a flare-up , inflammation based...would not operate unless I lost use of the arm ... put me on NSAIDs, exercise and rest during "flare-ups" -- NSAIDs no longer work, exercise makes my hand go numb, rest works some as long as I lay on my bed and do nothing!
2nd MRI in aug 03: do not understand it all -- C3/4 bulge with moderate left foraminal (I do not have report in front ofme but that was the jist) signs of osteoarthritis and degeneration. C5/7 moderate herniation with bulge and right foraminal involvement (?) something about slight intrusion into the spinal column ... degeneration ... and something called reverse lordosis, which I found on the web and it said it meant the curve of my neck is the opposite of what it should be....that does not sound too good to me but my Nuro never even mentioned it.
For four years i have tolerated this as a necessary evil in my life, but whether this is just a longer flare-up or something else has happened I do not want to deal with this anymore. As silly as it sounds, I want to paint my living room in a weekend instead of the three weeks it seems to be taking me because I can only work for very short periods of time before the pain makes me have to stop. I want to write in my journal and not have to stop every five minutes because my hand is ether cramping or completely numb....I am discovering that life really is in the details.
ANYWAY -- does anyone out there have any words of wisdom as I prepare for the neurosurgeon? I do not want a repeat of my 15 minute "consultation" with the Ortho guy in 99 ... I did not know any better, i believed him...he was the doctor. Man have I smartened up since then! I want this over and while the idea of surgery absolutely terrifies me, if this disc "flare-up" hasn't gotten better in 4 years...
What should I do if he says surgery is not indicated, try NSAIDs try painkillers or muscle relaxants (been there, can't tolerate them)? Is he the sole arbiter of this decision?
Help me be brave!!! I do not do confrontation well...I have read some of your posts and you all seem to know how to get what you need! I need some of that!!
Thanks!
Terry
Sponsor
HERMIT
09-10-2003, 08:35 AM
If you do not handle confrontation well, you may have problems.
Make a list of all questions you want answered--and write his answers down. You will forget as soon as you walk in his office,
Bring a friend or relative who is more assertive than you just in case.
Explain your symptoms completely--write em down and make sure he does tests to evaluate your problems.
An MRI is far more accurate than a CT scan---it can measure tumors down to the millimeter. I bought a copy of my MRI scans--they put them on CD now. I can look at them on my home computer. It cost me 23 bucks.
If he decides surgery is the way to go--make sure he explains every detail--so you know what to expect. Ask about what may happen if surgery does not go well.
That's all I can think of--just remember these guys are just people like you--even though some are arrogant to the point of thinking they are god.
I remember a movie with a male actor with the name "Hurt"--about an arrogant doctor who comes down with cancer and gets to see it from a patient's point of view--maybe someone here knows the name?
Good luck!!
Make a list of all questions you want answered--and write his answers down. You will forget as soon as you walk in his office,
Bring a friend or relative who is more assertive than you just in case.
Explain your symptoms completely--write em down and make sure he does tests to evaluate your problems.
An MRI is far more accurate than a CT scan---it can measure tumors down to the millimeter. I bought a copy of my MRI scans--they put them on CD now. I can look at them on my home computer. It cost me 23 bucks.
If he decides surgery is the way to go--make sure he explains every detail--so you know what to expect. Ask about what may happen if surgery does not go well.
That's all I can think of--just remember these guys are just people like you--even though some are arrogant to the point of thinking they are god.
I remember a movie with a male actor with the name "Hurt"--about an arrogant doctor who comes down with cancer and gets to see it from a patient's point of view--maybe someone here knows the name?
Good luck!!
lifeonhold2003
09-10-2003, 10:47 AM
I can definitely relate to your problem. I began in June 2002 with my PCP. After 3 NS, CT scan, MRI, EMG/NVG, 3 epidural steroid shots and PT, they decided to do a Myelogram. This is the test that showed that 2 nerves were being pinched at C5/6. The other tests did not reveal any problems. The disc was herniated. Obviously, I too have a problem with agression. I am a little over 4 mos. post op and still having the same pain as before. In fact, the numbness is now becoming a constant thing. I too am trying to figure out exactly what to say whenever I can get into see my NS.
The most important thing is to explain exactly what you are feeling and don't down play it. I don't believe I truly ever got the point across to them about how much pain I was really in. For one thing, they don't give you much time to explain what you are going through. Then, you feel like your just complaining and maybe you just need to tough it out. And heaven forbid that you tell them that the medicine is not helping, because then they make you feel like your just trying to get drugs. When I saw the first NS, he didn't check my reflexes or anything. He said the first thing we need to do is to quit throwing drugs at you and find out what is wrong. He wanted to send me to an Ortho and to a Sleep Ctr to find out why I couldn't sleep. What a jerk! The thing is, when the problem is nerve related, there are only certain drugs that will give you some relief. Nothing will really take the pain away.
Anyway, I wish you luck in your long journey. I wish I had some better advice to give you.
------------------
AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
The most important thing is to explain exactly what you are feeling and don't down play it. I don't believe I truly ever got the point across to them about how much pain I was really in. For one thing, they don't give you much time to explain what you are going through. Then, you feel like your just complaining and maybe you just need to tough it out. And heaven forbid that you tell them that the medicine is not helping, because then they make you feel like your just trying to get drugs. When I saw the first NS, he didn't check my reflexes or anything. He said the first thing we need to do is to quit throwing drugs at you and find out what is wrong. He wanted to send me to an Ortho and to a Sleep Ctr to find out why I couldn't sleep. What a jerk! The thing is, when the problem is nerve related, there are only certain drugs that will give you some relief. Nothing will really take the pain away.
Anyway, I wish you luck in your long journey. I wish I had some better advice to give you.
------------------
AKA: Julie
4/23/03 - Anterior Cervical Discectomy w/Fusion C5/6 - donor bone with titanium plate, 4 screws, no collar post-op
gryffindorfan
09-10-2003, 11:02 AM
Thank you for your replies...I can be assertive with people but for some reason when it comes to all of this and doctors I get emotional and then they really get all patronizing or stop listening altogether. I will try to bring my husband with me -- then my only fear will be that he will start yelling at the guy for not listenting to me or taking me seriously enough!
I am worried that a jolt I took a few days after my last MRI might have done something because this is the first time the symptoms have been this bad. They have never really been on my left side and my thumb is really worrying me. I know that if something is compressing a nerve root that damage could be permanent -- which may unfortunately explain your continuing pain, Julie. I could live with my thumb like this forever if I have to, but I would like to stop it there if I can!
Also are nerve blocks etc. only temporary? If I get one now and the pain etc subside and then I canoe again in 6 months or fall -- or whatever -- does it all happen again? A friend at work says her husband is fine -- as long as he is really careful but if he so much as even picks up their dog, wham, he is back in pain. I have two young children -- I do not have a lot of choice to not do things that stress my back/neck. AAARRRGGGHHH!
Thanks for the vent -- and the advice!
I am worried that a jolt I took a few days after my last MRI might have done something because this is the first time the symptoms have been this bad. They have never really been on my left side and my thumb is really worrying me. I know that if something is compressing a nerve root that damage could be permanent -- which may unfortunately explain your continuing pain, Julie. I could live with my thumb like this forever if I have to, but I would like to stop it there if I can!
Also are nerve blocks etc. only temporary? If I get one now and the pain etc subside and then I canoe again in 6 months or fall -- or whatever -- does it all happen again? A friend at work says her husband is fine -- as long as he is really careful but if he so much as even picks up their dog, wham, he is back in pain. I have two young children -- I do not have a lot of choice to not do things that stress my back/neck. AAARRRGGGHHH!
Thanks for the vent -- and the advice!
lifeonhold2003
09-12-2003, 07:31 PM
Terry - Sorry for the late response. I've been having a little trouble with my internet access for some reason.
Emotional, I sure know what you mean. I’ll try to explain what I’m going through, start crying, and then he really looks at me like I’m crazy.
As I said, I had 3 epidural steroid shots prior to surgery. These did not help. Just this past month, my NS sent me to a pain specialist. He told me that sometimes the shots don’t work before surgery such as in my case when the nerves were compressed. He said that now since the problem had been fixed (supposedly) that the shots may have a better chance of being able to calm things down (pain/burning from inflamed, raw nerves). Well, I had 2 shots; however, neither has helped. I decided not to have the third. Both times, it took 4-5 days of increased intense burning before I would get back to my normal pitiful state.
I have talked with several people who said that the shots really helped them and have lasted as long as a year and a half. I believe it is about a 50/50 shot. I guess it just depends on the type of shot and how it is administered.
Emotional, I sure know what you mean. I’ll try to explain what I’m going through, start crying, and then he really looks at me like I’m crazy.
As I said, I had 3 epidural steroid shots prior to surgery. These did not help. Just this past month, my NS sent me to a pain specialist. He told me that sometimes the shots don’t work before surgery such as in my case when the nerves were compressed. He said that now since the problem had been fixed (supposedly) that the shots may have a better chance of being able to calm things down (pain/burning from inflamed, raw nerves). Well, I had 2 shots; however, neither has helped. I decided not to have the third. Both times, it took 4-5 days of increased intense burning before I would get back to my normal pitiful state.
I have talked with several people who said that the shots really helped them and have lasted as long as a year and a half. I believe it is about a 50/50 shot. I guess it just depends on the type of shot and how it is administered.
canvaswriter
09-13-2003, 04:58 AM
Well this is my first day post op and my second post on this bulletin board, so take this for what it is worth, I know nothing other than what I have done and had done to me.
First of all I began this journey at an ortho that has been treating me for totally unrelated things that I trusted and have known, and he is one of the few doctors I have ever met that is actually a human being, so that made it all a little easier.
But when I left the safe cushion of his domain and began in other doctor's worlds, I soon realized that just like in the rest of the world every doctor is different and I would have to become very proactive and completely a partner in my own care because no one is God.
The first thing I did was take my trusty little hand help tape recorder to EVERY appointment, no matter who it was with, no matter what was being done.
You would be absolutely amazed how thorough not condescending a person can be when they know it's "on the record".
It helps to have someone with you, but I am single and live in a place where I know absolutely no one so that option was not available to me. But I could take an electronic friend.
I also kept a running journal of things other doctor's had said, what my symptoms where, what helped, what didn't, basically everything.
When it came time to see someone new, as treatment progressed? I made a short synopsis of what my own history was, took every MRI, every X-ray, every EMG, every little thing I had with me, so there would be no unnecessary new tests, and so they could see what had been done.
Yes, I had to ALWAYS wait for appointments, I live in Pennsylvania, where the medical malpractice biz has run off most of the spinal surgeons to other states, so actually getting an appointment within a month is a victory, so waiting in this state is not unusual, the case load is unbelievable.
I also researched every doctor, pain management group, hospital, you name the provider, I researched them before I saw them and asked questions that quite honestly threw many of them off. Questions that I thought were totally reasonable, like "how many of these exact operations have you done".. what are your percentages of success? failure? etc.
Go armed with enough material and a tape recorder and believe me, you will not be either ignored or treated badly.
Stand up for your rights, your wishes, and demand what makes you feel comfortable.
Always remember that although it may be a "calling" to them, it is also a secular business they are engaged in (as evidenced by the insurance maze they will walk you through), so you are a consumer of their services just like you are a consumer of services of car repair persons, hair stylists, etc.
A doctor provides a service. You buy the service.
Get what you pay for, and demand the best service your money can buy.
Do your research, go prepared.
Best advice I can give.
susan
------------------
The game is not worth the candle.
Michel de Montaigne
First of all I began this journey at an ortho that has been treating me for totally unrelated things that I trusted and have known, and he is one of the few doctors I have ever met that is actually a human being, so that made it all a little easier.
But when I left the safe cushion of his domain and began in other doctor's worlds, I soon realized that just like in the rest of the world every doctor is different and I would have to become very proactive and completely a partner in my own care because no one is God.
The first thing I did was take my trusty little hand help tape recorder to EVERY appointment, no matter who it was with, no matter what was being done.
You would be absolutely amazed how thorough not condescending a person can be when they know it's "on the record".
It helps to have someone with you, but I am single and live in a place where I know absolutely no one so that option was not available to me. But I could take an electronic friend.
I also kept a running journal of things other doctor's had said, what my symptoms where, what helped, what didn't, basically everything.
When it came time to see someone new, as treatment progressed? I made a short synopsis of what my own history was, took every MRI, every X-ray, every EMG, every little thing I had with me, so there would be no unnecessary new tests, and so they could see what had been done.
Yes, I had to ALWAYS wait for appointments, I live in Pennsylvania, where the medical malpractice biz has run off most of the spinal surgeons to other states, so actually getting an appointment within a month is a victory, so waiting in this state is not unusual, the case load is unbelievable.
I also researched every doctor, pain management group, hospital, you name the provider, I researched them before I saw them and asked questions that quite honestly threw many of them off. Questions that I thought were totally reasonable, like "how many of these exact operations have you done".. what are your percentages of success? failure? etc.
Go armed with enough material and a tape recorder and believe me, you will not be either ignored or treated badly.
Stand up for your rights, your wishes, and demand what makes you feel comfortable.
Always remember that although it may be a "calling" to them, it is also a secular business they are engaged in (as evidenced by the insurance maze they will walk you through), so you are a consumer of their services just like you are a consumer of services of car repair persons, hair stylists, etc.
A doctor provides a service. You buy the service.
Get what you pay for, and demand the best service your money can buy.
Do your research, go prepared.
Best advice I can give.
susan
------------------
The game is not worth the candle.
Michel de Montaigne
flyonthewall
09-13-2003, 07:53 AM
Susan,
I'm in PA also. How do you research a doctor? Any site I've gone to has minimal information. Not all doctors are even listed.
The last time I went to a NS I wasted a copayment. He told me yet again that I didn't have enough pain in my back. And he refused to address the numbness in my feet even though he had the results of a very recent EMG in front of him! I got on the phone to the neuro and I'm going to see him a month early.
fly
I'm in PA also. How do you research a doctor? Any site I've gone to has minimal information. Not all doctors are even listed.
The last time I went to a NS I wasted a copayment. He told me yet again that I didn't have enough pain in my back. And he refused to address the numbness in my feet even though he had the results of a very recent EMG in front of him! I got on the phone to the neuro and I'm going to see him a month early.
fly
gryffindorfan
09-16-2003, 01:56 PM
Wow thank you all for the responses!
How is it hat the NS gets to be the one to qualify how much pain is "enough"? I know people who are incapacited with hangnails -- and people who run marathons with broken ribs. Isn't this supposed to be about the quality of YOUR life?
I have had some of my friends suggest a tape recorder and I think it is a great idea. Has any doctor refused to let you record them? I guess if I came across a doctor who said no that would be a good sign to get another doctor!
I did discover recently that an acquaintance of mine has the same surgeon I am going to see -- my friend is very no-nonsense and does not suffer fools, so when she sang his praises I felt better. She says he tries to avoid surgery as long as possible but is also concerned about quality of life issues. I guess I will see in 14 more days!
I hope you are all feeling better -- thank you so much for the support and the advice! I will keep you posted (so to speak!)
Terry
How is it hat the NS gets to be the one to qualify how much pain is "enough"? I know people who are incapacited with hangnails -- and people who run marathons with broken ribs. Isn't this supposed to be about the quality of YOUR life?
I have had some of my friends suggest a tape recorder and I think it is a great idea. Has any doctor refused to let you record them? I guess if I came across a doctor who said no that would be a good sign to get another doctor!
I did discover recently that an acquaintance of mine has the same surgeon I am going to see -- my friend is very no-nonsense and does not suffer fools, so when she sang his praises I felt better. She says he tries to avoid surgery as long as possible but is also concerned about quality of life issues. I guess I will see in 14 more days!
I hope you are all feeling better -- thank you so much for the support and the advice! I will keep you posted (so to speak!)
Terry
Susie
09-17-2003, 02:03 AM
The tape recorder is a great idea just to remember things the doc says after you get home. My husband recalls info that the doctor said that I would swear he never said.
I was quite fortunate to have had a NS that had personally experienced a ruptured cervical disc and the pain and debilitation associated with it. Although he chose to wait it out and let it heal itself, he understood that living and working with that kind of pain is not an option for most.
I would suggest being straight up and direct about your needs. If the doctor blows you off and can't give you valid reasons not to fic your problem...find someone who will. Unless you are a chronic type of patient that is never satisfied, there is no reason that any doctor should put you off. What would the doctor do if it was him, his wife, or mother in your shoes?
Surgery may not be necessary, but I would think an epidural injection would at least be worth a shot in an attempt to relieve your pain. Are you experiencing weakness in the affected arm? For my neurosurgeon felt that my muscle atrophy in such a short time was an indicator of the severity. Good luck!
I was quite fortunate to have had a NS that had personally experienced a ruptured cervical disc and the pain and debilitation associated with it. Although he chose to wait it out and let it heal itself, he understood that living and working with that kind of pain is not an option for most.
I would suggest being straight up and direct about your needs. If the doctor blows you off and can't give you valid reasons not to fic your problem...find someone who will. Unless you are a chronic type of patient that is never satisfied, there is no reason that any doctor should put you off. What would the doctor do if it was him, his wife, or mother in your shoes?
Surgery may not be necessary, but I would think an epidural injection would at least be worth a shot in an attempt to relieve your pain. Are you experiencing weakness in the affected arm? For my neurosurgeon felt that my muscle atrophy in such a short time was an indicator of the severity. Good luck!
gryffindorfan
09-17-2003, 06:31 PM
I do not know if I would qualify it as weakness -- my hands keep cramping up when I do the tiniest thing -- I was carrying a few sheets of paper "pinched" between my thumb and index finger today and my arm cramped up to my elbow....
My arms and shoulders feel like I have been lifting weights constantly -- I have to shift off from driving with my right arm and then my left because the 35 minute drive home makes both arms tired....
What really worries me is that a few days after I had my last MRI I had to reach up and catch something that was rolling off of a shelf -- it weighed about 40 pounds, and it took several tries to get it back on the shelf stable -- since then my left arm is exeriencing the same problems my right arm has had -- and the left has never really given me a problem. I am worried I did something else to my neck that day that does not show in the last MRI. It was also right after that incident that for about a week every time I sneezed I thought I was going to die. Pain shot down my neck across my shoulders and down my arms out my fingertips. It felt like I was being electrocuted. That has calmed down a bit since but I can still feel it in my hands when I sneeze.
My arms and shoulders feel like I have been lifting weights constantly -- I have to shift off from driving with my right arm and then my left because the 35 minute drive home makes both arms tired....
What really worries me is that a few days after I had my last MRI I had to reach up and catch something that was rolling off of a shelf -- it weighed about 40 pounds, and it took several tries to get it back on the shelf stable -- since then my left arm is exeriencing the same problems my right arm has had -- and the left has never really given me a problem. I am worried I did something else to my neck that day that does not show in the last MRI. It was also right after that incident that for about a week every time I sneezed I thought I was going to die. Pain shot down my neck across my shoulders and down my arms out my fingertips. It felt like I was being electrocuted. That has calmed down a bit since but I can still feel it in my hands when I sneeze.
AmyYvonne
10-07-2003, 01:21 AM
Terry,
Your experiences sound so familiar! In the (short) time I've been ill (ten months now), I've found that the largest battle has been with the doctors I've sought out for help. The neurologist I started out seeing referred me for psychiatric help the third time I saw her. She noticed that I seemed "anxious" and "tense" - I was rubbing my neck and shoulders while I was in her office because I was hurting. The psychiatrist I saw prescibed Depakote, which I refused to take after learning that it is primarily used to treat seizures, migraines, and bi-polar disorder. At my last appt. with my neurosurgeon, I attempted to relate to him the severity of my pain by being open and honest about my thoughts of suicide. Once again, I'm referred to a psychiatrist. While I don't doubt the importance of psychiatric help, I'm certain that I will not benefit from counseling - my problem is not in my psyche - it's the burden of dealing with constant chronic pain. In short, I think that carrying a tape recorder to you next appointment is a great idea. I, for one, can never remember exactly what the dr. said; plus, I'm sure that the thought of being recorded could have a positive impact on their recommendations.
Amy
Your experiences sound so familiar! In the (short) time I've been ill (ten months now), I've found that the largest battle has been with the doctors I've sought out for help. The neurologist I started out seeing referred me for psychiatric help the third time I saw her. She noticed that I seemed "anxious" and "tense" - I was rubbing my neck and shoulders while I was in her office because I was hurting. The psychiatrist I saw prescibed Depakote, which I refused to take after learning that it is primarily used to treat seizures, migraines, and bi-polar disorder. At my last appt. with my neurosurgeon, I attempted to relate to him the severity of my pain by being open and honest about my thoughts of suicide. Once again, I'm referred to a psychiatrist. While I don't doubt the importance of psychiatric help, I'm certain that I will not benefit from counseling - my problem is not in my psyche - it's the burden of dealing with constant chronic pain. In short, I think that carrying a tape recorder to you next appointment is a great idea. I, for one, can never remember exactly what the dr. said; plus, I'm sure that the thought of being recorded could have a positive impact on their recommendations.
Amy