I have neuropathy in both legs and feet for the past few years. I was being treated by a great Internist and was given Oxycotin and Neurotin. This worked well and gave me the ability to function. Unfortunately he left the practice for another practice that works only with certain age groups, I'm not in the group.
The doc who took over the practice of course didn't know me and started questioning the need for the oxy. After a few refills he decided to refer me to a pain clinic.
Went to the pain clinic and was told by the resident that he didn't think the doc would prescribe me any pain meds. Turns out every pain clinic in the Western PA area that I know are run by anesthesiologists. The MD came in and said there was not much he could do for me because nerve blocks don't work for neuropathy. But he did place me on extremely low dose methadone(5mg twice a day) He will not titrate dose even though I am in pretty severe pain. Obviously the anesthesiologists want to give nerve blocks and implant nerve stimulators, not medically manage pain patients.
You need to find a new doctor but you may have to do some research. I'm sorry I am at the other end of the country so I don't know anyone there. I have had to change doctors a couple times but mostly as you have with them leaving. The specialist you used to see was not able to refer you to another doctor? That is not very good when you are on that medication. I was lucky to find another doctor who is a muscular Skeletal specialist and does prescribe narcotic meds. Though I am on the durogesic patch now and have a lot of success with them. Though I need other meds in combination. if you read some of my threads you will read what I take. I don't like to repeat my prescriptions here as I am always in trouble for saying the wrong thing. I also saw an anaesthesiologists and he gave injections only as well. So you need a pain specialist that works from a normal medical centre really that would be your best bet in my opinion. Good luck as I really hope you find one. The next thing is surgery but you may not be there yet. I am but I have been in pain for 10 years now and can't deal with the latest symptoms similar to yours. Allan
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25-Nov-2010: ALIF fusion L5-S1. 9 years of Chronic lower back pain. Nearly 18 months of pain across my upper pelvis, through my butt and down my left leg into my foot. Sciatica relieved by surgery.
Have you tried contacting your old Internist and ask him for a referral to either another internist, or a PM clinic or doctor that is willing to offer you scripts for your meds?
Unfortunately, you may have to try several PM clinics or doctors before you find one who will be willing to help you. Do you have a gp that could help you in the interim or suggest someone? You are just going to have to keep trying. I would suggest your pharmacist. They are good sources of doctors also.
I have neuropathy in both legs and feet for the past few years. I was being treated by a great Internist and was given Oxycotin and Neurotin. This worked well and gave me the ability to function. Unfortunately he left the practice for another practice that works only with certain age groups, I'm not in the group.
The doc who took over the practice of course didn't know me and started questioning the need for the oxy. After a few refills he decided to refer me to a pain clinic.
Went to the pain clinic and was told by the resident that he didn't think the doc would prescribe me any pain meds. Turns out every pain clinic in the Western PA area that I know are run by anesthesiologists. The MD came in and said there was not much he could do for me because nerve blocks don't work for neuropathy. But he did place me on extremely low dose methadone(5mg twice a day) He will not titrate dose even though I am in pretty severe pain. Obviously the anesthesiologists want to give nerve blocks and implant nerve stimulators, not medically manage pain patients.
Any ideas?
Thank-you!
i suffer from fibromyalgia. i have been having chronic pain for 4 years an just found out that this is what my problem is after mri's, xrays an blood test showing nothing. i started this pain clinic in new castle pa called joshuason rehabilitaion. they do not do surgery they do medication therapy. which means all they do is prescribe opioid based medications. dr. wrightson an his attending physician shannon are very nice an i hope that you are able to give them a try. i too have been trying to find the right dr to treat me an everyone that i have went to has referred me to pain management. i searched an searched an this dr is the only one that i have come across. but i think u may have to have a referral. some people to go there that had just reffered themselves but all you have to do is ask.
Pain Clinics in Western PA 
