Doctors that don't believe the pain - Pain Management Message Board

vamp36 · 08-20-2004, 10:29 PM

DOes anyone have or had a doctor that didn't believe your pain levels? How do you handle this. I have 4 doctors. THey all keep in contact with each other as well on my condition. I have my GP and my GI doctor (he prescribes my pain meds). THese two doctors are wonderful to me. And then at the UW hospital I travel to once a month I have 2 hepatologists. Anyway, It's there that one doctor does NOT believe that the liver area can hurt. Or hurt as bad as it does on me. He reminds me of this every month when I see him. I use my pain meds accordingly, I do not abuse them in any way. I am just sick of him telling me that I am cannot be in pain when I am in lots of pain!!!

Flycatcher · 08-21-2004, 07:58 AM

Two months after my fusion I called my neurosurgeon's office to request something for the pain. His nurse called me back and actually said, "You shouldn't BE in any pain now, we suggest you call the orthopedic surgeon." Can you believe that? Two months after bolting the lower half of my body back on and they think I "shouldn't" be in pain? I was way beyond angry and I would've strangled him if he'd said that to my face. I won't be seeing that neuro again, seems he's consistently had that attitude since I was released from the hospital.

I know we've all gone through it but I wish there was a way to let these docs actually feel the pain we constantly endure. 10 minutes and they'd change their attitudes, much less years on end.

Is there any chance you could explain that doctor's attitude to whomever's taking the lead in your care and maybe get a referral that would replace him? Nobody should have to deal with that, especially if you're paying him for his services.
Jack

Kissa · 08-21-2004, 02:15 PM

It is an unfortunate situation and happens all to often. The primary reason I have found for this is becuase you are seeing the wrong type of doctor to deal properly with your pain. I do question why you are seeing a GI instead of a PM. A GI may not or usually does not understand the implications and problems with chronic pain. They will often think that one or two pills is the cure all and there's no way you could be in any further pain.
I have come across this situation primarily when dealing with orthopeadic surgerons with nearly every surgery I have had. They believe once you have surgery and your few weeks post op of meds is gone you are cured and never need meds again. In my situation this is not often the case.

You didn't state what your DX is or why you are needing medications, this is important to understanding what your potential needs may be.

I would suggest that you seek out a PM if your needs are not being met. Be advised however if you do go this route you will no longer be able to get pain medications of any sort from your GI. Being that your GI doesn't appear to be medding your properly it may be a better solution. You should realize that the job of a PM is not to make you 100% pain free, it is their job to make you functional in society. A goal of 50-75% or so, depending on doctor, should be what you are reaching for when being treated for daily pain.

You should also be looking at some of the alternatives such as physical therapy if it applies, pschological therapy to learn to cope with your pain, possible pain management classes to learn techniques to cope with the pain and what to do when the pain hits. This is a very important step that those with CP seem to forget or are not willing to do. One can not rely on medications 100% of the time so we do need other outlets to help us cope. Also find a pain support group in your area is also helpful.

Best of luck to you and let us know if you have any questions

Barbie

kellyp · 08-21-2004, 07:21 PM

Maybe the other doc you see at the UW could talk to the one giving you a hard time. You shouldn't have to be put through that every month.

Kissa · 08-21-2004, 08:30 PM

Doctors give patients a hard time primarly because they are watching their own backs and do not want to get investigated for writing prescriptions for narcotics that are heavily controlled. Many states require some heavy documentation to go with certain narcotics as well as triplicate forms to be filled out for every prescription. So in the long run the doctor just doesn't want to go through the hassle and is protecting himself.

The other reason is obvious, doctors who do not deal with pain on a daily basis or whos practice is nothing but pain do not understand that people can adjust to medications and they loose their effectiveness. Furthermore they don't always understand the full spectrum of things needed to be done for proper pain management.

Again, I feel it really boils down to that Tina should be seeing a PM, they definately won't give you grief on a monthly basis!