First PM Appt - Not Too Bad - Pain Management Message Board

Rosieposie1 · 07-28-2006, 09:12 PM

Hi Everybody!

Had my first pm appt yesterday, and it wasn't bad. The office is less than 10 minutes from my house and they don't charge parking at this facility. I was in for an 11:00 appointment, paperwork had already been done and so they took me right in. The doc checked my MRI and examined me. He said that my reflexes are very low, but they are still there. Some docs can't get my reflexes at all. Noted that my toes are weak and my right side is weaker than my left. Asked if the Ultram works for me to which I said "nope". He said I may be having L5, S1 trouble.

After the exam, he recommended an epidural. I had an epidural once, exactly 18 years ago today, and it didn't work for two days. My daughter is 18 today. So he explained the procedure, asked if I had any questions and then told me his nurse will call with an appointment.

They called today with the appt and I'm scheduled for 8/4. He didn't offer any additional meds and I didn't ask since this was my first appointment. I didn't want to make any waves.

I'm going to try the epidural and I pray it works. I've been reading this board for two years and I understand that pm will not completely get rid of the pain. If we can quiet it down some, I think I can live with it.

By the way, I have osteoarthritis in my lumbar and cervical spine and it's just horrible. If I sit still for five minutes, it's painful standing up. If I stand too long I'm in pain. After a good nights rest, I cry just trying to get out of bed. No matter what I do, I'm in screaming pain. If I can make the pain whisper, then it's successful.

Thanx everybody for your patience and encouragement,
Rosa

ozzybug · 07-29-2006, 07:08 AM

Rosa-
It sounds like the appointment went smoothly. I'm glad to hear that you had a good experience. Most pm doctors do not immediately jump to diespensing medications right off the bat. Some do, but most of them don't. It's as much for your protection as it is for theirs.

Take this one day at a time. Try the epidural, and then see how it goes. I hope it will bring you some much needed relief, but if in sufficient time, you see no results or continue to have increasing pain, then be open with your doctor about it.

No, I don't think it's a good idea to go in and automatically ask for certain medications. He will bering it up, and when he does, he may ask what has helped you in the past and what hasn't. If he feels there is a need for medication he will be the first to let you know.

Unfortunately, because of the "pill seekers" out there, we must tread lightly with our pm doctors even when there is a true need for medications. I still stress that pm shouldn't always be about taking pills only. There are so many other aspects of pain control that can be tried and tested before starting medication. There are instances however, where the need for medication is apparent and in these cases, then by all means, that is the route that should be taken.

There are some pm doctors out there who won't prescribe medications for any reason and there are other pm doctors who will write a srip at the drop of a hat. I just fired a pm doctor because he seemed to be forcing some strong medications on me and wasn't willing to consider other things, not even Lidoderm patches which are non narcotic, and aren't even pills!

Good Luck sweetie. I think you will find this is a learning experience. It has been for me.

Lezlee

Rosieposie1 · 07-29-2006, 10:29 PM

Hi Lezlee and thanks for your words of encouragement. It was the thread you started made me sharpen myself a little more for my first appointment. I understand the doctors position, they have to be careful. Even though I'm probably the most honest person they'll ever meet, but they don't know me from Eve, and I want to start on the right foot. By the way, they did have H&G magazines there.

I've accepted that I'll have pain forever, even my skin is sore to the touch. I just need to know that I do have options available to me. Not being able to do anything is the hard part. I'm always the optimist and can find the good in anything, but once my doc saw that I had lost my smile, he told my husband something had to be done right away. I can wait a week for the procedure. I can even wait up to two weeks for the procedure to work, as long as I know that if it doesn't work, there is something else that can help me.

Thanx again for your guidance and encouragement. Rosa

slipperyslope · 07-30-2006, 09:33 AM

You are at some point going to have to get on some oral meds. With all of your medical conditions its going to happen as you need them to function I read your previous post and my heart really goes out you with all the suffering you have been through you poor thing.. I would not be afraid to ask for some pain medication. steroid injections never worked for me. I had one and a few months ago and it was awful and a waste of my money it cost me 1,700.00 amd made me worse oh I will never endure one again.

sine it didn't work my doc started me Lyrica and it works well I don't have the stabbing burning nerve pain anymore. I also take 2 40mgs tabs of oxycontin 2 times a day and they REALLY help me... I still have sciatic pain but its a LOT less now.... If we are going to be spending the money to see a pain management Dr and we are in pain all the time, than we need to ask for medication if the Dr doesn't offer it. I can't believe he didn't give you anything, that's really sad and not right

.

I know your afraid of being Labeled as a druggie but you have proof of all your medical conditions and I don't think the Dr is going to assume your pill shopping... your a chronic pain patient I feel so bad for you that you are left to suffer with no medication. you will need some after your epidural I can gaurentee you that much so be sure and ask for something as He may not offer any...

Good luck I hope the shot helps you, it does work for 50% of people but it doesn't always last very long and the pain can come back after the shot wears off.