Things are looking up! - Pain Management Message Board

Fabrashamx · 03-13-2007, 04:23 PM

Hi Gang,
I did it! Well, at least I know I'm hopefully not going to be thrown into withdrawal when my refills run out. I had an appointment this morning with the financial people from the county clinic and they took me as a patient for a $20 per visit pay and $10 prescriptions!

If you dont remember, and I dont blame you if you dont, lol I had a double whammy in the last few months when I first lost all state enhanced medicade benefits because our eligability income went over by $60 a month

and then my doctor of 14 years who was not only my pm doctor but a huge part of my support system, closed her practice suddenly.

That left me with chronic pain and several ongoing medical issues, no doctor, no insurance, and not much hope.

Now I just have to call the clinic in the morning and get in with someone and keep my fingers crossed I get someone helpful and supportive, I dont expect them to just follow along with my old docs orders if they dont agree, but at least offer me some options and most importantly, a voice in my treatment plan. This had better work, because its the last hope I have of getting health care I can possibly afford.

So..wish me luck! you all have always been there for me and the things I have learned on this board will help me on my way to finding a new doctor.

Thanks again!
Hugs, Fabby

rayefaye · 03-13-2007, 05:14 PM

Hi Fabby, sorry to hear your doctor closing her practice.

the same thing happened to me. I had finally found a doctor who knew what was wrong with me then five months later he suddenly closed his practice. I thought I would never find someone to replace him

but I finally found a doctor who understands my condition

But it wasn't easy and I had some who looked at me like can't you do this and can't you do that, I'm like does it look like I can

So I wish you good luck on finding you a new doctor and hope you can find a very caring and understanding one.

IZZY'SMOM · 03-13-2007, 05:27 PM

Hi Fabs~
I hope that you get someone who will be kind to you, as you are to everyone here when you post, you so deserve it.
My doc is already retirement age, and splits his time between where I live and his home 45 miles away. I dread the day he decides to stop, as there are no other docs in this town Id take my dogs to. YIKES! For now, Ill just be greatful for the wonderful doc I have. Ill be thinking of you in the morning, and please let us know ow it goes, ok?
Hang in there!
xoxoxoxoxoxo,
IZZY'SMOM

BrittleBones · 03-13-2007, 07:17 PM

Hi Fabby! I am so relieved to here this news! I was truly very worried about you and what was going to happen in the future when you lost the insurance. Sometimes we think that things will never turn around for us and then, bingo, we get a little luck on our side and things work out.

I'm having some real anxiety myself this week. My pain management doc who I've been with for more than a year left the University pain management practice that I go to. He opened his own practice in a different part of the state and is no longer associated with the University. I've been having some increased pain lately and I will see the new doctor that I've been assigned to this Friday. I have so many worries about the continuity of treatment and fear that the new doc won't be nearly as easy to talk to and deal with as the one that just left. Anyway, that's not on topic, is it? Back to you - keep us informed about the appointment and the new doc. All the best - KathyMac

Fabrashamx · 03-13-2007, 08:51 PM

Thanks so much for the kind replies! I will for sure post back in the morning and let you know if I get in with a doctor. Kathy, Izzy, and Raye, Isnt it awful we have to always be worried sick about losing our doctors??

It seems like there is no one standard of care for pain patients, even though it is light years better than it used to be, If these doctors only knew how we cant sleep or eat for days before meeting them, afraid they will scoff at us or even just treat us like a pain in their rear, it is so demoralizing, on top of the constant pain, to add that worry and stress is just so unfair!

Kathy, you can talk about yourself on my thread silly! Please let us know if this new doctor seems nice, if not, is your old doc far away? If he's in the same state, it might be worth the drive time!

Izzy, I will let you know in the morning, thanks so much, and I will keep my fingers crossed for you that your doc doesnt retire for many many years!

Ray, Thanks for your post, I know it stank to lose your doctor, but you found someone new that is working with you and thats great, It gives me hope that I can too!

So many people think chronic pain is just about people taking pills, if they only knew what all we go through, even when things are good we have to think about things like, hey, my doctor is getting older, what will happen to me if he retires? I hope things continue to improve for us and I think these boards and ones like it are a great way for us to 'band together' and see that we have a right to ask for a protocol, for respect and concern, and that every pain patient deserves that, not just ones that are old enough, or rich enough, or tragic figures or something, but everyone!

Sorry LOL I will climb off my soap box now. Thanks again for posting!
Hugs, Fabby