Doctor Visit Today. - Pain Management Message Board

Wes1212 · 07-16-2003, 04:18 PM

Hi. I went to my neurologist today who had been prescribing neurontin, zoloft, and occasionally oxycodone to help me try to finish PegIntron/rebetol therapy, especially after the car accident which caused the side effects to go haywire resulting in discontinuation the Peg/reb. My gratitude was expressed for the help.

Now after therapy, old and new injuries and conditions are haunting me to greater degrees. I was told by the neurologist that an appointment will be made with the same pain clinic that was unsuccessful with me before.

I said that i felt like it would be redundant to go through the same thing again. I NEED RELIEF AND NOW!!

The neurologist told me that the pm doctor was probably keeping my best interest in mind by using such a low dose (5 FIVE mg methadone every 24 hours). That probably this time, methods besides drugs would be used because of my age (44). It was said that if I were 80 years old, it might be different because the probability of becoming tolerant to all the medications would be much less.

I was told that I wouldn't want to take all the drugs now and then be tolerant to them by the time I reached 80. I responded that I have no chance of a productive life now without a change. I can barely go to the grocery store, much less hold a job. Why would I need anything to help me be productive after I reach 80? I asked if this is age discrimination. No answer.

I was told that i did need to see a pain specialist and that i presented so many issues other than neurological, that i need to have other systems evaluated. I left with instructions to follow-up with other doctors and the pain clinic.

At least I have been treated for hepatitis C. Even though it didn't help the pain I was in (leading to it's discovery), it made it worse. I hope for no relapse (awaiting 3 month check-up presently)

When does this merry-go-round stop? I have been in some pain most of my life and essentially a "shut-in" since 1997.

Wishing everyone the best,

Wes

HockeyCrystal · 07-16-2003, 06:51 PM

Wes, I really wish I could help and give you some advice. My doc managed to do just the same thing to me just 2 days ago. I also wanted to know if it was age discrimination...Although, I'm only 21...So imagine my doc's hesitancy. I know it's frustrating, believe me. Check out my post about Upsetting doctor appointment... I hope we both get the treatment we both deserve...No matter what age we are. I thought the same thing... "How can I hold a job?" "How can I even go to school and walk around campus?" I'd much rather have something now than when wait til I'm 80 yrs old. Plus I believe they're mistaken. Surely they'll have tons of new drugs before either one of us 80...I don't think it's really possible to become completely tolerant and un-repsonsive to EVERY pain med out there... I think they're overreacting.

If you need to vent, let me know, I know how you feel!!

Good luck

Crystal

mokita · 07-16-2003, 07:41 PM

Wes....

So sorry to hear of your troubles. The PM Specialist you w/b going to is the Same that undertreated you before? Is there any way you could go elsewhere? Or is your insurance limiting?

I just can't get over the shi!!y deal pain is for so very many people. And it just doesn't need to be like this. I sometimes get so angry at the inequity of it all. There' NO WAY you'd see a political figure, movie star, rock star, CEO of big Corp, etc... go through the humiliation, degradation, mistreatment that too many good, regular people do Every Single Day of their Lives. It just doesn't need to be this way.

I'm sorry for going off. I just get sick and tired of reading how poorly so many of us are treated here. I feel very lucky that I haven't had bad luck (yet) in that area. But, I almost feel guilty at times as I have Nowhere near the issues so many here do.

You're in my thoughts and prayers that something will happen to get you the relief you need.

God Bless.

Karen

------------------
9/22/00 24 hour labor, baby posterior, left tailbone killing me
12/00 MRI - PCP said nothing amiss - but, had to begin taking vicodin
2/8/02 - 2nd baby born after long, painful pregnancy, weight gain didn't help
2000-11/02 various PT + pain meds
11/02 Referred to Neuro
3/03 NEW MRI - shows slight bulge L3-L4,slight DDD, neural foramen involved, Superior aspect S1 and L5 Nerve root involvement -Neuro Refers to PM for ESI
3/03 PM Doc orders ESI
3/21,4/1,4/8 - ESI's no help
5/9 - Discogram - shows Tear L4 w/ significant leak onto nerves, DDD
Performing doc oversedated, False Negative (pm doc & I agree)
New Consult w/ Dept Head Cleveland Clinic 7/8 to discuss possible new discogram/IDET candidacy
7/8-Doc ordered Facet Joint nerve block for 7/29 to rule out/identify as pain generator. If not, new discogram.
Also, thinks tailbone prob is dif issue - wants x-ray - THOUGHT I had one - didn't!! They are ordering.

Wes1212 · 07-16-2003, 08:24 PM

Crystal, Hi and thanks for the reply! Yeah, I can imagine waiting until I'm 80 years old to hear, "you are just too old...if you have tolerated all these years, why waste the last few on this horrible relief?"

I want to be back out NOW! While there is time to make a difference for myself and those I'm close to. If something gets worn out past functionality, which is part of having degenerative disorders, then it's time to fix it. It's kind of like a person refusing to drive their truck because they don't want to wear the tires out. That doesn't get the produce to market, does it? Proper maintenance makes sense, but giving up and keeping it in the garage? NOT!

Mokita, Hi and thanks for your reply! I never had a clue how difficult it is for people to get treated until i asked for myself. People actually come across about as if there is something "spooky" about it. Wow! If they don't want to practice medicine, they need to be looking for jobs!

I wonder what the laws are like comparing humane treatment of animals to what goes on in some pain clinics?

[This message has been edited by Wes1212 (edited 07-16-2003).]

HikingFan · 07-16-2003, 08:44 PM

Wes-

I don't have any good advice for you, but just wanted to let you know that you are in my thoughts. These situations are so frustrating, especially since it affects the quality of our lives. Basically what your doc is telling you is you don't deserve a pain-free quality life unless you are 80 years old. Common sense tells us that doesn't make any sense. Are you able to get a second opinion?

Good luck, and hang in there.

Sara