Need Advice on Pain Management - Pain Management Message Board

ChattyKathy4 · 09-23-2003, 10:17 AM

I need some opinions and advice badly! I have had l cervical discectomy, and 5 lumbar surgeries the last one in 2000 was fused with instrumentation from L-3 to the sacrum. Now am losing the feeling in my feet and have constant pain down right leg. Am scheduled for an EMG in November at the Cleveland Clinic where my NS is. He feels the L-2 nerve may be compressed. My PM doc here in town has me on l0 mg. 2x day of Methadone. It is not working and I am in constant pain and having to use a wheelchair. He refuses to give me anything for breakthru pain, just muscle relaxants which do not help the pain at all. When I went back to my family doctor and asked for a referral to another PM doc, he got angry and told me to stay with the guy I am with now as I don't need to bring another doctor into the picture and refused to give me the referral. I have the name of another PM doctor who I understand is more compassionate and understanding about pain but will not see anyone without a referral from their primary physcian. I am at a loss as to what to do. My family doctor said there is nothing else to offer someone like me who has had so many surgeries, wished me good luck and walked out the door. I cried all the way home, as he made me feel like I am a hopeless case. I have never abused or asked for more medication, but when you can't sleep and are in pain 24/7, it gets pretty frustrating. Have any of you been thru this before with a doctor, or have any suggestions on what I should do next besides give up? Thanks for listening.
Kathy

Tony111 · 09-23-2003, 10:28 AM

Hi Kathy,

I'm sorry to hear that you are going through this. I too have similar problems as you. If you are in an HMO, the PCP is usually rewarded to 'not refer'!

I just went through the same thing as you recently. You can either find a PM doc that takes self referrals or if you want to go to the PM doc you are talking about, then, you are going to have to change PCP and then ask for another referral to Pain Management.

10 mgs of Methadone twice per day is not that high for the kind of pain you have.

Good luck!

Tony

grizzk62 · 09-23-2003, 12:14 PM

Hey Chatty,

Hey there and welcome to the boards. I'm so sorry that you are going thru what you are. That kind of behavior from a doc in inexcusable. Two suggestions. One find a new PCP doc and try to get a refferal from him. Or two go to the local ER and see if they will give you a refferall. And you may want to call you insurance and see what they can suggest. Maybe others that come along will have some other suggestion. Hang in there and keep us informed...

MAtt

lindao1 · 09-23-2003, 01:45 PM

Hello Kathy!

Bless your heart - you have certainly gone thru alot. My heart goes out to you, dear.

I agree with the others - you need to either change primary's or petition the insurance company, thru the grievance process if necessary, to get the referral that you have requested.

With your history, I cannot understand why any dr. would be hesitant to provide you with much needed pain relief. You are most certainly deserving of it.

Please do not let this go. Do whatever it takes to get yourself to a compassionate and caring PM dr. I'm so disgusted with the way some chronic pain patients are treated by so-called pain management clinics. It's abhorent the way they have treated you.

Please either find another primary who will be willing to uphold his end of the contract by granting you a referral or complain to the insurance company of his non-compliance to the rules of the contract.

I wish you much luck in seeking the pain relief you so deserve, my dear. Please don't give up - fight the good fight so your future will be one of hope and not fear. We on these boards are here for you anytime. Good luck, sweet. Linda

ChattyKathy4 · 09-23-2003, 07:07 PM

Thank you for your quick responses. I am going to look into getting a new PCP doctor that is for sure.
I will ask this doctor for a referral to another PM doc. I just hope my PCP hasn't contacted my PM doc and told him I was in asking for a referral, because my pain script is due to be filled in a few days, and if my PM doc decides he doesn't want to see me anymore, I will be in big trouble as I have been on the Methadone for almost 1 year now. Maybe I am just paranoid because of my treatment at the doc's yesterday, but I know it is time to move on to some hopefully more caring compassionate doctors! lindao1, thank you for such a beautiful note. I moved to Ohio from Stuart, Florida last October, and I see you are also a Floridian! Again, thank you all for caring. It has come at a time when I am at my lowest and really helped.
Kathy