joyous
Newbie
Reged: 01/16/04
Posts: 48
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Hello all,
I'm new here, and thus far have found this site and community extremely informative and supportive. Maybe I'll start with a little background information.
I'm 31 years old and have been in 2 car accidents, a head-on collision in 2000 and a rollover in August. I was seeing a Cranial Osteopath and massage therapist for the pain from the 1st wreck.
Since the second, I am unable to work, yet my appointment book is filled seeing doctors, dentists, physical therapists, specialists, etc.
My MRI revealed several midly bulging discs between C4 through C7 and an osteophyte near C6-7. I'm not sure what all of this means, but I see a Neurologist in March to further evaluate these results.
I was just fitted a bite plate from a specialized Dentist, due to severe jaw pain and headaches.
I am also scheduled to see an Optometrist specializing in brain injuries next week.
I have a great Physical Therapist, but my problem at this point is pain management.
My Osteopath prescribed one Darvocet every eight hours and explained that the less frequently I took them, the more effective they would be. (He also prescribed muscle relaxers to take at night). When I told him I was taking the Darvocet twice a day and feeling better, like I could function and do more than without the meds, he repeated his original recommendation. When I asked for other options because I was in too much pain to perform simply daily tasks, he suggested I see a Physiatrist, a physician specializing in physical medicine and rehabilitation.
Has anyone out there had success with a Physiatrist?
I'm just so frustrated, because on the meds, I was starting to feel better....not in constant pain. I was even making more progress in physical therapy.
I'm just feeling shuffled around from one doctor to the next and the pain is exhausting enough.
I've done some research about the field of Physiatry, I am just curious about any personal experiences.
Thanks for reading!
Joyous
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Greycie
Old Hand
Reged: 07/08/03
Posts: 466
Loc: Pacific NorthWest
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Joy- I'm in a similar position- though, I'm taking percocet for my pain at 10 mgs every shot (only on weekends for, as you said, the less you take it, the more effective it actually is). Anyhow, my doc. referred me to a physiatrist too (for bulged discs in my lumbar region) and basically he told me to do certain exercises and my pain would magically disappear. Nice theory but no go. They work for some people and not for others. I'm no longer seeing him, needless to say, lol, and my primary doc just shook his head when I told him about my visit with the physiatrist. Good luck- I say do it- it can't hurt. The only thing you have to lose is time and that's nothing if there is something to gain from the visit.
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"I may not agree with what you say, but I will defend to the death your right to say it." - Voltaire
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karib
Member
Reged: 01/26/04
Posts: 109
Loc: new england
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i see a great therapist for my insommnia not my pain although insomnia could be realted to my neck pain, however she perscribes me xanex and ambien for anxiety a limited amount of course , just to get me through the month but i am satisfied, escpecially since my copays are 10.00, so can't go wrong! and talking does help. pm me if i can help , karen
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voyager
Old Hand
Reged: 04/17/03
Posts: 417
Loc: United States Virgin Islands
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I recommend that you find a physical therapist. those individuals are the best at treating chronic pain that i have ever experienced. Far better than just having pills thrown at me by an MD on a regular basis.
Good Luck.
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joyous
Newbie
Reged: 01/16/04
Posts: 48
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I do see an excellent physical therapist twice a week and we are making progress. I don't plan to be in pain forever. I am determined to get better. My issue is the pain I am in now, and my physical therapist agrees and wants me to be comfortable while my body heals. Thanks for the recommendation, though. I completely agree. The last thing I want is to not to heal and be medicated for the rest of my life. I'm actually seeing the Physiatrist tomorrow and am hoping for the best. I've heard great things about her. My initial post was written in a panic, probably just looking for some support. Thanks again for reading.
Hoping for the best!
Joyous
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Toberlone
Stranger
Reged: 02/12/04
Posts: 13
Loc: outside its America
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I have and he had a holy than thou attitude. He did not want to treat my pain. When his therapies did not work, I was dismissed. What kind of doctor is that?
There may be good ones out there, but mine left a empty spot, and a lot of anger.
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Baseball is like church, many go, but few understand. Unknown(to me)
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