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Well, I am doing my Physical Therapy, and have had back injections. I have been to countless Neuroligists. I have been seeing my Dr. for over 2 years over my condition. I have had x-rays as well as MRI's. My problem's are congenital spinal curveatures that cause spasms and back and neck pain which in turn also result in migraines and daily tension headaches. I have a Chiari I Malformation which also contributes to the headaches. I had a realy bad car wreck that has caused pinched nerves, muscular pain, and possibly some other problems that we are still working on. Who knows what will turn up. What I am repeatedly told is that my condition is chronic and will get worse as I get older (I'm under 30).
My question is, as they are giving me all the Darvocet, muscle relaxers, and anti-inflamitories that I can carry, and I get Hydro from OP's, these meds just don't seem to help the painor headaches at all. I am going along with every process and appointment that the "system" puts me through. When should I try and push for a Pain Management referral? Am I a candidate for Pain Management Therapy? Or would that even do any good if they don't recommend it first?
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KeriAnne~~~
"Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take - but by the moments that take our breath away."
If I were in your shoes (and I have been in a similar pair, but my trials with the medical profession lasted 12 years) I would simply say something like, "You have been a great doctor, but I would like to investigate pain management at this point in my treatment as my life has been seriously adversely affected by my condition. I no longer sleep well. I find I am unable to even do the simplest of daily chores such as dishes or laundry without substantial pain. I am missing out on so much of my life because I am hurting all the time. I simply want to do those things I used to be able to do without suffering severe pain as the result. I have followed all your recommendations. I have made such drastic "adjustments" to my life to accommodate my pain or to prevent a serious exacerbations of my pain that it no longer seems like much of a life. I am starting to feel like a hypochondriac because of the many medical visits, constant pain and the many things I can no longer do as a result of this constant pain. I am not even 30 yet and I feel as if I am in the body of a senior citizen. I am ready to visit a pain specialist who may be better able to treat my pain as well as my painful condition and allow me to live a more enjoyable and productive life."
Stress how much you life has changed/been adversely affected by your chronic pain issues. Stress also that the treatments to date have not made a substantial improvement to your pain or your quality of life. You may even be experiencing some depression or hopelessness as the result of living with undertreated chronic pain. Make all these points to your doctor and ask again for a referral to a pain management clinic. If they do not think you are "ready" yet, ask what other treatments they have in mind and what the game plan is if these treatments fail to produce the expected results. If necessary, get a second, or third opinion.
Pain management docs may want to try things other than narcotics at first, as well. Always be frank if you get to the PMD and let them know how much your life has been affected, all the treatments you have undergone and what the results were. These docs are way better equipped to deal with chronic pain than primary care physicians are.
Whatever happens, my heart is with you. Good luck!
-------------------- Never underestimate the predictability of stupidity.
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