Aa
HELP ME!!!!
So here's the problem, I can't remember if I mentioned this before (Lyme brain) but my LLMD asked me to see a pain management doctor since it's risky for him to continue prescribing all of the meds I'm taking.
I'm currently taking gabapentin, trileptal, fioricet, tramadol, and soma for pain.
I lost my insurance so I had to pay $350 just for the consultation at the pain clinic yesterday. They made me sign contracts saying I wouldn't take any pain meds from other doctors before I even spoke to the specialist, which I was fine with since it never crossed my mind there would be a problem.
The PM doctor was AWFUL!!!! He basically told me that it's all in my head and there's no such thing as chronic Lyme and I'm just a sucker who spends too much time on Dr google.
He asked me who told me I had Lyme, I said my pcp. He said "but how were you diagnosed?"
I kind of lost my cool and replied "LABCORP!"
He said something along the lines of "it would be negative now." Nope. My test is still positive!
He told me he's getting me off of all my meds because there's nothing wrong with me. He sent lower doses of my prescriptions to the pharmacy.
I picked them up last night before I really sat down and read the contract I signed. It was all such a blur. I spent so much money to see a doctor who flat out told me I'm crazy. It's been quite a while since I've had to endure this kind of humiliation. I forgot how much it hurts.
Am I screwed since I signed those papers?
I'm currently taking gabapentin, trileptal, fioricet, tramadol, and soma for pain.
I lost my insurance so I had to pay $350 just for the consultation at the pain clinic yesterday. They made me sign contracts saying I wouldn't take any pain meds from other doctors before I even spoke to the specialist, which I was fine with since it never crossed my mind there would be a problem.
The PM doctor was AWFUL!!!! He basically told me that it's all in my head and there's no such thing as chronic Lyme and I'm just a sucker who spends too much time on Dr google.
He asked me who told me I had Lyme, I said my pcp. He said "but how were you diagnosed?"
I kind of lost my cool and replied "LABCORP!"
He said something along the lines of "it would be negative now." Nope. My test is still positive!
He told me he's getting me off of all my meds because there's nothing wrong with me. He sent lower doses of my prescriptions to the pharmacy.
I picked them up last night before I really sat down and read the contract I signed. It was all such a blur. I spent so much money to see a doctor who flat out told me I'm crazy. It's been quite a while since I've had to endure this kind of humiliation. I forgot how much it hurts.
Am I screwed since I signed those papers?
Perhaps because I've had my problem since I was so young, I have learned to live with the pain. Then again, maybe what I feel isn't as intense as others. But I have always had an aversion to pain meds of any type, even simple, natural aspirin. Seems to me that interfering with the neurotransmitters that cause pain could interfere with the whole system of healing. All we're doing is treating the symptom. Today's pain is in my neck. There's a lump deep in the muscle at the base of my skull, along the upper vertebrae. Yesterday it was very sensitive to pressure, not quite so bad today. I've had many of these lumps get sensitive to pressure, not long after that point they are gone.
Yep, a Thereacane works great for instant but short term treatment of muscle pain which is called Trigger Point Release. Its great for in the morning with limited time.
In order to achieve optimal results from Myofacial Release via the John Barnes method (the inventor of the term itself) it takes five or more minutes of sustained pressure. There is an actual physical - biochemical change that occurs in tissue after five minutes of pressure. For this reason if doing this alone, laying on a ball is easier, even though it hurts for the first minute. I do this when time allows as it cannot be rushed. I just did this for 10 min on my left glut, now my left foot and lower back feel less tensioned as they do overlap and are linked by the fascia between your skin and muscles, it is all connected.
In order to achieve optimal results from Myofacial Release via the John Barnes method (the inventor of the term itself) it takes five or more minutes of sustained pressure. There is an actual physical - biochemical change that occurs in tissue after five minutes of pressure. For this reason if doing this alone, laying on a ball is easier, even though it hurts for the first minute. I do this when time allows as it cannot be rushed. I just did this for 10 min on my left glut, now my left foot and lower back feel less tensioned as they do overlap and are linked by the fascia between your skin and muscles, it is all connected.
I developed myofacial pain syndrome due to Lyme disease. I could actually (and still can) feel what felt like small bubbles along my neck, parts of my back, and around my underarms. I use a simple device marketed as a "theracane." It works a lot like the tennis ball trick mentioned above, and comes with a booklet of suggestions for how to use to to relive muscle pains.
I also used to see a great chiropractor who also did needling and some osteopathic techniques that helped my psi pain tremendously. Sadly I've moved since then, but have found a decent massage therapist where I now live. If I didn't see her every month or so, I think I'd seize up with pain and stiffness!
As for the contract, while I can't know for sure, sounds like an agreement between you and that one doc. If you're never going back to him, then I wouldn't worry about breaking it. I hope youcan find a doc who will both listen / believe your problems and who will work with you to reduce the pain meds. I agree with comments above that heavy pai meds won't really help a Lyme patient. Lyme is treatable, so why just mask the symptoms? But I can also see that since you are now used to the meds, you need a good doc to work with you to treat the infectio and manage your pain. Keep looking, and don't go back to that loser.
I also used to see a great chiropractor who also did needling and some osteopathic techniques that helped my psi pain tremendously. Sadly I've moved since then, but have found a decent massage therapist where I now live. If I didn't see her every month or so, I think I'd seize up with pain and stiffness!
As for the contract, while I can't know for sure, sounds like an agreement between you and that one doc. If you're never going back to him, then I wouldn't worry about breaking it. I hope youcan find a doc who will both listen / believe your problems and who will work with you to reduce the pain meds. I agree with comments above that heavy pai meds won't really help a Lyme patient. Lyme is treatable, so why just mask the symptoms? But I can also see that since you are now used to the meds, you need a good doc to work with you to treat the infectio and manage your pain. Keep looking, and don't go back to that loser.
Body pain.........oh what fun. Major joints , back, neck, feet , legs. I've been through the medical wringer in treating body pain, for many years. My skeletal structure became twisted and I felt like I was in a straight jacket, was the worst about eight years ago, improved since then.
Pain meds did very little. Anti-inflammatories made copeing a little more possible. I dont believe there is a magic pill for body pain, it just covers up the problem. Of course getting rid of the bacteria should stop progression of pain, but if you've had it a long time, some body repair might be in order.
The only reason I've improved was by physically working on the structure of my body, as my muscles and tendons had actual damage that could be felt by an experienced PT, Chiro, or massage professional. If there is an invader drilling holes in your nerves that contract your muscles and also effects circulation it helps to have a counter attack of physical means, and repair the damaged tissue.
There are some awesome techniques that release muscle tension, tendons and increase circulation that you can learn your self (takes time and determination). Or you can find a provider that does this, usually are newer schooled , younger chiropractors that spend more than 5 minuets on you.
With books, u-tube and other web sites you have access to TriggerPoint Release, and Myofacial Release. Active Release Technique is the best, but patented too, so its hard to find on u-tube, but they have a website that has local providers. To do these yourself, It takes about 6X6 ft floor space, sports balls to apply body pressure on (golf, Lacrosse and soft ball) and maybe a softer 4-5" ball. It has helped me a lot, but takes time. You can feel relief instantly, but to retain it means repeating on a certain area several times a week.
Muscles are all connected, meaning you can feel pain from a main tension area in an adjacently connected muscle.
Example: if you lay or sleep on your back for 5-10 min minimum, with two tennis balls under your shoulder blades, neck tension can melt away. Less than five minutes, not as good of results. This works in other areas of the body as well. For hamstring leg pain, you can sit with a lacrosse ball under a glute muscle on something firm enough as to not absorb the ball.
This is by far the best thing I have learned. Gave up popping pills. There are supplements and herbs that can reduce inflammation somewhat when taken on an empty stomach.
I just wish the ABX would work faster.
Pain meds did very little. Anti-inflammatories made copeing a little more possible. I dont believe there is a magic pill for body pain, it just covers up the problem. Of course getting rid of the bacteria should stop progression of pain, but if you've had it a long time, some body repair might be in order.
The only reason I've improved was by physically working on the structure of my body, as my muscles and tendons had actual damage that could be felt by an experienced PT, Chiro, or massage professional. If there is an invader drilling holes in your nerves that contract your muscles and also effects circulation it helps to have a counter attack of physical means, and repair the damaged tissue.
There are some awesome techniques that release muscle tension, tendons and increase circulation that you can learn your self (takes time and determination). Or you can find a provider that does this, usually are newer schooled , younger chiropractors that spend more than 5 minuets on you.
With books, u-tube and other web sites you have access to TriggerPoint Release, and Myofacial Release. Active Release Technique is the best, but patented too, so its hard to find on u-tube, but they have a website that has local providers. To do these yourself, It takes about 6X6 ft floor space, sports balls to apply body pressure on (golf, Lacrosse and soft ball) and maybe a softer 4-5" ball. It has helped me a lot, but takes time. You can feel relief instantly, but to retain it means repeating on a certain area several times a week.
Muscles are all connected, meaning you can feel pain from a main tension area in an adjacently connected muscle.
Example: if you lay or sleep on your back for 5-10 min minimum, with two tennis balls under your shoulder blades, neck tension can melt away. Less than five minutes, not as good of results. This works in other areas of the body as well. For hamstring leg pain, you can sit with a lacrosse ball under a glute muscle on something firm enough as to not absorb the ball.
This is by far the best thing I have learned. Gave up popping pills. There are supplements and herbs that can reduce inflammation somewhat when taken on an empty stomach.
I just wish the ABX would work faster.
That pain contract will be automatically void as soon as you go to another doctor and get pain meds from him/her----- if they will. Or that doctor may ask you to sign another pain contract.
A pain contract is just for that one doctor.
A pain contract is just for that one doctor.
The contract says that I agree not to take medications from other doctors. And I still take Advil sometimes but I was on a strong anti inflammatory (I forget which one) a few years ago, but I had to quit taking it because I have some issues with my kidneys.
I agree that it's ALOT and I'm the one who mentioned lowering the dosage of gabapentin and trileptal but I am constantly trying to fight off the head and neck pain.
The body pain I can deal with by drowning myself in bengay, but I can't take the severe headaches. He told me to stop taking the fioricet so I asked him what else I can take, he said hot tea and a babysitter!
I have four children! I can't put my life on hold every other day to drink hot tea. What I'm mainly worried about is whether it looks bad if I switch doctors again because I don't want to be stuck with one who doesn't even believe I'm sick.
The body pain I can deal with by drowning myself in bengay, but I can't take the severe headaches. He told me to stop taking the fioricet so I asked him what else I can take, he said hot tea and a babysitter!
I have four children! I can't put my life on hold every other day to drink hot tea. What I'm mainly worried about is whether it looks bad if I switch doctors again because I don't want to be stuck with one who doesn't even believe I'm sick.
"Am I screwed since I signed those papers?"
Since we do not know what this "contract" said, it's sort of hard to answer this question. I have no clue what it may have said.
I am hesitant to sign anything!! Not only because I know that I am probably not all there mentally and cannot read and comprehend clearly, but I know that I will not be able to undo it.
I wouldn't go back to that doc, regardless! I don't necessarily believe in pain medication myself, unless maybe ibuprofen. But that type of attitude and demeanor is uncalled for, and should not be tolerated by anyone!!
Since we do not know what this "contract" said, it's sort of hard to answer this question. I have no clue what it may have said.
I am hesitant to sign anything!! Not only because I know that I am probably not all there mentally and cannot read and comprehend clearly, but I know that I will not be able to undo it.
I wouldn't go back to that doc, regardless! I don't necessarily believe in pain medication myself, unless maybe ibuprofen. But that type of attitude and demeanor is uncalled for, and should not be tolerated by anyone!!
What a complete jerk! I hate reading about doctors who treat patients like that!
I am not a contract lawyer, but I am not aware of any law that allows you to sell yourself in slavery to a doctor. You don't have to go see that doctor ever again, which I highly recommend.
From what I've heard, taking a lot of pain meds doesn't really help someone with severe Lyme pain. I encourage you to go back to your PCP and also to research some anti-inflammatory supplements and remedies you can take. Getting the inflammation down helps reduce the pain.
So sorry you're struggling so much!
I am not a contract lawyer, but I am not aware of any law that allows you to sell yourself in slavery to a doctor. You don't have to go see that doctor ever again, which I highly recommend.
From what I've heard, taking a lot of pain meds doesn't really help someone with severe Lyme pain. I encourage you to go back to your PCP and also to research some anti-inflammatory supplements and remedies you can take. Getting the inflammation down helps reduce the pain.
So sorry you're struggling so much!
Please go to http://reference.medscape.com/drug-interactionchecker
and enter all the meds. you're taking. That's quite a hefty amount of sedative meds.
I make no judgement because I'm not in your shoes. Perhaps that's why your llmd wanted you to to go to a pain doc (who is a real jerk and needs to improve his knowledge base AND his bedside manner!)
and enter all the meds. you're taking. That's quite a hefty amount of sedative meds.
I make no judgement because I'm not in your shoes. Perhaps that's why your llmd wanted you to to go to a pain doc (who is a real jerk and needs to improve his knowledge base AND his bedside manner!)
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