Is it normal to be scared to switch to a PMP?

[Ashelen]

So I'm doing my research about which PMP I would like my PCP to refer me to, and I think I've found one..out of 5 stars, he rates 3 1/2. There's only one other that accepts my insurance, and he rates 3 stars. There are some other reasons I am coming to prefer this one, but from all the patient reviews the one I am picking is superior.

I. am. TERRIFIED. I have been with the same prescribing neurologist for at least 10 years now, and the one time I saw another clinic the doctor I had a PM contract with left abruptly and when I called to make an appointment to re-sign my contract, they informed me that my age made me a liability for their practice and that I was being dropped. In my contract, it said that they were only beholden to the contract between me and the signing physician so they kicked me to the curb as soon as he left and I've been shaken ever since then. I mean I get it, a young PM patient is somewhat of a liability...but that's why I'm so scared.

How many of you were able to be treated immediately after switching to your PMP? Are they going to get me in and run some more tests since the tests for my back are all old? I've been wanting more tests done on my back but my neurologist says that "there's no need, the pain will go away in time" and he also says that when you have a Dystonic Reaction you can't damage the nerves in your neck...but I disagree because I've had horrible neck pain since that incident. That's neither here nor there though, lol, sorry for the tangent.

I just wonder what to expect. the PMP that I have chosen specializes in "pain medicine and anesthesiology"...I'm wondering if he'll be willing to try some actual treatments to help my back pain instead of just covering it up, that would be FANTASTIC. I've just about given up on my headaches after 10 YEARS of searching...but since the back pain has only recently become so extreme I am hopeful that maybe some preventative treatments will stop it from getting worse...but idk, just speculating. I'm willing to run whatever tests, try just about every treatment, hoping they can find something...but I just wonder how it all works. Do I go in, give my history, and they just throw ideas at me of what to try? Or do they take into account things I've tried in the past and try new different things...after so many years, is there anything they can even TRY for the head pain? Seems like my neuro has run out of ideas (even though he runs a Head Pain Clinic) because he's repeating things we tried 4 or 5 years ago.

I just...I'm scared of the change, as someone mentioned. I need to know that if I do this, I'm going to be treated like a chronic pain patient and not a liability due to my age. I would be ecstatic if we could find an alternative to pain meds. At my age, and with my current lifestyle, taking pain meds is more of a hassle than anything, but it also provides me with a certain quality of life that I appreciate enough to continue until we find another solution. I HOPE that a PMP will be able to offer treatments other than pain meds that might work...but if I tell them that, are they going to cut me off cold turkey and just try everything else? I guess I worry about being too pushy about trying other things that they might not treat my pain and then I'll be stuck doing what my neuro wants to do: try try again never mind the fact that I'm suffering in the meantime until we find something that works. So I don't know how to tell them "I want to try EVERYTHING but I also want to have my pain treated in the meantime".....

advice..encouragement?...you guys are awesome.

[peekawho]

I answered you mainly in your other post, but will say that yes, I was treated right away.  

Some things may need to be revisited, even if you've done them before.  I was dead set against injecting my SI again, but my current doctor has a vey different method of doing it, that may be more helpful.  He also uses a different approach and medication for the epidurals than my old doctor last time.  

He saw a couple of things on my MRI that my neuro didn't address, too.  A fresh pair of eyes may bring new answers, even if he repeats some things you may have done before.  

But you'll be treated, while the two of you address your situation.  I think you'll enjoy the change!  I hope, anyway!  
Good luck!

[flower12345]

Wow. Great ideas, Tuck!

Ashleen,

Years ago, I went to a doctor who did NOT prescribe medications and made me feel terrible about everything. Long story short he wanted me to get epidurals and I was in my early twenties. He was short with me and his demeanor wasn't too nice.

So, after that experience, I never wanted to try a pain doctor again. A couple of years later a pain specialist was recommended to me. I went and I thank God every day that I did because my life is SO much better now! My medications were continued and even though I felt that I needed an increase, that did not happen until a couple of months later. It takes time to build a good relationship with a doctor. My doctor cares and also tries different kinds of treatment but is very open to let me have input on treatments. My doctor increases my medication when needed without making me feel terrible for needing it for pain. I am so grateful that I have someone who truly wants me to live a great life with less pain. Honestly, this doctor has really changed my life.

It is totally normal to be scared! Do you keep a pain journal? I think that would be a good idea. Did you make an appt.? If so, when is it?

I think that it's good that you're going to go to this doctor. I have a good feeling about it. I will keep you in my prayers. Everything WILL be okay, and I bet that you'll be very happy that you did this.

Hugs,

Flower

[Tuckamore]

Hi Ashelen,

I think what you are experiencing is absolutely normal. I recently had to find a PMP...and I was scared and frightened. I had never seen a PMP.... In WI our PCP are our PMP. In FL that is not the case.

I was lucky to have an introductory letter from my PCP. She listed my meds and asked that they be continued, explaining that it took months to find the right combination. I also brought two years of my medical records with me. I sat in the waiting room shaking I was so worried.

The appt went very well. The PMP, an anesthesiologist, agreed to continue my pain meds without batting an eye. He also discussed two treatments that I might find effective and gave me two new diagnosis. I disagree with both but I felt I was in no position to argue... not on the first appt when I was looking for help.

If you can obtain your medical records please do so. It's too bad you couldn't obtain a referral letter from your former prescribing physician. Is that possible?

I think our fear is often escalated over the reality. I worried for two months, needlessly. So calm your concerns. It will probably go much better then you anticipate. You know we are here for you. :o)

My Best,
~Tuck