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PCP Referral appointment
Just wanted to update everyone. I went to my PCP today to ask for a referral to a Rheumatologist. I was basically laughed out of his office. Not literally but he did make me feel about 2 inches tall. I told him I wanted a referral as a second opinion because my PM wants me to get a SCS and before I had any type of surgery I wanted another opinion. He went on to say how the SCS is not surgery and it's a pretty common thing to get. He said that Rheumatologist do not handle my type of arthritis, but did not tell me what type I had only that it was in my spine. He said my pain was coming from my herniated disk and that they wont be able to do anything for me. I told him how my PM seems to think it's not coming from my disk and is not treating my pain or taking me seriously. I told him how it's not just my back, it's my knees and my hands. I was wearing a knee brace when I went in there which he did not notice until he was leaving the room when he asked me (as if in passing) "Oh what did you do to your knee?)! oh god I wanted to scream.
He said he would refer me to someone like an ortho. So basically I'm going to see someone that's going to tell me I'm not a surgical candidate. But then as he was leaving he said "OK I'll refer you to a Rheumatologist" so I don't know what's going to happen. He told me that getting a second opinion is just confirming what you already know. UGH! If I knew everyone than I would not be at a doctor seeking help. I'm sick and tired of being treated like an idiot. If I were 20 years older there would probably be no problem at all getting a referral. I'm not sad I'm pissed off. This isn't going to help that I have to go see my psych tomorrow and he's going to think I've gone even more crazy. Every single doctors appointment leaves me hating the medical field even more. I have no faith that doctors even know what they are talking about. They sure as hell have never listened to me and I just get the run around every single time. And the cherry on this awesome crap is that I'm going to run out of pain medicine a little over a week before my next PM appointment (so less than a week from now, my appointment is on the 24th and I run out on the 15th). I'm not going to call my PM. I'm going to tough it out. I'm going to see if I can survive and if I can than I'll know I can deal with this without doctors. I'll let everyone know who I get referred to. It's like they want to see how long it takes me to not be able to walk before they'll take me seriously.
He said he would refer me to someone like an ortho. So basically I'm going to see someone that's going to tell me I'm not a surgical candidate. But then as he was leaving he said "OK I'll refer you to a Rheumatologist" so I don't know what's going to happen. He told me that getting a second opinion is just confirming what you already know. UGH! If I knew everyone than I would not be at a doctor seeking help. I'm sick and tired of being treated like an idiot. If I were 20 years older there would probably be no problem at all getting a referral. I'm not sad I'm pissed off. This isn't going to help that I have to go see my psych tomorrow and he's going to think I've gone even more crazy. Every single doctors appointment leaves me hating the medical field even more. I have no faith that doctors even know what they are talking about. They sure as hell have never listened to me and I just get the run around every single time. And the cherry on this awesome crap is that I'm going to run out of pain medicine a little over a week before my next PM appointment (so less than a week from now, my appointment is on the 24th and I run out on the 15th). I'm not going to call my PM. I'm going to tough it out. I'm going to see if I can survive and if I can than I'll know I can deal with this without doctors. I'll let everyone know who I get referred to. It's like they want to see how long it takes me to not be able to walk before they'll take me seriously.
Kat -
Tuck has nailed it on the head!! There are MANY of "US" or "WE" that have found our Wonderful PCP's and PM Doctor's.
I KNOW that yours IS out there and you will find him/her. PLEASE keep the faith and keep going on your journey of Discovery. When you find him/her I PROMISE that your life will be changed Forever and then YOU will be part of the "US" ro the "WE's"!!!!
Hang in there, my Dear Friend. "WE" are here for you throughout that Journey!!..Sherry
Tuck has nailed it on the head!! There are MANY of "US" or "WE" that have found our Wonderful PCP's and PM Doctor's.
I KNOW that yours IS out there and you will find him/her. PLEASE keep the faith and keep going on your journey of Discovery. When you find him/her I PROMISE that your life will be changed Forever and then YOU will be part of the "US" ro the "WE's"!!!!
Hang in there, my Dear Friend. "WE" are here for you throughout that Journey!!..Sherry
She does not drug test me because she does not have me on regular narcotics. Even with me taking the minimum that she prescribes me it would not show up either. I've never gone to an appointment with her where I've had medicine left over or in my system because she doesn't give me more than a few weeks worth and I don't see her every month. I see her about every 5-6 weeks. So she could drug test me but she would already know that I didn't have anything in my system. I'm going to go to my next appointment and whoever I'm referred to but if nothing good comes of it than I'm not going back. I can start looking but I have to change my HMO first.
I hear your anger and frustration. I've been where you are and I know the feelings that go with it. If you bang your finger with a hammer and it hurts you soon quit banging that hammer. It's hard to do something that is painful...and seeing a physician has become painful for you.
I was so feed up that I finally stopped complaining about my pain to any physician. I spent years in silence. It was the worse time of my life. When it became obvious that I could barely walk any longer a new DO did notice. That was the beginning of the new and better life. I had a DX in days and pain management immediately. However the results of my years of silence is that I am no longer treatable. Nothing can be done to change the damage that has been permanently done to my SIJ. I am now disabled.
DON'T do this to yourself. Keep your courage up and refuse to be treated like you a drug seeking malinger. If you are dissatisfied with your PCP, find a new one. You are correct, you hired him and you can fire him. Why pay to be treated so shabbily?
As I said, quite by accident I found a female Internal Medicine DO. She not only recognized my pain without a word, she beleived me and fought with me very step of the way to find a solution. Unfortunately there are none and we have accepted that..so now we seek the best form of pain management. She has been a God-sent. Notice my word "we." I think Mellie, Sherry and others may say the same. My PCP is my advocate, we are in this together and in my opinion that is what you need.
There are other physicians out there like mine. The trick is to find them. I think that you need to put your anger aside as it is non-productive. It will only make your pain worse and your anger will show in every consult. Make a plan and seek out a new PCP or PMP. You at least have a DX. See the rheumatologist, it may be the physician you are looking for. Consult anyone who will see you but don't give up. Gather your strength and hold you head up as you have nothing to apologize about. It's difficult to take the anger at the medical community out of your chronic pain but in my opinion you must do so. That is especially true when seeing a new physician. Treat every physician as you would want to be treated. I beleive the Golden Rule can work even in our medical care.
My heart goes out to you. You are not in an easy position but it is not an impossible one. I too am concerned about your withdrawals. As difficult as it is we have to look ahead and take our meds as prescribed. If you are required to do a drug screen it will probably not produce the results your PMP is looking for.
Best of luck to you.
~Tuck
I was so feed up that I finally stopped complaining about my pain to any physician. I spent years in silence. It was the worse time of my life. When it became obvious that I could barely walk any longer a new DO did notice. That was the beginning of the new and better life. I had a DX in days and pain management immediately. However the results of my years of silence is that I am no longer treatable. Nothing can be done to change the damage that has been permanently done to my SIJ. I am now disabled.
DON'T do this to yourself. Keep your courage up and refuse to be treated like you a drug seeking malinger. If you are dissatisfied with your PCP, find a new one. You are correct, you hired him and you can fire him. Why pay to be treated so shabbily?
As I said, quite by accident I found a female Internal Medicine DO. She not only recognized my pain without a word, she beleived me and fought with me very step of the way to find a solution. Unfortunately there are none and we have accepted that..so now we seek the best form of pain management. She has been a God-sent. Notice my word "we." I think Mellie, Sherry and others may say the same. My PCP is my advocate, we are in this together and in my opinion that is what you need.
There are other physicians out there like mine. The trick is to find them. I think that you need to put your anger aside as it is non-productive. It will only make your pain worse and your anger will show in every consult. Make a plan and seek out a new PCP or PMP. You at least have a DX. See the rheumatologist, it may be the physician you are looking for. Consult anyone who will see you but don't give up. Gather your strength and hold you head up as you have nothing to apologize about. It's difficult to take the anger at the medical community out of your chronic pain but in my opinion you must do so. That is especially true when seeing a new physician. Treat every physician as you would want to be treated. I beleive the Golden Rule can work even in our medical care.
My heart goes out to you. You are not in an easy position but it is not an impossible one. I too am concerned about your withdrawals. As difficult as it is we have to look ahead and take our meds as prescribed. If you are required to do a drug screen it will probably not produce the results your PMP is looking for.
Best of luck to you.
~Tuck
Thanks. I'm on a NSAID's right now which has no withdrawal and I don't get withdrawal when I stop the Norco. I'll run out of that this weekend and my next PM appointment is in 2 weeks. That's usually how it goes. I always run out a few weeks before my next appointment because she does not prescribe for me on a month to month basis it's only when and how many she thinks I need. I don't have a normal prescription that I get every month for Norco. But I've been through withdrawal about 2 or 3 times in the past 2 years. The first 2 were bad (not horrible like most people) but now I don't even notice, but then again I feel pretty awful everyday anyways so I may be having withdrawal and just don't notice. I have what people consider to be withdrawal symptoms everyday, extreme fatigue, chills, aches, pains, restlessness, dizziness, nausea. I've been like this since high school so I really don't know any different. I mention this to every doctor I see and they just sort of shrug it off. So I've grown so used to feeling like crap everyday.
So sorry you have to deal with this. There are great doctors out there. Mine are terrific and never talk down to me. I feel like we're partners in this, and that's the way it should be. Keep searching. If you have to take a break, so be it, but don't give up.
I don't know what meds you're on, but do you really want to stop your meds that way? What if you end up in withdrawals? Wouldn't a taper be more comfortable? I know everyone has to do what they have to do and I'm definitely fearful of withdrawals.
I don't know what meds you're on, but do you really want to stop your meds that way? What if you end up in withdrawals? Wouldn't a taper be more comfortable? I know everyone has to do what they have to do and I'm definitely fearful of withdrawals.
I'm not even sure if I'm going to see a Rheumatalogist. Maybe it's not just my age but my gender. It's like I'm trying to buy a car and the guy just keeps screwing me over because I don't know any better. I'm not even sure why doctors ask me what I'm feeling because they don't really seem to care. They don't consider that maybe I've had my body for almost 27 years and maybe I know when something is wrong. It's like I tell them I cut my finger off and they try to sew my leg back on. They seem to have their treatment plan in line before you even walk in the door and will not even consider that there is another option.
People in this country should not have to spend years looking for a doctor that will listen to them. WE PAY THEIR SALARIES FOR GOD SAKES. I'm paying them for a service that I'm not getting so why should I continue to do this to myself. It's ridiculous.
People in this country should not have to spend years looking for a doctor that will listen to them. WE PAY THEIR SALARIES FOR GOD SAKES. I'm paying them for a service that I'm not getting so why should I continue to do this to myself. It's ridiculous.
Kat, PLEASE don't give up!!! I KNOW in my heart that there is a Doctor that is right for you!! Just look at JadedSweetheart and how she found HER Doctor. But also look at ALL that she had to go throught BEFORE she found him.
I know your Journey has been long and never-ending but MAYBE just MAYBE this Rheumatologist WILL be your answer!!!
Please give it another try!! Someone WILL treat you. I KNOW how unfair it is that they treat the younger patients this way but SOMEONE will help you!!!
Good Luck and I'm HOPING for a GOOD report NEXT time........Sherry
I know your Journey has been long and never-ending but MAYBE just MAYBE this Rheumatologist WILL be your answer!!!
Please give it another try!! Someone WILL treat you. I KNOW how unfair it is that they treat the younger patients this way but SOMEONE will help you!!!
Good Luck and I'm HOPING for a GOOD report NEXT time........Sherry
Wow, what a jerk! I'd never set foot in his office agian. There is nothing wrong with getting second and third opinions.
I refuse the SCS. Your right, it's for a last option only after surgery. That is what it was initally intended for anyways. I have no idea why doctors are pushing these things. They are very invasive and can put scar tissue near your spine. The SCS is not a very high success rate for relieving pain either.
The one nice thing about my insurance is that I do not need a referral for anywhere. I can call and make my own appointments. I believe most insurance is leading towards this way. Perhaps your insurance is the same way. Have you looked into it? By making your own appointments, you have a better way of finding better doctors.
I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It's awful being treated so poorly.
I refuse the SCS. Your right, it's for a last option only after surgery. That is what it was initally intended for anyways. I have no idea why doctors are pushing these things. They are very invasive and can put scar tissue near your spine. The SCS is not a very high success rate for relieving pain either.
The one nice thing about my insurance is that I do not need a referral for anywhere. I can call and make my own appointments. I believe most insurance is leading towards this way. Perhaps your insurance is the same way. Have you looked into it? By making your own appointments, you have a better way of finding better doctors.
I'm so sorry you had to go through that. It's awful being treated so poorly.
Im sorry Kat! Do you think its because you are so young that youre not being taken seriously? Thats such BS, they can see on your xrays/mri's that you have damage to your spine. My back started bugging me at a very young age too. I think the first time I really remember a bad back spasm/pain was when I was in my TEENS! Granted it was short lived pain back then and I was fine for years other than weird flare ups. When I was about 21 or so, I started getting really bad backaches (i used to work hard and doing things that were bad for my back- rode dirtbikes/ATV's really hard, had wrecks on them etc). I never took any medicne back then for it and it would pass eventually. But when I got to about age 32 thats when I had my first offical real back blow out. I was pregnant with my son at the time and WOW I couldnt move even. From there its all been downhill for my back! It got worse at an alarming rate with multiple CRIPPLING attacks with excruitating pain, unable to walk or do anything. Im actually very fearful what will happen if I live to be 50 even (Im turning 40 in about a month)! Some days I wonder if I'll live to be 40, LOL. I often say "if i hurt this bad at 39, I dont want to live to be really old!" I cant imagine how much worse my pain will be at say 55 or 60 even.
ANyway I just wanted to share some of my story with you and let you know you are not too young to have a bad back, and if you dont find a doctor now that might help you in some way you could end up like me. Wishing you the best!
ANyway I just wanted to share some of my story with you and let you know you are not too young to have a bad back, and if you dont find a doctor now that might help you in some way you could end up like me. Wishing you the best!
I am so sorry .I can't believe that he did you this way ! I can't understand how Drs don't think a young person can have pain just the same as anyone else . I kinda went through something like this last yr and I fired my Dr and found me another one that has been great I know you don't want to go to another one and I understand that but,there is another Dr out there who won't treat you like that .When I was looking for another one I talked with my friends about who they saw ,researched on the internet and finally found me a good pcp.I hope this works out for you .You shouldn't have to suffer like this .
Take care sweetie
Melissa
Take care sweetie
Melissa
I'm so sorry. I know that you have tried so many different doctors, and it's such ashame that they have all let you down. I wish that I had good advice for you. I know that some people have success with physiatrists--"physical medicine and rehabilitation" doctors.
I have a close friend who has had undiagnosed headaches for about two years. This friend has tried so many doctors--even major universities, etc., with no diagnosis...but did finally get to the point where they found the right combination of medications that at least allows for functioning.
Flower
I have a close friend who has had undiagnosed headaches for about two years. This friend has tried so many doctors--even major universities, etc., with no diagnosis...but did finally get to the point where they found the right combination of medications that at least allows for functioning.
Flower
I'm at the point where I don't want to see another doctor again in my life. I feel that they do more damage than good. I've been in, what is considered by the medical field, chronic pain for almost 2 years and not a single doctor can provide me with an answer or even treat me like a person. I'm talked down to, I'm made to feel as if I have no input on my care. I'm told that my pain is cause by my disk or that my pain is caused by arthritis or that there should be no pain. I've been to five doctors in the past 2 years that have done nothing but made me feel like less of a person. I don't want to give up but I don't see any other way as this way is not working. It's starting to become clear that I'm spending too much money and time on people that could care less that I'm in pain. I've done more damage to my body trying to fix the pain.
I can either go along with whatever these people want of me and continue in the cycle of disappointment and frustration or I can give up and handle it on my own. I feel that if I find another doctor it's going to be the same vicious cycle all over again and I can't deal with it, mentally or psychically. I just never thought that it would be so hard to get decent medical care at my age and in this country. If I were a drug addict I would be getting better care. I'm paying for a service that no one can give me. I'm no better off today than I was when this all started. I'm just frustrated still and can't think about this anymore. I'm not a complainer by any means but this seems to be the last straw and I can't take it anymore.
I can either go along with whatever these people want of me and continue in the cycle of disappointment and frustration or I can give up and handle it on my own. I feel that if I find another doctor it's going to be the same vicious cycle all over again and I can't deal with it, mentally or psychically. I just never thought that it would be so hard to get decent medical care at my age and in this country. If I were a drug addict I would be getting better care. I'm paying for a service that no one can give me. I'm no better off today than I was when this all started. I'm just frustrated still and can't think about this anymore. I'm not a complainer by any means but this seems to be the last straw and I can't take it anymore.
Wow. It's such a shame that doctors can make people feel so terrible. It shouldn't be allowed. It disgusts me. It really does. Your PCP sounds like an @#$%^^$@#W$#@!$%#@%^#%@#.
Can you find another one? I know it's easier said, but you don't deserve to be dismissed by your doctor who should care about you and care about your pain. I'm praying for you too. Sorry for the anger in my post. It upsets me that you're going through this.
Hugs,
Flower
Can you find another one? I know it's easier said, but you don't deserve to be dismissed by your doctor who should care about you and care about your pain. I'm praying for you too. Sorry for the anger in my post. It upsets me that you're going through this.
Hugs,
Flower
Oh Kat, I'm so sorry for you!! That Doctor IS a Jerk! Have you ever considered getting a NEW PCP? ANYTIME a Doctor acts like that about getting a Second Opinion then I REALLY would consider finding another Doctor. They should WELCOME a Second Opinion NOT run from it.
Like Jaded I wish there was something that we all could do to help you. This is so UNFAIR to you.
PLEASE let us know what you decide to do.........Sherry
Like Jaded I wish there was something that we all could do to help you. This is so UNFAIR to you.
PLEASE let us know what you decide to do.........Sherry
Oh, Kat, I am so sorry to hear that your doctor was such a jerk! The doctors have seriously been awful to you and let you down when you need them most. I wish there was something we could do.
Some doctors just think they are where the world begins and ends. It sounds like you need a new PCP as well. Maybe someone younger and more empathetic. I don't remember if you said you were going to look for a new PM or not. It sounds like you need a whole new team of doctors.
I do understand "taking a break" from the meds to see if you can live without them. I hope for your sake that you can so you don't have to give these jerk-hole doctors any more of your hard-earned money.
I will pray for you that something will happen for you to start feeling better soon. No one should have to suffer because they are young. That is just ridiculous and while I wouldn't wish CP on anyone, I wish your doctors could feel your pain just for a little bit and know how awful it is.
We're all here for you hoping and praying you get the relief you need and deserve.
Some doctors just think they are where the world begins and ends. It sounds like you need a new PCP as well. Maybe someone younger and more empathetic. I don't remember if you said you were going to look for a new PM or not. It sounds like you need a whole new team of doctors.
I do understand "taking a break" from the meds to see if you can live without them. I hope for your sake that you can so you don't have to give these jerk-hole doctors any more of your hard-earned money.
I will pray for you that something will happen for you to start feeling better soon. No one should have to suffer because they are young. That is just ridiculous and while I wouldn't wish CP on anyone, I wish your doctors could feel your pain just for a little bit and know how awful it is.
We're all here for you hoping and praying you get the relief you need and deserve.
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