Referred to Pain Management, now what?

[anjel75]

I have been referred to a PM specialist and I am waiting on the call of when my appt. will be. This is all very new to me. I am upset with it and I don't want to accept that I can't be fixed, only be managed. What do I do? Do I just go unprepared or what? I have heard that some people keep a journal. Is that a good practice? Do they just leave you on the meds you are on? Do they prescibe on the first eval? I just don't know what to do... HELP!

[Desperately Seeking Help]

Actually, I have not been referred to pain management, & that is the problem! I need to know what I should do. I had an MRI Thoracic, because I was having severe upper & lower back pain. When I got the results back, it said there is a benign bone island posteriorly in the T12 vertebral body. There is a posterior bulge at T7-8, without mass effect. My doctor said I did not need anything for pain, but I disagree. He referred me to a therapist, but still waiting on an appointment, after 3 weeks! I can't sleep at night, have problems sitting & standing, & stay irritable, due to continuous pain in my back. I have 3 children, & feel like it is affecting them, also, because I can't take them places & get out & play with them at the park, etc. It has really taken a toll on my life. Please, if anyone can tell me what I need to do, I would greatly appreciate it.

[Heather3418]

Anjel....I really ADMIRE your courage.  It takes so much INNER strength to "grin and bear it," even through all your pain.  Keep hanging in there....PT is hard, especially when you are in so much pain.  

At least you are doing everything possible to reduce your pain.

I only wish you the best....

Heather3418

[Heather3418]

Since I am new to the board and have just started posting, I thought I would let you all know a little about myself and the pain that I suffer from, on a daily basis.  

I have Multiple Sclerosis with one lesion (7 in my brain) on my spinal cord; mid-thoracic spine.  I also have two bulging disks in my lower back and a benign 'Lipoma,' (tumor) growing in my spinal canal.

I suffer from burning, painful spasms in my legs, everyday.  Sometimes my legs throb like a toothache.  It's been a constant struggle trying to find the proper way to treat my pain.  I have been through hyponotherapy, PT, bio feedback and the gamit of pain medications.  My first drug was Darvocet several years ago and has now progressed to Lortab and just recently Percocet (for a period of one month)  I apparently am in another MS flair-up.  The Pain Management Center has suggested 3 days in the hospital with an epidural to give me some relief; if only for a little while.  I understand after constant pain, day in and day out; that the "pain receptors" become "over-stimulated," there-by making the pain worse.  Giving them some "rest" for 3 days, can actually (as I am told) lessen my pain for a little while, until the NEXT TIME.

I know that everyone on this board deals with pain everyday.  I just wanted to let you know that I DO understand EXACTLY what you are talking about.  It's a vicious cycle, isn't it?

My best to all of you that suffer...I hope that I can add some comfort to any of you; by posting my comments.  I "feel" your pain and your frustration...I really do.

Heather3418

[anjel75]

I have been having back issues since 1998. It started when I was cleaning the house one day and felt my back get tired. I thought I will finish up since I am almost done, and take a hot bath. Well, I sneezed. Thats it! I was down on the floor tokk my mom 3 hours to get me to the car and the ER. I have heard all kinds of opinions on what happened, but who really knows. Pain meds, muscle relaxers & rest. Blah, Blah... I still have these spells and I know it is the same thing because it will pull me to one side. Well, since I neglected myself so long, I developed moderate to severe DDD and facet syndrome. I got the dx in July of last year. I am in medical records and my partner rolls the cart which I am in but she doesn't know it, and I fall. I bulged 2 discs and one was torn. All discoverd after MRI. My PT and other dr. says they think that the tear has been there since 98 and when I have my "spells" it is the inside squirting out and intruding the nerves space. They are toxic so my b ack goes into spasm to avoid them touching. Makes sense. I was making pretty valid progress but now an issue has cropped up. I went off of all meds because I wanted to know for sure that I needed PM before I went. This morning, I went to get my daughter out of bed and was turning off her lamp and felt this shock-type pain and numbed both leges, had to sit down. This is different for me. I am used to the numbing of the right leg due to the Sciatia that has developed but this was strange and it has been happening on and off all morning since. Not as severe because when I feel it, I sit down.

My pain is managed well, on my previous regamin. I take 75 mg of Lyrica twice a day and was taking 2 7.5 hydros 3 times a day. This resulted in zero pain until that is I have my spells. I am really sorry to hear about the patch. Are you on something else or was you just cut? The reason I can grin and bear it, is because my pain, I am sure, is not to the extent yours is. I know all pain is pain, but good golly! i can't imagine! I am sorry and I am here if you need to talk...

[Heather3418]

Bless your heart!  You have really been through the wringer with the Patch.  I found I could never take anything higher than the 25's, as they made me nauseated; so, never was much help at pain relief.

I hope that your depression lifts soon and you get back to feeling better soon.  Please notify your doctor is your depression lasts much longer.  My best wishes to you....

Heather

[anjel75]

I haven't had this done. I am workers comp and everything is taking 5 times longer than it should. That is half of the problem I think. I haven't been referred to a Neurosurgeon, just a PM. That workers comp insurance won't pay for a test that is too costly, so if that costs a lot of money, I won't be getting it. I don't know if the PT is working or not, I just go in there and give it my all! He told me yesterday that he has never felt sorry for any of his patients but he did me. I asked him why and he said when something hurts they either quit doing it or refuse it to start with. He said that I don't do that. I just so as I am told and try the very hardest. I am feeling a bit better with it. I don't know if it is in my head or what but I DO feel better...

[bjquil]

it is true that PM will work with you to determine what will reduce of eliminate your pain.  However, mine is so severe that the shots did not work nor the physical therapy.  Yesterday I had a myelogram done (very painful) and had x-rays and then a CT scan - it will be ready this weekend and I will get those and take to my neurosurgeon on 4/17.  it's funny though, my PM has indicated that they cannot do any more for me especially since my insurance company denied the last shot as the previous one made me 100% worse - remember not everyone is the same - i've spoke to numerous people at the PM and found that the shots work for them - so mine must be worse than originally thought - plus i have an ulcer and cannot take anti-inflamatry meds -

Anjel75 - have you had a myeologram done yet?!  If not the neurosurgeon will require you to have this before your appt with them.  I called several in my area and they did not want to make an appt until i had scheduled the myelogram.

Keep us informed - good luck

[Soonerdean]

I am just now coming off the 75mcg Fentanyl duragesic patch and the last two weeks of my life have been HELLISH to say the least.  Make sure to ask your doctor about any posssible side effects of the pain meds he will be prescribing for you.  My doctor never did and I have paid a very high price the last two weeks.  

I understand that there are certain situations that require long lasting medicines but the Fentanyl Druagesic pain patch is one scarry mother.  It is as close to Herione as you can possibly get and coming off of it for ANY reason will be a very tough and high obstacle.  I took my last patch last Monday and for days have not been able to get off the couch due to CRIPPLING DEPRESSION!  My doctor never told me about this.

[anjel75]

Well, I am going to my fourth session of PT today. I go in there and I give it all I got! I pay for it on the ride home. I can hardly push the break pedal. I have cruise on my car which is a good thing because the place is like 25 miles away from home. I don't want to jinx anything, but I am feeling a bit better!

[Heather3418]

Pain Management Centers are geared to finding what WORKS FOR YOU.  It may be a combination of drugs, it may be physical therapy in addition...but they never seem to give up, until they can get your pain under control.  I have found them to be of great benefit.  I hope you have the same experience.  Don't give up.

I certainly am not suggesting that every Pain Management Center is "the one for you."  If you find that they are NOT doing what they can to help you, ask your physician to find you a center that CAN help.  

Best of luck to you and most importantly...hang in there...Those of us that live with daily pain, can be of great benefit to each other; just by knowing that we don't suffer alone and in silence.

Heather3418

[anjel75]

I had the "injections" too. I also have 2 bulging discs and they are in the same place as yours and the one above it. The bottom one is also torn. It is a shame that those injections are so costly and don't work, huh? I have had the X-rays and an MRI. Surely, they wouldn't send me for that again! I went through 3 doctors and have been referred by a spine surgeon. I guess, the neuro will be the next step after PM. I just don't know how to prepare.

[bjquil]

I just came form PM - I have L5-S1 protruding disc lower back - i went through numerous shots in my back to which they did not help.  The first appt they will evaluate your pain, possibly doing test, x-rays etc.  they will discuss pain mgmt control with you and will give you something for it.  i am in the process of having a myelogram done tomorrow to determine the exact problem and then i have an appt with a neurosurgeon -

you have to remember - everyone is different when it comes to treatments and medications.  you may have good results - good luck -