Aa
Time to switch to PMP...scared, have questions..
Well my neuro finally called a few minutes ago (see I told you he calls at weird times...130 on a saturday? lol...)
Anyway....He says that he wants me to take the 7.5 2x a day not 3x a day and that he was mistaken telling me that at my last appointment, although he does remember saying it so he understands my confusion. He says that he wants to do that because he wants to get me off the pain meds and that "eventually I'm going to stop prescribing them"...well, that's great, because that's what I want too.
Problem is...none of the crap that he's tried for me has work. Not for the head pain, not for the back pain. So he's EVENTUALLY going to just leave me without anything. SO I think it's time to go to PMP who will at least be able to continue to manage my pain and I won't have to worry about cutting it off before we find a solution that works, because like I said...switching off is my ultimate goal as well, but not before we find something that works. And we have tried what feels like EVERYTHING. SO i've come to the conclusion that I MAY have to stay on pain meds until something in my body chemistry changes..menopause, SOMEthing..idk. Maybe I can do something with my hormones and see if that helps once I'm done having kids.
Either way..I'm scared to switch to PMP. there are only a few that I can go to in my town..so what happens if things go sour with one of them..is it going to limit me getting treatment at ALL of them? I take my meds as prescribed (except this last time thanks to my doctor's screw-up) so I don't SEE a problem, but I'm overly paranoid as you all know by now. And...what kind of stigma does it attach to me, being in PMP? I'm afraid that doctors are going to see me as a chronic pain patient and that I'm going to get written off....
I'm just scared, I need some encouragement and experiences.I think it's time though, and how should I go about it? Call my neuro and say "please refer me" although he's been my doctor for 10 years? I wonder if he's going to think it's bad since I'm doing this after he told me he will eventually stop prescribing so I wonder if he's going to think I'm switching because I "want to be on meds" rather than "want to be treated properly" but as you guys know I've been debating switching for a long time.
I'm just so nervous about the whole thing..I'm so afraid that he's going to refuse the referral...can he do that?
Anyway....He says that he wants me to take the 7.5 2x a day not 3x a day and that he was mistaken telling me that at my last appointment, although he does remember saying it so he understands my confusion. He says that he wants to do that because he wants to get me off the pain meds and that "eventually I'm going to stop prescribing them"...well, that's great, because that's what I want too.
Problem is...none of the crap that he's tried for me has work. Not for the head pain, not for the back pain. So he's EVENTUALLY going to just leave me without anything. SO I think it's time to go to PMP who will at least be able to continue to manage my pain and I won't have to worry about cutting it off before we find a solution that works, because like I said...switching off is my ultimate goal as well, but not before we find something that works. And we have tried what feels like EVERYTHING. SO i've come to the conclusion that I MAY have to stay on pain meds until something in my body chemistry changes..menopause, SOMEthing..idk. Maybe I can do something with my hormones and see if that helps once I'm done having kids.
Either way..I'm scared to switch to PMP. there are only a few that I can go to in my town..so what happens if things go sour with one of them..is it going to limit me getting treatment at ALL of them? I take my meds as prescribed (except this last time thanks to my doctor's screw-up) so I don't SEE a problem, but I'm overly paranoid as you all know by now. And...what kind of stigma does it attach to me, being in PMP? I'm afraid that doctors are going to see me as a chronic pain patient and that I'm going to get written off....
I'm just scared, I need some encouragement and experiences.I think it's time though, and how should I go about it? Call my neuro and say "please refer me" although he's been my doctor for 10 years? I wonder if he's going to think it's bad since I'm doing this after he told me he will eventually stop prescribing so I wonder if he's going to think I'm switching because I "want to be on meds" rather than "want to be treated properly" but as you guys know I've been debating switching for a long time.
I'm just so nervous about the whole thing..I'm so afraid that he's going to refuse the referral...can he do that?
I'm on my second PMP in almost 2 years. I'm a firm believer in them.
Mine has a website where it says what kinds of things ne does. "Medication Management " is listed there. I didn't call and ask first...I didnt know that any of them DIDN'T prescribe, actually. I needed to change since my insurance wouldn't cover any procedures he did in his facility, plus he was so stubbornly against surgery, against all reason, I felt.
My current doc is an anesthesiologist. He works with a PA, and I've seen them about equally. They are respectful, work hard to try to figure out what to do to help me, and are not shy with medication.
When you go to one, you are NOT just going to say you don't want to try anything but narcotics, obviously. They may want to try things you've tried before. If so, you can listen, ask how they think it will be different this time, and understand that you may indeed be tryimg things all over again (like me!)
Things you've tried before may just work if tried again, in a different way, a different technique, or with a different attitude. Don't close your mind. I'm not crazy about doing the ablations and epidurals again, because they really work last time, but this doc approaches them differently than my last doc. I'll go in with an open mind and wiling spirit, and see.
If you don't cooperate if they do want to try something again, you do risk looking like all you are there for is narcotics (which we KNOW isn't true). If you are uncomfortable with a plan, just say that, and together you can explore a different plan.
It's everyones goal to be off narcotics, if you have nonterminal pain. Narcotics will not work forever in safe amounts, if you keep taking them. We have to keep trying to find other adjuvants to help us keep our medication amounts as low as possible.
My PA had no problems with having me take three norco 10s a day, but last month the doc put me back on two 10s a day. I asked, and agree with his rationale. If I find I need more, then I'll go back in and we'll reevaluate to see what's changed.
PCPs and busy neuros just can't devote themselves, in my book, to finding, exploring, and treating pain creatively in most cases. Find someone board certified if you can--both my PMs were, though the first was a physiatrist. Usually you need a referral from a PCP, but your insurance could be different. If you find someone you think might be good, se if they are under your upcoming insurance plan. Then ask if that's the PM your doctor can refer you to. Usually, they will do that for you. The referral process can take days, or weeks depending on your insurance. Mine took hours! Really happy about that.
I don't feel stigmatized in the slightest. I have chronic pain. It needs to be treated seriously and intensively. I'm not ashamed one bit to go to a PMP. I'm grateful.
Good luck, my dear. It's probably change you are most anxious about. Change IS scary. But seems like you don't have a lot of choice.
Good thoughts coming your way,
Peek
Mine has a website where it says what kinds of things ne does. "Medication Management " is listed there. I didn't call and ask first...I didnt know that any of them DIDN'T prescribe, actually. I needed to change since my insurance wouldn't cover any procedures he did in his facility, plus he was so stubbornly against surgery, against all reason, I felt.
My current doc is an anesthesiologist. He works with a PA, and I've seen them about equally. They are respectful, work hard to try to figure out what to do to help me, and are not shy with medication.
When you go to one, you are NOT just going to say you don't want to try anything but narcotics, obviously. They may want to try things you've tried before. If so, you can listen, ask how they think it will be different this time, and understand that you may indeed be tryimg things all over again (like me!)
Things you've tried before may just work if tried again, in a different way, a different technique, or with a different attitude. Don't close your mind. I'm not crazy about doing the ablations and epidurals again, because they really work last time, but this doc approaches them differently than my last doc. I'll go in with an open mind and wiling spirit, and see.
If you don't cooperate if they do want to try something again, you do risk looking like all you are there for is narcotics (which we KNOW isn't true). If you are uncomfortable with a plan, just say that, and together you can explore a different plan.
It's everyones goal to be off narcotics, if you have nonterminal pain. Narcotics will not work forever in safe amounts, if you keep taking them. We have to keep trying to find other adjuvants to help us keep our medication amounts as low as possible.
My PA had no problems with having me take three norco 10s a day, but last month the doc put me back on two 10s a day. I asked, and agree with his rationale. If I find I need more, then I'll go back in and we'll reevaluate to see what's changed.
PCPs and busy neuros just can't devote themselves, in my book, to finding, exploring, and treating pain creatively in most cases. Find someone board certified if you can--both my PMs were, though the first was a physiatrist. Usually you need a referral from a PCP, but your insurance could be different. If you find someone you think might be good, se if they are under your upcoming insurance plan. Then ask if that's the PM your doctor can refer you to. Usually, they will do that for you. The referral process can take days, or weeks depending on your insurance. Mine took hours! Really happy about that.
I don't feel stigmatized in the slightest. I have chronic pain. It needs to be treated seriously and intensively. I'm not ashamed one bit to go to a PMP. I'm grateful.
Good luck, my dear. It's probably change you are most anxious about. Change IS scary. But seems like you don't have a lot of choice.
Good thoughts coming your way,
Peek
Mama Sherry as usual has great advice. Start on the internet, researching doctors. Also, go to sites where people rate their doctors. See if your doctors have ratings. If you don't find out enough, then you can always call and ask what kinds of treatments they offer. Key word being treatments.
Sometimes it does take time to find a doctor that is a good fit, but many people are good to go on their first try. Do you have time or do you only have this month? Some people swear by anesthesiologists and some by physiatrists. You could research both types and see what kind you would like to see. Also, there are pain clinics, but I don't go to one so I don't have information on them.
But basically, I would start researching now online and call ASAP to make an appointment. That is assuming you don't need a referral.
JUST realized you do need a referral. Do you trust your family doctor to give you one that will be a good fit? Okay. So, is your PCP going to be okay with you picking your own doctor? When I had to get referrals, my PCP was absolutely FINE with it. Is yours? If not, then you will have to go to where s/he refers.
You WILL be okay and you WILL find a doctor! I will keep you in my prayers! I'm happy that your hubby is being supportive.
Another thing...I do think it's great that you're going to get a new doctor because of the whole medication fiasco. I can't believe that your neuro didn't mean for you to take the dose that he verbally told you to take at your appointment. I think it will really be much better for you in the long run to work with a doctor who specializes in treatment of pain and whose focus is to get you to function. Maybe at this point a long acting medication would help.
You will get through this.
Hugs,
Flower
Sometimes it does take time to find a doctor that is a good fit, but many people are good to go on their first try. Do you have time or do you only have this month? Some people swear by anesthesiologists and some by physiatrists. You could research both types and see what kind you would like to see. Also, there are pain clinics, but I don't go to one so I don't have information on them.
But basically, I would start researching now online and call ASAP to make an appointment. That is assuming you don't need a referral.
JUST realized you do need a referral. Do you trust your family doctor to give you one that will be a good fit? Okay. So, is your PCP going to be okay with you picking your own doctor? When I had to get referrals, my PCP was absolutely FINE with it. Is yours? If not, then you will have to go to where s/he refers.
You WILL be okay and you WILL find a doctor! I will keep you in my prayers! I'm happy that your hubby is being supportive.
Another thing...I do think it's great that you're going to get a new doctor because of the whole medication fiasco. I can't believe that your neuro didn't mean for you to take the dose that he verbally told you to take at your appointment. I think it will really be much better for you in the long run to work with a doctor who specializes in treatment of pain and whose focus is to get you to function. Maybe at this point a long acting medication would help.
You will get through this.
Hugs,
Flower
Hi Ash,
The DEA Laws ARE the reason that he's doing this!!!
I KNOW that changing Doctor's is a VERY disarming and frightening thing to have to do. I THINK that once you have switched you will be glad that you did and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
I would get on the internet and look for PM Doctor's in your area and HOPEFULLY it might even tell what type of treatments {which would include narcotics as a treatment, as well as injections, etc} they do in their offices.
If not then just start calling and asking what type of treatments they do at their offices. IF you aren't comfortable getting a recommendation from him why not ask your PCP for a referral. Be honest with him/her about why you need to make the move. They should be able to give you a recommendation with no problem!!
You KNOW how much I LOVE My PM Doctor!!! It's going to be GREAT for you. Hopefully, you will be able to get meds that REALLY work for you ALL the time!!
Sending you MEGA {{{{HUGS}}}}..............Mama Sherry
The DEA Laws ARE the reason that he's doing this!!!
I KNOW that changing Doctor's is a VERY disarming and frightening thing to have to do. I THINK that once you have switched you will be glad that you did and wonder why you didn't do it sooner.
I would get on the internet and look for PM Doctor's in your area and HOPEFULLY it might even tell what type of treatments {which would include narcotics as a treatment, as well as injections, etc} they do in their offices.
If not then just start calling and asking what type of treatments they do at their offices. IF you aren't comfortable getting a recommendation from him why not ask your PCP for a referral. Be honest with him/her about why you need to make the move. They should be able to give you a recommendation with no problem!!
You KNOW how much I LOVE My PM Doctor!!! It's going to be GREAT for you. Hopefully, you will be able to get meds that REALLY work for you ALL the time!!
Sending you MEGA {{{{HUGS}}}}..............Mama Sherry
I think I need a referral...we're switching insurance plans in a little bit and I won't need one then but who knows how long "eventually" means to my doctor. Do all "Pain Management" clinics prescribe? how do I go about asking? I don't want to call and be like "so...do you prescribe narcotics?" because I know how that looks, but when it comes down to it...that's exactly what I need to ask. I've been with this same doctor for 10 years so I know that'll look good, but I'm so nervous BECAUSE I've been with him for so long. I really don't understand why he's making this move now other than the DEA has made some stricter laws in fl. It's frustrating because I am on the lowest dose I've ever been on even though my pain is extreme and he doesn't seem to think that's low enough...I mean, I understand....he's a neurologist so PM isn't really his thing, but he's done it for 10 years...so the new laws are the only things that have changed. I know my husband supports me switching, he thinks I should've switched a long time ago..I'm just anxious and nervous about switching.
Do you have to get a referral or can you choose a doctor and go to him/her? Do you have any relatives that are nurses that can recommend a pain doctor? There are different types--anesthesiologists, physiatrists, PM doctors. I would look into all of them. I agree that you need to change doctors after all you went though with this one. Some PM doctors don't prescribe medication--they only do epidurals, etc. So you would need to find one that prescribes.
I know how scary it is. I switched doctors, and it changed my life, but I was so scared! It's actually good that at least he told you that he's going to stop prescribing, instead of just telling you out of the blue at an appointment when you're out of meds. At least you have time.
Everything WILL be okay! It really will. I'm sure that others will be on with more advice.
Hugs,
Flower
I know how scary it is. I switched doctors, and it changed my life, but I was so scared! It's actually good that at least he told you that he's going to stop prescribing, instead of just telling you out of the blue at an appointment when you're out of meds. At least you have time.
Everything WILL be okay! It really will. I'm sure that others will be on with more advice.
Hugs,
Flower
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