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Why Pain Management???Why not fix what is wrong??
Hi! I was just at the emergency room yesterday. I had surgery 6 weeks ago and it is my 2nd one on my lumbar region. (nothing wrong from MRI that requires to be fixed, just scar tissue - so glad, cuz I am SCARED to have anymore back surgeries after this because of the horrible pain). My pain is worse now than with the first surgery! No lie either! I don't understand it at all. If I move a certain way, I get a horrible sharp piercing pain! If I sneeze it is awful and I try my best to not sneeze, but sometimes a flood of tears follows. I don't understand it. I have PT next week, I know it is going to be awful but hopefully by the end, I will be feeling better! Too much to do this summer and I do NOT want to miss out! A few exciting things I don't want to miss. So anyway, I don't get why I am having horrilbe pain. I went to my in laws and I couldn't stand it. I had to move about up and down and to my side because I was not comfortable and it hurt to stand too long or sit too long. I was about in tears. I have cried a lot. Yesterday I drove and I drove longer in the car than I have since before surgery and I don't know what happened but it was awful and the worst pain yet.
So anyway, I was talking to the ER doctor (about that and my migraine (which I have been told my many migraines are caused by 3 different things and my many symptoms. He asked me if I have ever been suggested to see a pain management doctor. (well for one I have seen one a long time ago before my 2nd Chiari surgery and he kept giving meds that I'd either end up in the ER for or just had to quit - allergic reactions - I have a ton of allergies and I hate that...so meds scare the crap out of me. So he asked if I had thought of going (I guess again). I said to him, "Why not just fix what is wrong instead of having to be put on meds to begin with? Why cover up what is wrong?" He looked at me weird. I said I want off ALL my meds right down to my beta blocker! I was told by a cardiologist that my P.O.T.S. was being caused by either neurological (he suggested my Chiari or whatever was going on in my neck) or pain related. So I want fixed not medicated all the time!
So my question is why do they automatically suggest pain management instead of fixing the problem?? I mean after all it is more than just pain (and the same with other people) there are other symptoms, so i would rather rid of the symptoms and pain all together.
So anyway, I was talking to the ER doctor (about that and my migraine (which I have been told my many migraines are caused by 3 different things and my many symptoms. He asked me if I have ever been suggested to see a pain management doctor. (well for one I have seen one a long time ago before my 2nd Chiari surgery and he kept giving meds that I'd either end up in the ER for or just had to quit - allergic reactions - I have a ton of allergies and I hate that...so meds scare the crap out of me. So he asked if I had thought of going (I guess again). I said to him, "Why not just fix what is wrong instead of having to be put on meds to begin with? Why cover up what is wrong?" He looked at me weird. I said I want off ALL my meds right down to my beta blocker! I was told by a cardiologist that my P.O.T.S. was being caused by either neurological (he suggested my Chiari or whatever was going on in my neck) or pain related. So I want fixed not medicated all the time!
So my question is why do they automatically suggest pain management instead of fixing the problem?? I mean after all it is more than just pain (and the same with other people) there are other symptoms, so i would rather rid of the symptoms and pain all together.
Thank you yeh that helps! I have a doctor who said he will help me get where I need to be.. he said we will take care of you. He said I will need a fusion eventually. Also need one for the discs in my neck. One is pressing on a nerve. I hope it relievespecially some of my many types of migraines. I have a small tumor as well though that I was told years ago was the cause of the one migraine. I have other symptoms as well as the pain. Anyway, I don't want to go back to this back doc ever again.
Hi there,
Cleaning the area of where the scar tissue is exactly why I had that surgery. The Surgeon cleaned out the scar tissue that was causing me so much pain. The scar tissue was there because of the herniated disc's that needed to be fused. A few years after the area was fused, I required another surgery to remove the scar tissue lying against my nerve. I hope that this explains my lat post better.
The pain will get better. Even though I have had the 6 back surgeries, I feel great today. Yes, it is a vicious cycle and believe me, it does get better. I still have my moments but no longer taking pain meds for it. I use OTC meds at this point.
I will yet need another surgery at some point because of the spinal stenosis that is taking over from the amount of surgeries I've had but that is not in the near future.
Don't let those office quacks give you any grief over this.. explain to them that they are not you and have no idea of what's going on with your back. Explain to them that not all surgeries are successful either. UUGG, I hate those types. I've run across them often in my days.
There are wonderful surgeons out there... go and interview a few. Take a list of questions you'd like to ask and see how they respond. I DID !! and I found a really wonderful surgeon.
Take care,
Molly
Cleaning the area of where the scar tissue is exactly why I had that surgery. The Surgeon cleaned out the scar tissue that was causing me so much pain. The scar tissue was there because of the herniated disc's that needed to be fused. A few years after the area was fused, I required another surgery to remove the scar tissue lying against my nerve. I hope that this explains my lat post better.
The pain will get better. Even though I have had the 6 back surgeries, I feel great today. Yes, it is a vicious cycle and believe me, it does get better. I still have my moments but no longer taking pain meds for it. I use OTC meds at this point.
I will yet need another surgery at some point because of the spinal stenosis that is taking over from the amount of surgeries I've had but that is not in the near future.
Don't let those office quacks give you any grief over this.. explain to them that they are not you and have no idea of what's going on with your back. Explain to them that not all surgeries are successful either. UUGG, I hate those types. I've run across them often in my days.
There are wonderful surgeons out there... go and interview a few. Take a list of questions you'd like to ask and see how they respond. I DID !! and I found a really wonderful surgeon.
Take care,
Molly
Hi to both of you! I am so glad to be able to talk with 2 people who I can not only identify with but who understands me as well as far as what I am going through. Mollyrae, I don't understand the scar tissue thing. My disc was herniated again and the scar tissue. They pretty much made a point of saying that was the main reason for going back in, to clean it up. However then they are now saying scar tissue is causing the current pain. So it's just a vicious cycle? Does it ever go away? I had a 2nd opinion and he said I should have had it fused. He said eventually I will need a fusion. Same with my neck. He gave me some hope because he patted me on the shoulder/back and said we will take care of you. I had told him that I am just sick of the pain and symptoms. I explained how I want to feel better by July & August because there is something wonderful I have dreamed of that I have an opportunity to do and I don't want to give it up.
TheMadMan, I just bought one of those capsicum patches to try...the icy hot cream is strong smelling as I've used it all day. I admit I've needed pain medication since surgery 6 weeks ago or so. I don't want it but the pain is worse this time than last. After this month, I am done with this back doctor. His office is so rude to me. The one assistant acts as if I am not in pain. She said before this I should not be having any pain. Um to start with I have 24/7 pain with my neck and head, now my back still. I start P.T. again this week. I do have my physical therapist who is great and will stick up for me. At least she used to. If it wasn't for her the doctor wouldn't have looked back into what was causing b the pain again (prior to the last surgery). My leg pain is better today, but my leg weakness is still there. Feels like it's going to buckle at the knee. That's another thing...when I mentioned that prior to the last surgery saying that concerned me more than the pain (be they looked at my results which took them 2 times to look at), they mentioned pain management. I was like how is P.M. going to help my leg weakness.
Also, I would love to be assertive but I always clam up when depending on the doctor, is demeaning me. I am just lucky my family doctor nurse set them straight today on something. I will be back on later to talk more or tomorrow after P.T. I have to get my son moving for scouts.
TheMadMan, I just bought one of those capsicum patches to try...the icy hot cream is strong smelling as I've used it all day. I admit I've needed pain medication since surgery 6 weeks ago or so. I don't want it but the pain is worse this time than last. After this month, I am done with this back doctor. His office is so rude to me. The one assistant acts as if I am not in pain. She said before this I should not be having any pain. Um to start with I have 24/7 pain with my neck and head, now my back still. I start P.T. again this week. I do have my physical therapist who is great and will stick up for me. At least she used to. If it wasn't for her the doctor wouldn't have looked back into what was causing b the pain again (prior to the last surgery). My leg pain is better today, but my leg weakness is still there. Feels like it's going to buckle at the knee. That's another thing...when I mentioned that prior to the last surgery saying that concerned me more than the pain (be they looked at my results which took them 2 times to look at), they mentioned pain management. I was like how is P.M. going to help my leg weakness.
Also, I would love to be assertive but I always clam up when depending on the doctor, is demeaning me. I am just lucky my family doctor nurse set them straight today on something. I will be back on later to talk more or tomorrow after P.T. I have to get my son moving for scouts.
I also have to mention that from my 6 back surgeries I have a lot of scar tissue. And it did require surgery to relieve some of the pain. Unfortunately some of this scar tissue can sit right on the nerves and cause immense pain. I'm talking about the kind of pain where you can't walk at all.
If you have enough and it gets bad enough, please DO check back with the surgeon.
My best,
Mollyrae
If you have enough and it gets bad enough, please DO check back with the surgeon.
My best,
Mollyrae
From my experience with doctors (and I have seen hundreds), if you don't see the right type of doctor, they just prescribe a pill because this is out of their area of expertise.
Knowing what type of doctor to see is a challenge. Look at your medical history. Read the diagnosis. Read what the doctors say. Research some of the diagnosis and what can be done.
Ask the pain management doctor 'what are my options?' Who else can I see about this and why would you recommend this doctor.
Get assertive about your care, not aggressive. Ask questions with a clear understanding of your options.
Ask the doctor: 'Why are you recommending pills?" Can I see another doctor for a second opinion?
Ask the doctor: the physical therapy hurts seriously. What are my other options.
I went to a physical therapist who was poking around and hit a nerve, which put me into pain. PT recommended swim therapy but I had to go to the ER that night to get out of pain and of course they gave me pills to dope me up so I would not feel the pain. Is that really the answer?
I went to swim therapy and after two weeks started complaining about the pain again and my PT 'freaked out'. She didn't know what to do. She recommended the ER.
I have been to PT over 12 times including acupuncture. I followed the course of acupuncture but always felt better when they did the massage. Then I would get home and the pain would kick in all over again. I have a machine at home to take care of the spasms. It helps break the cycle of spasms instead of a pill. I still get spasms and have to resort to any type of home therapy that is available to me, ice, capsicum patches, heat, what ever takes the pain down.
I would rather resort to that, then depend on a pill that may and may not work. Most of the time, doctors recommend a muscle relaxer. I have been the gamete on muscle relaxers. They only leave a dry mouth and sleepiness which may calm down the pain, but what about the next spasm? Do I take another pill each time I have a spasm?
Therein lies the danger, so I don't.
I have lived like this for many a year and I am used to this cycle.
Knowing what type of doctor to see is a challenge. Look at your medical history. Read the diagnosis. Read what the doctors say. Research some of the diagnosis and what can be done.
Ask the pain management doctor 'what are my options?' Who else can I see about this and why would you recommend this doctor.
Get assertive about your care, not aggressive. Ask questions with a clear understanding of your options.
Ask the doctor: 'Why are you recommending pills?" Can I see another doctor for a second opinion?
Ask the doctor: the physical therapy hurts seriously. What are my other options.
I went to a physical therapist who was poking around and hit a nerve, which put me into pain. PT recommended swim therapy but I had to go to the ER that night to get out of pain and of course they gave me pills to dope me up so I would not feel the pain. Is that really the answer?
I went to swim therapy and after two weeks started complaining about the pain again and my PT 'freaked out'. She didn't know what to do. She recommended the ER.
I have been to PT over 12 times including acupuncture. I followed the course of acupuncture but always felt better when they did the massage. Then I would get home and the pain would kick in all over again. I have a machine at home to take care of the spasms. It helps break the cycle of spasms instead of a pill. I still get spasms and have to resort to any type of home therapy that is available to me, ice, capsicum patches, heat, what ever takes the pain down.
I would rather resort to that, then depend on a pill that may and may not work. Most of the time, doctors recommend a muscle relaxer. I have been the gamete on muscle relaxers. They only leave a dry mouth and sleepiness which may calm down the pain, but what about the next spasm? Do I take another pill each time I have a spasm?
Therein lies the danger, so I don't.
I have lived like this for many a year and I am used to this cycle.
P.s. I am with ya there TheMadMan. PT makes my pain worse too. Also I agree Mollyrae. I am glad you understand. I am so sick of them trying to say take pain meds.
Thanks ThMadMan for saying that, because they definitely had it wrong. I did not post anything about scar tissue.
Well, my take on your question is that if the Doc's can't fix the problem, maybe a pill will.
It seems that America is way too dependent on a pill to fix this, a pill to fix that.
I've often wondered the same thing.....
Good question.
Mollyrae
It seems that America is way too dependent on a pill to fix this, a pill to fix that.
I've often wondered the same thing.....
Good question.
Mollyrae
I am one that has scar tissue from the surgery and can never recover from this. The scar tissue presses on the nerves and the only relief I get is from RFA Radio Frequency Abliteration to the SI area. this is only a temporary fix and has to be repeated from time to time but I have benefited from RFA's in the past.
There is a 'result' from the surgeries called 'failed back surgery syndrome'. This happens in many patients as I am one. Physical therapy on intensifies my pain until I get the RFA's THEN physical therapy. Each persons experience is different so read up on the web what related to you and your issues, Then ask the doctor what he/she can do for the pain BESIDES drugs and surgery!
There is a 'result' from the surgeries called 'failed back surgery syndrome'. This happens in many patients as I am one. Physical therapy on intensifies my pain until I get the RFA's THEN physical therapy. Each persons experience is different so read up on the web what related to you and your issues, Then ask the doctor what he/she can do for the pain BESIDES drugs and surgery!
Didn't you just say that you have scar tissue from prior surgeries? Then you know why surgery should always be the last resort.
Unfortunately, many doctors still make a surgical referral as a first choice in back pain that is non-responsive to treatment. And people believe surgeons can "fix" them.
Long term medical studies have shown, repeatedly, that the results betweem treatment with non-surgical means vs. surgical means come out about even. Given the damage that surgery can do, it is wiser to avoid surgery until you have no choice.
Now, there are times when surgery is necessary. There are also times when surgery has remarkable results -- people wake up from surgery feeling immediate relief from pain.
These two situations are unique, and all back pain patients need to understand when surgery is a medical necessity, or when it can help.
But for most of us, we're better off without "fixing" the problem. Perhaps someday medical technology will improve to a point where "fixing" is possible, but it wont come in my time. Perhaps yours?
Unfortunately, many doctors still make a surgical referral as a first choice in back pain that is non-responsive to treatment. And people believe surgeons can "fix" them.
Long term medical studies have shown, repeatedly, that the results betweem treatment with non-surgical means vs. surgical means come out about even. Given the damage that surgery can do, it is wiser to avoid surgery until you have no choice.
Now, there are times when surgery is necessary. There are also times when surgery has remarkable results -- people wake up from surgery feeling immediate relief from pain.
These two situations are unique, and all back pain patients need to understand when surgery is a medical necessity, or when it can help.
But for most of us, we're better off without "fixing" the problem. Perhaps someday medical technology will improve to a point where "fixing" is possible, but it wont come in my time. Perhaps yours?
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