Will see Pain Management Dr. soon

[Sunflower1975]

I'm nervous about seeing pain management dr on Jan. 5th, first appointment. I never had pain management dr before so it'll be my first time. I wonder what dr usually do like what? My PCP referred me to Pain Management Dr since I am chronic pain sufferer with back pains. My PCP told me he don't feel comfortable to write out scripts for pain just seldom since he's PCP so he referred me to PM like I say I'm chronic pain sufferer. So, what do I need to know, to be prepared, etc when I see dr on Jan. 5th?

[Amphitrite]

    All you need to know you be prepared is to just be honest about your pain and how it's effecting your life. I'm assuming your doc will fax over your records or make sure the new pain doc gets them and if you have any MRI or CT scans you may want to bring those just so you have them but many times the pain doc will have a new patient have a new scan done under their care.

It's nerve racking going to any new doc but especially a doc who can help you get a quality of life back that you've lost because of the pain.

They're are other things a pain doc can do besides write scripts. There are prosedures some do in office that can help allieviate the pain. They may want you to be in some physical therapy program or water therapy.
There are many options out there and pain docs rae the doctors who are up to date on the latest available options for all different kinds of pain.

So just try your best to relax(though I know it's not easy) and just be preepared to answer some questions, have some sort of physical exam and if the doc feels medication therapy is right for your treatment at this time they may have you sign a contract agreeing that you won't abuse your medication, sell your medication, get medication for pain from other doctors and notify them if you ever need emergency services for your pain.
They may also want to give you a urine test on your first visit just to make sure you have what you're supposed to have in your system. But because pain dics differ in the way they treat new pain patients that may not even happen.

So like I said above, just try not to worry about it. Go in and listen to what the doc has to offer you and then you can decide if it's sounds like their the right doc for you.
It may be hard to find treatment for CP because of tight medication regulations but you are still the one hiring him/her so in the end you decide if this dic is offering you what you feel you need right now.

I hope it works out for you. Just enjoy the holiday's with your family and don't worry about it at all(or at least try not to worry:) )

Good Luck

Amph

[Tuckamore]

Hi Sunflower,

I am sorry that you are suffering with chronic pain and anxious about seeing a PMP. But I have heard great things about most of them. The PM Clinic should send you a packet or a letter telling you what you will need to bring with you, if anything. If your PCP has made the referral it is common for his office staff to provide the PMP with all the information including test results, MRI and CT films as well as your PCP documentations. If you are concerned about his I would call the PMP office and ask if there is anything you will need to provide them on your first visit.

As Amph said you will most likely under go an examination by the PMP. In my state you are seen by a team of PMP's. A plan is made and than implemented. You may be offered treatments that may use your pain such as steroid injections.

I am always anxious when I see a specialist, that is normal. I am hopeful that the PMP will quickly ease your anxiety. Be prepared for a drug screen and to sign a treatment contract.

Please let us know about your first appointment. Your experience will help others when they are confronted with the same thing, we all learn form one another. Try not to be overly concerned with this referral. I am confident you will do fine. I will look forward to your next update.

Best of luck and take care, Tuck

[jollyman069]

here in the state of Maryland. i had to take a blood test (i have renal failure so urine test wouldnt work i dont pee ) then if the dr takes you into treatment i hd to sign  contract with him because of the pain meds he perscribes for me.. its not bad and like amph said just be honest.. they will be willing to try to help you get a quialtly of life back.. good luck and let us know how it went for you.. my pain dr is great saved my life

[Mollyrae]

Hi Sunflower:

You have some great advise here and I will add to that. i realize your in pain and need something to control it but don't ask for a narcotic or suggest one to the Doctor. let him/her come to the conclusion as to what will work best for you. Be patient. It takes a while for you to build a relationship with a new Doc. The Doctor might not give you what you feel will work but take what they give you and tell them that you will give it a shot. If the meds given to you don't work out then explain this to the Doc and tell them you'd like to try something different. Always let the Doctor make these decisions and above all, and like others have said, always be honest.

Sometimes pain Doc's are not that easy to come by so always follow their orders. You will most likely be given a contract to sign so make sure you comply to the fullest. Drug tests are often given so make sure that you take your meds as prescribed. This will ensure that things will run smoothly. I have seen members post who have had a drug screens and the lab has found things that shouldn't be in the system or there were no presence of the drug prescribed. This finding will get you kicked out of the program and you will be on a hard road from there. Your medical records will be red flagged and finding a Doc to prescribe after that will be next to impossible so please follow the Doctors instructions to the tee. Take care and good luck in the future.,
Mollyrae

[worried878]

being hoest..totally honest is the best and oly right thing u can do..tell him your history,...where u have been in the pain arena and how u have dealt with it...if u r not honest u will not get the help u need