hello. new to the community.

[carb0nx]

Hi.. im new to the forum. I have a question that yall see everyday. So here goes.

Im new to pain management , ive only been in it about 3 months. I work feom 11pm to 7pm and  I work for my dads boss' s wife doing yard work/gardening and everything in between. So when I get off from my 11pm job I go straight over there and thats from about 8am to about 430pm.  I was prescribed hydro for 3x a day. I had to take 1 extra per day every day that I worked for her to relieve the pain.  I mean i have todo what I have todo to provide for my family. I have 1 herniated disk in the same spot as my DDD and those are in 4 places in my thoracic spine, also iget migraines alot, knee pain and severely flat feet. all of these conditions came while I was in the military which is why I was medically discharged ( besides the flat feet ).  I havent had another mri in about 3 years and I know my conditions have worsened alot. Will this set off a flag or how should I go about talking to my pain doc ?

[trixy71]

The steroids in pill form is called a Medrol Pack, its usually given for 7 days. It might help with inflammation. I know what you mean about needing to work. I'd go nuts sitting at home too. The first thing my doctor asked me at my first appointment was "what is my goal to be here" and I told him "to keep me working, I absolutely MUST keep working" LOL. I don't have two jobs but i do work 6 days a week, about 55-60 hours a week, so I totally feel your pain and frustration, a lot of people don't understand that at all. Talking with you though has given me the courage to talk to my doc as well at my next appointment. So Than you as well! Let me know how it goes with your appointment.

[carb0nx]

I kindly appreciatw tour reaponse. But somw people sont take in consideration that some people work two jobs just to support a family. I mean technically through the army I am classified as disabled but I still want to work. I cant sit at home all day and do nothing. Working is in my nature. My dad has bone spurs all up and down his back and he was a fsrmer and still managed to get out there and hoe and chop tobacco. I have great respect for him up until recently he had a minor stroke. Hes almost 60.  As for.the pill.form ive never heard of that?

[trixy71]

I understand your reluctance about the shots, I'm the same way too; but you can always ask to maybe try the pill form to see if that might help? You just have to be real careful with steroids.

Are you on a muscle relaxer? That might help as well.

I wouldn't come right out and ask for an increase, just explain what you said here and ask for suggestions, she might offer an increase herself. I know its a balancing act really.

I myself could use an increase in dosage, just one more pill a day too. Because I use mine to get through work, but I have nothing for after work, evening or nighttime, so when I get home from work, i can't really do much. I've been afraid to bring the subject up with my own doctor because I also don't want to look like an abuser and all that garbage. Its sad that it has come to this because of the addicts and such.

[carb0nx]

Thank you for your response. Yes I did aign a contract but she is very understanding or so it seems the last 3 times ive seen her. The nurse and her both ask me how well the meds are doing when I visit. Of course they work so I wouldnt complain about getting n e thing stronger. Just a quanity increase due to my my hectic schedule when I work both jobs im up for almost 24 hours. The otger job only last up until about oct or nov. I mean i cant ask for a quanity increase and then it seem like im an abuser. Im suppose to be getting a new MRI soon . She asked me about steroid shots in I turned that down due to the fact I really cant stand needles and1 wrong move.. yea.. I just dont like the idea of being poked where I cant see. I was gonna get those shots in my knee whwn I was in the army but I turned that down as soon as I heard it aswell  thank you again for your response.

[trixy71]

This will depend on your doctor really. When you go to your next appointment, be very honest and explain that you took more than you were prescribed and explain why. Some doctors have a no tolerance policy and will literally kick you out, some don't. Considering that you are new to pain management and your on a relatively low dose of medication, its more likley that you would receive a warning. Did you have to sign a contract?

Hopefully your doctor will understand, but no matter what you do be honest with him. Also ask him what you should do going forward. Explain what your jobs are like and what you do every day, he may prescribe a little more to help, or maybe add a different kind of med to supplement what your already taking.

It might help to keep a pain diary and a list of your activities and what makes your pain worse/better. Like I said, since your new you might just get a warning, but do realize that it is always better to ask permission first than to ask forgiveness later in these kind of situations. Doctors have to be very careful now-a-days because of the abusers and such, they have the DEA breathing down their neck.

Remember, your doctor doesn't know how your feeling and how the meds are working or not working if you don't tell him. It also might be a good idea to ask for an updated MRI to see whats going on with your back. I wish you the best of luck, let us know how things go for you. And thank you for your service.