help

[buddybulldog]

I HAVE AN APPOINTMENT AT A PAIN CLINIC IN DEC.  I HAVE NEVER BEEN BEFORE,AND DONT KNOW WHATS GOING TO HAPPEN. I HAVE BEEN TAKING 5mg.NORCO 3TIMES A DAY AND 2 5mg. VALUIM A DAY. WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT MY FIRST VISIT. I'VE BEEN TAKING THIS FOR ABOUT 5 YEARS AND IT'S NOT HELPING WITH MY BACK PAIN ANYMORE

[Rainbow_Ike]

Buddy:

I started seeing a major pain management doctor when I changed insurances this year. I sort of picked him at random form the few choices I had, since my old pain doctor was ot on thier "panel".

Before I went to him, I did some checking on line. Here in New York, you can check a doctor's professional record - if he's been sued, has a criminal record, etc, on a state run website.I also looked up the hospital where he was affiliated. (a major teaching hospital) and discovered that he is their former director of  rehab medicine, and is still their attending for pain management

So I was impressed before I got there the first time. I was impressed by his office and staff. Friendly and still professional. The physician's assistant loved ME right away. I had brought in a complete list of ALL my medications, prescribed and over the counter, and why I take them, along with a complete list of all my medical disorders. (I had prepared th\at because so many of my specialist were not on my new insurance)

I had a copy of my latest blood work from my primary care physician, and copies of my MRI reports and other neurological tests. (He redid the same neurological tests, but now had a baseline to see how much I've deteriorated in two years)

I have to echo what what Paingotogo above said. HONESTY is important.

Face it, we're men. We were socialized to "Man it up"  and "walk it off" Well, our coaches and gym teachers were @$$h0les! Their main object was to get maximum performance from their "men". They caused more harm than good. Fortunately most of them are banned today from such stupidity. It took the deaths of a few teen athletes to get it done.Wrestlers seem to be the one class of jocks that's allowed to abuse there bodies, since they do it to themselves, bulimics and anorexics like cheerleaders. Their coaches look the other way while yelling at them to maintain their weights.

Telling the doctor what you THINK he wants to hear, or what your THINK will impress her won't get you squat but MORE PAIN.

I went to my pain specialist for a referral to continue physical therapy. That's all.

He has found treatments and assistive devices which have begun to make my life a lot easier.  Because I was honest.

I told a man who I had reason to suspect might have personal, religious prejudices against my lifestyle the truth, and he not only didn't blink, but congratulated me on the longevity of my relationship.

And one afternoon I bumped into an old friend I had not seen in 6 or 7 years,waiting of the same treatment I had just had. He has been seeing this doctor for 7 years. I know that if it is hard for me to get to him by public transportation (2 buses) It's harder for Sol.He has to walk a half mile to GET to a bus line!

So keep us informed, buddy.

We're here to help you tough it out util the appointment

Ike.

[paingotago]

Hi there, nice to meet you and welcome to the forum. There is no way to tell for sure, but  I can give you some general information, and my opinion in this matter. #1 They will first want to reveiw you records.The more indepth, and up to date records you have the better. Most all pain management Dr.s want to see  your records showing that your Primary Care Dr. has tried to treat you in some form. So it seems you have that covered.#2 They like you to have promply done all the test that your PC, and or specialist ordered in your behalf. For instince always make sure you get all test done when ever your Dr. orders them. Like all X-Rays, MRI,s Bone scans ext. This shows your new Pain Management Dr. you are doing everything possible to get the procedures neccessary for proper diagnosis, and also shows them that you are athentically a Chronic Pain candidate. The more GOOD records you have to give them the quicker you will get the proper treatment you need.                                                                                                                                       I can't stess enough how good records will help them help you. You also need to remember that they need time to build trust with you because of the unfortunate people that abuse pain meds.out there in this crazy world that go into their office with little or no records. Remember they don't know you, and it is imparative that they feel they can build a trusting relationship with you. If your records are very sound, acurate, in depth , and current they will be much more trusting with you, and possibly willing to start treatment with you.                                                                                                                                     Please remember they see all kinds of patients, with very different situations,and problems. The best advice I can give is to be honest with them from the start. HONESTY goes a long way with these Dr.s they get conned so much they really like it when a patient tells them the truth, and hate it when they are lied to. You would be surprized how telling them the truth will go a long way in your treatment. For some people it might take 6 months to 1 year to get the get trust needed to get the pain controll they require (But), if you work with them 9 times out of ten they will work with you.                                                                                                                                        Here is one more peice of advice most Dr,s really get take note of when the patient has a personal Medical pain diary coinsiding with your records. This is (NOT) a requirement by any means, But it shows them that your pain is complicating your life so much you took the time to write it down. I take my personal Health Diary to all my Dr. appointments because my records are 2 inches thick, and their is no way my Orthopedic Surgeon, pain Management,  Prymary care,and Psychiatrist can remember everthing so "believe it or not" my diary helps them help me.                                                                                                                                       I know all this sounds extreame ,but taking the time to do all this has improved my level of health Care I feel atleast 50%. These days and times we now live in good records are (EVERYTHING)!!!. This is just my opinion. Well best wishes to you,and keep intouch to let us know how you are doing. There are alot of great people on this forum.  Take care. Sincerely