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Pain Management Specialist
I was just wondering if anyone has ever tried going to a pain management specialist for fibro? If they even know how to help. Every time I go to my reg. doc I pass by an office and have been tempted to check it out. I don't even know how that works with my insurance... Anyhow, whats everyone's experiences with these guys if anyone has??
First, make sure the Phsyiatrist or pain management doc works with fibro. There are still a handful of medical "professionals" who don't believe fibro exists.
I see a phsyiatrist for chronic pain and I swear it's like talking to a brick wall sometimes. Actually, most of the time I'd rather speak to a brick wall- it might be more empathetic.
If you are lucky enough to live in a larger city, or have one within driving distance, you have a better chance of finding a PM doc that will work with you.
I've known others with great experiences with PM doc, so it couldn't hurt to go to a consultation. If you don't like what you hear, you always have the option to not return.
I see a phsyiatrist for chronic pain and I swear it's like talking to a brick wall sometimes. Actually, most of the time I'd rather speak to a brick wall- it might be more empathetic.
If you are lucky enough to live in a larger city, or have one within driving distance, you have a better chance of finding a PM doc that will work with you.
I've known others with great experiences with PM doc, so it couldn't hurt to go to a consultation. If you don't like what you hear, you always have the option to not return.
I went to a pain management doctor because I have 2 bulging discs in my neck.When I had my first injection,my pain level was at a 10,and once my doctor stuck that catheter in,I came out on a pain scale of 10.That epidural hurt so bad that I refuse to get anymore injections in my neck.
I know chiropractic/acupuncture care is not covered, but the guy that my mom and dad see gives a discount. I've thought about doing that where it hurts the most, which is my neck triggers points, and the leg ones, right by the butt, and they both just seems to radiate down. Right now I'm just trying to get back up off my feet from all my GI stuff.
Seems to me the more I see that some of that 789 trillion should have gone to those like me, and others who have okay insurance, but have several chronic disorders, and they have had to go without medicines. (I guess that's a whole other topic though...lol)
Thank you so much for your responses. I have my answer for me right here it seems!
Seems to me the more I see that some of that 789 trillion should have gone to those like me, and others who have okay insurance, but have several chronic disorders, and they have had to go without medicines. (I guess that's a whole other topic though...lol)
Thank you so much for your responses. I have my answer for me right here it seems!
Yes, i've had that experience before...the waiting period involved in pre-existing conditions (which stinks). I know it's hard finding meds. that will be of any help when having Bi-Polar (as they can send one into mania or seizures).
When I saw the PM it was for Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy and I was receiving nerve blocks. It progressed to where they wanted me in every week (which you must have someone to drive you home and I did not have anyone who could do this). They blocks didn't seem to last long as far as the pain was concerned and I only saw the PM right before having the procedure done. I wasn't happy with this as I like to talk directly to the physician, not his assistants. I discontinued it due to the time, pain and costliness of the procedure.
After your mom's policy waiting period is over, maybe try receiving accupuncture (if it's covered). It's been shown to be quite effective and no where near as painful or time consuming as shots. I hope you can find relief soon. Hang in there. :-)
When I saw the PM it was for Reflex Sympathic Dystrophy and I was receiving nerve blocks. It progressed to where they wanted me in every week (which you must have someone to drive you home and I did not have anyone who could do this). They blocks didn't seem to last long as far as the pain was concerned and I only saw the PM right before having the procedure done. I wasn't happy with this as I like to talk directly to the physician, not his assistants. I discontinued it due to the time, pain and costliness of the procedure.
After your mom's policy waiting period is over, maybe try receiving accupuncture (if it's covered). It's been shown to be quite effective and no where near as painful or time consuming as shots. I hope you can find relief soon. Hang in there. :-)
Thanks...The thing about Cymbalta is I have Bipolar, and I cannot take an antidepressent as it triggers mania in those with BP. My doctor and I are considering Lyrica as the next step, and I have to say I'm not far off from telling her I can't take it... There are just even more risks that she's concerned about, and she understands my insurance situation...I'm on my moms and it has a pre-existing condition policy... ERR!!!
I was just wondering what people thought about a PM doc...
I was just wondering what people thought about a PM doc...
freefallingsj - Neurontin from a PM. I'm surprised as that is something that can be given by a regular MD. I'd think a PM would have more skills for treating someone's chronic pain, but it seems they just want to dose us with meds. If this is working for you that's wonderful. I also found that the Cymbalta worked well on the pain, but I was only on it for a while before being switched to another med. (Lyrica). Best of luck to you.
LexiFaye - I have been to a pain specialist, but not for fibro. I recall that the one I went to, I could not call to schedule an appt., but needed a doctor referral (regardless of my insurance). Maybe talk with them before actually scheduling an appt. I wouldn't want you to be disappointed should they prescribe you something that you have already tried from your routine physician (like the Neurontin, Lyrica or Cymbalta). They may be able to give you 'trigger point' injections, if you have places where it's really severe. They can only do so many shots within a certain amount of time though. Take care.
LexiFaye - I have been to a pain specialist, but not for fibro. I recall that the one I went to, I could not call to schedule an appt., but needed a doctor referral (regardless of my insurance). Maybe talk with them before actually scheduling an appt. I wouldn't want you to be disappointed should they prescribe you something that you have already tried from your routine physician (like the Neurontin, Lyrica or Cymbalta). They may be able to give you 'trigger point' injections, if you have places where it's really severe. They can only do so many shots within a certain amount of time though. Take care.
I go to pm for fibro. They gave me neuronton and that did help. I was aslo given cymbalta by my phsc, mainly fof the fibro and that also helps. I also take vicodin for it and am trying to get off of that to see if the other two will just do the trick. The cymbalta really gave me some energy for a while also. Hope this helps and good luck. It can't hurt (no pun intended) to try right?
Unfortunately I went to a pain management specialist back in the earlier part of 2007 and of course hadn't remembered that I was diagnosed with fibromyalgia in 2001 so when I went to see the pms it was with complaints of the protruding disc in my neck which I have 4 of them jiggers. Anywho, they took me into the OR and put this catherter up my back close to my neck and it liked to killed me. I was in agonizing pain for 7 days. I was supposed to get it done 3 times total and I told the doctor that I couldn't do it anymore after that. I won't go back and get that done ever again but I don't know where they could start with the catherter being that fm has so many pain spots. All these years I thought that it was the protruding disc in my neck which are still there but the fm was forgotten for some odd reason. I had been taking pain medication for the jacked up disc in my neck and had tried just about everything until I went to an orthopedic surgeon in August 2008 who sent me to the same Neurologist that I saw in 2001. The nuerologist sent me to the rheumatologist who verified the fibro. So know that everything is out in the open with me it seems that I am more aware of what's going on with my body or either it's progressing. I truly believe that it's progressing, that is why I am not working now. I just couldn't do it anymore.
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