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How do you get the relief you desire from a Pain Management Doctor?
IF YOU WANT TO KNOW THE BACKGROUND OF HOW THIS HAPPENED, PLEASE LOOK IN MY JOURNAL!
I was chemically burned with 2nd and 3rd degree burns on the top of my scalp on September 9, 2006, which ultimately resulted in one big burn spot and later scab on the crown of my head. The size was bigger than a Silver Dollar, as you will see in the picture, taken 10 days after it all. I had a skin graft surgery done by a plastic surgeon, which gave me no guarantee that I wouldn't ever feel pain again.
As you may know, opiate tolerance is something most people have when using them on a long term basis. My Primary Care Physician (PCP) treated the pain to the point he was comfortable with which was... 1600 mg Neurontin, 60 mg Norco a day, and 80 mg. of Elavil... all to help with the nerve pain. After 8 months of increasing my doses little by little, he recommended a Pain Management Doctor.(PMP)
I really like my PMP, and he is very nice, however his staff totally ***** and they are rued, but I tolerate it, because we have built trust over a long period of time now. In hindsight, I wish I knew what I know now, which is that it's hard to get used to those hard core medications, and if anyone would have told me what to expect, I would have just gotten used to it. I thought that there was some magical bean pill out there for me somewhere which would give me no side effects...but they don't exist!
So, I got depressed. I started seeing a Psychologist, Psychiatrist and seeking every non medication method to help with the pain. Nothing did, and if you have chronic pain you know this, chronic pain changes your life in ways you never could have imagined.
I ended up in a mental hospital to treat my depression, and because I am an HONEST patient, I ALWAYS tell any doctor or hospital that I have a PMP, not only because "I promised" new patient packet, but also so they won't give me anything that could harm me. They in return, called the pain management clinic telling them I was suicidal, and so the head doctor of the practice (who I have never met in the 14 months I've been going there) decided to write on my chart, NO OPIATES.
So.. I'm on everything else non opiate, except my PCP put me on 8.5/2mg tabs of Suboxone 3 times a day to help with the pain. Not even my pharmacist knew this medication was used for anything but OPIATE ADDICTION, and so I called the office and he reassured me that he put me on the highest dose of Suboxone, and it would give me relief and he knows I'm not an addict.
I've had a really ROUGH time, and he wants to put me back on the opiates again with Psychiatrist's approval, because I've lost 18 pounds since I've been on it (I'm 5'9" and used to weigh 130 lbs and now weigh 112 lbs.) It's just been horrible.
My question is to everyone... how can I get across to him that I need more help than what he usually does? I try to express it very clearly, but what should I do? Should I call everyday complaining, write letters, or what? I usually just stick it out, because in the past when I have called when I was in really bad pain, they said all they could do for me is to tell me to go to the ER.
QUESTIONS:
1. What to do and not to do with PMP?
2. I try to leave him alone because he is busy, but I should I? Or does being a complainer help?
3. Should I ever suggest a medication that I have read up on?
Please think of other ideas or share knowledge of past experience with difficult doctors!
Please read my journal if you would like details of the injury I am talking about.
****The photo was taken 10 days after the burn.
I've been wishing for magic beans for years. That some scientist somewhere will discover a fomrnula that will just stop all kinds of pain!
Maybe one is in his/her little labratory right now!
Its hard to understand why people lie and manipulate DR's. But addiction is something that will bring people to do things that they never thought they would do or never wanted to do.
When someone is addicted to opioids lying becomes second nature because they need the medication to keep from going through wothdrawls. Many people who have been caught in the throws of addiction dont even think that they are doing anything wrong. Just getting what they need by any means nessesary. And it unfortunitly it does indirectly effects how DR's see all there patients and hwo they will prescribe for a patient.
But defenitly telling your DR the truth is the only way to deal with feeling under treated or not being treated for pain at all.
There is no way to prove we arent lying or manipulating them because pain is invisable and taking someone word for things in todays world is risky. But by following all the rules and guidlines and by taking medications as prescribed were at last doing our part in showing them what our intentions are.
Alot of times its not fair that we should have to suffer for other peoples actions. And I know I wish there was some way a DR could know for sure if someone is lying to them and somehow could see our pain.
Its an ongoing battle and an uphill battle because of what the government is doing to DR's. They see us all as haing a substance abuse problem and the DR's as legal drug dealers so are shutting them down at every turn.
Dr's have become so afraid o prescribe opioids or even raise a dose for fear the DA will come in and audit there records and find there over prescribing by the giovernments standards.
It's infuriating and frustrating. But mainly its not our DR's fault its the direct result of thise who lie and abuse there medication. I know its hard to look at it that way.
But your DR may be afraid that because you were felling suicidal..even for a split moment that you could use your medication as a means to end your life. And while he doesnt want that to happen to you, he also knows that the responsability and liability will fall onto him and he could lose his liscence.
Its kind of a cold way to look at it..that were just liabilities. But its what has become reality.
I hope this helps you maybe see the situation with a new spin on it and that your DR may be doing what he believs is best for you while keeping his ability to practice in tact. But its not always the DR's fault.
Direct your frustration twords the government and write to your local elected officials. Its the perfect time to do it.
TMA
Maybe one is in his/her little labratory right now!
Its hard to understand why people lie and manipulate DR's. But addiction is something that will bring people to do things that they never thought they would do or never wanted to do.
When someone is addicted to opioids lying becomes second nature because they need the medication to keep from going through wothdrawls. Many people who have been caught in the throws of addiction dont even think that they are doing anything wrong. Just getting what they need by any means nessesary. And it unfortunitly it does indirectly effects how DR's see all there patients and hwo they will prescribe for a patient.
But defenitly telling your DR the truth is the only way to deal with feeling under treated or not being treated for pain at all.
There is no way to prove we arent lying or manipulating them because pain is invisable and taking someone word for things in todays world is risky. But by following all the rules and guidlines and by taking medications as prescribed were at last doing our part in showing them what our intentions are.
Alot of times its not fair that we should have to suffer for other peoples actions. And I know I wish there was some way a DR could know for sure if someone is lying to them and somehow could see our pain.
Its an ongoing battle and an uphill battle because of what the government is doing to DR's. They see us all as haing a substance abuse problem and the DR's as legal drug dealers so are shutting them down at every turn.
Dr's have become so afraid o prescribe opioids or even raise a dose for fear the DA will come in and audit there records and find there over prescribing by the giovernments standards.
It's infuriating and frustrating. But mainly its not our DR's fault its the direct result of thise who lie and abuse there medication. I know its hard to look at it that way.
But your DR may be afraid that because you were felling suicidal..even for a split moment that you could use your medication as a means to end your life. And while he doesnt want that to happen to you, he also knows that the responsability and liability will fall onto him and he could lose his liscence.
Its kind of a cold way to look at it..that were just liabilities. But its what has become reality.
I hope this helps you maybe see the situation with a new spin on it and that your DR may be doing what he believs is best for you while keeping his ability to practice in tact. But its not always the DR's fault.
Direct your frustration twords the government and write to your local elected officials. Its the perfect time to do it.
TMA
"Maybe the opiates are the problem... i have Lymes disease (20) years ....all the worst pain a guy my age can feel......I got on opiates and things got worse...I thought they were better but i was just addicted....Be careful.......Suboxone was used for me to get off of opiates......and there is no way that it is being used the way your doctor said....Though it is good with pain, it is really for opiate problems........"
I wish I knew? I do know that I was fine on Norco for over a year and I believe that is an opiate.
Someone just invent some magic beans please!
LOVE ALL x0x0
Thank you for reassuring me!
Sometimes I feel that honesty isn't always the best option, because of the messed up world we live in. However, thank you for understanding. I don't know why people lie all the time to get pain medication and their conscience lets them sleep at night?
Not to get on my soap box here, but it is all of those abusers that have caused all these problems with dishonest. The one time I got a "euphoric high", I called my doctor because I knew that wasn't supposed to be what I was meant to feel.
Pain meds give you RELIEF... and unless you are a zombie or in final stages of Cancer, then you don't need that ****.
I can't judge a single person on their dose however, because tolerance is a mystery to me.
Peace and love to you all!
Sometimes I feel that honesty isn't always the best option, because of the messed up world we live in. However, thank you for understanding. I don't know why people lie all the time to get pain medication and their conscience lets them sleep at night?
Not to get on my soap box here, but it is all of those abusers that have caused all these problems with dishonest. The one time I got a "euphoric high", I called my doctor because I knew that wasn't supposed to be what I was meant to feel.
Pain meds give you RELIEF... and unless you are a zombie or in final stages of Cancer, then you don't need that ****.
I can't judge a single person on their dose however, because tolerance is a mystery to me.
Peace and love to you all!
While your taking subexone, because of the high
affinity of buprenorphine for opioid receptors it may also block the analgesic effect of
other opioids.
Your PM has to keep your safety in mind when treating your pain. I would suggest asking him to refer you to a pain psychologist and this will in time help your situation.
1. What to do and not to do with PMP?
Keep telling the truth above all, and keep in mind that he is trying to keep you safe while trying to manage your pain. Talk to him about the idea of putting you on a different medication and be truthful with him and tell him your pain is not being controlled and you want to discuss other options. If you want/need to be on opioids to control your pain then ask him if that will be an option to put you back on them if you see a pain psychologist and the psychologist recommends it.
2. I try to leave him alone because he is busy, but I should I? Or does being a complainer help?
I would discuss my options at my regular appointment, just make sure he knows your in pain and need other options and are willing to do what he requires. I am sure he is busy and your calling all the time will not help but hinder your getting the help you need.
3. Should I ever suggest a medication that I have read up on?
Sure you can mention it to him and ask if it would be an option for you.
I know your in pain and feel neglected but just know we all understand and we are here for you. Support is important and also just talking to someone who understands is very helpful and makes you feel like your not alone and knows what your going through.
We know it is hard but it will get better there is always tomorrow and with it new hope.
affinity of buprenorphine for opioid receptors it may also block the analgesic effect of
other opioids.
Your PM has to keep your safety in mind when treating your pain. I would suggest asking him to refer you to a pain psychologist and this will in time help your situation.
1. What to do and not to do with PMP?
Keep telling the truth above all, and keep in mind that he is trying to keep you safe while trying to manage your pain. Talk to him about the idea of putting you on a different medication and be truthful with him and tell him your pain is not being controlled and you want to discuss other options. If you want/need to be on opioids to control your pain then ask him if that will be an option to put you back on them if you see a pain psychologist and the psychologist recommends it.
2. I try to leave him alone because he is busy, but I should I? Or does being a complainer help?
I would discuss my options at my regular appointment, just make sure he knows your in pain and need other options and are willing to do what he requires. I am sure he is busy and your calling all the time will not help but hinder your getting the help you need.
3. Should I ever suggest a medication that I have read up on?
Sure you can mention it to him and ask if it would be an option for you.
I know your in pain and feel neglected but just know we all understand and we are here for you. Support is important and also just talking to someone who understands is very helpful and makes you feel like your not alone and knows what your going through.
We know it is hard but it will get better there is always tomorrow and with it new hope.
Thats Moderate to Severe pain...not mild to severe.
It is considered a strong opioid medication,
It is considered a strong opioid medication,
There is a medication called Temgesic and its been around in foreign countries for a long time. Temgesic is the same thing as Suboxone that only contains buprenorphine which is a strong pain killer related to morphine and is used for pain management. It is however not used as often because it cancels out other opioids that may need to be given an the same time(like a breakthrough medication)
The other suboxone that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone is used primarily for addictions and should not be used for pain management.
So you may be taking the suboxone that only contains buprenophine as it is used to treat mild to severe pain, but only when one opioid is required because it cancels out others.
I hope this helped a little more and you can find out which one you are on.
TMA
The other suboxone that contains both buprenorphine and naloxone is used primarily for addictions and should not be used for pain management.
So you may be taking the suboxone that only contains buprenophine as it is used to treat mild to severe pain, but only when one opioid is required because it cancels out others.
I hope this helped a little more and you can find out which one you are on.
TMA
I am new here too but you will find such great information and support. I agree that Suboxone is used to withdraw from opiates, much like methadone but apparently with less side effects. I have used neither. It is an opaite and therfore stands to reason that it could also help with pain. But none of the literature that I have read suggests it's use for pain managment.
The most important thing is what works for you to control your pain without harming you. I'd bet your PCP wants you to be alive first and with less pain second. The suicide risk most likely scared the Department. In time your PCP may reconsider in the mean time that doesn't help you with your pain. Be honest and open with him.
Best of Luck,
Tuck
The most important thing is what works for you to control your pain without harming you. I'd bet your PCP wants you to be alive first and with less pain second. The suicide risk most likely scared the Department. In time your PCP may reconsider in the mean time that doesn't help you with your pain. Be honest and open with him.
Best of Luck,
Tuck
Maybe the opiates are the problem... i have Lymes disease (20) years ....all the worst pain a guy my age can feel......I got on opiates and things got worse...I thought they were better but i was just addicted....Be careful.......Suboxone was used for me to get off of opiates......and there is no way that it is being used the way your doctor said....Though it is good with pain, it is really for opiate problems........
Take it for what its worth and make the best of it.......Im gonna check out your journal now....
Good Luck
Take it for what its worth and make the best of it.......Im gonna check out your journal now....
Good Luck
Hi lovekennedy,
I'm so sorry for all you've been through since the pain has started(from the burn, right?)
I and everyone ese heer knows how hard it can be to cope and deal with chronic pain. It seems more times than not we get the short end of the stick in how were veiwed by the medical community and even our friends and family sometimes.
Unfortunitly there is no magic code to getting something you need from you PM DR. All you can really do is be honest about everything that is happening. I know how hard it is to feel under treated for pain and have to desperatly search for other ways to control the pain that your DR is okay with. But they are the ones who get to decide for us. I know that is the last thing you want to hear. Heck, itsthe last thing I want to hear and I'm the one saying it!
You may want to just keep a pain journal so that you can keep track of how the pain feels at different times of the day and what does or doesnt effect it. You can always share it with your DR.
You always have the option of getting a second opinion. Just make sure you reread the contract you signed with your PM DR so you dont unknowingly break any rules. I dont think you would be doing anything wrong unless you got a prescription from another DR while under your PM's care.
But really as long as your being open and honest there isnt much more you can do.
Suboxone has been used to treat pain although I have heard it is not as great as methadone. You really are on a pretty high dose of it.
I'm really sorry your hospital stay caused problems for you at your PM. But at least your okay right. When we have CP and get dangerously depressed we need the help to start feeling better and learn how to better cope with the pain and what it has done to us and our life. I'm not sure if you were suicidal or not or if that was just something you feel they said. But if you were feeling suicidal I'm so glad that you were somewhere safe.
This happened to my best friend though the other way around. She refused to tell her DR's she was depressed or get help. It's not worth it in the end to hide that kind of stuff from you DR and I'm glad you didnt.
I know hearing me say hang in there doesnt help the pain or help you get the medication. But were all here for you and really want you to get the treatment you need to be able to cope with the pain.
TMA
ps(can you please avoid double posting. I'm going to delete the other post as it is the same topic. Thanks)
.
I'm so sorry for all you've been through since the pain has started(from the burn, right?)
I and everyone ese heer knows how hard it can be to cope and deal with chronic pain. It seems more times than not we get the short end of the stick in how were veiwed by the medical community and even our friends and family sometimes.
Unfortunitly there is no magic code to getting something you need from you PM DR. All you can really do is be honest about everything that is happening. I know how hard it is to feel under treated for pain and have to desperatly search for other ways to control the pain that your DR is okay with. But they are the ones who get to decide for us. I know that is the last thing you want to hear. Heck, itsthe last thing I want to hear and I'm the one saying it!
You may want to just keep a pain journal so that you can keep track of how the pain feels at different times of the day and what does or doesnt effect it. You can always share it with your DR.
You always have the option of getting a second opinion. Just make sure you reread the contract you signed with your PM DR so you dont unknowingly break any rules. I dont think you would be doing anything wrong unless you got a prescription from another DR while under your PM's care.
But really as long as your being open and honest there isnt much more you can do.
Suboxone has been used to treat pain although I have heard it is not as great as methadone. You really are on a pretty high dose of it.
I'm really sorry your hospital stay caused problems for you at your PM. But at least your okay right. When we have CP and get dangerously depressed we need the help to start feeling better and learn how to better cope with the pain and what it has done to us and our life. I'm not sure if you were suicidal or not or if that was just something you feel they said. But if you were feeling suicidal I'm so glad that you were somewhere safe.
This happened to my best friend though the other way around. She refused to tell her DR's she was depressed or get help. It's not worth it in the end to hide that kind of stuff from you DR and I'm glad you didnt.
I know hearing me say hang in there doesnt help the pain or help you get the medication. But were all here for you and really want you to get the treatment you need to be able to cope with the pain.
TMA
ps(can you please avoid double posting. I'm going to delete the other post as it is the same topic. Thanks)
.
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