first PM appt tomorrow - any advice?

[broadindaylight]

Hi everyone,

After months of insufficient treatment by my primary care dr. and gyn, I'm starting pain management tomorrow
at a university-affiliated hospital for various gyn issues. I have my records with me and a list of medications. I feel unprepared somehow. Am I missing anything? I know I'll need to explain that my pain is ongoing and chronic. Sometimes it spikes acutely. I have my gyn's number and info to pass along so they can coordinate treatment if necessary. Am I missing anything...?  Thanks in advance.

[RunningMom]

I'm sorry it didn't turn out to what you expected.  It does not hurt to have a 2nd, 3rd, or 4th, ect.... opinion.  Keep going to doctors and find someone your comfortable with.  There are several pain management clinics and most of them only focus on the spine and knees.  Don't give up.  The pain clinic I'm at now treats pain no matter where it is on your body, so there are pain clinics out there that can help you.  My pain management treats pain well so, don't give up.  I just found them with some help of others two months ago.  Good luck.

[broadindaylight]

Thanks to all for your advice. I was definitely anxious.

Turns out I had bad info on the office. I was told the PM specialized in gyn issues, but she actually only does injections and her focus is spinal/back pain. I'm pretty bummed to part with a specialist co-pay and it wasn't even the right doc. At any rate, I have a new appt. with her colleague in 2 weeks. The PM doc did mention getting a 2nd opinion on my gyn diagnoses... I want to do this but am wary, as I have no experience with another gyn. I''ll try to get some recommendations from friends, I guess.

Anyway, thanks so much again for your support and kind words. I'll keep you posted on my progress.

[concerned621]

Relax and trust that they know what they are doing.  Go there with an open heart and mind. If you pray or meditate do so before going. Ask that the appointment finally address your pain issues and help you find a path that works.  
Talk to them just as you do us.  Explain how your pain feels, how it makes your body and mind feel.  If you are the type to cry (I am) do so.  Just be yourself and get across what you've been dealing with and let them know what you want.  How you live your life, how you would like to function in your every day life.  In other words if your  pain was management appropriately you'd be able to better do what?  Tell them this in your words.  It's up to them to design a pain management regime that is suited for you.  If you have heard of medications bring it up if you feel confident doing so.  If you are not comfortable with something listen to what they are saying and question.
Let us know how it goes.  All the best!!!!!

[Tuckamore]

I think you are just feeling some anxiety over the appointment, hence your feeling of forgetting something, which is to be expected.

I too think you have prepared to the best of your ability. Be open and honest, as I am sure you wil be. Try not to bad mouth your PCP as that can raise red flags. If you have kept a journal that will be helpful, otherwise as Molly suggested write everything down regarding your pain. Be prepared to tell them what makes your pain worse, what helps it and so on.

Best of luck to you. Please let us know how you appt goes. Don't be discouraged if they do not prescribe narcotics on your first appointment. That is not unusual. They too may want to know you and your pain triggers well.

We'll look forward to your updates. Best of luck to you.

Peace,
Tuck

[Mollyrae]

Hi broadindaylight:

The only thing that I can think of is to write down where your pain is located and at what times is the most painful. It's not a bad idea to keep track of your pain on a daily basis. This really helps the Doctor.

It sounds like you've done a good job at preparing for your visit. Good luck. I hope it all goes well for you.

Warmest regards,
Molly