Is there not an actual Pain Management Dr. on MH?

[Weathergirl21]

I was just curious about having an actual Board Certified Pain Management Dr. to post on a few threads once in awhile...

No offense to the other Drs....but I see that their backgrounds are things like Pediatrics or OB/GYN....so it seems strange that they are the ones answering questions on here...

Obviously I also enjoy the other members and their thoughts...but I think that many come on the boards to ask an actual Dr. a question that refers to Pain Management specifically...

[marycarmel]

Personally, I've been sort of overwhelmed for the last year with my dad's health issues and haven't been as active as I was previously.  Breathing techniques are certainly a part of my regimen in dealing with my pain.  Breathing and distraction are two very useful tools in dealing with chronic pain. Maybe some times we forget  because they are so simple!

I don't know why this forum has become less active and doesn't have a good group of participants.  I know there are other pain management forums on other sites and maybe they're more active than this.  It really is a shame as
i think MedHelp is overall a great site and seems to have good members in the different communities.

Maybe if we keep posting on a regular basis we can get a number of regulars posting and it can veer back to the type of forum this used to be.  I'm not sure really what we could create a post for or about to get people more interested.  I may check to see if I PM some of the members that used to be here if they're interested in trying to get this forum more active.  Maybe if there are regular posts regarding general pain management issues it will entice people to post their own questions and their own experiences.  It seems like a lot of the questions ask are very general without giving much specific information about their chronic pain history and experiences.

[omhome]

it is looking like everybody is "forgetting" about the couch. I think it is just that there is not interest in doing what i ask members to do. I think perhaps you or someone else could start up a different focus with a new thread that more would find inspiring and would then participate.  Participating is the name of the game here online as the energy has to keep current and has to be of almost instant gratification.  I have been asking too much i guess!  Well---to tell you the truth---it isn't working. Nobody is even doing the preliminary breathing meditations. And they work and all of you know that they work but as far as doing what is required to make them "work"  well---a different story.    
I love you guys and want your suffering to stop or at least lessen and you could do that if you would.    Why Won't You??!?!        om  shanti

[marycarmel]

I keep forgetting about the Couch!

[omhome]

i am thinking that it is time---it is your turn ---you are definitely qualified from what i have read--to take on one of those roles that you miss. We all learn more when we teach or share what  we can. So Marycarmel you are now one of those "core members" for others will that come after you.
     You can do it and it will energize and "re-spark" your inner fire!!!  I look forward to it. Please consider the Couch for a future home base---i am trying to form a cohesive and lasting group there---see whatcha think Mary.  omhome

[marycarmel]

I would just like to chime in that not all that long ago, this board was very active with chronic pain patients and the leaders, Tuckamore and another person I can't remember, had excellent advice and were very knowledgeable.  There were "core" members here and it was more of a support board and also directing people to where they could find information regarding a particular procedure, medication, etc.  We would get the odd question from someone who wasn't dealing with chronic pain issues and they would be directed to a more appropriate board.

Personally, I would like to see the board return to that type of board.  I think a lot of us have decent doctors but chronic pain is very difficult for other people in our lives to understand.  I find myself very frustrated  because, for example, my sister just can't grasp my limitations.  

I have been in a big funk lately.  I've been a bit depressed but I'm starting to feel a bit more hopeful and hope I can be a bigger part of this community.

[TheMadMan]

After reading some of these posts, I will admit, it is easier to ask questions then it is to do your own research. I still rely on the old method of researching and then calling the facility to ask questions. Recently, I have found doctors NOW in my area that are treating issues of my pain management that was never done before. Finally they are educating some of these doctors to recognize issues of pain without the use of drugs. As always they recommend a physical therapy program but I constantly remind them, that I can't do a pt program when I am in so much pain. The Botox injection helped and I have returned to Pilates stretching program for the first time in years.
Doing research may be tiring but worth it when I find a doctor who can actually treat my issues. My current pain management doctor and I are constantly fighting to get me treatment. She recommends one thing and then rescinds her decision. She has proven to be questionable at best and that is enough for me to go to another doctor for treatment. I shouldn't have to fight with a doctor to get treatment but all she recommends is refilling morphine. That is not the answer! She needs an education in how to deal with pain management issues and patients who depend on her medical expertise.