How to Get a Doctor When No One Will Accept

[alco206]

I suffer from chronic pain, adhesions, ect.  I've had 6 surgeries in the past 13 years.  After each surgery the pain came back sooner.  Surgery 4 was a hystorhctomy.  Surgery 5 the pain was back when I left the hospital.  Surgery 6, after the morphine wore off the pain was bad.  I was told give it few weeks until the swelling went down.  After 6 months I put together a team consisting of a Gynocologist, Primary Physician, Physical Therapy and Pain Management.  Everything was going great until we had to move out of state.  I searched for 7 months to find a doctor and pain management.  (For 5 of those months I drove 500 miles to my old PM doctor.)  No pm clinic would take me.  Either they were getting out of it or not taking new patients.  Quite a few would not take me because I suffered from Pelvic Pain.  They don't feel they can do anything for me because I have had nerve blocks, injections, tens unit and went through the trial for a spinal cord stimatulator.  Narcartics have been the one thing that works for me.

My question is how do you get a PM doctor to take you when they won't take you.  Who do I appeal to?  I am tired of not having a life.  I have a 9 year old child who needs her mother.  I need my life back.  I cannot do more than sit on a couch.  I am desperate and need help.

[achilles2]

To learn more about the thyroid and proper treatment and tests that need to be ordered I recommend getting:
http://www.amazon.com/Thyroid-Solution-Revolutionary-Mind-Body-Program/dp/0345429206

He talks about low T3 causing a build up of fibrin-- which is also what builds up with fibromyalgia.

Adhesions are made of fibrin so there might be a connection.

[achilles2]

For those of you who suffer from adhesions from surgery-- has anyone checked your Free T3 levels (not total but free t3) there could be a connection with adhesions forming and low free t3-- to get it checked you need a find a doctor who knows how to properly treat thyroid problems. (A general endocrinologist will typically not be able to help-- I know I went through 3 in less than 3 years)

achilles2

[lissawray]

Wow, I thought I was the only one in the world who suffered severely from adhesion pain. I've had a hysterectomy and 2 follow up adhesion removals. This is along with all my other pain issues. I pray everyone here gets relief from this horrible problem!

[suzannebabygirl]

I am in the same situation.  I have had five surgeries through the same incision and adhesion's are ramped.  My PCP stopped treating me.  The PMC does not treat a 39 year old and the surgeon's who are going to see if there is anything else they can do will not prescribe pain meds.
I am in PA.  It is no wonder why people run to the streets for the drugs here this is ridiculous.    

[sandee1818]

Hi,
I am sorry your going thru this with no relief. You should take the suggestions above and see a GYN and get a referral into a PMP as this will most likely be your best bet. Also you should get your records ASAP.
I really hope you do find some relief. It is horrible knowing what kind of Mom you want to be and you can't because of the pain.
I am really sorry you haven't found help but do not give up.

[Sarajmt]

Hi alco:  I am a fellow adhesion sufferer.  Narcotics are the only relief I get as well.  So I do understand.

Finding a doctor who treats pelvic pain is not easy.  Tuck gave you some good advice.  I'd start with either my Gynecologist or Family doctor.  You may have to travel a bit. I know that doesn't sound appealing but it beats no pain relief. Actually a gynecologist would be your best bet for finding a pain management doctor for adhesions.

Do you have insurance?  If so, see if you can find one who treats adhesion pain through them.  You've probably done this already, but you might try calling local hospitals for referrals.  Look online for a list of all pain doctors within driving distance and start calling.  If they won't do it, ask if they know anyone who will.

If you don't have a copy of all your records, get them.  You will need them.  Unless you're blocked, they won't show up on any imaging tests.  You'll hear you've got Irritable bowel, Adhesions don't cause pain, etc...

Whatever you do, don't give up.  There is another adhesion patient on the board who will probably be back on Monday.  She has great diet advice.  You probably already know to stay away from fiber, bread, beef and just about everything you like.  I eat yogurt, bananas, steamed veggies, etc.  Anything that is easy to digest.

Good luck sweetie.  Adhesions ruin lives.  And they never warn us.  Feel free to pm me any time you'd like.

Sara

[Tuckamore]

Hello Alco,

Welcome to the Pain Mangement Forum. I am so very sorry to hear about your situation. I understand how frustrated you must be and my heart goes out to you.

I wish I had a magic answers for you. Unfortunately I do not know how to make a physician take you when they won't. All I can do is suggest that you keep searching. There is no appeal board or anything similar. You are stuck with their decision. I assume you have done all the right things such as having all your medical records available for your prospective new PMP.

I have found that different states have different rules and regulations. In my state it is our PCP that follows and prescribes for their chronic pain patients. PMP only provide treatments that may be out of the scope of your specific PCP skills.

I too will be relocating from my home state. I am terrified that I will not find adequate pain management, just as you have found. For that reason I have refused to sell our home until we have a "trial" stay in what we hope to be our new state of residence.

I hope you will not five up your search. I do not know anyone personally from your state which limits my knowledge of it's practices. Have you been able to locate a good PCP? If so can they help you? If not than maybe you need to begin with a PCP that will than refer you to a PMP.

It must be heartbreaking to feel like you are not living up to the duties of motherhood. Please don't beat yourself up. You have enough in your plate. Remember children are intelligent. They often understand much more than we give them credit for. Most important to our children is our unconditional love and acceptance. I am sure that you are giving you nine year old just that.

Our members may have other suggestions for you. We are here to offer you support so please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to hearing how your search is going. Best of luck to you.

Take Care,
~Tuck