PM Dr dilemma....

[noodle2010]

Hi I'm new to this board but have a question I need some help with.  I go to a well known hospital facilty in the states for care. The branch I go to is close to home and convenient. Here is the problem. My primary was treating me for pain from herniated/degenerative discs until he decided I needed to see PM. So I was referred to a PM within the facility. He has NO bedside manner.. does not even get to know me.. hardly asks for my input on anything.. and here's the kicker.. I can hardly understand him as his English isn't the best. What can I do? Am I stuck?

[Sarajmt]

Hi Noodle:  I'd like to welcome you to our community as well.  Sherry described us very well.

I agree with all that has already been said.  You should ask for another Pain doc.  Also, I had trouble understanding my PMP at first.  I very politely asked her to slow down and repeat what she said.  She just laughed and did as I requested.  I have a great relationship with her now and can understand her.

Again, good luck and welcome.
Sara

[namnam46]

Hi Noodle,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum and I want yo to know how glad we are that you are a member. You need to know that there are NO Doctors on this Forum only CP (Chronic Pain) Patients that share our experiences and expertise with each other.

I'm so sorry that you are having this experience. Everyone, Jamie, Melli and Runningmom have give you excellent advice.

If I were you I would get in touch with you PCP immediately and explain your concerns about the PM Dr. and ask for another referral. IF there isn't one in the same facility then I would ask for a referral outside of the complex. It may be further away and NOT as convenient BUT you need to get GOOD care and be able to understand EVERYTHING that is being discussed and be sure that YOUR Dr. can ALSO understand YOU!!! It's so VERY critical to your care that you get for your CP (Chronic Pain).

I wish you the very best and hope and Pray that you are able to find the PM Dr. that you so desperately need.

I'll be looking for your updates.....Sherry

[mellie4]

You should definitely find yourself another pain doctor, if possible.  I don't think anyone should be treated badly.  And being able to understand your doctor is of the utmost importance.  I'm sure some of these foreign doctors are brilliant, but it doesn't do anyone any good if they can't be understood.  I think it's asking for trouble to be seeing a physician you cannot understand clearly.  Think of all the miscommunication that could happen.

I never, ever realized how much of a problem it was to find a good PM doctor or clinic.  I am so fortunate to have found mine on the first try.  But if I were to have to search for one again, I think I'd go through the phone book to find every pain management doctor or clinic within a reasonable proximity and then interview them.

Best of luck, and I hope you'll let us know what happened.

[jamlws]

I am in the same boat, couldn't understand the pain dr cause he was not English, he told me my pain was all in my head, I was to young for treatment.
I called them and told them I won't be coming back to see that dr at all. I asked if I still had a contract with him and they said they would write in my file that I won't be going back to that dr so no I don't have a contract.
I would call your PCP and see what he or she says about what to do. I know I can't go to a dr that treats me that way and that was only on the first visit. And it is so hard to find a good pain dr anymore.
Best of luck to you
Jamie

[RunningMom]

No, you are not stuck.  You can go out and find yourself another pain management doctor.  Before you obtain any narcotic medication from future doctors, make you write a letter to your old pain doctor to terminate the contract you have with the doctor you are seeing now.  You may even want to go outside the facility that you are currently in. You have the right to be treated fairly and you have the right to choose your own pain doctor.  Good luck. There are not very many really good pain management doctors out there.