Pain treatment

[joe900756]

I am now 76 years old and a chronic pain patient.  The problem is that I live in Arkansas and all the MD's here refuse to see chronic pain patients, I suspect because of patient abuse of pain meds.  I last attended a pain clinic about 10 years ago, but there are none here in Arkansas.  I know the techniques and how to get ahead of the curve, but I can't find a doctor willing to follow my condition or perscribe the pain meds.

I was crushed in a motor vehilcle accident in 1968 at age 30 and have had years of rehabilitation, orhopedic surgeries, about 13 including multiple joint replacements, and re-eduacation.  My most recent surgery was left knee replacement again and it did not go well because my arteries are getting hard and I had a popateel (sp?) artery rupture during surgery that nearly ended all my problems.  In the past 3 years my osteoartherities has progressed so far I can hardly stand and cannot walk more than a few feet and that is trouble because I don't get enough exercise as it is.  The only way I can get through the day is with the aid of canes and pain meds.  Lots of PT helped, but no longer.  I refuse to give up, but just a little bit of walking and exercise if you want to call it that leaves me in 7 - 10 pain scale and I am getting very concerned.  Each day is getting tougher to get through.  Anyone know a pain clinc, pain doctor or pharmacy that will help in Arkansas, La., MS, GA, or Texas?????

Thanks -from a former tough guy

[omhome]

wow  great recommendation and specific! Is there a book or site that has ALL of similar recommendations for every state? Compiled by cp sufferers?  And don't all the pain drs require an office visit every month (or three months sometimes)  Some of us suffer if we have to travel more than an hour or two and some of us don't have the $$$$$ it costs. Again  more roadblocks---for us older folks---for NO reason.   abide    yogadon

[evergreen73]

I know of an excellent Pain Doctor in Gravity, AR .  It's in north Arkansas on the Missouri border. It is the 'OZARKS COMMUNITY HOSPITAL' Pain Management Clinic.  The address is '1101 Jackson St. SW Gravette, AR 72736'. The phone number is '479-344-6870.  The doctor is
'HEATHER STELLING, MD'.  She is a wonderful, caring doctor who is not afraid to treat your pain.  If you have serious pain issues with documentation, she goes above and beyond, from minor surgery to injections to pain meds.  She is generous with pain meds to those with serious pain.  I know that may be a long way from where you live, but it would be well worth checking into and making the trip if you are able.  She is a no nonsense doctor  who is very serious about the pain contract

[SmokeyTheDog]

Arkansas Pain Clinic in North Little Rock

[omhome]

severe inoperable back pain w/nerve damage etc. knees  feet   Pain! and the anxiety that i can be denied treatment (legally) anytime. i want control of what i put in my body  for god's sake i could chug-a-lug a quart of tequilla if i want  but don't dare let me have any extract from a poppy plant??how do we with cp get some control  back in our (our not their) quality of daily life. come on you guys there has to be a way??OM

[alsoinpain]

OM, May i ask what your pain is from? Yes, it is really awful that anyone get denied pain relief, but especially older people. You get your junkies that get whatever they want, but when you have chronic pain and proof of it no less, you can't get treated because heaven forbid a senior citizen might get addicted and may even have a better quality of life, we cant have that now can we. Let the legitimate people suffer and pass out pills to the junkies!

[omhome]

this is how we are treated if we are old and poor and in pain as we have no power or way to get help except by kissing some doctors butt! thanks to also for some compassion and understanding. i am 65 and really beginning to notice the discrimination especially since i am always in pain due to undertreatment.right on also! i could get addicted and what would that do except give me some relief   why are they so worried if i get relief? because god forbid i might feel a hint of euphoria at my age? what to do you guys---you will all be here soon!!   OM

[alsoinpain]

Unfortunately i can't help because i am up north, however i would suggest you may call your local area office on aging, they might be able to point you in the right direction, or even your area ability center. I'm sorry but that is so wrong to leave you suffering, especially at your age. (not that younger people should suffer either though) but jeez what, are they afraid that you might get addicted? Its ridiculous! I wish you the best and hope you can find the help you need.

[omhome]

  hope u are still there   and jenner: see a rhuematologist? Joe is pointing out that the ama and friends under-treat or don't treat and then stigmatize those of us with legitimate pain issues! This is a huge problem for us. What to do about it???  Om

[jennerfennerbenner]

I do not. But what i do know as a nurse that it is commpletely unexceptable for anyone to live in pain in this day and age! Have you seen a rhuematologist?