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Psychology for chronic pain
My pain manager sent me to a clinical psychologist to be part of the team helping me. What should I expect from a provider in this capacity? Has anyone had success with a psychologist or psychiatrist playing a role in their chronic pain management? Any red flags or caveats to beware?
I was seeing a psychiatrist whose primary interest was prescribing. This one appears to be more about talk therapy. I don't know what to expect.
I was seeing a psychiatrist whose primary interest was prescribing. This one appears to be more about talk therapy. I don't know what to expect.
I hope that Tuck didn't really mean "hell" in his greeting to you...
Back in September, I had an experience that really shook me up. My CP situation has been going on for about 12 years, and there's not much I haven't tried in dealing with it (well, OK, there are a bunch of meds I haven't tried, but I'm still working a full time job with a substantial commute, so I've really limited the doping up as much as I could). The point of the story, though, is that a pain management doctor that I had liked up to that point, and who had given me some hopes of a new approach, turned out to be touting something I has already done several years ago. The disappointment led to a sudden burst of tears, and if you knew me, you would know that bursts of tears are way out of character.
That shocked me. Then, not long after, in the middle of a Saturday evening meal with my wife, I "out of the blue" had another crying fit, this time coming across in terms of missing a much loved dog who had died several years ago. Again, I was shocked, and knew that something was wrong, and that I should talk to someone about it.
The selection was easier than I had feared. First, I didn't want medication if I could possibly avoid it. I'm having enough trouble with the side effects of the pain meds. Secondly, I wanted someone specializing in treating chronic pain (it IS a specialty). A google search for a chronic pain psychologist in the area that I live in turned up a couple of names, one of which I blew away because of an obvious attitude problem with respect to insurance coverage. I have been seeing the other one on a weekly basis since early October.
This psychologist has been taking me through what I assume is talk therapy, and I would say that we're still in the early stages of identifying stresses in my life that might be influencing my pain situation. My gut feeling is that it's a positive experience, and so far, I have no regrets. I must emphasize, though, that doing it well requires patience. You, the patient, have to work at it, and not expect the therapist to do all the work. I also want to echo what others have said that the "chemistry" between the patient and the therapist is critical. If the chemistry isn't working, then cut the cord immediately.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I think the subject is important. Maybe my story will be helpful to someone else...fpainestam
Back in September, I had an experience that really shook me up. My CP situation has been going on for about 12 years, and there's not much I haven't tried in dealing with it (well, OK, there are a bunch of meds I haven't tried, but I'm still working a full time job with a substantial commute, so I've really limited the doping up as much as I could). The point of the story, though, is that a pain management doctor that I had liked up to that point, and who had given me some hopes of a new approach, turned out to be touting something I has already done several years ago. The disappointment led to a sudden burst of tears, and if you knew me, you would know that bursts of tears are way out of character.
That shocked me. Then, not long after, in the middle of a Saturday evening meal with my wife, I "out of the blue" had another crying fit, this time coming across in terms of missing a much loved dog who had died several years ago. Again, I was shocked, and knew that something was wrong, and that I should talk to someone about it.
The selection was easier than I had feared. First, I didn't want medication if I could possibly avoid it. I'm having enough trouble with the side effects of the pain meds. Secondly, I wanted someone specializing in treating chronic pain (it IS a specialty). A google search for a chronic pain psychologist in the area that I live in turned up a couple of names, one of which I blew away because of an obvious attitude problem with respect to insurance coverage. I have been seeing the other one on a weekly basis since early October.
This psychologist has been taking me through what I assume is talk therapy, and I would say that we're still in the early stages of identifying stresses in my life that might be influencing my pain situation. My gut feeling is that it's a positive experience, and so far, I have no regrets. I must emphasize, though, that doing it well requires patience. You, the patient, have to work at it, and not expect the therapist to do all the work. I also want to echo what others have said that the "chemistry" between the patient and the therapist is critical. If the chemistry isn't working, then cut the cord immediately.
Sorry to be so long winded, but I think the subject is important. Maybe my story will be helpful to someone else...fpainestam
Hell Busygirl,
I saw a PM Psychologist one time during an initial consult and evaluation with a Pain Management Clinic. I did not click with her and thought she didn't understand a word I said. I was very disappointed.
However several months after that I saw a Trauma Therapist. He was wonderful. He helped me work through many changes that CP sufferers encounter. The sessions were very enlightening and insightful. It was worth the time and emotional pain that comes from good therapy sessions. It has been some years ago and I still fall back on his recommendations.
The important aspect of the therapy is that you have a good relationship with the psychologist. The "click" between patient and doctor can not be overly stressed. Of course that holds true in every patient doctor relationship. I encourage you to be open and honest, as I am sure you will be. If it doesn't feel right than request another psychologist. They can be extremely effective.
Good luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. And as always, Take Care Tuck
I saw a PM Psychologist one time during an initial consult and evaluation with a Pain Management Clinic. I did not click with her and thought she didn't understand a word I said. I was very disappointed.
However several months after that I saw a Trauma Therapist. He was wonderful. He helped me work through many changes that CP sufferers encounter. The sessions were very enlightening and insightful. It was worth the time and emotional pain that comes from good therapy sessions. It has been some years ago and I still fall back on his recommendations.
The important aspect of the therapy is that you have a good relationship with the psychologist. The "click" between patient and doctor can not be overly stressed. Of course that holds true in every patient doctor relationship. I encourage you to be open and honest, as I am sure you will be. If it doesn't feel right than request another psychologist. They can be extremely effective.
Good luck to you. Please let us know how you are doing. I will look forward to your updates. And as always, Take Care Tuck
My pmp sent me to a pain psych, too. Mine has started me on a relaxation program. He gave me a cd with instructions to follow to help me relax. He will add relaxation techniques each appointment. So far it's not much help. I relax while I'm listenting to the cd then as soon as I stop I tense back up. Relaxing is an effort and I guess the idea is to get to the point where I relax without having to use the cd and think about it. Hope that helps. Good luck.
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