Atlanta Area Pain Doctor, Anyone?

[KanMan]

I recently wrote a post in this section titled Bizarre Drug Test Result. Long story short, I had 2 urine screens come back negative, making it look as if I was "diverting" my meds. It's asinine because I've taken my meds everyday for nearly 5 years. I even did a home test the mornings of the screens and they came back positive. So, I got booted.

I was referred to one of these newly termed "Pain Prevention" clinics/doctors who only focus on giving you mostly (worthless) procedures--cuz that's where the money is and it keeps the DEA off their ass--as they also cut you off most of your meds. I had a horrific car accident years ago, and haven't been the same since. I've been on an average of 120 10/325mg percs, 60 30mg OxyContin & 60 350mg soma per month for 4 years until I ended up with these "Pain Prevention," procedure-happy doctors. Now I've been cut off my OxyContin, had my percs reduced to 90 a month and completely taken off soma--which for whatever reason treated my pain almost as well as anything, but there seems to be a war on soma, now. I won't bore with details, but even at 33 years-old, if you read my CT myleogram reports, you'd wonder how I'm able to walk. I have all the necessary imaging and paperwork.

But it's been 6 months since I was taken off most of my meds by this new doctor, who says I'm too young to be on pain pills--even though I had a failed cervical discectomy and chose not to go through with the prescribed lumbar fusion for obvious reasons--as if my age (33) has anything to do with my battered spine and it's MANY chronic, degenerative conditions. I have all the imaging/paperwork.

So without bloviating any further... Does anyone know of a caring, liberal pain doctor in the Atlanta Metro area who isn't a prick that treats all "young" people as if they're automatically drug-seeking? A doctor that will prescribe you meds that will enable you to function as normal a life as possible? I've really been struggling since my PCP dropped me over that BS. I couldn't even put up the Christmas tree this year for the first time.

Any suggestions would be immensely appreciated. I'm living in almost constant pain now.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Maybesomeday]

I hope it's ok to link this. But I saw this on a google search. They say they're able to help without the use if surgical procedures...

http://www.atlantapainmanagementcenters.com

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[KanMan]

thanks for the info, I'll look into them. it's been a nightmare finding a new doctor here in Atlanta since all the sleazy pill mills moved up I-75 from Florida to A-town. Georgia immediately passed strict laws on pain management once that happened. I love Atlanta and my Peach State, but damn it can be backwards here sometimes.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Maybesomeday]

thanks for the info, I'll look into them. it's been a nightmare finding a new doctor here in Atlanta since all the sleazy pill mills moved up I-75 from Florida to A-town. Georgia immediately passed strict laws on pain management once that happened. I love Atlanta and my Peach State, but damn it can be backwards here sometimes.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I hear ya. I feel the same way. There's a lot of love/hate for the dear South.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[xxxsouth]

I would be curious to know how that clinic worked out for you

I have Grade 3 chondromalsia in my left knee and am trying to put off knee replacement as long as possible (Im 55)

I dont need anything more than Aleve on most days but I live a pretty active life offshore fishing, scuba diving and riding my motorcycle and some days those activities lay me up for a day.  My orthopedic surgeon thinks i should stop doing them and wont prescribe hydrocodone any more (7.5/325) even though I take less than 12 a month

dont wanna bore anyone...Im not "seeking" just trying to maintain my quality of life

I do have the MRIs and the diagnosis as well as insurance

TIA

 

[Trinka]

I'm also in the Atlanta area. I had previously called this clinic and was told they only take patients with referrals. Seems hard to get without feeling like you are being judged as drug seeking but maybe it's worth a try to see if they can help.

 

[Maybesomeday]

I would be curious to know how that clinic worked out for you

I have Grade 3 chondromalsia in my left knee and am trying to put off knee replacement as long as possible (Im 55)

I dont need anything more than Aleve on most days but I live a pretty active life offshore fishing, scuba diving and riding my motorcycle and some days those activities lay me up for a day. My orthopedic surgeon thinks i should stop doing them and wont prescribe hydrocodone any more (7.5/325) even though I take less than 12 a month

dont wanna bore anyone...Im not "seeking" just trying to maintain my quality of life

I do have the MRIs and the diagnosis as well as insurance

TIA

Has your doc ever suggested Hyaluronic injections for you? They can help give you some time if you're not ready for replacement.

I can understand your hesitancy about knee replacement. It's definitely painful from everything I've seen and heard. Success rate is high - but much discomfort in healing.

 

[Allhoney75]

@KanMan. I'll PM you.

 

[Suzie]

Sorry to hijack your thread but I don't know how to start a new one.  I would be soooo grateful if someone knew of a good pain doctor in Seattle.  I have three doctors and they are all scared to prescribe pain meds but want to give me Humera which is like the scariest drug out there... I get so frustrated.  Went to pain clinic and she prescribed for depression even though I told her I wasn't depressed.

 

[Allhoney75]

Wish I could help. I'm in the same boat...got 2 MRIs and a myelogram and all the docs wanna push are steroids and muscle relaxers. Steroids are dangerous and I have no intent on letting doctors load me up with them. If I hear anything will keep you posted.