Nervous About My 1St Appointment With Pain Management Dr

[shaynagrl]

Hi everyone,

I have been posting about my problems with back pain in this thread, here:

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Tomorrow morning, I go see a pain management doctor -- specialty is anesthesia / pain management.  My husband says to tell him everything, even the embarrassing stuff. 

I don't want him to think that I am just a whiner and cut me off the little bit of pain medicine that I do have.  What I really want is to not have to take anything and just not be in pain anymore.  I am really sick of the sleepy / zonked out feeling I have much of the time, but it is better than being in searing pain and unable to move at all.

Usually I know how to deal with a dr. - and I guess after reading so many negative stories about pain management - I am nervous about doing or saying the wrong thing.  Any advice or feedback would be greatly appreciated. /default_smile.png

 

[Mira]

I've never been in that situation, so unfortunately, I have no advice except try to forget about the bad stuff you've read and just be yourself. 

I wish you the best and hope this doc helps you out!

 

[Jazie]

My suggestion is to be as honest as you can.  I know PK's put you out, but help the pain.  You should be up front and tell him/her that the meds work only you want a diagnosis so your pain can be relieved long term.

There should be no shame in telling him that Advil, et all, does not help, but you don't want a life of PK's either only right now until an epidural or other therapy it is helping you get through your day, work, live and all that.

You do not have a history of PK abuse behind you and a Dr will see that, if they are perceptive.  Just be honest Shayna as it is the best route to go here.

I wish you well tomorrow!

 

[shaynagrl]

Mira and Jazie, thank you both for your support. While I don't have a history, my mother was an alcoholic and pill addict. As a child, she often drugged me to keep me quiet. My tolerance is back to normal because that was a long time ago, but I know how powerful these drugs can be.

My husband will be with me at the dr visit tomorrow. Between the two of us, I will just try to be as descriptive and honest as I know how.

 

[Guest]

Thinking about you today! The very best luck, xoxoxoxo

 

[shaynagrl]

Thanks @catinthehat - I appreciate your kindness.

 

[Sheena]

Thinking of you shaynagrl! Hang in there and let us know how things go for you. 

 

[Guest]

How did things go for you?

 

[shaynagrl]

Thanks for asking - things went pretty well I think! /default_smile.png

I updated more details in my original thread on my back pain options.

Basically, the dr and all the staff were super nice -- and I have a lumbar epidural setup for this coming Monday morning.  I will have IV sedation for the procedure, and he said it shouldn't hurt and that if it does, I won't remember anything.  Sounds good to me! /default_smile.png

 

[Mr. Crowley]

Thanks for asking - things went pretty well I think! /default_smile.png

I updated more details in my original thread on my back pain options.

Basically, the dr and all the staff were super nice -- and I have a lumbar epidural setup for this coming Monday morning.  I will have IV sedation for the procedure, and he said it shouldn't hurt and that if it does, I won't remember anything.  Sounds good to me! /default_smile.png

Glad to hear that the appointment went well. This is something that my doctor and I have been considering. Please let us know how it goes. And no, it shouldn't be painful. You should get a cocktail of versed and fentanyl (that's what my doc does). They want to make sure you don't move during the procedure.

 

[shaynagrl]

I was getting nervous since I hadn't heard, so I called their office this afternoon, and they got right back to me and followed up right on the spot.

At the very end of the day, my insurance gave approval for the epidural procedure, so I am all set for Monday morning.