Finally receiving pain management!

[momw/ic]

Well, I finally took matters into my own hands and referred myself to a pain management doctor. On my first visit when they asked who referred me I told them I referred myself. My uro was not oppossed to it and did not mind giving me pain medication but his nurses made me feel like a druggie so I decided that I did not deserve that kind of treatment. I asked themto request my records from the uro so that I wouldn't have to go through the nurses myself. After my cyst w/hydro and botox when I called the nurse for a refill on my lortab she said I needed to get off of the narcotics and to try taking advil! I was floored and demanded to talk to the doc. Then she changed her tune and called me in the lortab but also talked about how I should try advil. I told her that not only have I tried it (a long time ago) but advil is actually one of my flare up triggers!

Anyway, this appointment was wonderful! I left feeling so validated. The doc said I probably have needed pain management for years since I have fibromyalgia and a bulging disc in my back in addition to my IC. Anyway they started me out on a low dose regime with the plan to increase dosages in one month but I am already doing so much better. They talked about how any kind of pain in an organ is difficult to manage and ususally requires pain management. I am so encouraged by this and really feel like I am starting to get ahold my medical care, treatments and my life. Anyone who is considering pain management needs to just go for it!

[cass2376]

Thanks for posting this!! I say that because I am trying to get my pain under control too. I was dx with fibro 5 1/2 yrs ago and IC May 2004 and was not "living" cause of the severe pain. I am taking Elmiron, Elival, and 30mgs of methadone for chronic pain a day. On non flare days I can handle the pain pretty much but when I flare, nothing I'm taking helps!! To top it off, they started me on DMSO treatments that so far just cause severe burning when being inserted and I can hold them in for only 8 min. Then my bladder spasms for a the day, and usually a flare starts up. If I am lucky, my pain after this will last about 5 days, then I have another treatment, so on and so forth. They said this can be normal, but if I tough it out( easier said then done :) ), By the 6th or 7th one I could see improvement. So hear I am just dealing w/ this but I told the nurse about my painmeds not working and she and the doc suggested a pain management program for Kaiser patients w/ chronic deseases and pain and sent a ref. to go.!!! I called and have to attend 2 classes on pain and how things are done there., then they meet w/ you to decide how to treat your pain and treatment plans. I am so excited, and when I read your post, I even got more excited to see that it can work!! I go to my 1st class on OCT. 17. I go for my DMSO treatments on Tues. so I'm going to let them know that they said ( the P.M. program) to have my doc treat my pain untill they see me and take over, cause I should not be suffering!! So I hope they might help me untill then. Anyway, thanks for your encouragement, it put my mind at peace!! I know things will get better for you and me!!( and hopefully more who might be pursuaded to go to a pain clinc or program) Good luck and take care, God Bless you, Cassandra :angel:

[Sarojini]

Wonderful news!! I just started at a pain clinic too and I find it to be a wonderful step -- they treat me with much more compassion, etc. I have a new uro who would also manage pain if necessary, but we agreed the clinic was the best way to go as it is closer to me and easier for me to go for monthly appointments.

I am so glad you also had a good experience :) :)

[amarion]

I just wanted to say I'm happy to hear things are looking up for you. I had my first appt. with a pain management clinic last week and the doctor is WONDERFUL!!!!! Up until I saw him I was on the verge of having a mental breakdown, but now things are good and he is willing to coordinate my treatments with both my uro and my gyno!!! Pain clinics are definitely the way to go for the pain!!! Take care!!! :woohoo:

[mallenajolie]

I have to say I am so glad to see posts like this. Don't get me wrong I have a wonderful uro who handles my pain mgmt, but with the gas prices and the long drive about an hour (from home or work) I am tempted sometimes to go to a pain clinic. I have been afraid to go due to the horror stories. thanks for posting. :) :) :) :) :) :) :)