I have seriously been thinking of going to pain management. I mean I like the Pain-free for a few hours and IBU is not cutting it nor is my little 5mg of pred. They use to work, but they feel they are loosing their affectiviness.
I tried to see where the closest Pain Management Dr. was and well... the closest seems to be over an hour away. I cannot go to one that far away. That is part of the reason I am hesitant to change RDs because the closest one is over an hour away. And I do not drive and hubby cannot be taking off for my appts. I am just stuck again I think. Not sure. I might can ask my sister to take me, but she works thru the day.
I will see if my current RD will help me out and see what all he can do for me. I will really complain this go around. He even knows I do not complain because I am so use to my JRA, but there are more changes going on in my joints right now, more than I like and am having a hard time dealing with it all right now.
I cannot keep being "strong". I had to the other time because we did not have health insurance nor money, but this time I have insurance and a little bit of money.
I sure hope I do keep to my "plan", and tell my RD about my problems. I usually chicken out after I have sat there in the waiting room for over an hour, because by then I am just ready to see him and get refills and leave. Who cares if I have pain, aches, and problems that need to be addressed when I have sat there for over an hour and just ready to go home and go to sleep?
RD's and internist are very quick to refer a patient to pain management because they don't want the responsiblity of the patient's pain. Too many RXs, too much trouble, and they're always looking over their shoulder for the drug police. In some ways I don't blame them, but in some cases they're too quick to refer. Going to pain management is a very big committment for the patient and their family.
Why don't you get a referral and at least go and have a talk with the pain management specialist. Then make up your mind. You won't know if it's for you until you talk with them.
Joonie...even if you do not decide to go to pain management, you need to stay strong and talk to your rheumy about what is going on. I know you are used to all of this because of the JRA. But, it just seems to me that your JRA is getting a little out of control and more joint damage could be happening. Keep in mind that while we need pain control, the pain is a symptom that something bigger is going on. You have to treat the underlying condition to be pain free. When was the last time you had any xrays done? When was the last time your treatment plan was reviewed to see if it is really helping you or not?
I can totally understand your frustration at sitting in the waiting room forever and day. However, this time, please don't just get your refills and be on your way home for a much deserved nap. I am worried about you now since you said the pred and ibu aren't cutting it. Especially since you said you are taking LorTab and I know how much you hate that stuff. Sign on to AIM chickie and I will pep talk you!! You can do this Joonie. You are a strong woman!! Besides, your babies you need you around hunny!! Remember we have talked several times about how you want to play with them and do all sorts of things with them. You won't be able to do that if you just get your scripts and run!!!
I loves yas muchly and let me know what I can do to help ya out with staying strong and sticking with your plan. It also helps that you are not a complainer. Because when you do, it makes the docs sit up and take notice to what you are saying.
When I went to a pain management doctor he gave me 'hands full of' gabapentin and I feel in the shower! and hit my head!, I was really needing 'RA', drugs. sarahjoonie, i agree, you need to look at the underlying situation. You need to