pain clinic | Arthritis Information

 

Has anyone been to one? My primary dr. referred me to one and I will be going in a week or so. They already sent me lots of paperwork to fill out and want any x-rays I've had taken. I'm just wondering what to expect. Can anyone tell me?

I can't Deb, but I'll be interested to see what others have to say.  Thanks for bringing it up. Great post Deanna.  Thanks for the information. I'll second that.  Very informative. Sorry that Julie's had such an ordeal, I wish her well.

Great info Deanna. I am  going to a pain management centre soon too Deb. We can compare notes

I'm kinda nervous about the med issue. Does this mean the pain dr will be prescribing instead of my rheumy, gastro, and primary? my first primary dr. I got here was an osteopath and he did trigger point inj. T*ey worked for a couple of days, but that is all. He got sent to Iraq, so I found a new pcp about 2 yrs ago. I am on heavy doses of neurontin, norco and ativan, and it's just not helping my pain. If I could have just a one hour break from the pain during my day, it would be such a wonderful gift. Hubby keeps telling  me to get outside and get fresh air and I will feel better. UGH that makes me crazy.

Not feeling well, gotta keep this sort but expect to be asked to sign an agreement saying that you will only get your pain meds from them and that you agree to submit to random blood tests and pill counts, etc. http://www.jaoa.org/cgi/reprint/105/6_suppl_3/S2.pdf

Here is a link to a report on pain management and on page 4 there is a sample pain contract.  I would fail on the first bullet on "exercise and weight control. owiedeb, the pain specialist usually prescribes the pain meds. The other doctors normally don't want to touch any thing that strong or narcotic. It is a big risk for them and the pain specialist know how to handle them within  the confines of the law. My GP will not prescribe any narcotics. But he has no problem with a pain specialist doing so. Also, if you have a lot of pain from neuropathy you need to do several things. One, you want your Rheumy to be addressing it because RA can cause neuropathy. Neuropathic pain needs to be addressed as early on as possible to get the pain under control and possibly reverse the damage. You also need to see a Neurologist for your neuropathy. You want to see if maybe Cymbalta, Neurotin, Lyrica and some the meds used specifically for neuropathic pain will work for you. A good antidepressant is a god send for neuropathic pain. Cymbalta has one built in. Cymbalta and time released methadone have been a blessing for me. My pain is under control and there is plenty of room to adjust if future pain develops. In addition, physical therapy really, really made a difference in my pain. Moving my legs in particular has enabled me to to go from not being able to walk across the swimming pool to now being able walk through stores and go places I had almost given up on.

You GP is vital for being on the lookout for side problems. For instance,  some of my pain was from the neuropathy. Then they did a test and found the peripheral vascular disease and now the possible congestive heart failure which manifested itself as edema and shortness of breath.

All your doctors should be continuously updated on your medications. You need to sign for your records to be sent not only to your GP but also to your pain doctor and Rheumy.

By the way, we got a plan of action for dealing with Julie's problems. I am getting a medical power or attorney, sending her to outpatient Detox, changing her pain doctor and taking complete control of her medications. Her option for not complying is an inpatient detox program. Those programs do not address real pain though.

Getting one's pain under sane control is a tough process as many here can attest to. But do not give up the effort. Living most of your days pain free really is a possibility. I've lived the other way when pain dominated my life. You must keep trying.
I do see a neurologist on a regular basis for my peripheral neuropathy. I take 800mg of neurontin morning and afternoon, and 1200mg at night. my rheumy presccribed my hydrocodone 10/325 up to 4x/day and ativan 3x/day. I have a whole slew of others as well... You definitely have a high level of pain. I could not imagine you not also seeing a neurologist but you didn't mention one. Still don't give up on finding answers even though it can be such a disappointing struggle. I do wish there was a magical formula for people's pain. It's sad because most people, including doctors, won't even acknowledge the significance of our pain. It seems to be minimized and we are judged at being weak when in truth, people who deal with chronic pain should be seen as incredibly strong, courageous souls fighting an endless battle. 

Deanna that was a great post. I had a piss poor experience at the pain clinic. they took a great history then proceded to  try to do all sorts of stuff for my back.  I kept explaining it wasnt my back. they wanted me to ride a bike and at that point I have  such swollen knees I couldnt bend them. I kept telling the pt I have RA and I want information on how to protect my joints and she kept saying bend your legs when you lift.. It was awful.

 The therapy pool felt great but the therapist insisted I side step for about  100 steps and I developed  nasty bursitis in my hip 18 months ago and I still have it. its getting worse not better.

 

I went to the pain management clinic 3 times and said  never again.

I have enjoyed reading these posts. I would love to go to a pain clinic. I believe the pros outweigh the cons. (especially if you pain is bad enough, eh?)
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