Ugh!! What to do.....

mary.mary · #1 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 05:18 PM

Ya know,

I just don't get it. What is the purpose of doctors if they aren't going to HELP?

So, I went in to see my doctor yesterday so he could go over the results. I think it was the quickest explanation I have ever heard!! He told me that he doesn't understand WHY my back is in the shape it is and that I hadn't had any symptoms before my skiing accident in November. I couldn't answer that question cuz I really didn't know the answer. That was something he could help me with..after all he is the doctor, no?

After I explained to him my symptoms and how badly they have become he told me that he REFUSES to give me anything addicting and that what he has prescribed should be strong enough.

When I asked him about a specialist or anything he said that he doesn't want to jump to ANY conclusions. Then I started to CRY!! He asked my why I was crying and I told him that I was frustrated in pain and he didn't seem to care.....that didn't go over too well.

So needless to say I have no better of an understanding about my situation after leaving then I did when I went in, in fact, I feel like and IDIOT!! Don't know why I just do.

Ugh!! Anyways, I decided to send this message because I said I would keep you updated.

Does anyone have ANY input?? I am VERY upset and depressed, the pain is taking over my body and I don't know WHAT TO DO!!

Thanks, Mary

treefrog · #2 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 05:27 PM

Find another doctor!

Seriously, I have heard of many spine patients who have similar experiences, and the recommendation is to find another doctor.

phylly · #3 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 05:47 PM

I agree, been there done that. You need to get another opinion and possible a pain Dr. to relieve the pain until you can settle on a procedure to help you.
Phylly

dshobbies · #4 (**permalink**) 04-01-2009, 07:42 PM

Not only do you need to find another doctor, you also need a pain management specialist immediately. Decreasing your pain will make living easier and you'll feel more capable of coping.

Don't forget, you're paying for their services. Demand specific answers. You have that right. Write down your questions as you think of them and bring them to any appointment.

Maria · #5 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 12:30 AM

My OSS long ago told me on the first meeting he didn't prescribe pain meds and I said "ok" never thinking I'd need them as I had made it thru some near 20 years of pain and 2 spine surgeries with one awfully failed one and still wasn't on pain meds..

Lo and behold when I did reach that point. It wasn't my OSS that made the referral to a Pain Management doctor rather my PCP. When I started pain meds I later told my OSS and he was said "ok".. he just didn't do the prescribing.

He's not been the doctor that's given me the best explanations of my results or some other things but he has served his purpose in terms of working with me as my now going on 11th year as Primary Treating Physician for WC.

I'd also advise you to find a PM doc and maybe get a 2nd opinion on your results and then if you're able to and want to make a switch to the other or another doctor go ahead.

Some doctors don't respond well to tears. They are in a rush already and may not be the best at handling someone in the midst of an emotional *thing*.. I'm not making excuses for him just know that sometimes it's just something we have to do in terms of letting it all hang out and that's all there is to it.

If a tissue were offered me these days I'd think that was helpful!

Ok so really my advice is just to make sure you get your pain managed esp. if no other treatment plan was offered and probably at least another opinion or two and then see if you feel like changing your doc for another.

Hang in there!

Terry Allen Blackburn · #6 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 01:10 AM

The doctor you went to has no training in dealing with pain. You need to see a Board certified pain management physician. Some of these doctors have no real compassion and prefer book knowledge rather than dealing with patients. They really should be researchers instead of dealing with fragile human beings. The doctor you went to sounds like a few I have run in to in my lifetime. I went to one in Minnesota some years back a week before my first cervical surgery. I was on a small dose of Tylenol #4's and had run out. I explained to him what I do for a living, my history, etc. and he rudely stated; "That's a great story but you'll not be getting anything but Motrin which should deal with your pain nicely." He was such a jerk I filed a complaint with the hospital he worked for. The second doctor gave me what I needed which got me to my surgery. I got off of all pain medications within three weeks after the surgery and did not require them again for 11 years until my lumbar, cervical, and shoulder needed to be surgically repaired from the accident I was in. I also sent a letter to his boss, after my surgery was through, commending him for dealing with me so compassionately. I have never abused pain medication and, have a very healthy respect for it. If you take it for what it is designed for it serves a purpose, which is to block pain messages to the brain. You don't feel euphoria when used for what it is designed for. You may become physically dependent which is a far cry from full blown addiction. If a physician does not understand the distinction between the two they have no business prescribing the medication. Find a good pain management doctor as that doctor you went through does not understand the distinction between physical dependence and addiction.

Good luck and hang in there.

Terry Newton

fireyangel76 · #7 (**permalink**) 04-02-2009, 04:04 AM

Hi Mary,
I don't post too often anymore but I am always around reading the posts. I can so relate to your experience.
It seems that because your Doc doesn't understand the source of your pain therefore your pain is not that bad in his eyes.
My back surgeon may not be world famous or anything like that but when I was working as a nurse and taking care of his "back patients" (which I must confess I hated), the thing he said to me about his patients that always stuck was "just because I can't find what is causing their pain doesn't mean their pain isn't real and of the severity they say. It means I must work harder to try to find what is wrong." It is because I remembered this statement from this Doc, that after being treated like your were by another surgeon with a nasty little attitude, I left his office and never went back.

I went to the surgeon with the belief in me and belief in patients right to be as pain free as possible.

Find another Doctor! One who will treat you with dignity which includes the right to pain management!