It's been almost 4 months now

[AZKathy]

in 3 days it will be 4 months, and i just can't take it.  i've been to the ER 3. almost 4 times. until a neurologist that i saw presccribed some tramadol for me.  i don't really like it - it takes away the headaches which is fantastic, but makes me feel like i'm going to crawl out of my skin.  i've been through everything the drs. could think of, the steroid injections, which the dr. discontinued, saying the risk of paralysis was greater than the benefits i was receiving.  i've been pushed from dr. to dr. to dr. and none knows what to do.  none of the chronic pain clinics accept my insurance.   i've been thinking of trying to get into a methadone program, but i can only find one, and i'd have to be there for at least 2 weeks, and i can't leave for that long.  i see my pcp on the 29th and just hope that besides her giving me shots in the neck, that she'll be able to provide me with a chronic pain dr.

I've been at the end of my limit with this pain ... it's just been so horrible.. with all the going to the ER, i'm sick of doing that and i'm sure they're sick of seeing me.  i've been just so very close to taking my life at times, more than i thought possible.  if you guys have any suggestions about what i can do, please let me know.  i'm at the end of my rope.

thanks,
kathy

[AZKathy]

Hi Franny,
The wait continues.  I called the referrals office at University Physicians, and they said they had to get an authorization from my insurance to set me up with a Pain Management Specialist.  The insurance plan that I have, United Healthcare, is just horrible sometimes; it seems like I need authorizations for just about everything.

I'm already seeing a neurologist who specializes in headaches - she gave me a prescription that's mainly for migranes, but I'm supposed to take two of them every night when I go to bed.  They're not anything like a narcotic.  The problem is, that they take 3 to 4 months to start working, so I don't even know if they'll help at all.

I guess I just have to keep contacting my php and wait for that insurance referral to get here.. they said it would take a week to 10 days.

It seems like my whole live now is spent waiting for something or other.

Thank you for your encouragement,
Kathy

[Franny62]

Keep diligent on finding a Physician that will accept your insurance, and once you find them (sounds like a Neurologist is what you may need)? Ask them about a Medtronics Electrical Stimulator. I've had mine now two years, and I'm almost done with taking any narcotics. I still have a PRN perscription for breakthough pain. I'm now hoping that soon all I will need for breakthrough pain will be an Advil, or an Ibuprophen product to ease any breakthough pain (which is becoming less, and less every day). Keep the faith in yourself, because you sound like a very strong Woman who can overcome any problem with pain. Hang in there Kathy, and know it can, and will get better with time, patience, support from friends, and family, and a good, and caring Doctor. Sincerely, Franny

[AZKathy]

Just a follow up =

I saw my primary care doc on Thursday, and she gave me 3 different referrals, 1 of which applies particularly to all I've been going through.  I told her everything that I've told you, and she decided not to give me the shots in my neck, as it would be like novocaine, and probably would be of little or no use for my headaches.

The referral which she gave me which pertains to these horrible headaches is one for a "Pain Medication Management Specialist" ... I think that the University Physicians is having a difficult time trying to find a dr. who will accept my insurance plan.. they were supposed to call me back, but I'm still waiting... but their clinic was closed today.  I think I'll get on the phone Monday, and prompt them to find someone to help me out asap.  I just can't take going to the ER every time it feels like my head's going to split open... and I know that the people at the ER are probably very tired of seeing me also.

I've got to admit that I'm surprised that my pcp was so cooperative and understanding about the terrible pain... she's previously been so adamant about not letting me have any opiates of any kind.  I think she finally understands the pain that I'm living with daily.

Thanks once again for your support... I just wanted to let you know what happened when I visited my pcp.
Kathy

[laurel453]

Kathy, i can not say anything else but what sara and brian have told you... you have tried everything and you are not having a quality of live right now... we will be here for you supporting whatever you choose and you think it is the best for you..

all my best, Kathy :)

[Franny62]

Hang in there, but please do not let you level get too high, and if that happens? Get to your nearest ER. Pain will kill you, and that's a fact!

[bmdad]

So sorry you are still dealing with the extreme pain still. It can be so very difficult when there is no other way to control your pain. You have tried anything and everything as an alternative. You have to do what you have to do for some form of quality of life. With technology nowadays you never know when a new treatment or procedure will become available.
You hang in there and I pray they can figure it out!

Brian

[dominosarah]

Good girl!!!

[AZKathy]

Hi Sarah... doing my best to try to eat when headaches aren't too overwhelming - have some food in the oven rite now... yayyy... thanks for your support!

[dominosarah]

Hi kathy.......When you see your doctor on the 29th make sure you tell him just what you have told us.  I know you have tried your hardest and have done everything in your power to try and control this pain.  I just want to tell you that i will be here for you in whatever you choose to do.  You are in no way doing any quality living right now.........hugs to you, sara

Are you still eating by the way??!!

[gettingthere23]

do you know that this is a forum for people recovering or suffering from opiate addiction??? just wondering??