Stupid Phone Call

[HVAC]

The New pain Specialist I like called me back because I called to say my Spasticity was really bad I had also called and left a message Sunday. First he wanted to know if it was worse than when I first saw him. I said no but it was not better since he took me off my other medications. He said he discussed this with me last night. I said I did not think he had. He said he was sure he had. I do sometimes answer the phone in my sleep and was dumb enough to mention this when he was insistent. I said when did you call and told him I knew I was on the phone with an insurance agent at that time. He said it was in his log he talked to me right then.

He got pretty snippy and told me I was not being clear about when the pain comes and goes during the day. That is hard to say. Finally he reluctantly upped my dose of Zanaflex to a total of 8mg a day. he did not have my chart which I thought was weird since he waits until the end of the day to make phone calls. I got off the phone and check my caller ids on both phones and no he had not called. Now he thinks I am crazy or a drug seeker.

Alex

[HVAC]

Thanks I think I could write my own version of Dante's Divine Comedy with the nine circles of hell being the medical system. "Abandon hope all yeah who enter into the Medical System" lol. Oddly enough directing my anger at said medical system helps my pain, may be a distraction and anger is a powerful emotion against powerlessness.

Alex

[LisaJF]

You know when you first initially meet a doctor such as him, knowing he impressed you at your first meeting, displaying empathy, prescribing medications to "help" you and manage your pain is all well in good. You walk out thinking, "I really like this guy" until......

....after awhile you begin to see their true colors.  Chalk it up that he had a bad day or he had lack of sleep the night before, or is this his real self where he intelligently masked his misgivings at your initial visit or two only to toss the responsibility onto you and how "you" can't remember a simple conversation that never existed in the first place.  Makes you feel that you're going bonkers.

I don't care if you were on drugs galore, people will remember a conversation when it is in reference to themselves and their health, no matter how bad the cog fog is or how sleepy you are or how many drugs you are taking at the time.  

I'm disappointed in your pain management doctor who made you feel this way.  In fact, it angers me to no end.  

I'm sorry for your experience but I think it leaves you two choices:  1.) confront him on this in person and discuss it in length of his side and your side (even including to check your caller ID etc.) or 2.) Find another pain management doctor who will give you the respect that you deserve and reserve his prejudices or thoughts in regard to your pain management to himself knowing the outcome or goal in his treatment for you is pain relief.  Not making you feel guilty because you seek for comfort or relief from what ails you.

Lisa

[Lulu54]

It makes me wonder what drug/sleep med he might have been taking.  Alex, you deserve more respect in your medical care than this doc is giving you. I am so sorry you continue to draw the short straw.

[Sumanadevii]

This is the reason I refuse to go to a pain clinic.  I would rather be in pain.  If my neuro can't or won't prescribe it, I won't be using it.  I have heard too many "god" stories of doctors at those clinics.  I personally don't need a "god" figure looking over my shoulder like I am a child.

[Buffy1970]

I had a neuro try something  like this with me (when I reported his behavior to his partner).  Said he was concerned b/c I was calling for results of preoced not had yet, among other things.  B/c I have cogn issues I checked my cell phone records (my only phone) and it backed my notes.  He subtely threatened my single-parented status with "concern".  Psychiatrist friend said he was doing a pathetic CYA.  Lucky for me he claimed phone conversations... .

I think sometimes various people may try to take advantage of the fog some people struggle with.  Don't let him get to you.  It also may be an honest mistake but it's good that you called him on it.  His job depends on facts and it sounds like he needs to work on keeping his straight.

Luck with new dosage.