UPDATE FROM PM DOCTOR

[designgyrl]

First off, I want to thank each of you who responded, called, texted, and just talked me through my pain doctor.  I can't tell you all how much I appreciate each and everyone of you.  I went to the pain doctor and had made the decision to not say anything after the nurse asked me why I was still in pain.  That didn't last too long.  My pain doctor came in, and I thold him we have a problem.  He said, what's up, and that's when I started to cry.  I explained to him that I was frustrated with my pain level, that I've done EVERYTHING he's asked me to do to try to make this pain go away and that the vicodin just didn't seem to be holding my pain all day.  I told him that I had spoken to my psychiatrist and asked if he had called because he had made a mention yesterday that he would have called my doctor for me but I told him I wanted to speak to my doctor.  I then told him that the psychiatrist thought that I may need to be on a different medication, and I told my doctor that I just didn't know what to do.  My pain doctor told me, to stop crying (yep it was embarrassing) and that he would change some medication around.  He also said that he did not realize that I hadn't been set up for the neuro stimulator yet.  So, I said you will still treat me, and he said of course I will, I know you have a bad injury and are in pain and we will start you on a long term medication that you take twice a day, and then we will also give you break through medication to take during the day.  He said he would start me off on Opana ER 10 mg and to take 2 a day and also to take Opana 10mg  during the day as I need it and he would see me in two weeks and start adjusting my medication.  He was very accomodating.  He and I talked briefly about my job and he did tell me again today that my chronic injury will never get any better.  I apologized to him for crying and getting upset, and he told me to never apologize and that he was happy to help me.  I then apologized because we had a conversation about two months ago where I told him I didn't feel comfortable taking anything else but vicodin.  I apologized to him today about that conversation and told him I'd take anything that he would prescribe because I want to adher to what he wants me to do.  The only downfall on this, the medication is very expensive, it was 80.00 for 56 pills.  That's something I'll have to talk to the doctor about because it's almost out of my range to continually pay for.  He gave me enough meds for two weeks and then I go back, so I'll tell him then about the cost and see what we can do.  But I just wanted to tell everyone that he was so nice about the whole thing, I think he had been waiting for me to tell him I needed different medication.  It was so much easier than I thought so thank you everyone for helping me talk to him today!  It made a huge difference.

[dontundertand]

I'm so happy for you! I took opana once. Worked great for the pain, but I got really bad hives so I wasn't able to continue it. I really hope you start to feel better SOON!!!! Again, I'm so glad you were able to have an open, honest discussion with your physician and that he was receptive to hearing what you had to say. Congrats!

[Tuckamore]

Thanks for the update.....and sharing with us your Good News. It sounds like you have a wonderful PMP.

So often we over-think an issue and worry needlessly. I know I am guilty of this. I think in part that is due to our fear of labeling or past experiences getting to the right physician.  It sounds like discussing your increased pain levels was fairly painless  .....pardon the pun.  

I am very glad that the appointment went well.and I hope this ease your mind. :)

~Tuck

[designgyrl]

Thanks Jamie.  I know you've been feeling a lot better too now that you are doing the patch and having the break through meds too.   Flower thanks for the YAH!!!!!  

[flower12345]

Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SO HAPPY FOR YOU!

Hugs,

Flower

[namnam46]

Karen,

I'm SO happy that you have FINALLY stepped up to the LT meds that you have been needing to fight this increasing pain that you are experiencing!!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!  I can HARDLY wait to hear how this med will work for you.  Just keep in mind that IF it doesn't work then he will change it and "tweak" it for you in 2 weeks!!

Love you........Mama Sherry

[Sarajmt]

That's great news!  You certainly have had your share of bad news lately  and I'm glad that seems to be ending.  I'm sure your GI doctor can answer your question about the lump.  Things should start looking up.

That is expensive medicine.  Maybe someone will know a cheaper alternative to it. I don't.  I certainly understand the expense being a problem.  OR there could be help out there to assist with paying for it.  Check that out.

I'm glad things are looking up for you.  Getting out of pain is a huge step towards feeling better.  
(((((((((((HUGS)))))))))))))\
Sara