finally got a diagnosis, but insurance...

[SLadylani]

My probono chiropractor who's also a family practitioner conquers with my diagnosis and ordered the confirming test, a MRI with contrast. Problem: my damn insurance won't cover the test. So no doctors will give me appropriate treatment and pain control until I have a diagnosis confirmed, but I can;t get one.

My PCP refused to see me last time, as you read in my last post, so I'm in the process of being transferred to another, but there's a wait list. Therefore, I can't see a neurologist who could treat me appropriately because they all need referrals. I have no money, the test is $3500. I got denied for disability and SSI because I dont' have a diagnosis. I hate the healthcare system.

I reached my breaking point with pain today and went again to the ER and broke down into tears when the triage nurse asked if I was there for more drugs and that I couldn't be seen because pain wasn't an emergency. I begged to dfiffer then she tried to put me on a 51/.50 and label me as suicidal. When I tried to correct her she said she'd had enough with me and to "get out," and she'd have another nurse see me.

I finally got admitted and actually got an understanding doctor who was willing to treat my pain. But I guess I had let my pain get so severe that Dilaudid iv push did nothing! I asked for nerve medication or a muscle relaxer but they said they didn't do that in the ER. All I wanted was an hour relief from pain, just to give me a break from this, then I cxould go back to my daily life of Tiger's balm and meds that don't work and cpnstant battles and persistence and pain. But I didn't get what I had hoped for.

I left with pain, mind you they gave me valium, which calmed me down enough to relax my muscles which helped. He wrote me a script for a stronger pain reliever and muscle relaxer but only gave me 6 pills! That won't even last until my first appointment! How am I supposed to do this?? I am majoring in pain relief/comfort care and I can't even get it myself. Oh, and I think I might be approaching another bowel obstruction.

Last thing the chiropractor did Xrays on my low back today which revealed it was completelt twisted around and slanted to one side. Explains my pain. I am just so tired, I've used all respources, MS society and all, and feel like I've reached my breaking point and can't go on anymore. I just wanted an hour of relief, but I couldn't even get that.

Support and courage/strength/wisdom please!!

Sara

[MrsAristotle]

Hi Sara so you have a low back problem then? Wow the pain for that can be immense no wonder you are in pain.

I am not sure what you mean by twisted around?  

The problem you have sadly is the medics think you are a drug addict just looking for drugs even prescription drugs you are in a catch 22 situation.

I know its no help but you must stay focused you only have a few days.

Look back ache well heat helps backache A LOT. I have constant pain in my back through spasms and nerve pain and I use my heat pad. TRY IT, it really works.

Try and pace your tablets yes I know laughable if you only have 6 but if ou use the heat therapy it might give you relief.

I dont know what else to say I feel your frustration.

You can do it Sara you have come such a long way keep strong please. You only have 8 days left to go.

Big hugs Mariax

[suzsibs]

I really feel for you, if you were in the UK you would be treated whether you had insurance or not!
Mrs Aristotle mentions heat to help you, I myself use a wheat bag which helps it doesn't rid the pain but it is comforting if nothing else.
Try to think positive I know it's hard for you, but 8 days will soon pass HONEST ;o)
Hugs
Suz

[SLadylani]

hmm...pacing tablets...i already took one of my percocet and a muscle relaxer this morning cuz I wanted to function today....yikes! Its hard because friends expect so much of me and don't understand. They think going to more 12 step meetings will help insteasd of isolating at home. And it does, to a certain extent.

But I need to plan my own day, and not be asked to make  committments, because that adds more stress to my life. Today I was asked to go to a 1030 meeting and then a 4pm meeting. That's too much and too stressful for me which is why I took both pills, because I was stressed and knew I had a long day ahead of me.

I met friends in the program with chronic pain who understand, but their are also those friends who don't understand and who never will unless they experience this intense pain. I found that UCSD, the school of medicine here, has a treatment institute for MS, and I just want to get going on treatment because I feel like I'm getting progressively worse.

And the twisted low bAck. Picture ringing out a rag. Twisted. Literally.

Love you lots and thanks fior the kind words of wisdom as always and support!

Sara