Re: everyone with AS (cheap drugs) Bob

[Guest guest]

Hi Bob, don't take what your Rheumatologist says to heart. They really

believe they can make things better, and are disappointed when you go see

another

Doctor. Every Rheumatologis I have ever had took a dim view of my pain relief

regime. But I was going down fast, I was in so much pain that I was

considering suicide. When I told my General Practioner this, he jumped into

action and

got me into therapy and prescribed an antidepressant that would not affect my

heart. He also looked up the protocols and the law in Ontario regarding

administrating pain killers. I just could not function without the pain

killers.

However the Doctor also insisted that I go see a psychotherpist, who helped

me address my deteriorating health with my Employer. The psychotherapist keeps

track of my pain and virtually kicks me back into the Doctor's office when it

increases too much. She also monitors me closely to ensure I am not abusing

painkillers. When you go to the pain clinic, they likely will not start you

right away on the morphine family. Time released morphine, codeine and

oxycodone have been shown to be non addictive. However many people crush the

pills

so they get high. The pain clinic will have a counsellor who will do the same

thing. When you start, they usually start with ultram, which is non narcotic

but shown to be effective for pain. They also try try various

physiotherapies. However, given as you are almost all frozen, my guess is that

they will

start you off on time released codeine. The other alternative is steroid based

products, however these have severe side effects. ly as you problem seems

to be fibromyalgia, I would ask for either a tricyclic antidepressant, muscle

relaxants or Valium. Which ever drug or combination of drugs you think might

work. Sorry to say this, but you are going to have to take the bull by the

horns, tell your GP that the Rheumatologists treatment are not helping and it

is time to try pain control therapy. If you keep going back to the

Rheumatologist or even another Rheumatogist, he will just try the same things

that

haven't worked.

[Guest guest]

Hello Matt, As usual you are so helpful with the information that you send to

me. Yes, you are correct, I need someone who will help with the pain and I

have been thinking of a pain clinic as you suggested. I mentioned it to my

Rheumatologist and he said that the pain clinic is like the last resort. I will

be trying embrel by the end of the month and hope that it will help me as it

does for many other people. I come from a very small town in Louisiana, St.

ville. One GP and no Rheumatologists. I am seeing one in Lafayette. He

is very good but he seems to always start me on such low doses of medication.

His office is always full and he does not take any more patients. I asked him

if he had other patients like me and he suggested to go on line for groups like

this one as support. You have really helped it once again gives a little light

at the end of the tunnel. Thanks Bob

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/26/2004 10:20:06 PM Pacific Standard Time,

supermattvan@... writes:

have to take the bull by the

horns, tell your GP that the Rheumatologists treatment are not helping and it

is time to try pain control therapy.

Rheumy's, for some reason, don't seem to address the pain. I can't say all

of them are that way, but several that Adrienne has seen, or that we know

personally, do not deal with pain. One who is a personal 'friend' has the

attitude

that... 'you have to learn to live with it' , of course, she doesn't have

that sort of pain...so I guess she is ok saying that.

Now, not to bash her completely, she also will try to use what ever meds she

can to stop the advancement, or limit the inflamation.

If pain is the issue, it is time to see a pain clinic, or a neurologist who

specializes in pain.

It is not easy, it takes time and more time. Which I know is very

frustrating.

I wish you the best in finding a doctor who will address your pain issues.

They are out there... just not always easy to find.

K

Adrienne's mom

[Guest guest]

In a message dated 1/26/2004 8:41:24 PM Pacific Standard Time,

studley@... writes:

Rheumatologist and he said that the pain clinic is like the last resort

For Adrienne it was one of the first steps. She was diagnosed at 15, and at

16 I had her into a pain clinic for addressing the pain.

However, it is probably time to consider doing something again, as she is

feeling pretty uncomfortable.

K

Adrienne's Mom

Adrienne age 20