Hello All!!

[Guest guest]

I went to the pain clinic today, & saw the other doctor this time.

(there are 2 docs, one man & a woman). This time I saw the woman.

She was absolutely wonderful! She went over my history with me

(briefly), & asked how my migraines were doing. I told her since I

had the Botox injections, I haven't had but a couple a year. I can't

believe how much Botox really helps with migraines! I went from 2-3 a

week down to 2-3 a year, and those aren't as bad as they used to be.

She also gave me some Fiorinal #3 with codeine for breakthrough pain.

I was very surprised. I had an old RX bottle with me & she looked at

it & said she didn't see why I couldn't take it, especially if it

helps so much (which it does). She also gave me Soma, to help me sleep.

I asked her about the placement of my TENS pads, as I'm never sure

where to put them. She had me stand up & showed me how to find my L2,

by running my fingers from the top of the iliac crest to the middle

of my back. Then she said to roll my knuckles up my spine...the

vertebrae should be spaced about the same distance apart as my

knuckles. She said to place the pads on either side of the L-5 & S-3,

& it should give me maximum benefit. When I asked her about the pain

higher up, she told me that pain migrates upwards to healthy tissue,

but relieving pain at the source should help. No other doctor has

done that...they just say to read the literature that comes with the

unit and/or to place the pads wherever I felt I needed them.

I also had another surprise. I was using the Metro bus system, &

while I was fumbling with my money the driver noticed my Medicare

card (it was in my pocket with the money) & asked if I was disabled.

When I said yes, she told me the fare was half price! That was really

helpful, as the bus fares keep going up & they no longer sell transfers.

Today turned out to be a good day for me. It's wasn't just about

getting more meds, but the wealth of information. I WAS told that my

cholesterol is too high, and I've decided to quit smoking. I have one

cigarette left, which I'm going to smoke & enjoy, then I'm going to

get rid of my ash tray & lighters. This time I really mean to do it.

I didn't know smoking could raise your cholesterol (as does coffee, sigh).

Well, hubby has X-Files in the DVD player & is talking to me &

expecting me to reply, laugh when he laughs, & basically involve

myself in the show. My contacts are out so I can't see the tv, but it

looks like I'm going to have to interact. I can't write emails when

my husband is in the room, he's too distracting!

cyn

clmerritt@...

Fibromyalgia-Support-Group co-moderator