Re: Tammi, about getting doctor in Iowa

[Guest guest]

Hello. I talked to Tonia and she said that the Uof I does not have a very good pain dept. I never thought about Burlington. I just need someone who understands what I am going through. It hurts and in Fairfield, I have been unable to find anyone (medical or otherwise) who can make the pain go away. I have only known about this problem for a few weeks. When diagnosed, I had no idea what my doc was talking about. I guess I will endure the PT and Prednisone for a month and see what happens. So far it just makes it hurt more. If not for you all, I would be in a worse place than I am now. Any words of encouragement?

Hope to hear from you

TAMMIEJoAnn wrote:

Tammi, this is JoAnn, s Momma and I lived in Iowa for 18 years. My husband has family in Washington, Iowa which is not far from you. Know you are in South East Iowa,well not way east but more east than middle, about 100 miles from Cedar Rapids but what I am wondering is have you tried Iowa City? Have you gone to Burlington? I was just trying to think of some places you might try. You could call University Of Iowa in Iowa City and ask if they have Pain dept. and if so talk to someone there and see if they know about RSD and how often they treat it. I was wondering if you could also call Burlington Hospital or call Burlington information and ask about Pain Doctor number. Anyone have ideas how she could find out where good Pain doctor is other than what I have. Tammi aren't you further away from

Des Moines than Iowa City? Not sure how far from ST.Louis you are but would think that would be long trip. Well wish I could help you Tammi. Just work hard by calling hospitals or maybe Tonia's doctor would know of someone in Iowa City or Burlington or Washington? I don't know just want you to get some help and hey, will be driving through your town this summer on way to Cedar Rapids. Maybe we could meet.!!!! Take care and write me at home email or on digest anytime Tammi. Take care and hope your night is less painful and your able to sleep.s MommaJoAnn

[Guest guest]

Tammie,

I can only offer you the knowledge that, with the right Dr, you will feel so much better. It doesn't sound as if you are on any pain medications that might help you.

Have you located a pain mgmt. Dr. yet? I would NOT wait the month, the longer you go, the more remote the possibility of remission.

Hugs,

Jo

[Guest guest]

Hi Tammie,

When I was first diagnosed with RSD, I happened to be at a hospital where they had a pain clinic. I cannot stress how important this is. A GP or podiatrist is NOT going to be able to help you the way you need. Nor is a PT. PT's may know a great deal about RSD, but cannot prescribe meds, etc.

I took Neurontin for the first 3-4 years of my illness. I was also on Elavil and a bunch of other things, including pain meds at that time. After that, I stopped ALL meds. It was too much for me, I could not function. Additionally, I was allergic to pain meds, so I had to take all kinds of antihistimines to counteract them.

My Dr, after my last car accident, put me back on Zanaflex in place of the Neurontin. I took that for over two years. I use pain meds sparingly, as I still have to take the antihistimines.

I am able to work full time (plus), and try and enjoy life as much as I can. There are days when that seems difficult to say the least, but I like to say I have RSD, it does not have ME.

I have taken all kinds of meds. I don't respond well to them, anyway.

I have had lumbar blocks, stellate ganglion blocks, radio frequency treatments, etc. etc. etc.

You need to find a Dr. who knows how to treat the RSD. They are usually anesthesiologists. A psychologist may help you to deal with this as well, prior to getting into a deep depression.

And, as you see, talking to others at least gives you some knowledge, and with knowledge, a better ability to deal with all this.

Hugs,

JO

[Guest guest]

Hi Jo. The problem is finding a doctor who has dealt withthis before. I have a local foot doc who made the initial diagnosis. He is the one who sent me to PT. Said they would know how to help me. NOT TRUE! They are as in the dark as I am. My therapist is frustrated and so am I. What she is doing is making the pain a lot worse. I called my doc and he put me on Tylenol w/codeine. That just makes me sleepy but does not do much for the pain. I have heard a lot about Neurontin. What can you tell me about this? What variety of things have you done for your own situation?

Help in Iowa.

Tammiejomal1@... wrote:

Tammie,

I can only offer you the knowledge that, with the right Dr, you will feel so much better. It doesn't sound as if you are on any pain medications that might help you.

Have you located a pain mgmt. Dr. yet? I would NOT wait the month, the longer you go, the more remote the possibility of remission.

Hugs,

Jo