- Pain Management docs, + or -

[Guest guest]

Dear ,

Thank you for the warm wishes. I'm doing better, thank you. I'm sorry to

hear that you have recently had surgery, and that already you are thinking it

may not have been successful. How very discouraging. I hope that just

proves to be a temporary setback, and that you will find the surgery to be

successful in the end.

In terms of Pain Management, ABSOLUTELY. Let me say that I have only had one

PM doc, and for the most part I think she was a total BONER. BUT, I do

believe that in principle, it's a very, very good idea. A PM's job is pain,

nothing but pain. No secrets, no other issues, nothing to cloud the

relationship. This is how much pain I am having, this is why. Their job is

to do whatever they can to manage that pain with narcotics, biofeedback,

massage, PT, etc. Many may not yet embrace acupuncture, herbs, etc., but

many will be versed enough in the healing arts to be able to at least

indicate whether or not that particular venue has been successful in treating

whatever ailment we suffer... Hoping we get a good one, anyway, and I still

have to believe that far and away most folks in the medical community are

really good at what they do, and really do care, or they would have washed

out... or those boners wouldn't STAND out quite so much. I hope that I am

not wrong, I really, really do.

Anyway, most PM's are anesthesiologists by trade and since this is their

field of specialty, they are far better schooled at the administration of

pain meds than a GI or our PCP or any other medical professional that does

NOT specialize in the management of pain. They're paid to know about all the

various techniques, opiates, etc.. Often they will work with pain

psychiatrists as well, who also specialize in treating patients with pain

issues, and having access to this kind of care, I think, is very beneficial.

I am eager to begin a relationship with a new PM doc, and only haven't yet

done so because I'm sort of " in-between, " as my insurance ends at the end of

this month and I don't see a point in trying to establish a relationship for

such a short term. Which brings me to one of the DOWN sides, which is that

in many cities, finding a group that specializes in pain management is still

relatively difficult to find. It DOES take perseverance.

AND --- read this carefully --- if you want narcotics to be a part of your

pain management regimen --- MAKE SURE TO ASK THEM OVER THE PHONE whether or

not they PRESCRIBE NARCOTICS. Many pain clinics do NOT. I don't know what

the hell they do, and I don't care, 'cause I don't want nothin' to do with

'em. Haha. Okay, I'm being a bit (just a bit) facetious, but really... In

my opinion, and for my body, narcotics are simply part of the picture. For

those that can manage their pancreatic pain without it - and there are some -

more power to 'em. Seriously. Way to go. But Honey, I ain't one of 'em,

and I have just accepted that fact. And that's why a PM doc is destined to

be a part of the picture for this cowboy. (YeeHaw??)

Again, keep in mind - it's still considered a relatively new specialty, at

least calling oneself by such a name and hanging a " Pain Management " shingle

on the door. But I'm happy that it's now becoming a specialty, in that it

leaves these physicians the opportunity to truly specialize, and when one

thinks of the number of drugs that are available today, having grown by the

hundreds of thousands over the last few years, it's good that they ARE able

to specialize, in my book - one of which, I'm fixin' t' close fer now. Hope

that helped, at least a little.

Peace & good fortune & pain-free-as-possible days and nights,

Terry in KC

PS... Another bonus is that this can " free up " the relationship with one's GI

and/or PCP, taking pain management out of the picture and keeping the focus

on healing minus narcotics - which many people find to be a relief, since

sometimes speaking about increasing pain and need for additional meds with

our PCP can sometimes feel uncomfortable. As you can tell, I think it's a

good idea. The PCP is still informed obviously, and many times will still

write most scripts, but the narcotics will generally be written by the PM doc.

PPS... Also, a word to the wise - Most PM docs are pretty strident, and most

clinics have hard and fast rules that, if violated, can leave you out in the

cold. So it's a good idea to do as one is told and take the meds as

prescribed. So, be certain to enter into the relationship with absolute

honestly and clear expectations on both parts. Don't shortchange yourself

upfront, and you won't be shortchanged on the backside. As we know, it's no

fun to be labeled a " drug-seeker, " especially when all you want is relief

from the horrible, terrible, unspeakable pain that CP can sometimes bring

with it. So as always, honesty is the best policy. We have NOTHING to be

embarrassed about... We might as well tell it like it is. And that's REALLY

all. Bleah.

<< Hey Terry, it's me, from GR. I tend to stear clear from the ER

whenever possible! I don't deal well with being treated like I'm crazy

because my levels have never been elevated. I feel like they think I'm a

druggy! I even feel guilty calling my doc. for meds. I hate that! I just

had a spincterotomy and a stent 3 weeks ago and 3 days ago started to

have the same old pains etc. I am so discouraged! What is next?! I have

accrued sooooo many bills I am not sure how much will be pain by my

insurance! Should I start to think pain management? I'd appreciate any

advice. Hope you're doing well. God Bless, >>