Nuero instead of PM

[jena1225]

Ok, I have my appt with Neuro today and was thining...

When I asked my PCP to up it just a little, she wanted me tpo see a PM as she thinks he could help me more. She was very nice about it, and will stick with me until I find one I am comfy with, or whatever. So, she is not hanging me out to dry, or think I am abusing.

I am not a surgery or trigger point injection candidate, I cannot take steroids, and the Oxy dosage I am on is "almost" enough. I am on 40mg bid with perc for B/T.

My Nuero has me on Lyrica for my nerve pain, Baclofen for spasticity. I do think he will be adjusting these, as something is just not right. I just wonder if it would be a good idea to ask HIM to up the Oxy just a little. This way I don't have to spend $300 I don't have on a PM, and also have to see yet "another" doctor!

I know that it has been recommended I see a PM by a lot of you, and I appreciate that. However, it has also been mentioned that I really might just have to wait it out. Do some pool exercises, take the meds, and let mother nature takes its course.

I will ask my Neuro what he thinks and will do that, I just wanted to get your opinions. For those of you who have recommended I see a PM, please do not think I have ignored your advice! I just had another thought. Since I MUST see Nero regularly and he does take care of my MS pain, i just thought it might be "convenient"? to have him do it all??

I never like to use my cognitive issues as an excuse, bit I am so bad at explaining things, I am going to use it this time! :D

[Kathi49]

Jena,

I would think it might be okay to keep the Neuro on board only. BUT...sometimes certain things are just out of their realm. That's why everyone was speaking of a spinal PM or just a PM. And I am just basing it on what I know about my own Neurologist. I know for a fact she refers the spinal patients to the same group I use. I am not articulating this very well. But as far as I know, she doesn't do injections for instance. At least I don't think she does. All I can tell you is that she will treat the neuropathic pain with meds and does testing; that sort of thing. But if it came right down to the discs themselves and nerve roots and such I would be right back at my PM or NS. Because...she is just that...a Neurologist and NOT a spinal PM or NS.

But other people may have had different experiences with theirs. Theirs may do more as far as the spinal issues go. I just don't know.

You can always ask your Neurologist today what they think. :) I would think if your Neuro could manage it all that would be good. I know where you are coming from but with the disc bulge, arthritis and tear...I just don't know what your Neuro will say. Post back and let us know. Oh, and you have to do what you feel is right for you. So I don't feel I am being ignored at all. :)

[Cervie Barb]

If a doc you already have will take care of this, I'm all for it! Why add another monthly appt with the expense to the mix? If the neuro doesn't want to write the script, sometimes just a letter to your PCP recommending the increase will do the trick.

Good luck.

[jena1225]

Kathi - thank you again. I just want you all to know I value all of your input!

Barb - I am leaning towards what you said, only because my back issues do not seem to warrant surgery OR injections according to my OS. So, I am just going to "wing it" and see if the tear heals on it's own. Not sure how you treat arthritis, but maybe all the meds he has me on will help.

Good news though - I asked PCP if she would just keep the dosage the way it is, and just go the distance with me and see what happens. Hopefully I will start to heal naturally and can reduce the Oxy at some point. She is fine with it, bless her heart!

I am sick of appt's and am not going any farther with any of this. I will see what happens with the new meds and go from there. I do have a tendancy to complain after a week of feeling like a zombie when I start new meds, but I am not going to do it this time. I am going to need more help from my family, as I will not be able to drive on this Tegretol, I just know it.

I know I sound like such a downer tonight, but I feel as if everything is falling apart! Business is in $$ trouble, and there is alot of stress, but they will not include me in that anymore because of my health. My lack of ability to work like I used to makes me feel responsible for anything that goes wrong!

I will stop, my apologies

[BrokenBladder]

Jena no apologies!! I feel like you as well because so many things are out of my control due to my disease's. I just have to keep reminding myself this isn't my fault. Take Care!!