Do PM docs understand when a pain medication doesn't work as well?

[krashleen]

Hi there, I have been taking a long acting opiate for pain management, had surgery, not as successful as I would like..and finding that my pain is NOT managed as well.

Do I just tell the PM doc that things aren't managed as well? Let him take the lead? Make suggestions? Go up in strength?

He told me to call anytime if things "weren't going well" for me, and I truly believe that things AREN'T going well. But my next appointment isn't until the end of the month. I am trying to grin and bear it until then.

What is the thoughts of my fellow CPer's??? I need relief!

[Boopers]

HI Krashleen,

It sounds as though you have a pretty good PM doc if he told you to call if things weren't going well.
Personally, I wouldn't wait until your appt. If you are in pain, then something needs to be done now, instead of suffering.
I would call and let him know that the pain med just isn't doing it. He may go ahead and up the strength or switch you to another pain med or both!
Sorry you are in pain.
Take care,
Linda

[sunshiney_dayz]

I LOVE my doc. Im so lucky to have found him !!! ...He actually LISTENS and asks questions ...He gives "you" the whole information and therapies, treatments, medicines. He wants to know exactly how good or bad Im feeling, any change for the better or the worse. We discuss my medicines in depth at every appointment. ( the history of the medicine itself which sometimes makes me yawn BUT at least I know hes informed and wants me to be informed on what Im taking and what its doing or supposed to be doing, as well ) ...

I cant imagine not being able to talk to him about the medicine not working well enogh..to me if I didnt feel that comfortable with him or her, Id have to fire "them" and move on...But thats just me......Ive called and requested to be seen earlier when things werent working and have had a warm reception. Thats what he's there for !

I, for one
, think you should call if you cant wait !!!! Why hurt more if you dont have to !!! ........Good luck and keep up updated !!!

[MeganLyn]

Like the others said, I too think you should call. Your PM doctor is there to help you with your pain. He said to call him if things where not going good.

I know it can be a scary thing to do. OH, I cannot count how many times I have called my PM doctors over the years. Call right away in the morning when they open. For me, I found this the best time. That way, they can get the message, and call you back sooner. And you might want to ask to call you if they get anyone that calls and cancels. They can get you on a list to get in earlier.

Now, this is how my PM clinic works. But, I do have to go in whenever I need a med change. The clinic you are at might be different. I just want you to know that, in case you call, and say they cannot help you till you come in.

Megs

[brians2000]

My doctor told me the same thing after he made a med switch last month. If he told you to call if something was not working than he honestly meant it. Brian

[sallyb]

I was so glad to see this new thread, and all of the postings. I have wondered the same thing, and just didn't have the sense to ask people.