Hello everyone! I just went to a pain clinic and am very excited! I am now working with a pysiatrist(sp?) for developing a tailor made pain management. This was such a nice experience compared to even my rheumy. The rheumy didn't want to give me narcotic or opiate pain killers and basically said that my symptoms are from depression and lack of sleep - duh! Although I take a anti-d, I don't consider myself depressed. Anyways, this doc listed all my options and actually gave me a choice of what I wanted to try! Also, he said that it is very rare to get hooked on narcotic drugs unless you are an addictive personality to begin with - in other words, if you are worried about becoming dependent, you won't! So, I am starting with ultracet, 4x a day, Skelaxin 3x a day, and xanaflex at night for sleep, but also good for muscle spasms. I feel better after just one day of this treatment! Of course, the bubble could burst at any time and the drugs could stop working, but I'm going to enjoy this why it lasts and cross that bridge when I come to it. But at least I feel I am now a partner in controlling my fm instead of a bystander and guinea pig! Good luck to all and if you havent tried a pysiatrist, please consider it!-you,ve got nothing to lose but some pain and anguish! :p
Hello everyone! I just went to a pain clinic and am very excited! I am now working with a pysiatrist(sp?) for developing a tailor made pain management. This was such a nice experience compared to even my rheumy. The rheumy didn't want to give me narcotic or opiate pain killers and basically said that my symptoms are from depression and lack of sleep - duh! Although I take a anti-d, I don't consider myself depressed. Anyways, this doc listed all my options and actually gave me a choice of what I wanted to try! Also, he said that it is very rare to get hooked on narcotic drugs unless you are an addictive personality to begin with - in other words, if you are worried about becoming dependent, you won't! So, I am starting with ultracet, 4x a day, Skelaxin 3x a day, and xanaflex at night for sleep, but also good for muscle spasms. I feel better after just one day of this treatment! Of course, the bubble could burst at any time and the drugs could stop working, but I'm going to enjoy this why it lasts and cross that bridge when I come to it. But at least I feel I am now a partner in controlling my fm instead of a bystander and guinea pig! Good luck to all and if you havent tried a pysiatrist, please consider it!-you,ve got nothing to lose but some pain and anguish! :p
Hey pastrygirl!
I am having my PM doc refer me to one of those therpists. I've been told he's a good doc, but bad bedside manner, so we'll see. I was also told if I didn't like him, I can go to a different one.
I want to know, did you get PT scheduled? What kind? What about Massage Therapy? This guy I asked about doesn't do massage therapy though there is a massage therapy on the premisis he works independently. So I'm wondering if I may choose another physiatrist. I only called the one office but have a whole list of them I can go to. I'm going to call some on Monday, see what exactly they do. I know the one I asked to be refered to said they don't do injections, which is okay, my PM doc does those, he also prescribes my pain meds, so I'm not worried abou that. I have a script for massage therapy, but my insurance will only cover it under the disguise of PT. I don't mind PT as long as I can do it. I have severe back problems that are only fixable by surgery, which I can't afford right now, but my main problem is the trigger points that are inflamed and the bursitis in my right hip. I have heard that these docs have a special regimine that sometimes uses heat therapy, regular PT, and massage therapy to help you. And they specialize in musckuloskeletal diseases and pain from those. But I'm wondering if the guy I've chosen is going to be for me. I hate it when they may be a good doc, and EXCELLANT doc, but a bad bedside manner, get out! I can't stand that. When you are dealing with people who are in chronic pain, you have to have a good besided manner.
So, what exactly will you be doing when you see this therapist? I'm very interested in your routine.
Hi tkgs! The gp originally referred me to a physical therapist for tens stimulation, massage therapy, etc. Although the techniques felt good at the time, the rebound pain was hardly worth the effort. Also, my pt didn't really believe in fm and told me I was "deconditioned" due to lack of exercise! What a jerk! A pysiatrist may prescribe pt, but mine just worked with me to restore a good sleep pattern and appropriate pain management. I also told him about what the pt said and his reply was "well, he's not a doctor", where a pysiatrist is. They specialize in management of pain and are not afraid to prescribe needed meds. Mine also evaluates me on a monthly basis to be sure the meds work, and if not, try something else. I guess a pysiatrist should be more of a partner for dealing with your fm realistically, instead of just throwing meds at you nilly-willy.
I would try your pysiatrist,even if his bedside manner sucks, because the relief you may receive is well worth it and what do you really have to lose? You can always try someone else. My pysiatrist actually works for a company that specializes in spine technology and rehabilitation if that helps you out any in finding another doc if yours doesn't work out.
So far, I love the treatment he has prescribed to me and seems to work - of course, we all know that can change at any time, but I'm hopeful!
My therapy right now is Effexor Xr(prescribed by pc doc), 800mg of Skelaxin 3-4x a day(which is a muscle relaxer that you can actually take and function throughout the day-a must have in my book!), Ultracet 3-4x a day(a non-narcotic pain reliever that works better than some narcotic drugs, without the high risk of tolerance and dependence), and I take zanaflex at night for sleep(actually a muscle relaxer, with the added bonus of promoting sleep. Was drowsy upon waking after the first night of taking, which disappeared after that.) Feel free to ask any ?'s you may have and good luck at your appt! PG
