Just saying hi, and pain issues

[notheidi]

I haven't been on the board in awhile so I wanted to say hello to everyone.

I'm doing ok belly wise right now which I am thankful for.

My issue these days is chronic back, butt, and hip pain. I am having a terrible time of it. There's nothing seriously wrong and I am thankful for that. It still freaking hurts. It's all soft tissue stuff and because I drive a lot for my work.

I don't know if anti-opioid mania has hit your state, where I am in CA, it's bad. There are a number of alternatives I can't take, so my options are only tylenol, which doesn't help much, or opioids. Nobody wants to prescribe them anymore, and I can't get in to see a pain management doctor. One declined because he has too many patients and another one was too busy to call me back. I'm doing PT and water aerobics.

I'm also looking for a new PCP because mine is an insensitive jerk. Well, it seems that the new thing with PCPs is to "screen" you before accepting you as a patient. This involves typically asking one question: What meds do you take. If you take an opioid, you are rejected, it seems, upon principle.

Totally infuriating to be judged on one thing, and that is your meds. They don't even ask what health conditions you have or why you're taking it! I'm not even asking this doctor to prescribe it, I said fine, send me to a pain specialist. And they said the pain specialists are full for two months, so therefore you are a bad match and we can't take you as our patient. Even with me agreeing to not ask them for opioids.

Which all has led to me feeling kind of panicky and like I want to scream and cry. It is really depressing me.

On another level, I think it's wrong. All the addicts get the meds and those who legitimately need them can't. I'm sorry if I've ranted about this on here before, I can't remember. This has been the second day in as many days that I've been in tears from pain and rationing my 10 Norco pills to last a few months.

[amyc]

Can you take toradol? I'm allergic to opioids but toradol works great for me. Tra ado is another option. Time for a new job?

[AllisS]

The anti-opioid craze has hit Massachusetts as well. Though I don't currently have a chronic-pain issue that requires them, I never assume that I won't find myself in that situation sooner or later. I agree it's outrageous that pain treatment for legitimate needs is now secondary to concerns about addicts and "addiction." It definitely doesn't bode well for the rest of us. Like you, I find Tylenol to be nearly useless for pain. I've tried it, e.g., for headaches. Advil, on the other hand, is more effective, at least for me. I think you're right to look for another PCP; PCPs can be key to the quality of care that one gets. I've seen the same one for 15 years and she knows I'm not a "drug-seeker." When I had minor foot surgery a few years ago, for instance, the podiatrist refused to prescribe a pain med for afterward -- he said just to take -- you guessed it, Tylenol -- whereas the PCP didn't hesitate to do so.

[NanciT]

Hi
I am also in CA and it really is a nightmare for patients who have pain and limit use. The physicians have clearly be told NOT to prescribe. I was recently in to see my PCP who in the past would give me an RX for 20 ( which I think was 2 years ago) and he told me to take tylenol. I am taking ADVIL Liquid Gel caps which I feel work much better in case you want to try those.

I also purchased a QUELL unit which honestly has been fantastic. Look it up online. It is like a Tens unit and works on pain receptors. It works systemically although you wear it on your calf. It took 4 days for me to notice it helping. My pain is Pelvic/Low back and hip. I have had these spasms since being on Vanco for 3 months. It has helped more than the PT. Recently I thought I was so much improved I stopped using it, in 2 days my pain was back so it is clearly helping me.

A pain specialist may be the best option if you can get in. I imagine they are over booked due to the lack of MD's willing to RX pain meds.
It IS out of control, things have to change.
Wishing you the best with this!!
NanciT

[notheidi]

Thank you guys so much. I haven't heard of quell but I'll check it out!

I can't take Advil or other NSAIDs due to history of GI bleed.

I'm feeling calmer today. Yesterday I had a good long cry. I also may have rented the vacant unit in my duplex (I live in one and rent the other ) and it was REALLY stressing me out. It's like there were multiple things about which I was feeling out of control and dependent on others and I couldn't take it anymore.

With hopefully having just one of these big things settled ( the rental) I feel better able to cope.

I have ultram/tramadol which works adequately tho not the best, but I ran out. Seeing back dr soon.

[notheidi]

That is horrendous re no pain meds after foot surgery. Tell them you'll sue when you get a stroke from the high blood pressure caused by the pain!

It seems like a few short years ago pain was the fifth vital sign! Remember that campaign? Now pain is evidence of criminal wrongdoing.

And yeah the pain docs are full or don't return my call. Honestly medical MJ is easier to get at this point, but I don't want to go there and jeopardize future employment by risking a hair test. Plus I'm already fat so I can't afford the munchies lol!!!
:-p