im worried about my next visit (tomorrow) with my pain management dr
I go tomorrow for another visit with my pain management dr-a young guy who obviously is not many years out of med school. i have been a patient for 6 months-havent seen him in 3 months due to my 27th surgery on my foot-he gave me refills during those 3 months, which for the pain following 26 failed surgeries in 6 yrs, has not done much good. 4 10mg lortabs per day. Now after 6 months and not trying anything else he wants to jump straight to a spinal cord implant (i hope im using the right term)
I really am not up for a 28th surgery right now-he has done 3 nerve blocks which were totally ineffective. On one visit he did happen to mention the cost of this surgery, which I found rather odd. He also hinted that if I didnt let him do it, then he wouldnt continue any pain medication.
Any ideas on how to handle this situation? Im pretty concerned about it-
A good doctor will work with his patient as a team, making decisions together. He should clearly explain why he recommends a particular treatment and you should be able to express your concerns and ask questions. If he has a "Do as I say and don't ask questions" attitude, it's probably time to find another doctor.
It's certainly understandable that you would not be anxious to undergo yet another surgery. You might try telling him that, while his recommendation may indeed be the right treatment, you just don't feel you can handle another surgery so soon. Ask him if he'll work with you for awhile until you're more comfortable with having the implant. It's also quite reasonable to request a second opinion before consenting to surgery and most insurance companies will pay for a second opinion.
Don't let yourself be bullied into something you're not comfortable with. Ask questions and share your concerns. I'd recommend reading "Patients As Consumers" (by Teri Robert of MyMigraineConnection) before going to your appointment. It's important to remember that your doctor works for you. You are the consumer, purchasing a service offered by your doctor.
I wish you the best with your appointment. I hope you and your doctor will be able to work together to help you find pain relief.
Karen
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Get a new doctor.
I spent a year under the care of a Dr who adequately controlled my pain while trying to determine a diagnosis for me. when my last tests were "inconclusive," she said we'd just have to wait 2-3 years & see if I developed more symptoms. then she reduced my pain meds to where I pretty much "lost access to my life," again.
I suffered for a month, but when she prescribed the inadequate doses again & wouldn't change her mind, I started hunting a new Dr. Should've done that right off. When I explained what had happened to the new Dr, he explained to me that that's what Drs do when they are stumped and can't figure out what else to try on you. They reduce your medication to make you go away, w/out them having to refer you to someone else or admit that they can't help you.
For the record, when that Dr failed he did me the courtesy of telling me, "I can't think of anything else to try; I'm sorry; you need to find another doctor."
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