Why not go see the pain doc? Did you hear something bad about the one in your town or all of them? I've seen two. One quite a few years ago, he just wanted to put me on meds and send me on my way. I didn't like him. Saw a new one a couple months ago and I really like her. We talked a ton about options and she's the one that thinks I have MS and sent me in for a MRI, and even though the MRI was clean, still thinks I may have it based on symptoms. I think it helps that she's a woman and near my age. Not a curmudgeonly old man.

Write down what is going on with you and what you need before you go. If you get emotional or have a hard time communicating while in the appt, it'll be helpful to have it all down already. And bring a friend with you if you want, as an advocate.