Quote:
Originally Posted by screwballpookie
Can anyone tell me the difference between the two docs? Is one better over the other? Is the neurologist a better doc for rsd? The reason why I ask is because my pain doc is the anesthesiologist and I would like to know what a neurologist could that a pain doc can't. My attorney is not sure if a neurologist can do any more than a pain doc. So if anyone could help me and tell me what a neurologist does differently than an anesthesiologist I would greatly appreciate it. I got a referral to see a neurologist by my ortho doc but since he is not the authorized doc I have to get the referral by my pain doc and say it is wc related. If he does not do that then I can't see a neurologist. So please if anyone can tell me the difference between the two docs I would greatly appreciate it. Thank you to all that can help. It is more appreciative than anyone will ever know.
Sincerely,
Tracy(screwballpookie)
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Tracy,
An anesthesiologist (Pain Doc) should be able to give the appropriate injections and are more likely to manage and prescribe narcotic or opioid pain meds for chronic pain. From what you have said in previous posts, you need to find a new one that will look at your case with a "fresh" set of eyes and be willing to work with you. A neurologist specializes in the nervous system/brain and could also have a slightly different approach to the disease. I personally see one for my ongoing migraines. My understanding is that those of us with RSD need a TEAM of specialists and doctors.....all working together on our behalf. An internist, neurologist, therapist, psychiatrist, pain specialist, and GP could all be part of our team. It is important that they all know what the other hand is doing, so to speak, so that different treatments do not overlap or become remiss.
I think it may take some trial and error for you to find the right combination, but you ARE worth getting good treatment, and it may require some diligent leg work on your part to get all the balls moving in the same direction. Firstly, find a Pain Doc (a different one, if possible) that is willing to listen to you and take you seriously and work with you. Go from there. This is just my opinion from what I have read on the disease. I will be curious to see what other members say having dealt with this longer than I have. Best wishes to you!!!!