You're not the first person to have a pain management doctor who gets locked into one or two major types of treatment that just happen to make him a truckload of money, meanwhile writing out monthly scripts for narcotics is not near as profitable, hence I'm sorry to admit that I think this doctor has his values driven more by his profit margin instead of your care and needs.
Real pain doctors look at the damage and then decide what's right for "you." With the type of injuries you're battling and the pain that goes with them, you do need a multiple discipline approach which will probably include medications. As much as I believe in the power with staying with one doctor, I think that if you were to look for another doctor and explain yourself out the way you've told us here, other pain doctors would understand why you're unhappy, therefore not holding your need to change to a new doctor against you. Your well grounded attitude will show the doctor how and why this problem is occurring. This will lead to better pain management. The problem isn't you, it's just your doctor if you ask me. By the way my heart really goes out for you. Bob.
Quote:
Originally Posted by vannafeelbettr
Hi all! I suffer from Thoracic Outlet Syndrome, Lumbar RSD, Left Lower Extremity Radiculopathy, and both cervical and lumbar stenosis (several herniated discs). Had this problem 3 years now from a car accident. I have both a cervical and lumbar Spinal Cord Neurostimulators that work wonders for me and I'm very pleased with them. My problem lies in when my RSD flares up and the stimulators do not work with the burning sensation on the skin's surface. I need pain meds to take care of that.
So, the bigger problem.... getting the pain meds. My Pain Management Doc (who performed the stim procedures) told me to get them prescribed by my Primary Doctor (as he does not want to be bothered with appointments for minor stuff). I'd been getting them prescribed by my Primary Doc, who then told me she does not want to prescribe them for me anymore because it is a Pain Management Doctor who should do so (I agree with her). Then I go back to my Pain Management Doctor, who wants to perform more blocks and ketamine treatments instead of giving me meds -- don't get me wrong, I love the blocks and ketamine...just don't last and I cannot afford them. PM Doc tells me the pain meds are not good in the long run and refusues to prescribe, continues to push procedures (more $ in his pocket, I know). I'd hate to leave my PM doctor, he does wonders for me when I need my stimulator programs adjusted, and is a genius when it comes to RSD. I know if I switched to another PM, records would have to be sent and if my current PM doctor knew he'd be MAD (he's got quite a temper). Been 4 months now with no pain meds and am going through a torturous flare with RSD 
Anyone else have similar experience? If so, how did you handle it??
Gentle hugs  Vanna |