Hello,

I am in a similar situation where surgery is not an option, and I feel the need to provide a calming influence here because I too have experienced the panic you are in at the moment.

Another opinion is always an option for you and can sometimes clear up any confusion of lack of clarity your family doctor has created.

Secondly, don't fear pain management, these are professionals that do more than teach you how to deal with pain, so you can get off of meds. Getting meds isn't always an option, as chronic pain needs to be relieved but these professional can help you understand how to function in society, as a family member, as a worker, as an employer, as a mother or father, while experiencing pain. It truly is a process of self relfection and understanding that everyperson with an injury should go through, and the medications you are on won't need to keep doubling because your need for them wont be as frequent thus, your body wont have the time or ability to adjust to them requiring a stronger dose for relief.

Im sure your professional hasn't left you in the wind, call the pain management clinic, or call your doctors office and get a refferal, if this hasn't already been done, and make an appt. As for emergency room vistits, doctors unfortuneately are victims of several cons by addicts without pain, and have become leery and in some cases have instituted rules for not giving out prescriptions in the emerg setting. They feel the backlog slows the need for real patients to be seen.

So to sum up, yes you have to act quickly, but you do have options, and your options are only limited by the effort you put forth to solve your problems. Remember whats important in your life, and fight to keep it safe, and don't lose hope, there are many good professionals that will help you through this process for free when you feel there is no light to drive towards in the dark tunnel of chronic pain.

mike