Sorry you are going through that with your back. I am fused C3-7. I don't usually recommend any kind of medication, but there are those that do not give you side effects at all. No light head, or sleepy feelings. I take MS Contin, and have for many years. I have not needed to up the medicaton, and it works most of all. I was increased gradually until some relief was found. I hope you ask your doctor about this medication as a possible alternative for you. Tylenol, does have liver problems assiciated with it. I have stomach issues, and this medication has not hurt me. Please let us know how you do. You have been through alot, and I wish your surgeries had turned out better. ginnie

Thanks all on the response.

Ginnie as to MS Contin. I am not familiar with this medication. One thing and I am not sure if I included this in the post or not, but I am limited on medications as to what I can take. Because of being born with one kidney and having kidney disease in the one I have some medications are off limits for me. I have a feeling MS Contin I could probably take but need clearance on that from doctors.

I am seeing a neurologist and really thinking of changing doctors. Not sure if I will a Pain doctor or another neurologist that specializes in pain is still up in the air. I'm seeing who is on my plan that I feel is best qualified to handle me since every doctor that I see says I am a complicated case.

I feel like I live my life as ok which doctor do I see next and that is where my world revolves around. Just trying to survive each day.

Anyway I appreciate all the input and support from everyone. I feel I can only talk to someone that is in my shoes, no one else seems to understand where I am coming from ...............

I hope you find the doctors you need, so you don't have to look around for another one. That is hard to do, and I have had to do this as well. I have a pain specialist, and neurologist. The pain doctor is new after being with another one for the last 5 years. I hated to look around, and interviewed 3 before I found this one, who is also a Physiatrist. She takes the whole body into consideration, not just the pain problem. She is an MD of course, but the Physiatist, is another branch of medicine, that tries to use vitamines and gets you into a healthy state.
This med. that I mentioned is morphine in low dose. I really get no side effects at all from it, yet it controls the pain pretty good. I also have to be careful as I have barretts esophagus, that started with Gerds. I can't take the meds. that upset my stomach. It is a big decision to go on any narcotic, and this one is no exception. You have to commit yourself to be very careful and follow the directions exactly. You can't skip doses, or just take it when you want.
I really hope you find both a doctor, and medication that will work for you. take care, ginnie

MS Contin (also available generically) is continuous release morphine sulphate, which is metabolized in the liver. As I think you observed, there's really no way to tell how you (or anyone) will do on any pain medication without trying it, and carefully titrating to establish an effective dose with tolerable side effects. That could take some time, but that's just the way those things go.

It's possible to find/have a pain management doctor with a background in neurology, but there's nothing that should preclude you from having more than one doctor on your team. Again, it can take some time and considerable effort to build a team that's the right fit, but many of us can tell you it is soooo worth it. I think most of us have multiple doctors, but that's a personal choice of whether you prefer multiple perspectives or are more comfortable with one doctor managing all (a role usually filled by the PCP). There are no right/wrong answers there, but in this day of specialization, the latter may be a challenge to find, especially in a limited plan pool.

Many of us know, and can relate to, the "guinea pig complex" well, and the unpredictable, unreliable life of one day at a time.

Doc

Hi all. I've been doing some research looking for another physician that may be able to deal with my pain issue.

I looked at the directory from my insurance company and found a list of doctors that deal in "Pain Management."

I found a number listed in Philadelphia, Pa itself. I live in Jersey but can take a train and be in Philadelphia in about 1/2 hour. So it is convenient.

I found one doctor that is affiliated with a major teaching hospital in Philadelphia. Two of my other doctors are at the same location and it is a great hospital. So between their reputation and having been a patient there I am confident in the facility.

When I normally try and find a doctor I usually look for several things. First I usually do like a recommendation from someone else but when that is not possible I look at the following: I look at how long they have been around; who they are affiliated with; undergraduate work; medical school; fellowship etc.

This one doctor is listed under Anesthesioligy with interests in Pain Management. His interests revolve around spine related issues. As to undergraduate education he went to Yale; Medical School NYU Medical School and did his residency at the same hospital that he is now affiliated with.

On paper he looks good. I've run across some instances where on paper they look good and then meeting them it was another story.

What criteria do you all look forward when evaluating a physician. I know beyond the above I wont know till I meet them. And then it comes down to ability to listen; communicate etc.

Any opinions/suggestions. Thansk for listening.


Allan

We do pretty much all those same things. Sounds like you've got it pretty well covered, and I agree with your comments/observations. I can't think of anything off the top of my head, but I haven't had any sleep.

Just did (think of something). Another thing we look for is any disciplinary actions, complaints, etc. I don't recall how/where; my better half does most of that for us.

FWIW, Angie's List, a pay rating/review service (NAYY) is rating/reviewing doctors now. They haven't been doing medical professionals for very long, so they may not have a lot yet, but it's growing.

Several of our doctors are also affiliated w/ the same major teaching/med center, which has advantages in that all our records, etc. are right there on the same system.

Now if we could only get them to talk to each other!

Doc

You are right on track with finding a doctor. I do the same thing, and research qualifications. That ability to listen is so very important. May I also suggest you keep a journal to write down all your symptoms, when they occur, intensity, duration. Most pain physicians respect a patient when they keep track of what is happening to them. I hope you find some compassion in that doctor too. I interviewed 3 before I chose one. I wish you all the best. ginnie

Thanks all for the response. I always felt that you had to get the best possilbe medical treatment possible. If you don't like one doctor for whatever reason, then my attitude is NEXT.

I have been to doctors who have TOP NOTCH rankings; education etc. But when it came to communication and them listening answering questions they ranked a big ZERO.

It got to the point that some doctors walk in the door and my hunches kick in and say uh-oh.

But then on the other hand I have been lucky in that some of my other doctors are the greatest. They have gone to bat for me when needed to the point that I feel literally that they have saved my life.

One quick reason on why I feel being pro-active is so important. I was diagnosed with Parkinson's Disease in 1994. Got a 2nd opinion and confirmed the diagnosis.

April of 1997 while consulting for surgery on my spine I was seen for a neuro consult and was told I don't have Parkinson's Disease. I was misdiagnosed and by that point I was on 3 heavy duty anti-Parkinson's medication. Since that time my attitude changed and began looking at things a lot differntly. So if people question me why I am always searching for answers, questioning doctors and yes suspicious at times and not trusting that is the reason.

Thanks again all for your words; your input and your support.


Allan

Yes, that is what all of us should do. Question all doctors, and keep going until you find the best possible care. So many folks hesitate to drop a physician who is not doing their job. You are an inspiration to all of us to keep on going, until the right solution is found. ginnie

I find that while yes I do get extremely frustrated with the way things are in my life. Eventually the light goes off and I find I have to get back on track again.

I've been thru too much and faced death too many times to just give up on life. I survived for a reason and must find a way of continuing on in life one way or another..................