Well, so now I've got new complaints about w/c to throw in the mix-
My PA who has been providing my care and advise and pain med refills for 2 + yrs has now been told by the docs at the clinic (which he relays to me) that he is supposed to be for 'back up care' in case the docs are unavailable and should not be providing primary care- therefore he can no longer treat me or refill my meds. Of course, this comes just after w/c judge finally orders HIM to provide pain management. (I posted all of this on the w/c forum thread...)
So, Idk if they'll pay for another dr at the same clinic to treat, and Idk if another dr will continue my medications. Just one big hassle after another, or just when I think one thing has been resolved, here comes another problem...ugh.

So anyway, now a couple of other questions...given that I may not be able to continue receiving the pain meds, I'm more desperate than ever to find alternatives...

Does anyone have experience with ultrasound therapy? For example, they sell these ultrasound therapy wands and machines, etc, with the transducer gel, online, and I wonder if they work for deep pain?

Does anyone know anything about making a homemade topical cream/ointment with crushed medication? I read on some other boards some recipes for cream with emu oil, capsaicin, etc, but those kinds of creams haven't worked for me before. And then I have seen others discuss maybe crushing the vicodin in a cream base of some sort to apply topically. Anyone know anything about this?

Finally, and if this is a 'taboo' subject, I apologize, but medical marijuana. Anyone know if it works for pain? I honestly haven't smoked pot since high school 20 yrs ago, but if I knew it would help...I've also heard that this can be made into a topical product, but I have no idea how or with what, etc. If anyone has any info or thoughts about this at all, PLEASE let me know- and if you'd rather not post in the forum for all to see, don't hesitate to PM me instead. Let me make clear, I am NOT a narc, or cop, or whatever, and I don't care who uses or doesn't, not interested in getting anyone in any trouble. I am just asking *hypothetically* for information.

And just in general, if anyone has any ideas of something I can try, suggest or mention to a new dr, or thoughts of how to approach the pain management strategies with a completely new doc, PLEASE LET ME KNOW!

I have a family and friends, all of whom I feel like I am burdening with my pain and limitations, so this is my outlet and resource. I am so thankful to have found this board, if only for the emotional support, so THANKS TO ALL