I had my initial consult with a top pain specialist yesterday morning lasting about 45 min with the doctor. Luckily my wife goes with me on all of these appts and provides the docs with her perspective, which is very helpful to them and me.

Bottom line, the doctor was wonderful in that he did not beat around the bush, performed a thorough physical and neuro evaluation and was straight forward with is assessment. I was a tad surprised as I believed he was the pentacle of the medical field of treatment, if not a last resort.

He said there was nothing he could do for me due to the severity and advanced progression. He confirmed I was a very complicated and complex case and he had only seen about three other patients like me in his career. OK! So what's new, right? Not like I haven't heard all this before. He did say he knew of someone who is a top physiatrist (sp) who specializes in patients post severe stroke and with advanced neurological diseases. I've never heard of this type of doctor.

The pain specialist said he knew him personally and would call him that afternoon, discuss my case and arrange an appointment for me. He fully understood I'd been dealing with this for 10 ears now, no longer interested in further testing, 2nd/3rd/4th opinions, university visits, etc. I am tired and don't want to play that game any more. In addition, he is going to call my PCP, whom he knows, and discuss my case, giving his recommendations how to tweak a couple of meds for greater efficiency.

Now I have to research what a "physiatrist" (sp) is and what they do. Still cautiously optimistic and will continue to simply "go with the flow." I'll keep you informed.

A physiatrist is cross-trained in multiple disciplines. They are like a combo of an orthopedist, a neurologist, and a rehab specialist. They are trained in pain medicine and physical rehabilitation. This is a good thing, if the "best" at least has one more idea of someone who might be able to help you.

I hope it goes well and some relief can be found for you.

I am totally shocked! I actually spelled it correctly! Learning to read and spell by phonics my spelling has always been terrible.

Thank you for providing me the information to start me education on the specialty.

Hope seeing him helps, Craig...I was dxd with fibro by a physiatrist...he was so holistic about disease...I was impressed.
Let us know how it goes...

Yes, I was evaluated by a physiatrist while in the hospital being treated for a big bad exacerbation. They wouldn't release me until he gave his okie dokie.

He helped me a lot. I wish you the same.