And TERRIBLY.

I know I have TMJ. I know I have Trigeminal Neuralgia (bilateral) and I know I have a ton of sensory issues with MS. Oh, and a history of migraine.

Has anyone had any experience with a pain specialist? Good or bad experiences? Does one generally require a referral?

As I sit here tonight, I have numbness/tingling in my tongue, altered sense of taste (you know what it tastes like? I keep tasting this perdoxyl or w/e mouthwash I purchased for bacteria of the mouth.. but I haven't used it in 2 weeks!!) my jaws are both aching and I have burning cheeks/face/head .

Sadly, today was one of those days I took Clonazepam and experienced a paradoxical reaction to it.

sorry to hear that laura,

i had to get a referal to the pain labs and specialists form my pcp.

they do help and will find a suitable regime of meds and activities on how to reduce pain.

hope ya feel beter soon.

roger.

((()))

I went to a chronic pain clinic years ago and got dxd with Fibro...it was an all day thing...then had PT and OT.
But now they do such wonderful work with treatment plans for pain...
go...you need help...and don't discount that taste thing...make sure you mention it to your doc...your nervous system is really out of wack...
take care of yourself...

I went after a fx of L4 L5. it involved PT, and meds. I was VERY pleased. I was given the big girl meds there. I worked hard, and did the exercises at home as well. it really did help.

You're telling me! I think it has to do with quitting smoking honestly

Much as I hate to say it! Eventually when things even themselves out, I hope that I'll be back to feeling collected.

Today was actually a very good day by the way! I was surprised after how cruddy I felt the night before. I haven't taken more than Tylenol today for pain.

Even my taste isn't altered like it was yesterday, thankfully!

I wonder how much of those symptoms I can attribute to Clonazepam when I experience the paradoxical reaction to it though. Hrm.

My pain mgmt doc is the BEST! I had to get a referral (since I'm HMO) but I am so glad. I see him more than any doctor but it's worth it. Started with CESI injections but they have worn off. I don't know what's next, just happy he gives me the good meds and doesn't assume just the Neurontin alone will cut it!

I know what you mean about the effects though. I've been taking Percocet (10's-the strong ones) 4 times a day for about a year now and I worry that I'm immune but what else do I have? They don't do anything for me except releive pain now (no dizzy or "high" feeling at all).

The pain doctors really understand and treat it though. I went for 3 months waiting for a Baclofen pump and my insurance co. denied it. I see him next week and we'll try something else. It's good to know that he's there to do that since the neuro is not much help.

I hope you feel better soon!

kcmom

And today I'm feeling cruddy again! Of course, I only took .75mg of Clonazepam yesterday, instead of 1mg... but it's also gone from low to high pressure again and the next day will be sunny, then back to rain (low pressure) Monday.

I need to move to a place that has less pressure changes. This is unreal!

Pain clinics have the docs that are trained to find the source of the pain and deal with it. This is much more effective than getting a script for a pain med that only masks the pain.

Go ASAP to a pain clinic! Good luck to you.

gmi

Depending on your insurance you may or may not need a referal. My ins told me if the one I wanted to go to was not on their list to contact them so they could add it.

I have had good and bad exp with pain clinics. So if you do not like the one you go to first, please keep trying. Like any docs, your results may vary.

My first PC was so impressive, the doc actually gave up his lunch to do a rush ESI for me.

The one I go to now is also amazing. They offer all sorts of help depending on the patient's condition. I go for spinal issues, and get injections and meds. They also have PT, massage, counselors, biofeedback etc.

My doc there has worked really hard to control my pain and other issues, and keeps trying a different approach as needed. When I developed a reaction to a med, he quickly found an alternate for me, and got the RX to my insurance pharmacy so I would not have to go any longer than necessary without meds.



I can actually talk to him and if I call, they call back. If I have problems, they can get me in within 24 hrs.


Good luck. I hope you get relief soon.