I just talked to the PA for the neuro I'm seeing, and she told me that he is denying my request for more Lidocaine patches. (these were prescribed by another doctor) The reason? "He just doesn't prescribe those things for PN."

So then I asked her if she knew of any neuros who specialize in PN (thinking this guy doesn't get it and has gotta go) and she tells me there is no such thing and then she tells me she can give me an appointment with a guy who specializes in "neuro-muscular" and that that is the exact same thing as specializing in PN. That isn't true, is it? Sounds to me like something she just made up.

So now I'm ranting and spitting nails and there's nobody here to take it out on, so I figured there's always you guys. Whadda you lookin' at??!! Blow it outta yer shorts!!! Yeah, so what??!!

Thanks!

I'd bypass the PA and talk to the doctor! What a bunch of nonsense.

Lidoderms are FDA approved for PN (caused by shingles).
It is not stretch of the imagination to use it for other nerve PAIN.

What dufus would deny this? I've used them for YEARS for nerve pain.

People use them for sciatica, MP (which is what I used them for)
There is a study of them for knee pain.
http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/22069.php
All over Google!

Geez, it is not like it is oxycontin!

I see nothing wrong with using something topical that works! Are they nutzzz!

Another neuro may be in the future, if this guy really did say that.
Insist on talking with the doc. If he won't talk to you
(or the PA is running interference) you definitely need another neuro.
The PA is a real A-whole Doofus!
(I've got a better term, but it would be censored)

I wonder if that PA got the fentanyl patch confused with the lidoderm patch...not all of them are 'bright'.

I also wonder if you have an HMO? There are kickbacks to doctors to prescribe less expensive treatments at HMOs.