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.

IF you are NOT in an HMO? Get another appt w/another neuro ASAP! And we all know how long that can take!
IF it IS an HMO? Find and contact 'patient services' and get thee a 'patient representative' ...to plug into plans experts and thus report such can I say? What appears to be blatent ignorance of PN and meds for PN?

That PAsst is really a PA? I'd check w/the state licensing board about that too...I've done it...you'd be surprised what you mite find? In one instance the 'PA' for a doc wasn't a 'PA' at all. Another 'nurse' had lost her license and was 'practicing' as a 'nurse' in one practice. Same w/pharmacists and PA's and PT's...
Now, I don't condemn all PA's at all! My only true encounter w/one was delightful, and I'd found they listened to me and actually paid attention to brewing medical issues.
It does depend on how well you 'communicate with' this individual...Some folks work well with others? Some don't.
I agree w/all senior posters have said! Go do what you feel you must do to get what you SHOULD have in the way of treatments! Don't have a
it's not productive...let us know how you do and are doing! Hope always! - j

I would call and ask why you at least deserve a reason. The PA I have dealt with seemed clueless. I am not saying this is all of them. I just feel many of us are too complex and we need someone who had more experience and higher degree.

Update: it's not quite as bad as it seemed at first, but still not great. The neuro called me later and explained that he's just never prescribed the lidocaine for PN before (the PA said "he just doesn't", which sounded to me like "because I said so") and wasn't sure what was the correct dosage. He told me he would consult with other neuros in the practice to see what they say (he's very young BTW) but also said that I might want to ask the Dr. who originally prescribed the patches for more.

Then we had some other frustrating go arounds including his multiple deflections of my point that most people with PN have more than one medication because they are more effective that way. He didn't disagree, but he didn't suggest a second med, either. Arggggh!

He wore me down for now.

Oh, two other things:

I'm not in an HMO.

And what about the claim that a neuro-muscular specialist is the same as a PN specialist--that's bull isn't it?