[Rrae]

Hello fellow Neuropathites

It's been awhile since I've been on the PN board. I've been spending alot of time on the the newly created SCS forum, because I've finally resigned to getting the SCS implant....
It's kinda too soon to say for sure, but the stimulator DOES cover over the horrible burning PN/nerve damage to my lower extremities and I'm currently titrating off the heavy meds, so I'd love to be able to say it's been a success. More time will tell for sure if this will be long-lasting.

But this post isn't about the SCS (i just wanted to let you know where i've been lately)

I do want to make mention that I'm not contributing this
'success' solely to the SCS.....If it weren't for all the support here and taking seriously the advice from MrsD's supplement programs that she has no doubt spent countless hours putting together for our benefit, the LizaJane spread sheets, etc etc, I truly believe the PN would have got the best of me.

I simply wanted to share that some very special words were shared between me and the doc who's stuck with me thru-out this battle. It seemed to have changed everything.

No doubt PN is all about frustration. A lot of it goes toward the doctors....we look to them for answers. Answers don't come.....WE, in turn frustrate the doctors.

Today, as our visit was ending, I said "Dr S, I just want to thank you for being the one who's stuck with me this whole time."
(I've seen MANY docs, but THIS is one has been my 'True Blue'). And he actually never even had any profound answers for me. But he stuck with me during my entire battle.

I also added "you've given me the benefit of the doubt during all of this....you never made me feel demeaning, as tho I were a malingerer.....I just want you to know how much it has meant to me"....

As he was walking out the door, he turned around, stood in front of me, looked me straight in the eye and said..."it's patient's like you who make my job worthwhile. We trust our patients and try to give them the benefit of the doubt the best we can.....but just the other day I found out one of my patient's were selling their scripts....."....
His eyes teared up a bit and I saw his saddness. It made me realise....these doctors get burned all the time. They deal with the frustrations of not being able to 'fix' us... they put their license on the line to prescribe controlled meds to help us deal with the pain and many times get taken advantage of for that....

I can't say how many times I've been on here venting about my doctor this and he didn't do that and grumble grumble grumble (and that's ok too....this forum is here for that purpose - to help us go thru the gammet of emotions)

But I guess the main point I'm trying to convey is that, a little appreciation and encouragement can go a long way.
He made me feel like a million dollars when he said that about me. And no doubt, it meant alot to him to hear some appreciation coming his way.
And even though our "hug" wasn't physical, it was indeed
a priceless hug.

DARE to 'hug' your doctor. See what happens.

Rae