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

Hey your doc sounds amazing and he sounds very thankful he has helped you so much. I hope you get a lot of relief from the scs. For me I always tell the doc and office staff thank you if they are kind and work hard. My pain docs office the staff gives you a hug when you come in and the pan doc listens and take his time. Then my neuro office is the opposite and brings ones mood down and fear up. I just wish I had more good docs then bad cause right now that is not the case. Your story gives me hope though. Sending thoughts

I'd like to hug my doc, ....she's a 'cutie'
Even at 50, trim, chic, and tall. (She 'works out', at a gym)
She's the 3rd female PCP I've had - & by far, the loveliest.
She has a close doctor friend who has PN, and has had more empathy
for me & my condition, than any doc I've ever had - including my neuro.
I've loved being her patient for the last 8 yrs, & hope that I'll continue to be so for a long while.

Ha - Cute Bob ....


Actually, my doc is a bit hunch-backed, on the verge of retirement, and certainly not much to look at.........but because of what he said to me........... makes him JOHNNY DEPP in my eyes !!

............ Good Lord.... i believe i've sparked a 'hotflash'.....

You can imagine how this works? Likely he went into his next patient w/a smile on his face and a more determined 'can do' attitude.
You let him know that HE too can be worthwhile and that what and how HE does it is appreciated. So many of us take our good docs for granted at times.
Hey! You are now on his GOOD list! Count your blessings cause he's gonna go to bat for you! Don't ever doubt it.
Me? I show my appreciation, but I also let him 'get' the calls that come in for him during our visits. I know he can change channels and mite be distracted by someone in the hospital or whatever? To lay those concerns to rest, and take those outside calls?, ultimately leads to a cleaner and clearer discussion of ME! Then, ultimately, what do WE do about ME?
We're doing pretty good so far...
You tho? Sounds like you've got a 'keeper'! s!!!!!! - j