who has NOT experienced THIS to any degree?

http://www.msif.org/en/ms_the_diseas...elination.html

Never forget that for folks w/MS the demyelination occurs in the brain and is less likely to repair. We are lucky that we can and DO benefit from their plights' advocacies and researches.

Venting IS useful, it is necessary. Use what is and can be learned to the fullest. I wholly agree with BobB that pain control has to be the priority now.

If you are in an HMO, go and read your plan booklet-then if they have an on-line site...go to the site map and find out what the P& P's [policies/procedures] are for appeal...talk to a 'patient representative' [knowing who THEY work for] about your need and concerns about pain issues and potential therapy denials.... Reading THE BOOK - and getting to the site map you can query about specifics and know where the HMO is coming from [containing costs?]
Otherwise aside from appeals, if you have options for other plans during an open enrollment. When the time comes, if you or any others need to know what to look for...I can help some...I used to be an benefits coordinator[one of many] for a big company on the east coast...over 20 plans- 50/50 HMO and PPO's.. and all the snags that can go with enrolling, retiring, disability and COBRA. All I can do is see what's out there for P&P, but at least you'd know the lay of the land? Employers can be penny wise and pound foolish in regards to many PAIN issues. Others here can attest better than I that getting done what needs to be done CAN be done.

I Hope venting can be constructive - j