Psychological Evaluation B4 Implant
 

Just wanted to start a thread on this subject, as I recall how I felt when first told I need to have this before being considered a candidate for SCS Implant.

At first I felt intimidated and paranoid wondering if I was being perceived as 'crazy'.

This was not the case. Most insurance companies require a psychological assessment as protocol before being considered as a candidate for this procedure. What they are looking for is your expectation of what the implant will do, what is your perception of the pain you suffer, and if you are truly willing to accept this 'foreign object' put into your body.
From the physician's perspective, they are mainly looking to rule out any type of somatoform or conversion disorder, and perhaps to make sure there is not an untreated drug/addiction dependency.

I was told that, in the past, before these assessments were mandated, there was a higher rate of failure with the implants for several reasons, one of which the patient did not have a clear and realistic expectation of what the implant would do. Insurance companies were losing alot of money over this.

So, relax, be open and honest and in the end everyone will be on the 'same page' and feel better about the procedure.
Afterall, it does take quite a teamwork to make it a success - You, your family, your primary care physician, your pain specialist, and the representatives of the company who will be rendering your new 'bodypart'. :p

Anyone care to weigh in?

As far as the 'assessment' goes, mine consisted of a 200 question form to fill out (similar to an ACT/SAT test) and a 45 minute visit with the therapist. He mainly focused on asking me about my family life and how the pain has affected my quality of life.

they are all tricky questions arent they.....:D


it depends on what test they decide to use.

They tend to ask the same questions in several different ways. I guess the figure that if you're lying then you can't possibly remember the answers to each question. lol. Just be honest. They just want to make sure you are ok with having somethiing implanted into your body, and that you understand it will not cure you.

Hugs
Mary\

Evaluation
 

I also had an evaluation but mine was for the initial visit with my first PM doctor (whom I eventually fired!). This was part of his patient profiling before he would diagnose or treat me. I have since found out the my Work Comp would have made me get an Eval anyway, so it worked out to my advantage.

When I first received the packet I was blow away at how big it was. There were two test all multiple choice and they were very similar in concept and questioning. I was overwhelmed at first because I didn't want them to think I was crazy or that I was making things up. Of course, you could look at my leg and tell that I had full blown RSD. I decided to just dig in, be totally honest and not get frustrated. Took forever to complete but I did and turn it in at my initial visit. They took it and scanned it into the computer to get the various results.

Then I meet with the psychologist who did a one-on-one evaluation (took about an hour). During that visit he informed me that the evaluation is to determine several factors (here are a few that I can remember); how you mentally and physically react/handle pain, how your lifestyle (family, work, etc.) effect and/or contribute to your pain, how you handle and process stressful situation, make sure that I am not a person seeking a source for prescription drugs (drug addict), and gave me information on how Work Comp usually handles cases involving RSD. I insisted that my husband be present to make sure that I was not pressured into a situation that would result in a negative diagnosis.

I received a favorable diagnosis... I am not crazy, I do have REAL pain and I do handle stress well. The only thing he recommended is that I quit smoking - which I am doing very well with.

When I changed PM doctors, he reviewed my Eval and then proceeded with treatment of drugs and eventually, implant of SCS.

If you are required to complete an Eval I would recommend that you take your time, have a quiet place to concentrate on the test and don't try to beat the test... just be honest. You want to get an accurate reading because it will help you in the long run for the proper treatment.

My test was like that. The only thing is I had to take mine in the drs office. Mine showed that I was normal. (what is normal when you are in pain 24/7). It did say that the test showed that I would be inclined to become an alcoholic That is so funny to me, as I don't drink. I hate feeling sick, so anything that would make me feel that way is out the door. lol It also said that I hate to ask for help in any way. (so true). That is because growing up, being sick in our house wasn't a good thing, so I learned just to do for myself and not to say anything. I guess sometimes you just can't shake the way you were raised. It turned out I'm normal enough to get the scs twice and now the pain pump. Just be honest and you will be fine.

Hugs
Mary

Thank you all for weighing in on this. I too had the evaluation before my implant. The only thing that bothered me was having to take this in severe pain and on lots of Meds. Of course it was favorable and I had the implant. Wonder if I could pass without the severe pain and not heavily medicated!!!! LOL Just kidding.

The advice above is correct -Just be honest-Fondly-carol

I too had to have a evaluation before my SCS implant. I had only about 10-15 question sheet to fill out. Then the doc did about an hour long interview. My doc pointed out my OCD and said that I seemed depressed. I knew about the OCD, I think I've had it since high school. I ask him do you not think any one in as much pain as to be willing to have an invasive procedure such as a SCS, don't you think they might be just slightly depressed. So he says yes. He said that if you have pain all the time like that, that as your depression gets worse it can actually make the pain worse. He said that I should treat the depression and the pain and maybe we could achieve a happy median. So with that said I started on depression meds. He gave me the go ahead for the surgery. At the time it made me feel as if I were a nut case, but the more people I talk to do take meds for depression if they are in pain. I guess now I just feel like they go hand in hand depression and pain. Maybe I might not be a nut case. LOL With that said I guess my main thing is don't feel embarresed to have a physciatrist they do help alot if you truly need them.:hug:

I very much appreciate the posts to this thread, as I am in the process of diagnostic evaluation precedent to an SCS implant and soon I have the psychological eval. I have spoken with a patient ambassador for the manufacturer of the device, and that went very well. I just hope to attain a reduction of meds approach to my pain management if, as my physiatrist and prospective surgeon believe, I present as a patient who is right for the procedure. This is just one more in the many hurdles necessary to clear for both the medical and my personal evaluation of the process as a whole. Thank you all very much! Mark56

Good luck Mark 56
 

Best wishes to you on the eval. and the procedure!
Please let us know how it all turns out!
Glad you found this wonderful forum....full of caring, loving folks who TRULY know the meaning of pain....

Hope to get to know more about you!
Rae:hug:

Thank you, Rae- I have been posting quite a bit on a discussion forum we started on facebook called Sciatica Sucks! We have close to 700 members there. We also started a .org under **and all of this effort because my son encouraged me to reach out to try to help others in my circumstance.

I was injured in a high speed car wreck 5 years ago, and pain has been my constant companion ever since. I have followed all steps my docs have prescribed, and yet the levels do not abate. So..... well, my physiatrist recommended the SCS procedure. I am pretty far down that path, anticipating the psych eval, which is what brought me to your thread.

Thank you for your help in posting. I was wondering at the full range of inquiry, and I now have a better grasp than before. :grouphug: Mark56

Um.... well.... being new to this site, I have not a clue how to perform some of the functions, like even replying to a visitor message. I tried searching "user guide" among other search terms and I come up empty handed. Can someone help point me in the right direction? Sorry about a post that is forum inapplicable! :confused: Mark56

Hi Mark and welcome

once your post level is higher you will reach full membership status and then be able to access more of the features and be able to post visitor messages, links etc.

Wow...I never had a psych eval...it was never even mentioned before my trial....but I've had my interventional pain doctor for 5 years..and I'm a Mental Health Counselor so maybe he trusted my judgement on the status of my mental health. I do a Beck Depression Inventory on myself every few months just to be sure that I'm still in the land of the semi-happy and I've always let him know how I was doing. Having said that, I do think a psych eval prior to an SCS implant is a good idea. Just the thought of someone clinically depressed getting this surgery scares me. The trial is depressing enough but the first 6-8 weeks after the implant surgery when you are so restricted is enough to make even a normally happy person depressed.

Copy That
 

Yep, I hear you Hicktomboy, as the doctor evaluating me yesterday even allowed as how he has seen a rise in insurance company mandated evals precedent to fusions. And this, because once a fusion is accomplished..... well, that is "all she wrote" since a fusion cannot be undone.

Having been there, done that as well, I do understand Depression could be a factor if one had many cards stacked against them in life. Recovery from fusion was a long haul, and THEN, I found the nerve was still whacked out.... bug time. Chronic neuropathy with denervation is not a happy state of affairs, but one can find the silver/gold/platinum lining. That was one reason my family started a sciatica pain discussion group on facebook.... the stimulus being to project our story to others and help. It is pretty cool being able to reach out, give a hand, put an arm around another who suffers and show them there can be good through all of it.

:winky: Mark56 :)

the truth
 

the real reason the insurance company wants these evals is they dont want to pay for a scs and then you go and kill yourself shortly after. the insurance company would think that would be a big waste of money. hence the evals...

:bump:
Thought I'd bump this thread up to the top since there are several newcomers who will be getting these evaluations.
So many folks shared some good points on this topic, so hopefully it will help bring peace of mind to someone looking at getting this done.

If you want to share your psyche eval experience, that would be great!
Add more posts to this thread!

:grouphug:

My Psych evaluation
 

Great thread Rae.....I hope that it gives some an insight about this dreaded evaluation.

I had my evaluation in November 2009. I went to a lady psychologist in her own home. She was very nice and made me feel very comfortable.

She spoke to me about the process and what she would ask and how long it would take, about one hour or so.

The thing was that when she was asking me the questions, it wasnt like, ok
A......how do you do this, or that or

B.....what do you think or whatever....

She made it sound like a chitchat between two friends. So I was totally at ease. She asked about my family, how long I was married, children, relationship with my husband and my children.
Asked how it all happened and how I felt about it now after 5 years. Did I feel 'why me'??? did I ever feel like I wished I couldnt go on , obviously looking for signs of depression, suicidal tendencies, where my mind was at. She asked how I felt about the whole situation. I did say to her that I was SICK AND TIRED of people asking me about my back as if that just defined me as a person......:eek:
So this was the train of questions that she was asking me. Nothing was too intimidating or intrusive. In fact if anything she let me rabbit on as much as I wanted to:rolleyes:. But I will say by the time I had finished I felt SO relieved at telling a 'strange' my true feelings. It was as if a weight had been lifted off me. Amazing. I suppose although I share my feeling with my hubby and family, I do hold back occasionally, but here I felt right give it your all. It was very theraputic;)

So dont feel worried about this evaluation. Its a requirement from your insurance company, no way out of it, so just go , relax , tell exactly how you feel and what your thoughts are. And it will be fine!

:grouphug:

I'm so glad to read this .. and a tad worried.

I see a clinical physcologist on the 16th. I have a history of self harm (in my teens) and attempted suicide ... I have been ok for years now .. still get depressed from time to time, but nothing like when my hormones first kicked in. I also took drugs recreationally which I guess didn't help. (By the way, I'm 49 now)

I have been on Prozac for PMT for umm god it must be 16 years now.

Why do I want this SCS trial?

1. I don't really want to be on strong pain medication for the rest of my life and if there is a chance that the SCS will alllow me to drop from Oxycontin to a lighter pain medication, I will jump for joy !

2. I cannot walk without crutches because of the pain in my buttock/leg. If I don't use the crutches I walk bent and lean on my right side, therefore this will cause a problem in the future with my posture.

3. My social life has changed completely. Well, I dont have one to be honest as I am so worried about being pushed in a crowd that we dont go out. (A push will cause my back to spasm)

4. I want to be able to walk with my husband ..

So .. what am I expecting/hoping for? That the SCS will mask the pain enough for me to walk without crutches or at least, only with a stick .. and that my medication can come down so that I can focus my brain into doing something. At present I am so forgetful and confused .. it's no way to live.

How will I feel with a little device inside me? Lucky ! I've already got a name for it, Felix.

DO you think I will pass?

'Felix' how sweet!
 

Oh Saffy,
You are so wonderful!
Your honesty will impress the counselor......and those things you did in your younger years........I'm assuming those are long gone in your past, right?
I think that as long as the counselor knows that you are not currently suicidal or abusing drugs, that shouldn't work against you.
I wouldn't expound on that too much, unless he really digs for that information......unless of course you are still battling issues along those lines.
I wouldn't want you to be tagged for something that happened 30 yrs ago if you haven't had those thoughts in all these years.
We've all done things we aren't proud of when we were teens (Most of us anyway)......

Everything you listed in your post is what the SCS is intended for! So you should be fine.

I too battled depression most of my life, but I didn't really expound on it because he didn't ask. I'm not saying to 'hide' anything by all means.

If he does dig deeper in to your past, make sure you address the fact that those issues are long gone and have been treated (assuming that they have been?).....
You are a wonderful family woman who simply wants to be able to BE all you can be. At the same time, however, you are certainly aware that the SCS isn't going to cure your condition.....it's just meant to mask the symptoms, so that you can hopefully lead a more comfortable and active lifestyle.

I'm sure it's going to be ok, so try not to be so anxious about this.

Big (((HUGS))) to you!
Rae
:hug:

Amen to that
 

Nuff said. Eval was an easy talk, and before I new it, the doc was asking me to talk to another patient who had just arrived for another appointment.

I like Felix, too.
:hug:
Mark56 PJ

I was told it was the single most important piece of paper I needed to proceed with trial SCS was a clearance letter from the psychologist. So, I went to see one, no tests or anything. He just asked me questions, we talked for one hour, I paid my co pay, he wrote a very nice letter. And.. I then found out no one in the doctors office checked my benefits, I never needed the psy evaluation at all :D

That is what brought me here in the first place
 

The psych eval..... wanted to know what to expect. Had not been there and had some fear a roadblock would come up which would prevent the trial surgery. Well, it all went to the good, and everything, EVERYTHING, came out OK, even the ultimate perm install. So, I would not worry about a psych eval pre trial. It is part of the standard of care. Just gotta do it.

Mark56:hug:

Bumpin this back to top!
 

This is such a good thread that so many wonderful folks contributed to, so I thought I'd bump it back to top since others are asking about the psych eval......

Awww Thanks Rae, A Good Idea!
 

You done good girl! Yep, took a lot less time than what I just wrote. I feel like the word DUH applies to me.:o

Well, good going Rae!
Mark56:hug:Z:grouphug:

Dawn't Beeee silly!
 

Mark!!
You always give it your 'all'! You typed a very wonderful post personalized to Barb's inquiry! This makes it much more special!

BESIDES!! This subject is the one that first brought you here to NT, so it holds a special place in ALL our hearts!!

I love reading your personal experience with this!
It's a good refresher! And what a better way to bring an old 're-run' thread back to life!

NEVER say 'DUHHHH'! :rolleyes:

And after reading the whole thread just now, I'm bumping it up again. I've known since my doc first suggested the SCS idea that this was part of it, but wanted to know more about what it is they're trying to "weed out".

I guess I'm not worried about the two major things I'm seeing here: the addictive personality and depression. I don't understand their thinking on first one--getting an SCS seems like a time consuming, expensive, and convoluted strategy for getting drugs :eek:...or are they still steeped in the outmoded thinking that people in pain are the ones you have to really watch out for the most for "addiction"?

As for the second one, I recall someone in this thread saying something similar to "well who wouldn't be a little down with all this pain?" Other than that, I think I'm a pretty happy camper.

I'm seeing my doc who brought the SCS idea up this coming Friday (08/19/11), so at that time I'll get to ask him more questions that may help me decide if I want to go see the doc who actually does the implants. I know, I'm being ridiculously preemptive with this, but I don't think well on my feet and hate being put on the spot and making snap decisions.

Notes and Questions
 

Joan- You make a wondrously valid point regarding preparation for a doctor visit pertinent to this or any other matter, namely the thinking on the feet aspect. Too often we trundle in to an appointment ill prepared, knowing we feel as we feel, and thinking we will remember all of our questions. WRONG!!!! I felt much more at ease going in with prepared questions typed out so nothing I had come up with would be omitted, and sometimes on the spot as Doc proceeded to answer me new questions would come to mind then and there so he would help me with them as well.

As for the psych eval, an important issue addressed, and this is an insurance company factor more than anything, is whether the patient 1. has unrealistic expectations regarding the procedure contemplated, and 2. are any psych issues indicated, which when compared against the pain profile may be contributors to the said pain such that the patient should have treatment for revealed issues before being subjected to hyper expensive surgery. Frankly, I have been told other surgeries for pain remediation are now brought through the inquiry of a psych analysis for the same reasons.... especially back surgeries with their cages, hardware and the like.

So try to approach the interview, if you do, through a mind of honest appraisal of your hope for the surgery and clear recognition that it is not necessarily an end all be all for everyone. Such a presentation for analysis will help as you answer the evaluator's questions.

Keep goin Joan!
Prayin,
Mark56:grouphug:

These were the papers I had to fill out ..

PATIENT QUESTIONNAIRE PRE SCS

Please answer the following questions on a scale of 1 . 10 by circling the appropriate number



(Obviously am not putting the numbers in ... just the question or we’d be here all day)

1. What number best describes your pain on average over the last week?
2. How distressing have you found your pain on average over the last week?
3. How much does your pain interfere with your ability to sleep?
4. IN the past week how much pain relief have you experienced from your pain medications or treatments? Please circle the appropriate percentage?
5. Are you working at present?
6. If you are not working, is this because of your pain?

Medication: You have to give a list of your current medications.


HAD SCALE

Doctors are aware the emotions play an important part in most illnesses. If your doctor knows about these feelings he will be able to help you more.
This questionnaire is designed to help your doctor to know how you feel. Read each item and place a firm tick in the box opposite the reply, which comes closest to how you have been feeling in the last week.
Don’t take too long over your replies: your immediate reaction to each item will probably be more accurate than a long thought-out response.

1. I feel tense or “wound up”
Most of the time
A lot of the time
Time to time – occasionally
Not at all

2. I still enjoy the things I used to enjoy
Definitely not as much
Not quite to much
Only a little
Hardly at all

3. I get a sort of frightened feeling as if something awful is going to happen
Very definitely and quite badly
Yes, but not too badly
A little, but it doesn’t worry me
Not at all

4. I can laugh and see the funny side of things
As much as I always could
Not quite so much now
Definitely not so much now
Not al all

5. Worrying thoughts go through my mind
A great deal of the time
A lot of the time
From time to time but not too often
Only occasionally

6. I feel cheerful
Not at all
Not often
Sometimes
Most of the time

7. I can sit at ease and feel relaxed
Definitely
Usually
Not often
Not at all


8. I feel as if I am slowed down
Nearly all the time
Very often
Sometimes
Not at all

9. I get a sort of frightened feeling like “butterflies” in the stomach
Not at all
Occasionally
Quite often
Very often

10. I have lost interest in my appearance
Definitely
I don’t take so much care as I should
I may not take quite as much care
I take just as much care as ever

11. I feel restless as if I have to be on the move
Very much indeed
Quite a lot
Not very much
Not at all

12. I look forward with enjoyment to things
As much as I ever did
Rather less than I used to
Definitely less than I used to
Hardly at all

13. I get sudden feelings of panic
Very often indeed
Quite often
Not very often
Not at all

14. I can enjoy a good book or radio or tv programme
Often
Sometimes
Not often
Very seldom




PCS

Everyone experiences painful situations at some point in their lives. Such experiences may include headaches, toothache, joint or muscle pain. People are often exposed to situations that may cause pain such as illness, injury, dental procedures or surgery.

We are interested in the types of thoughts and feelings that you have when you are in pain. Listed below are thirteen statements describing different thoughts and feelings that may be associated with pain. Using the following scale please indicate the degree to which you have these thoughts and feelings when you are experiencing pain.

0 – Not at all
1 – To a slight degree
2 – To a moderate degree
3 – To a great degree
4 – All the time

When I am in pain:

1. I worry all the time about whether the pain will end
2. I feel I cant go on
3. Its terrible and i think its never going to get any better
4. Its awful and I feel that it overwhelms me
5. I feel I cant stand it anymore
6. I become afraid that the pain will get worse
7. I keep thinking of other painful events
8. I anxiously want the pain to go away
9. I cant seem to keep it out of my mind
10. I keep thinking about how much it hurts
11. I keep thinking about how badly i want the pain to stop
12. Theres nothing I can do to reduce the intensity of the pain
13. I wonder whether something serious may happen


PAIN : S-E QUESTIONNAIRE

Please rate how confident you are that you can do the following things at present, despite the pain. To answer circle one of the number of the scale 0 – 6 under each item. 0 being not at all confident and 6 being completely confident.

1. I can enjoy things despite the pain
2. I can do most of the household chores (e.g. tidying up, washing dishes and so on)
3. I can socialise with my friends or family members as often as i used to, despite the pain.
4. I can cope with my pain in most situations
5. I can do some form of work despite the pain .. (work includes, housework, paid or unpaid work)
6. I can still do many of the things I enjoy doing, such as hobbies or leisure activities despite the pain.
7. I can cope with my pain without medication
8. I can still accomplish most of my goals in life, despite the pain.
9. I can live a normal lifestyle despite the pain.
10. I can gradually become more active, despite the pain.


PASS

Individuals who experience pain develop different ways to respond to that pain. We would like to know what you do and what you think about when in pain. Please use the raging scale below to indicate how often you engage in each of the following thoughts or activities. Circle and number from o (never) to 5 (always) for each item.

1. I think that if my pain gets too severe, it will never decrease.
2. My mind is calm when i am in pain
3. When I feel pain I try to stay as still as possible
4. I become sweaty when in pain
5. When i feel pain i am afraid that something terrible will happen
6. My thoughts are agitated and keyed up as pain approaches
7. I go immediately to bed when i feel severe pain
8. Even though it hurts I know that I am going to be ok.
9. My body gets shaky when i hurt
10. I feel disorientated and confused when i hurt
11. When pain gets severe, I call my doctor or go to the emergency room.
12. I begin trembling when engaged in an activity that increases pain
13. When I feel pain i become afraid of dying
14. I cant think straight when i am in pain
15. I will stop any activity as soon as i sense pain coming on
16. Even if i do an activity that causes pain i know it will decrease later
17. Pain seem to cause my heart to pound or race
18. I think i have a serious medical problems that my doctor has failed to discover
19. As soon as pain comes on I take medication to reduce it
20. I have pressure or tightness in my chest when in pain
21. When I feel pain i think that i might be seriously ill
22. During painful episodes it is difficult for me to think of anything besides the pain
23. I avoid important activities when I hurt
24. When I sense pain i feel dizzy or faint
25. Pain sensations are terrifying
26. When i hurt i think about the pain constantly
27. I take medication if i know i need to do something that usually increases the pain
28. I have trouble catching my breath when i have pain sensations
29. I dread feeling pain
30. I am bothered by unwanted thoughts when i am in pain
31. If a chance comes to do something i enjoy i do it even if it causes pain
32. Pain makes me nauseous
33. When pain comes on strong I think that i might become paralysed of more disabled
34. I find it hard to concentrate when i hurt
35. I see reassurance that i am okay during times of more severe pain
36. I find it difficult to calm my body down after periods of pain
37. I worry when I am in pain
38. My stomach bothers me when i am in pain
39. I try to avoid activities that cause pain
40. I can think pretty clearly even when experiencing severe pain

Cool Saffy!
 

You came in and delivered in a BIG WAY!!!! Wow! I never had copies of the Q's and A's, so you either have eidetic imagery in a Huge Whompin Way or a copy of that which you answered was provided to you as a courtesy. Such was not the case for me.

:circlelove::You-Rock::I-Agree::Good-Post::Thanx:
Mark56 :grouphug:

They sent them for me to fill in before I went. I knew copying it down would come in handy.

And so it did...... so it did. Now you have rendered help to those who wonder "what is this all about?"

Good job,
Mark56:)

psych eval
 

Had my eval in May. Was wor'ried like you too. Dr. Sent me to a psych who does this type of eval all the time. Make sue they have done this type of eval before. My friend went for an eval and the psychologist didn't know what an scs was!!
The questionnaire took about 15-20 minutes. She asked me what my pain issues were, how the affected my life and what the scs is and what I expected the outcome to be. Very easy over all. I made sure she understood my pain levels and how my life was effected. Then she asked what my expectations were. Sounds like there are many versions of the eval. Be honest and they will understand where you are in life and how you understand the scs and how it might help you.

Good Luck
Sandy Kay

Thanks so much Saffy! Posting the questions was so helpful and it was so nice of you to take the time to do so!
:You-Rock:

And thank you too, Sandy Kay! Sharing your experience also gives me a better idea of what this is all about.

But that story about your friend...imagine talking to a professional who didn't have a clue...:rolleyes:

Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha HA!
 

SO........ imagine this as well, in my Social Security hearing, the government calls its pre-arranged expert witness. Apparently an old sound of flatulence [It's a four letter word] he was. He gave all of his considerable studied and thoroughly practiced shuck and jive to the matter at hand, opining first that I fit this category and that category through all of the lengthy list of criteria which must be met to be one adjudged disabled so as to receive benefits.

After answering to the judge that I fit all of the criteria, his studiously paused appraisal applied to his final opinion whether I was one who should receive benefits was NO. The judge paused, visibly shaken by the weird testimony. My counsel then voir dired the witness as to his credentials and all of the criteria once again, receiving the selfsame answers. Nevertheless when inquired as to his professional opinion whether I should see benefits, the answer remained NO. The following query produced an answer whether my counsel was incapable of hearing. Next, the professional produced an answer to the effect his opinion had no foundation but it was his opinion. Lastly, he liberally spread icing all over his ludicrous answers with his denial that he had ever treated a patient with the history of surgeries I had endured, that he had never treated a patient who had any spinal cord stimulation surgery, that his experience included not one whit of the conduct necessary to opine whether I fit among those who should receive benefits despite his affirmative answers to all of the questions leading up to the final opinion.

That said, Mr. "Expert" [I decline to refer to him by the professional accolade of any other physician] was dismissed and dissappeared. We all sat in the hearing room silent for a bit as we digested the "opinion" we had heard. Why do I share this, to demonstrate there are those among the educated elite who will offer opinions which make no sense at all...... none [that too is a four letter word]. Did I ultimately receive the award? Yes, thanks to a judge who was very well educated and able to read the well drafted brief supporting our position.

Sometimes, in the pursuit of justice..... all I can offer is a wry smile,
Mark56

Trial run beginner
 

I have been in constant pain just as all of you. My P.M. has discussed a P.P. And S.C.S with me so I made the decision to try both and then pick one. Now he says I have to have a psych eval, I tell him I am already in therapy, I see a psychiatrist and a psychologist on a biweekly basis. My question for the group is I have already been diagnosed with mental illness, does that mean or automatically disqualify me from this procedure. Plus honestly having another piece of metal in my body does scare me a bit but if it helps get me off or lower the doses of my oral meds I say, "sign me up!!"