Should I look for a new pain doctor?
 

I was diagnosed with RSD in March 2004 and Fibromyalgia 2010 (but Dr believes I have had it since 2004/2005). I have gone through several pain doctors because of different reasons. I finally found one I like, I like the office, the wait time, the nurses, etc. However, the doctor doesn't seem to do anything with my RSD only focusing on my whiplash that I got back in March of this year and my broken toe I had April of last year.

I was on Methadone and Lyrica and lived within my comfort zone. I did not want to be on meds forever so I used the 2 at my highest pain levels. This method worked for me.

I cannot work outside the home and am on SSI and was awarded that by the ALJ.

I currently am going through a horrible life situation that has me overwhelmed, stressed and suffer from PTSD. I have asked him for a drs note pertaining to this as I am told I have to work even though I can't and all he wrote is this..."This patient suffers from cervical neck pain with disc extrusion, she is not to lift anymore than 5 lbs." I didn't read it while in the office because I was in such pain. However, this will not work for what I need it to work for, it needs to address my RSD/Fibro, not the "whiplash".

So my question is, is this doctor really addressing my needs? He took me off Lyrica because I said it wasn't working (after he upped the dosage), then tried me on a topical, I have told him I'm having more pain in my ankle (sight of RSD) but all he wants to focus on are "current" issues not the constant pain that is still there.

What would you do in this situation? I'm tired of going months without getting the care I ask for and I can't use the phone to keep calling :(

Hi miss,
Welcome to the forum.
After reading your post I feel the need to say something. Mind you it's just my humble opinion.
Good doctor facility is important. So is the staff which you interact with. But I feel the level of understanding and help that is received is the first upmost important to any of us.
I hope you find relief with this monster we deal with daily..

Is your doctor qualified to provide a ptsd dx-he may be focusing on his specialty, and in order to get the psychiatric aspects of your condition addressed you may have to go to a therapist, social worker etc. There are often cheap or sliding scale therapists available in the community.

Dear Misspainsomuch,

Oh, how I understand your situation. I can only say what I would do. You need to make your own decision based on how YOU feel. I would give him one more try. I would have a sit down with him and explain that you feel that he is not addressing your other physical needs that fall squarely in his realm of expertise which includes your RSD. Regarding elvenflow's comment, yes, you would need someone else to document your PTSD.

Your pain mgt. doc did state your limitations from your "whiplash" but did not include your limitations from your RSD and fibro. You could type up something that describes how those conditions limit your ability to work and ask him to sign it. Or you could ask that he write an additional note to address those conditions. The only reason I suggest that you type up something is that it takes less time for the doc to just sign something he agrees with than it does for him to compose it. Word of caution, he will not be willing to sign something that he does NOT agree with so be sure he understands and acknowledges your limitations first.

If after a good sit down and talk, he is still not meeting your medical needs, start looking for a replacement that will help you.