[hope4thebest]

On next Monday, September 28th, I am seeing a neurologist at University Of California San Francisco Pain Center.

I fought for this appt. (W.C.) and I want to make it worthwhile because it might be my last chance for another doc....I don't want to leave his office forgetting important questions, even though I plan to make a list....

The pain mangement doc I've been seeing since my orthopedic surgeon abdicated isn't an anasthesiologist and I may have lost out on some important treatments.

The RSD (from ankle injury and surgery - 2 blown out ligaments and two avulsion fractures) is in my left foot and lower leg, with burning in right foot and lower leg and some burning in my face..any movement flares it up..so I have limited steps to walk during the day...or the pain and burn scream
I've had 6 lumbar blocks, and 4 injections directly into the nerves in my foot monthly...by my new podiatrist(is this a wise treatment????)

I don't want more meds..(low tolerance and need a clear mind for work..as it is, the Neurontin has cost me some embarassing moments of forgetfulness on the job...)..and I need my job!!!
I am hoping for more regional treatment such as a bier block or more effective ingredients in a lumbar block or infusions or???????
Thanks for helping me think of some important questions, 'cause I know I'll think of them on the freeway on the way home.....
Hope4thebest xoxox

[daniella]

Is this your first neruo apt? I have seen a few and some are hard to communicate with. Make sure to bring all your records with you,a list of ?'s,meds you have been on or are,supplements. Don't feel rushed.I am confused though because I could be wrong but usually neuros run tests like emg/nc,mris. Have you had any of these? If not that may be something you want to get to also rule out other conditions. I have PN as well so why I ave had such extensive testing. Mine did put me on different meds. Is your pain doctor an anestesolgist? If that is what you are stating is not I encourage you to find one that is and deals with rsd. I would not let a non anestesolgist work with me but that is just my opinion unless I was just doing meds only. I hope the apt goes well and gives you answers.

[AintSoBad]

Hope,

To help you,, I think we need more info.

Have you been dx' with rsd? And, it's spread?

Tell us more?

Then, I suggest that you start a WPDOCUMENT on your computer, a word processing document, and name it something like "symptoms" or, "questionsforDr/9-28-09", and if you don't already, start a FILE and name it "injury" or whatever works for you. Keep this document, in that file!

With this particular document, call it (and I do this throughout my business' and life).
"Key Frustrations".

Put this name at the top.

Make a spot for a date. Make lines on the document, so you can write neatly on it. (I keep a blank one, so I can simply print it out, and all employees had them, to pass up through management.)
You may want to print one, and keep it handy, then, type it up everyday or so, and SAVE the document, to be printed before you go to your appt. on Monday.

And, begin this list of items that Frustrate you! Right away.
Keep it with you, with a Pen, when you go out.
Things you need to ask about.
Thoughts that disturb you, and want answers to.
Obviously, this is just a "Organization Strategy".

But, it helps!

So, you have 4 days left! We've got to start helping you! Mostly, this might help you organize, because, on Monday,
if you don't feel well, you'll have this as your backup!


Ask about the spreading of the pain and rsd symptoms, and how to stop it?

Anything else unique to You?


1. Your pain management? (meds).

2. Exercise. Should you be getting PT, in a warm pool?

3. Mental health. Should you be seen by a pain management psych?
__________________________________________________ ________
These three, I was taught to call the "triangle of care" for RSD.

We need our Meds. Primary doctor,
(I use my Neuro.)

Exercise,
(I've been in a warm pool, and, should go back! I'm putting on some Ell Bee's (lb's).

Mental health is crucial with this disease!
(I have a psychologist, whom I've worked with, and can call when/if necessary.
I was taught some coping skills.)


Beyond this, you need to keep that note with you now, until you go on your appointment, and I advise that Sunday afternoon,
you do your final typing and editing, and print it.

Then, you can sleep WELL The night before you go!


I hope this helps! If it doesn't, that's ok too.
Let us know what more we can do?

Pete

[hope4thebest]

Hi Pete,
I was going to make my list of questions on Sunday afternoon to have them ready for Monday! But your idea to keep a daily log (more detailed than just a few questions) between now and then, is a good one! So, I will have a little spiral notebook that I'll carry with me at work and at home to write down ideas and 'frustrations' as they come to me for the rest of the week and week-end!
For example, someone today mentioned acupuncture and I whipped out my notebook and reminded myself to ask about that on Monday, etc!

Besides, keeping a daily log will help me feel like a ship captain...
Anchors away!!!

Thanks, Pete!!!
Hope4thebest

[AintSoBad]

It works for me, and many others!
I hope it does for you too!

Love the ship captain thing!

Pete