Hey Mike,

First of all: I can't thank you enough- your info is invaluable, and you are so good to take the time to share and help... a little bit of weight has already been lifted off my shoulders, now that I feel I have a tiny bit of understanding as to what to do, and where to start.

That being said- it's been a busy, and *painful* few days. Every single day is worse than the day before. Today, I broke down and called my neurologist- who, at the moment is still the one treating me (obviously), to see what else I can do for the pain. He said it'd be okay to double up on my vicodin at night (two pills instead of one)...not totally relieving the pain of course, but it's dulled at least. They also got me an appt to go in and see him tomorrow morning, basically I just need to get my pain under control in the short-term...long enough to be able to find a pain management dr and discuss nerve blocks, etc.

Not that there is ever a good time to develop this "beast" but now is just terrible...I'm in college, and have had exams every week for the last four, and I have finals through this coming up tuesday...but at least then I have a short break. Hopefully I'll be able to schedule appts w/a great new-found PM specialist by then! fingers-crossed

I'm wondering if I should tell my neurologist that I'm going to be looking for a pain management specialist to treat me...I'm thinking not, as it will probably either be taken as an insult, or as "drug-seeking" (as I've heard that PM sometimes get a bad rap). either way, probably not a good idea?? I'm going to hold off for now at least.

I'm really hoping that tomorrow will be a good day, and that my neuro and I will figure out better pain control- so that after my morning appt, I can dedicate the afternoon to searching, researching, and making calls to my ins company to track down the right doc to help me out of this mess!

One more question (for now at least, lol)- I noticed while doing just from some initial, general searching, that A LOT of dr's that come up show up as "accepting new patients?= no" Is that usually accurate? and if I were to call, and "plead my case" are they likely to accept me anyway do you think? b/c it seems like the best dr's wouldn't be accepting new pt's b/c they are good, and therefore are full... which is a bummer.

Anyway, again and again- thank you, Mike. You are truly a lifesaver!