I am so sorry you have had such experiences with doctors. I wanted to say hello and welcome you here. You won't be shoved to the side here, that is for sure! I am responding because I am older, and this same kind of treatment has happened to me. I was given a lecture for almost 20 minutes, and you know, I didn't even get a word in about what I was experiening. Good God, and he charged $247 for that visit! I was horrified. It isn't just your age, it is the doctor. Get another, who shows some wisdom and compassion. People get sick at any age, and no patient should be treated like that. RSD is painful, and needs to be treated. Have you tried Katemine lotion? It numbs the areas effected very well, and has me reduce opiates to a big degree. There are other alterniatives, besides sitting in front of a doc. that doesn't take you seriously. Walk out, head up, and seek someone else. We will be here for you at Neuro Talk. I hope that you can find that compassionate doctor in your area. Post where you live, and someone may be able to recommend someone. I wish you all the best. I go to a physiatrist, who specializes on pain, and treating the whole person. ginnie :

I don't think I have ever been denied access to medication or had anyone discriminate against me because of my age or had a dr with attitude or anything because of it. I was injured at 29, and I'm now 31, but I just haven't had those problems. However, that said, I'm always willing to drug test, I'm always willing to try patches, or new meds, as long as I have something for breakthrough pain. And I've never run out of meds early and it's been years I've been receiving them. I also don't change drs very often, I only see new drs when I am referred. Also, a huge part of it is, my hand LOOKS painful. It LOOKS like it hurts...so I think they find it easier to treat pain when there are signs and not only symptoms of pain. I can't imagine if my hand looked better how much more difficult everything would be.

I am only 30 and I am sometimes treated the same way. The fact is the nerve meds do make a lot of us sick and opiates is the only answer. My response to them is FIND A CURE! If you can't do that, then the least you can do is make me more comfortable. I don't enjoy the opiates, but I have to get through my day.

I also point out to the doctors and other people that I have to get through the day at work because the insurance from work is what pays the doctor bills.