Pain specialists are under pressure for various reasons (this is no excuse for doctors) to decrease the pain of patients over time. Patients who constantly tell the doctor a pain scale or a level of pain constantly high on the chart, many doctors will react negatively to the patient. If the doctor feels there is little improvement in pain over a period of time then why bother. Those with RSD and other severe chronic pain patients are in a tight spot for sure. If you tell them you feel much better, your visits could end. Tell them you feel constistantly like hell your visits could end. Many patients then realize it's some sort of game, many play it then find themselves looked upon as a drug seeker.
Those who are very wealthy don't have to worry about this. Believe you me, there are no RSD suffering multimillionaires, and they do exists.

This sounds like you have to play a game, and believe me ( and all the rest of cronic pain patients) this is no game to us. Also if you reduce your pain medications too much in any case you are at risk of loosing SSD, as they consider you "better" This whole system is broken, and puts a person in a trapped situation. I fear not having medical care, even more than I fear the pain I endure. So do you play pin cushion even though the shots don't always work? Just putting my opinions our there. I am worried about all these issues. ginnie

OK what do you do if your stuck with this dr.. Ive been looking and all my dr,s , save the anesthesiologist, keep giving me referrals and I keep looking to all the local hospitals unfortunately im on comp and 12/10 marked the beginning of the end for most of the PM,s accepting it. Im still looking. why would you become a PM dr, knowing that you are dealing mainly with chronic pain patients..

I'd look at a doc that is not a traditional pm doc. Preferably someone with ESD experience. There is a whole host of issues that come with seeing a pm that mean reduced care IMO.

I have also learned to concentrate on the most urgent matters at every appointment. I pick my battles. Is it urgent to change dosages or type of meds? This can add 10 minutes or so to an appointment.

What other options have you been offered or discussed for a treatment plan? What do you want? Ketamine infusions may help you. Blocks may help you. If you have an extra couple thousand to spend, HBOT might be a good choice, etc. (Doubtful WC will pay for it.)

I have naut to spend. and I have dscussed hbot, he also said pain pump(surgery I wont agree) acs (again surgery, as well as a batery up my cooly, I wont agree) he also did a quck mention of amputation.. obviously I will not agree to lose a limb. he did the lumbar blocks.. (a lot) no help at all, I've also had sterid injections, lydicain, cortizonwe injections.. all no help some made it worse.
I presently have a tens unit.. I use for strict back injury as it does noting for the RSD. the PM wont discuss the creams for topical use, I tried aqua therapy till I could no longer afford it.( i think it was helping just keep cardio good)
also PT plus all these wonderfully awful drugs..

Why no dicussion for creams from your PCP? It is not like an opiate. If your doc. won't talk to you about this, perhaps it is time for a new doc. You should be allowed to find out about this stuff. I do use one, and it does help. It realieves the burning on the bottom of my foot, and the pins and needles for hours. Not 100% but better. Two docs. recommended this compound. It should be made available to you. ginnie

I definitely recommend going in with a list and whip it out when you sit down. Regardless of the type of doc, most seem to be in a rush anymore. There are many stressors put on them (and every other healthcare worker) even though we like to believe they just dont care about us. I'm sure some dont care, but doubt it's the majority. Having the list has helped me absolutely make sure all of my concerns were answered. It also shows the doc youre serious about wanting their time/attention.

I only have comp now.. no medical coverage outside of RSD. and my PCP doesnt accept comp. she dropped it like alot of other dr,s (they should not be allowed to drop comp...from my stand point any way)
As far as the list.. I usually go in with my journal. but he doesnt want to see it or discuss it... and I'm still looking for a comp PM dr that goes to the hospital I trust.