No every pain management doc I see tells me there is nothing for me to do. My ankle doctor is going to send me to Seattle to see a CRPS specialist. I am on Cymbalta, Lyrica, and Oxycodone. I have Lidoderm patches but they don't work real well. I do use them when I have back pain though. Your pain does sound very familiar but my pain goes up into my rib area and from front to back. And now when I eat it gets worse.

That is unbelievable about the PM doctors!!! Seems like it was a few weeks ago or more that you were going to see someone in Seattle; what is the foot doctors hold up in getting you in? Do you know who you are going to see yet? I actually now have 2 different ones working together - they are both incredible. I think I already gave you one name but if not just ask and I will tell you their names. Wow.. Cymbalta and Lyrica together? Why the need for both? How about Amitriptyline? This is usually taken at night to help with sleep/depression and muscle spasms or tremors they often start at 25mg and then slowly increase by 10mg increments until you reach 75mg. I would ask about that one the sooner the better. What about long acting oxycontin instead of Oxycodone or better yet a Butrans patch? This would help regulate pain more consistently so you don't get the highs/lows or rather pain wind up?

Re; the pain - mine also went up to my ribs when it was really bad. I can't recall if it went front to back or not but I know it was miserable and it must have went to my back because I remember wondering if it was my kidney's. Food was a problem as well but mainly because I had lost my appetite due to the high levels of pain. Have you looked at the side effects of the medications you are taking? Do you think this may be contributing? The oxycodone was really hard on my stomach!!

Can you call and make an appt. with a pain doctor without having to wait for your foot doctor? You can gather all your records or just let them make there own diagnosis based on a new exam and your history. Just seems like you have been waiting way to long to get into see someone who can help you?

How are you feeling tonight?

I don't know what is taking so long. I was thinking of calling them to ask about the Seattle thing but I didn't want to be rude. Then again it is my life we are talking about, so I guess it is ok.

My family doctor wanted me on both Lyrica and Cymbalta, I don't know why. He said it just works better. I can ask about Amitriptyline. I have heard about the Butrans patch once before, so I think I will ask about that too. The oxycodone is just such a life saver for me it scares me to not have it, ya know? It is the only thing that has so far given me any relief. Sometimes it doesn't work very long, but at least it is relief and I can sometimes actual get out of bed and not want to just scream and scream!

When I initially made my appt. to see the PM doctor I am currently with I made the appt. myself. I didn't need a referral to make the appt. and I really wanted a fresh consult based on his own observations/diagnosis (I guess I was at the time still hoping somehow I was misdiagnosed and something could be done to relieve me of the pain.. bummer that was not the case). I did take with me all my records, xrays, chart notes, MRI's and recent pharmacy detail report with all my prescription history. He was wonderful, took his time and I am very pleased with his care/support so far. He didn't even mind or become offended when I found another doctor who specializes in CRPS to also consult with and now they are working together to help me, so don't be afraid to reach out on your own. Good doctors don't mind as long as you keep everyone in the loop with regard to all care being received. I make sure all doctors and myself are copied on all records that way there is no misunderstandings and no stone un-turned in my care.

Regarding the Butrans patch.. I also have oxycodone for breakthrough, my PM doctor insisted I keep that on hand just in case I needed it. Also it takes a few days for the first patch to build up the correct level so you will need to rely on what you are currently taking until then. I am much happier with the patch and I was so reluctant to try it!! I wasn't good with medicating and seem to always let myself get overcome with pain before I took anything so this works better for me. The only drawback is that I have a bit of nausea/vomiting with each new patch (but I do with oxy also) so we are working on how to combat that without adding anything new.

Pain Consultants of Washington is where I am going.. you should really check into them. Shoot I would even take you to your appointment if you needed help!! I'm heading your way to visit my in-laws in a couple of weeks maybe we could meet up for a cup of coffee or something?

Also.. have you considered getting an internal medicine doctor? They often understand chronic pain and some even work closely with PM doctors. That might be a good choice for you since you have more than one issue going on? Just an idea.

Hang in there,
Tessa

Hi Angelina,
I just wanted to let you know I was thinking of you and hope you are doing better today.
Take care.
Renee.

I have to have a referral because of my insurance. The reason it is taking so long is he is trying to get all my records together. What is an internal medicine doctor? And I would love to meet up for coffee!!

Well I got some answers... My ultrasound showed that I have a hemorrhagic cyst on my left ovary. It has been over a week since then so they did another one today to see how it is doing because the last few days my pain has gotten worse. I will keep you all updated. My doctor said I should here back today.

I've had cysts on on ovaries and they hurt like hell. They can remove them, but be sure to check with gynecologist and gp and pm and neurologist first. Make sure they all know about your rsd and the possiblity of spread of rsd with surgery.
I'm so glad they found out what may be causing your pain. Hope you get better soon.

Hmm that is silly, your doctor should not wait to make you the appt. especially considering the well versed and experienced doctors have a longer wait list. If medical records are being requested they should just be forwarded directly (takes way less time) and your foot doctor should write a brief synopsis of what is going on with you (his opinion)and then kindly request a consult and rx. This means your doctor would be requesting the new PM doctor to diagnose and treat accordingly.

An internal medicine doctor is one who treats the whole body including chronic diseases. They are a glorified PCP and generally work more closely with specialists for hard to diagnose or treat conditions. They are not pain doctors but work closely with them and other specialists in your care. They can also treat/diagnose the co-morbid effects CRPS/RSD causes for us.

Coffee YIPPEE.. I will PM you as my trip gets closer

Sounds like your ultrasound might give some answers to you pain.. let us know when you hear more.

Hang in there girl..
Tessa