The catscan at the ER is where they found my gallstones. My gp sent me to the ER to get it. You may want to ask him if he can write a script for you to get one or what other tests he thinks may help find out whats is wrong with your stomach. And there are good doctors out there who care, like your foot doctor. That's great you have him. I hope the doctor he's sending you to can help you. I know its hard to keep searching for the right doctor, but i'm sure you'll find him or her. Don't give up hope and try to hang in there. You have a plan now so that's a good first step. Hope you have a better night tonight.
And you're not being rude because you want to get an appointment right away. You're in alot of pain, and you are trying to get help. If you don't keep up on the drs about it, it may take too long. You have to look out for yourself. You can't depend on them to do that, or you may be waiting too long for an appt. (Trust me I've been there on more than one occassion.) It is your life and that pain in my opinion should be addressed right away. Try to be strong and know that you are in the right to pursue the issue. Be firm but always pleasant, for they can always say they are "booked up indefinitely" if you're not. (I've learned that the hard way too.) Take Care.
PS - I saw some organizations on rsdhope.org that may be able to help you too if your interested. You may want to check it out. Hope it helps.

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.

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

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.

Hi Angelina, I hope your day was better today. I have twice had cysts on an ovary and I was doubled over in pain and that was... 30 years ago, about 20 years before the RSD. My mom was a post-op nurse and she thought I was having an appendix attack with the first one. Both of mine ended up bursting bursting before they could do anything beyond diagnosing. It's gross to think about, but it relieved my pain. Hopefully they will be able to resolve this for you really soon so you can get back to being a mom. Soft hugs to you tonight, and hopefully your pain is easing.
Sylvia

I'm glad they found out what was wrong for you Angelina, but I'm sorry you're looking at a surgical solution - although I'm betting that's still preferable to it being the CRPS and having to face that pain forever. With a good surgical team in close contact with a decent pain doc, and nurses who are in the CRPS loop too, you should come through well.

Take care chick, a few more tough times yet, but at least you know what this is now, and hopefully they can treat it quickly for you.

Bram

Dear Angelina,
My heart goes out to you! I finally caught up with reading about this horrible ordeal you've been through!

I'm glad they found out what is wrong. Please make sure they klnow to manage your RSD before and during the surgery. Take plenty of Vitamin C before and after as well.

Praying for you!