[littletexan77]

The meeting did not go quite as I had hoped. I had all of my pains and symptoms listed out, when they started, what they do to me, etc. He read through it and told me that I was "a complicated patient". He understands everything he read, but cannot, from his end, come up with a cause for any of it - especially the peripheral neuropathy symptoms. He asked me if I knew the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. I told him no because I assumed you had to be one to become the other. He said no. He has no idea how the rest of the nerves in the body work and therefore, has no explanation for my problems. He did tell me that he has had family and friends that have had similar problems, with regard to having neurological difficulties without explanation. At least I'm not completely alone, but it doesn't make me feel too much better. He is referring me to a neurologist so now I get to sit back and wait for a call from this new guy - or girl.

I guess I'm just venting because I was hoping for a slightly different outcome. I was hoping he would agree with my assessment of neuropathy based on my symptoms and test results. My next appt is with my pain management dr on the 20th and I don't really like this guy, and don't trust him, so I am not looking forward to that either. We have some serious talking to do - he and I.

[Spiney95]

Originally Posted by littletexan77

The meeting did not go quite as I had hoped. I had all of my pains and symptoms listed out, when they started, what they do to me, etc. He read through it and told me that I was "a complicated patient". He understands everything he read, but cannot, from his end, come up with a cause for any of it - especially the peripheral neuropathy symptoms. He asked me if I knew the difference between a neurologist and a neurosurgeon. I told him no because I assumed you had to be one to become the other. He said no. He has no idea how the rest of the nerves in the body work and therefore, has no explanation for my problems. He did tell me that he has had family and friends that have had similar problems, with regard to having neurological difficulties without explanation. At least I'm not completely alone, but it doesn't make me feel too much better. He is referring me to a neurologist so now I get to sit back and wait for a call from this new guy - or girl.

I guess I'm just venting because I was hoping for a slightly different outcome. I was hoping he would agree with my assessment of neuropathy based on my symptoms and test results. My next appt is with my pain management dr on the 20th and I don't really like this guy, and don't trust him, so I am not looking forward to that either. We have some serious talking to do - he and I.

Ask your pain doc for another referral. The right one is out there. Prayers and gentle hugs.

Spiney

[ginnie]

It took me four times and four interviews to find the right pain specialist. Don't stop trying. If this doctor you go see won't listen, wave bye bye and find another. You need to have someone in your corner who is going to work with you and actually listen to you. It is important to Like the doctor you see. I wish you all the best. ginnie

[littletexan77]

It seems everyone I speak with - on here and in person - tells me the same thing about pain docs - you gotta find the right one, if he doesn't listen, or if he won't help you, or if you don't agree with him, move on. But, this was my neurosurgeon I was speaking with. The one who did my SCS implant and the only doctor I have ever found in my entire life that I trust completely. So, if he tells me I need a neurologist, then it is what it is. As for neurologists, I've never dealt with one, I guess they are the same way as the pain docs? If you aren't happy, move on?

As for my pain doc, don't even get me started. This guy is a @#$% - and you can make that word whatever you want it to be, and you will be right!!!
Unfortunately, I am in the last leg of my wait for SSD to kick in and all the Social Security office is waiting for is the final paperwork for him, and then I am done. I think I'm gonna have to put up with him until this goes through. As soon as I get my first check, he's gonna get a piece of my mind - and if I can lift my leg, a piece of my boot too! To back my complaints, he's got me on 3 medications. According to the manufacturer's own websites, they are NOT to be given to patients with OSA (obstructive sleep apnea) which I've had for years. I am on a CPAP and he knows it. It is also common knowledge - and again the manufacturer agrees - that Norco is not to be given to patients on a daily basis with long term chronic pain. He has me on 2 doses a day for (according to my surgeon) the next 5 years. He is literally trying to kill me! The third medication is closer - at least he's giving it to me for the right reasons, but again not for patients with OSA. I have found 2 alternatives that will work just as well, and possibly better that will not affect my OSA. I'm starting to think I know more than he does !?! My next appt with this dude is on the 20th, so I have to wait til then and see if he will listen to my complaints, and if he doesn't, I will just have to wait and say "yes sir and no sir" and pray SSD comes through quickly!

Again guys, thanks as always for the support, suggestions, and letting me vent!

[johnme]

I have seen a lot of doctors and most seem bored with you, until surgery is
needed. Then they sit on the edge of their chair. I do feel lucky now that I found a great pain specialist !

[littletexan77]

Update:

So I took the advice of Eva5667Faliure and spent the last 2 months keeping a journal and shared it with the pain doc who I just met with yesterday. It helped! Eva - thank you soooo much for that seemingly small piece of advice for it made all the difference! He accepted my diagnosis of neuropathy and realized that the meds he was giving me were not only NOT helping my pain, but were actually hurting me because their side effects caused my sleep apnea to worsen. He agreed to pull me off of those and put me on Lyrica and Cymbalta as I requested. I walked out in a pretty good mood and happily turned my scripts in to the pharmacy. I was still in a good mood until the pharmacy called an hour later telling me that my insurance company was not accepting the prescriptions, but that I was welcome to come in and pay full price for them. I told my wife last year that she was going to regret switching to Aetna. I used to work for them. Needless to say - good mood is now gone! If the doctor doesn't get you, the insurance company will. I'm going to end this before I start swearing at them all!

[ginnie]

I sympathize with the insuance companies and medications. I switched after being told my asthma medication would be covered. Well I got the new program, and low and behold, they don't cover it. I was told an outright lie. So much for insurance. ginnie

[Nanc]

Originally Posted by littletexan77

Update:

So I took the advice of Eva5667Faliure and spent the last 2 months keeping a journal and shared it with the pain doc who I just met with yesterday. It helped! Eva - thank you soooo much for that seemingly small piece of advice for it made all the difference! He accepted my diagnosis of neuropathy and realized that the meds he was giving me were not only NOT helping my pain, but were actually hurting me because their side effects caused my sleep apnea to worsen. He agreed to pull me off of those and put me on Lyrica and Cymbalta as I requested. I walked out in a pretty good mood and happily turned my scripts in to the pharmacy. I was still in a good mood until the pharmacy called an hour later telling me that my insurance company was not accepting the prescriptions, but that I was welcome to come in and pay full price for them. I told my wife last year that she was going to regret switching to Aetna. I used to work for them. Needless to say - good mood is now gone! If the doctor doesn't get you, the insurance company will. I'm going to end this before I start swearing at them all!

Hey there! Glad the visit to your pain dr went better this time. Sometimes all the insurance company needs is a prior authorization from the dr, for the dr to complete an exception form or for you to file a claim appeal. Sometimes a peer-to-peer review works...this is the dr talking directly to the dr at the insurance company. I would suggest contacting your insurance carrier and explaining your situation, then ask them what you need to do to get it approved.

Good luck!
Nanc

[eva5667faliure]

i am sooo glad you took it and it helped
you go after the insurance company
the premiums are through the roof
not without a fight
nanc hit the the nail on the head
you go

someone who cares

[ger715]

Good advice. I have a few prescriptions my doctor has to fax prior authorization in order to have insurance company okay.
But...first need to contact insurance company to find out how to proceed. Unfortunately, I have to do the Prior Authorization for these prescriptions every year; but it is worth it.

Gerry