Totally ON TOPIC Martha!
(((((( ))))))

I HAVE to get a new primary care doc - insurance dropped mine, which isn't a big loss. BUT, he WAS writing my scrips. My PM Dr for the SCS doesn't want to write them if at all possible, cause he has enough opiate RX's already.
And I have several health concerns which need addressed (which is why the PCP isn't a loss, he did NOTHING, zip, not even blood monitoring for side effects from meds). I've been sitting on my rear doing nothing about it cause it's so discouraging to hunt for a Dr when you have TOS/RSD plus assorted issues. Especially in IL, as many of the big medical associations are headquartered in Chicago, so the whole state tends to be uber-conservative when it comes to practicing medicine. No enlightened attitudes about treatment of chronic pain allowed here, thanks!

I've been trying to decide if going with an osteopath or a chiropractor might be a better way. A friend swears by her chiro, who isn't limited to adjustments but has helped with diet, supplements and even chelation in working with their daughter who has Asperger's. (I don't think this was IV chelation). But can chiro's prescribe opiate pain meds? I know osteopaths can, but I would need again, to find the right type. How do I tell if they're the right type? It seemed like the search would be complicated, and I just didn't have the heart for it, you know.

Then I read in the paper about this female Doc who is opening an office, WITH a massage therapist AND an acupuncturist. I think it speaks volumes about her willingness to think outside the box, and to not be afraid of new treatments (although these are both far from new). Since my medical issues are complex, I think a traditional Dr is the best answer for me, but one who is willing to try new or alternative techniques, and to have an open mind and be willing to listen to and communicate with me, is what I am really searching for.
Since I HAVE to do something, I'm going to call and make an appt. with this Dr. I'll let you know afterwards how it goes and whether my search continues!

beth

PS. I won't make use of the actupuncturist, as needles are a big "NO" for my RSD. Massage does help, as long as it is NOT deep-tissue, and is followed by warm moist towels.

My insurance will pay for chiro, and pays for massage if at a chiro's office, and I'm assuming/hoping it will work in a similar manner at this office - the Dr will order massage.

Ann, just a thought - I found TOS listed on an Arthritis Foundation pamphlet at a rheumatologist's office one time. You might give the Arthritis Foundation a call or visit, explain your circumstances, and see if they can help with Dr bills or appts. Or perhaps they might have a list of pain specialists? Or perhaps contact some of the surgeons who do carpal/cubital tunnel surgery, ask pain clinic or Dr they wd recommend for a patient with intractable nerve pain.

Wish I could be of more help. Will keep you in my prayers!

beth

Realizing this is an old thread I still want to reach out. I'm in the ATL area and had good results with TOS maintenance via physical therapy (Nesin Therapy in Huntsville Alabama).

Rochelle

Welcome Rochelle, I am in ATL too! PM me if you need any info on local help.

Anne