Unfortunately, I don't have a very good relationship with my Primary Care doctor, who also is in charge of my Pain Management. She's not abusive, and she seems to want to help in her own way. Unfortunately, her way involves me dropping all pain medication in exchange for physical exercise, which will somehow release enough endorphines to relieve pain all day, every day. I know that physical activity helps to relieve pain, but I have to be very careful with what I do & how much I do, otherwise I end up experiencing intense pain for at least an hour, or even the rest of the day.

Thankfully, I know I'm not the only one who thinks I'm not being treated correctly. When told of my treatment history up here, the doctors down in Seattle were shocked & couldn't understand why the Alaska doctors were basically shooting in the dark with their treatment plan. At least I know I'm not just crazy.

If anyone has suggestions on how to talk to your doctors when they aren't inclined to listen to you, I'd appreciate any tips. Would also appreciate any tips on what a person can do to relieve pain when it happens.