[abey042000]

Hi, everyone. I havent been posting as Ive been dealing with terrible pain and depression issues. I do have a question that I hope someone here can help me with. I have been recieving Caudal epidural injections, which are extremely painful. I have 2 herniated torn discs with some nerve impingement. I have just recieved my last one (3) wih absolutely no relief. If anything Ive had more discomfort. My current physiscian continue to medicate me with 5mg Percocet 1-4x's daily. This does nothing for me! I have tried talking to him about this and he refuses to raise my dose, and even tried to discuss Long-acting meds such as Oxycontin something that doesnt contain so many valleys(highs and lows) I have also been medicating myself with 3 percs every 4-6 for even a little relief. So therefore I run out early. Then suffer! This phyisician is a "Pain Spec" but told me yest. if this epi doesnt work he has to discharge me, and can no longer treat me. He will only supply me with 2 more weeks of meds, then I'm on my own till I find another doctor on my own. How is this even ethical of a phyisician? What do I do now? Do i try to find another pain management doc for my meds. I believe also he was undermedicating me as well, as my husband has had to put me a shower in downstairs cuz my pain is to bad to get up the steps. I hope someone can help me here. Any advice or thoughts are much needed. You guys really are my strength. I lurk around here alot and always keep up on posts.

[sweetchikk05]

you need to find yourself a beter dr asap, call around


Liz ann

[abey042000]

No one else has any suggestions or what? Usually i get better responses round here. Whats goin' on!?

[mpvt]

You really don't have much of a choice but to find another pain doc.Ask if he can refer you to a pain clinic.Has surgery been performed yet????..........Dave

[BigJohn]

Hey Abey...where are your torn discs? Cervical, lumbar? I had a herniated cervical disc. I just had surgery this past thursdy. Yup 3 days ago. I had my spine fused and the disc taken out. If you have a lot of nerve pain...well...first find another doctor. Than ask about LYRICA..I took it before I had surgery and it helped big time. It's non-narcotic but you need a script. It's expensive and most insurances won't cover it for your(our) condition. It's really meant for nerve pain from diabetes. The Lyrica along with perc's here and there really helped me out. The lyrica can run about 200 a month but oh well. As afr as finding a doctor...my family doctor gave me the lyrica scrips. Do you have insurance? can you have surgery? I had the injections too and they suck! All they did was make things worse for about a week. Good luck!

Peace and all that,

John

[abey042000]

Big John~

My torn discs are lumbar! Thanks for taking the time to respond also! I ended up going CT from my pain meds as the doc refused to increase them, and I ran out. I'm on day 3 now. Its absolutely horrible. I'm not sure how this is even ethical practice of a doctor? Yes, I have insurance and I am a canidate for surgery but for some reason that doctor was unsure.??? So how are u doing now since surgery? can u tell an improvement? I need to get on the ball and start making some phone calls for a new phyisician.

[BigJohn]

Hey Abey,
Yes...since the surgery I have NO pain. I mean, I have some post-op pain where the incision is but the pain I used to have down my shoulders and arms is gone completely!!! You said the doc was unsure about surgery?...Surgery is always the last resort and even if you are getting surgery they like to do at least 3 injections first before they operate. Yes...you need to get on the ball and find another doc. I'm not sure about ethics, but it was damn ****ty for your doc to just send you off like..."oh well..." I was taking opiates (perc's, OxyContin, Morphine IR) for about 2 years before surgery. I also have "ran out" of meds because I was self medicating because of the pain. These doc's, or anyone else for that matter, just don't what it's like, to be in PAIN and hooked on opiates. They just don't know. I have been on "Day 3" many times and I feel for you, I really do. I was talking about the Lyrica before. Not only does it help with nerve pain it also kills withdrawls about 90%. No ****. Look into it. Get a doc to prescribe it for you. You'll be amazed how well it can work. It worked for me. It helped with my nerve pain and getting me off opiates. I'm only taking Perc's here and there for post-op pain but in a week or two I'll be done with it all.
I told you that I had my disk removed and a spinal fusion, which was cervical. Mine was C5-C6. For lumbar though, they can replace the disk and it has been hugely successful. Well...Good luck for now and hang in there. I'll be thinking of ya.

Peace and all that,

John

[BigJohn]

Abey...email me at John19dx@yahoo.com if you want. I have a couple of ideas for you...as far as getting a doc to prescribe Lyrica. Laters

Peace and all that,

John

[abey042000]

BigJohn~

You have mail!