I am going to a pain clinic for the first time. Can anyone tell me what to expect?

Pain Specialist are very strict, some who play God I think. Anyway, if you ask for a specific drug you will be labeled as a drug seeker. When I 1st started seeing pain dr it was because gastro doc had run out of options. I had a reference from him from over 20 yrs. I had to go without any meds for a week so he could "See" me on my baddest days, made me sign a contract that I would seek help for pain no where else, and get the rx's filled at same pharmacy, and at any given time I am contacted about an upcoming appt and req'd to bring pain meds. They measure liquid Morphine and count Xanax and Fentanyl patches. I understand this is standard in his practice. I feel like they are just waiting for me to mess up so they can say "see, she is over overusing, or faking, etc." Yes I take a lot of meds now, but still have to pass urine test regularly. It has taken us a long time (7yr+) to get to this point. Although my pain is not relieved, it is lessened. As for your appt, you must go prepared. Don't expect to sit there and say my back hurts and expect to get barbituates or opiods. Make list, as detailed as possible. Write what hurts, how bad it hurts and what makes it worse or a little better. Make sure it is understood that you are there because the pain is so severe you can hardly function. Let them know how long this has been a problem, and make a list of any other diagnosis you have and what meds w/dosing info. This will show them you are active participant in your own health care. This is very important. Your goal is to relieve pain, not get drugs. Of course something will be prescribed, but might be a low dose of something with a follow up appt soon after. With EVERY appt, have a list handy, the 2nd visit having all the 1st info plus how you are doing on any new meds they have prescribed. If it doesn't work, tell them. If helps but for short period of time, tell them. The more prepared you are, the more serious they will take you. If you tell them what works for you, you will not get it. It has to be their idea. I would tell them of prescription meds that have NOT worked. At end of note, do a short, but accurate detail of how you have been feeling and the limitations the pain puts on you. Be reasonable, but, put as much info on your well being as possible. I know this sounds weird, but, pain docs are a different breed. If you go prepared, make sure they know, right away, that you have a list of concerns you must share with them. They are in & out so fast, if you don't make it clear that you have info on your pain, but questions also, they will listen to you. Take a pen so you can jot down any thing important. Most of all, don't let them talk you out of your pain!! You know your body better than anyone else. You may get lucky and hit it off with 1st pain doc, but, don't be surprised if you need to shop around. Its hard, to be in pain, having to go from dr to dr, but, it is worth it in the end. Pain relief. My doc has informed me that pain-free life is impossible, to be glad we can get it own a little, every once in a while. Very disgusted w/ my doc, but stuck cause unable to do much and the one thing going for him is he practices at same hospital that my Gastro doc, heart doc, and Neuro doc do. So, when I am hospitalized ( I average 2 times a year) my docs not only know me, they know each other professionally and personally. That has to work in my favor some how. Sorry I went on & on, but, I feel very strongly about the things I have told you. Take care, and be well as can be...