I made an appt. w/ my pain management doc

[Cindylou]

Thanks Justin. Very much so.

[Cindylou]

I go see my Pain Management Doctor in about an hour, so I will post how this appt. goes. Hopefully, I won't get Miss Crabbers again. I am not sure what we will be doing. Maybe another set of diagnostic injections for insurance purposes? Just don't know. I will ask him if he has filed/written the appeal letter yet. And I would like to get on more than the 2 Percocet a day, so I could get up and do more. I would take 1 always before I went down to the dock to fish. Then when the hurting outweighs the fun, go back up to the cabin to ice. It's just no way to live in my opinion. I'm supposed to be walking for 30 minutes 7 days a week, to ward off any future blood clots, and it's just not happening. I need a boost of steroids, stronger meds, I just don't know......will report back later today.

[ajj1001]

Hope it went well or at least better than before.

[Justin]

Good luck, CL.

[Cindylou]

First, let me say, I had a wonderful nurse yesterday before I met with my pain management doc. What a difference. After talking with my pain management doctor quite extensively, he suggested I give the Oxycontin another try, but to take it at bedtime. Then in the morning, take a Percocet, twice a day. I told him I was willing to try that again, especially since I noticed that I have been sleepy at the wheel even without the Oxycontin, for the past 3 weeks. We'll see if the dizziness returns or not. I'm going to go back and see him in just 2 weeks. He really does seem to be caring and wanting to reduce my pain levels. He already wrote the appeal letter, and said the office staff would call me as soon as they get word. He said he would follow-up with a phone call as well. Might help get the ball rolling. Out of curiosity, I asked him what the facet lumbar cauterizing would cost out of pocket, and he said around the $4,000-$5,000 ballpark. That's out of the question right now. So, that's it. Hopefully, my insurance provider will reverse their denial so I can get this cauterizing done. Soon.

[ajj1001]

Sounds like a good plan, glad that you found a good doctor & nurse. It makes such a difference when people listen to you and treat you with respect.

[KBear]

CL- So glad you had a good visit yesterday. Their attitude makes such a difference. I'm about to call my pm and get an appointment for a refill. I'm nervous to go, because they wanted me cut back and I haven't been able to do that. They gave me 3 fills last time, for 4 a day; but said I could take 6 a day and needed to get down to 4 a day. Well, I have been at 6 a day and had to fill early. I know they are going to give me a lecture; but I just don'e know what else to do. Like you said, laying around in pain is no way to live. If that's how it has to be, then I'd rather be gone than have to suffer. I have been able to get my exercise up. I have been either walking or biking with my daughter to school in the mornings. It's a mile there and a mile back, plus lots of hills, so definitely a good workout.

[Cindylou]

So glad to hear that about the biking with your daughter Kathy. Good for you. Every little step helps. I have lost 3 1/2 pounds, which isn't much, but it's a start. Only another 13 to go!! Ugh.

[Justin]

First, let me say, I had a wonderful nurse yesterday before I met with my pain management doc. What a difference. ... I'm going to go back and see him in just 2 weeks. He really does seem to be caring and wanting to reduce my pain levels. He already wrote the appeal letter, and said the office staff would call me as soon as they get word. He said he would follow-up with a phone call as well. Might help get the ball rolling. ... Hopefully, my insurance provider will reverse their denial so I can get this cauterizing done. Soon.

CL, I'm so glad that your appointment went so well and your post above was jam packed with great news.

So glad to hear that about the biking with your daughter Kathy. Good for you. Every little step helps. I have lost 3 1/2 pounds, which isn't much, but it's a start. Only another 13 to go!! Ugh.

Congrats on the weight loss!

[Patti]

Kathy and CL..

Here's to a collective hug that you have relief. I went to my GP the other day. He sits with me and listens when I have a meltdown because the surgeon could give a rat's ass about life after surgery and he will prescribe pain meds as I wait for new appts. at Hopkins and Georgetown.

I'm convinced that a solution awaits us all......