Am I being a big baby about pain?Advice please!

[bethin]

Ok, I hope you guys have some good advice for me working in GI and all:) I have ulcerative colitis and indeterminate Crohn's, although dr. is pretty sure it's Crohn's. I recieve Remicade tx evvery 6 weeks that have helped a little. Also, going to rheumatologist soon to r/o lupus. Anyway, I go to a dr. who is an expert in IBD. She actually only sees IBD pts. She's head of research at a local hospital that is well known and very prestigous. Now, I'm not one to go to a dr. based on education ALONE. Sure, education is important, but does he/she have good bedside manner, etc. When I first saw Dr. Y I was very impressed. She gave me alot of info on my disease. Lately, specifically the last 2 visits I feel like she could care less about the pain I am in. She refuses to issue any sort of pain med. When I describe my pain, and it's chronic RUQ pain where my Crohn's is located she tells me to use a heating pad, etc. The pain can be so intense that I wish that I was dead. The only thing that keeps me going some days is my nieces. I don't know what to do. Is it unusual for GI pts. to receive pain meds? I don't have a history of addiction. I've even suggested a non-narcotic pain reliever but she still refuses. Luckily, my pcp issues my pain meds(vicodin)but it seems that it has stopped working. I'm seriously considering seeing a different dr., but what if I get someone worse than she is? Also, I am thinking about going to a pain specialist. This RUQ pain is with me 24hrs a day and it's beginning to drive me nuts!!! What is your professional opinion about GI pts. receiving pain meds and seeing a pain specialist. Do I ditch the dr? She's acting like a real b*t*ch lately. BTW I am seeing a therapist and am on paxil cr and xanax. I am by no means going to end my life. After all, I have two beautiful twin nieces that I want to watch grow up. I feel like a drug seeker everytime I ask my pcp for vicodin. I work with him at the hospital so he know my history.He's intelligent and would let me know when I've gone to far.I JUST WANT ONE DAY WHERE I HAVE NO PAIN. IS THAT TOO MUCH TO ASK???? Thank you everyone for lending an ear and reading my ranting that sometimes goes off subject. Thank you!

[CrunchRN, ADN, RN]

I am sorry about your pain - that must really suck. I think you would be well served by consulting a specialist in chronic pain management. They will be able to advise you about narcotic and non-narcotic pain relief options, and provide the most up to date treatments. Best of luck to you.