How Does One Start in Pain Management as a Patient

[I_OYVEY]

How does one start Pain Management? What does it entail? I spent 15 years walking at a 90 degree angle trying to baby a bad hip that had been fractured. It was only the last 2 years that I took pain medication - Vicodin 500/10. Finally I had my hip replaced and it is wonderful, however I have done so much damage to my lower back from walking wrong that I still need pain medication. My PCP has decided that I no longer need pain medication. So I am taking Motrin and it just isn't working. I am back to walking bent over now babying my bad lower back. I came off the Vicodin without any problem, cold turkey. I asked my PCP about Pain Management and he told me it was in my head, I just needed to strengthen my back and I would be fine. I can get through 10 - 15 minutes of PT and I am done. It has been two months and I find I am spending less and less time doing the exercises and walking I need to strengthen my back. Can I just go to a Pain Management Doctor without a referral, my Dr. refuses to give me one.

[leslie :-D]

Can I just go to a Pain Management Doctor without a referral, my Dr. refuses to give me one.

no you can't, referral needed.

keep with the PT, and you'll strenghthen your back, for sure.

leslie

[llerkl, ADN]

I agree with keeping up with the PT. Work as hard as you can. Possibly, getting another primary care doc's opinion if you think you still are not getting any better. Does anything help your discomfort? Like whirlpool, heating pad, ice pack, stretching exercises?? Can you alternate acetaminophen and ibuprofen??

Back pain is so frustrating.......hope you find something that works for you!!!

[maggiernpainnurse]

in our clinic you have to have an established pcp to refer you to the clinic. i am sorry yours seems out of touch with what pain clinics do. i agree to keep up with pt even if you have to do several short period sessions and do abdominal strengthening. so many pcp’s don’t want to prescribe pain medications and that is why our practice is full. i hope find a solution that works for you.

[Butterfly0328]

in our clinic you have to have an established pcp to refer you to the clinic. i am sorry yours seems out of touch with what pain clinics do. i agree to keep up with pt even if you have to do several short period sessions and do abdominal strengthening. so many pcp's don't want to prescribe pain medications and that is why our practice is full. i hope find a solution that works for you.

hi maggie, i know this a little off subject but was just wondering if the doctors you work with ever perscribe exalgo for chronic pain management? i am finding that most of the pharmacies where i live have never heard of it. it's not until i tell them that it's hydromorphone extended release that they understand what i am talking about. my roomate was perscribed this and she is so scared to take it because it is new. thanks so much.

[maggiernpainnurse]

It is a fairly new extended release opoid on the market so that is why so pharmacies may not have been detailed on it and have limited knowledge. As you already know it is a extended release hydromorphone hydrochloride and as with any opoid you should follow the directions on how to take it. It is a once a day ordered medication and I know that some of the insurance companies are now placing it on their formularies at least in my state. Each person reacts differently to different medications and it is very important to understand and know the side effects from any narcotic, and remember what works for one person may not work for someone else but I am preaching to the choir I am sure. Yes my doctor has prescribe this medication, because it is new on the market we do not have very many on it. Most of our patients have been coming for years and are established on other opoids. Hopefully this has helped a little.

[Butterfly0328]

Thank you so much for your advice.:)