pain management result 1st visit~

[sonny1]

HI, I went to my 1st visit to a pain management doctor today (NYS) and I am not sure what to think about the visit. It was 10 thousand questions, which i get, but the rush, rush examination and treatment plan that got me. The doctor was not very friendly, but aside from that, she said "We have to do more and more hand movements, stretches, etc. We are going to add this medicine and this lidocaine patch and next visit I will explain about the injections you are going to have. She proceeded to tell me I am way to young to have had all of these surgeries on my hands (as if to question my surgeon) and also (as if to question that this all happened from 8 years of data entry, office work).

She asked if I was working, I told her no, but I am required to look for work. I explained how my attorney suggested I apply to VESID for some kind of re training as I will not be going back to office work. Her reply was "Good idea, they take forever to get you started, then they take forever to train you, because you can't do anything now".( she was shaking her head no and just continued writing???)

Is this normal for a consultation of this kind? Does everybody get put on medication and right after get signed up for injections? It sounded like a factory line there. AND I am not have any injections...I already made that clear to my hand surgeon and attorney. So I guess I will not be there too long~

[bronco54501]

pain management is what it is, They are there to get your pain under control.. They do have a more aggressive outlook, but are truly there to help... As far as the patches, they work some what but not a cure, the injections, they will use as a tool to pinpoint the major prob and help with relief..

You say you wont get injections, and I ask why????

Why waste your time and thiers if you aint looking to get better.... What does your attorney think of you idea..

[sonny1]

I didn't think I was wasting anybody's time. I was looking forward to going and seeing if they had any other options for me. I was told there are many options available with pain management. Why don't I want injections you ask? Before each surgery on my hands (10) I had cortisone shots at each surgical site, which caused more pain and no results for me. I am fearful of having that happen again as I am in enough pain already. I have done everything my doctors have asked me to, I stayed @ PT for an extra 4 weeks for myself to get stronger (with their help), I have never refused any treatments and have been a very good patient to all of my doctor's and staff. I am looking to get better, some relief and any help I can get, I just don't want shots anymore. My attorney & hand surgeon both agreed with me, knowing full well my "injections" history and the fact that there is no guarantee shots will work. He (attorney) said if I refused a treatment like PT, that may be a problem, but shots, no way.

That wasn't very nice to imply I was wasting people's time. We all have things in our lives that we are fearful of and if you do not, then I envy you, because fear of needles is something I have been bothered by since being a child.

[AQA]

Please don't take what Bronco said personaly.

He is looking further down the road.

You may be backing yourself into a corner. In my mind, once the PM dr. says that the injections are the next move, and you say no. Well, that is the begining of the end. For at the time, you have just refused to receive proper treatment. The PM dr. is well within their means to drop you and close the file.

You made mention that your attorney and hand surgeon agree with you. The problem is, they are not PM DR's..

Just my oppinions, and I wish you well.

[sonny1]

(03-05-2011 02:09 AM)AQA Wrote:  Please don't take what Bronco said personaly.

He is looking further down the road.

You may be backing yourself into a corner. In my mind, once the PM dr. says that the injections are the next move, and you say no. Well, that is the begining of the end. For at the time, you have just refused to receive proper treatment. The PM dr. is well within their means to drop you and close the file.

You made mention that your attorney and hand surgeon agree with you. The problem is, they are not PM DR's..

Just my oppinions, and I wish you well.

I know everybody on here is looking out for others best interests. we are all dealing with major pain and changes to our lives. What I meant by my surgeon & attorney agreeing with me, is that they understand my fear and prior injection failures and feel that I should not have to endure something that I do not want to, WITH the fact there is no guarantee with shots. My attorney did explain that if I choose not to have shots and that was the method of treatment, then I would be put @ MMI and closure would be right behind. I am ok with that, as long as medical is covered. I have never been through this, but this craziness has been going on for over 5 years and if there is no other treatment except injections, then why prolong the end? Maybe I am off course. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
thank you~

[bronco54501]

Please forgive my ignorence, Maybe in a different post you mentioned past surgeries... I dont blame you for wanting out of the system, and when I seen only this post I was shocked you didnt want the injections... But the fact does remain, it is your body and is your right to refuse the injections, but in the end it may turn out against you............

And once again.....Sorry.

[sonny1]

(03-05-2011 09:48 AM)bronco54501 Wrote:  Please forgive my ignorence, Maybe in a different post you mentioned past surgeries... I dont blame you for wanting out of the system, and when I seen only this post I was shocked you didnt want the injections... But the fact does remain, it is your body and is your right to refuse the injections, but in the end it may turn out against you............

And once again.....Sorry.

No problem, as I stated, everyone on here is looking out for everyone's best interests!! How do we ever know if we have made the right decisions? Usually after the fact, when all other options are off the table. Believe me, this is all so scary for me, this is my life I am talking about. I have to go back to PM in 3 weeks, I will talk to Dr. about injections. Maybe they can knock me out first or give me the silly gas....lol. But most importantly, I will get all necessary info, before I make a life altering decision. Thank you and continue with your input, it is appreciated!