The best prep is being able to accurately and concisely describe your problem. Bring any recent records. Write down what you experience for pain (ie type, duration, location) what helps and what doesn't.

The last thing you need to have is an expectation. "I want to be able to xxxxx" make a list of the things that are important to you.

Good luck with your appt. take a deep breath and if possible bring someone with you.

Vallonzek,

That's great that you finally have an appointment with a pain dr. Tigg gave you great tips about writing pain levels down, what makes it worse or better. I'd also write down any questions you have for the dr. so that you don't forget anything you want to ask them.

Other what Tigg told you, there really isn't much prep you can do. They probably will be assessing your pain to see what they can do to help you. Until they know exactly what's going on, there isn't much they can do on first visit. They will ask you a lot of questions after they examine you or order tests or scans if needed.

That's great that you finally have the insurance to go. Now maybe they can get your pain lower to a more tolerable level. Good luck. Please let us know how you make out.

Hugs,

(((((((( ))))))))

Mary Ellen

It took the fourth visit and a four week workshop before I got anywhere with my first pain doc. I am supposed to the visit number five next week.

Good luck, and try to focus on what you want to be able to do rather than what you can't do.

yadlim and critters

I will be praying for you that you receive adequate relief for your pain; whether it be through narcotic or non-narcotic medication. Pain is a terrible thing to have to endure, and there is no reason why anyone should have to endure chronic pain when there are so many medications that are there to treat pain. Also, I would make a list of every question you have for your new doctor. Tell him what kind of medications you've tried in the past, for how long, and whether or not they were effective in treating your pain. Just be honest and tell the doctor where your pain is and that you need relief so that you can be more functional. I hope everything goes well for you! Hugs!

Glad your getting some help. Writing a pain diary each day can be a good tool to take to your first appt. Keep track each day how your pain is, what triggers it most, when does it spike, etc. Making a list of what other pain relief measures you've tried, including meds is also helpful.

Don't try to get yourself all happy and excited for the appointment, just go in as you are any other day, don't be afraid to let the Dr. see your pain and how it affects you. Just be you.

I hope you have a good experience and get a good Dr.

Kat

thanks all

ive kept pain journals in the past but they're just too depressing... but bleh maybe i should

i dont think i have to worry about going in there happy... the more i think about it the more im sure its just gonna be another waste of time...

I think your pain doctor would expect to see a recent evaluation from an orthopedic doctor who confirms that there is nothing they can do for you and and that there are no current problems noted.

Either way, i hope you are feeling better soon!!! Hugs!!!!!

Glad to hear you are finally able to see a dr! Try not tp worry-just make notes what you want to ask the d r and your symptoms etc

The problem is self pay they may not want you as patient

yeah im pretty convinced there wont be a second appointment

not sure if im gonna go to the first one...

Why don't you go and see what it's all about? Then you can decide if you want go go back. You never know. It might be just what you've been needing.

Take care!

Hi Vallonzek. I'm really glad you have an appt with a PM and I agree with Emerald that you should give it a go at least once. I know how hard it is getting your hopes up and thinking this one could help me but then nothing works but its different with PM Docs, they've seen and heard it all before so they should, at least, prescribe a new medication for you to try. If they can't or won't help at least you'll know you tried..Good Luck, I'll be thinking of you, let us know how it goes next week.

i guess youre right... it is a fear of going in and being told yet again that theres nothing they can/will do for me

not sure how to get over that tho... its like getting hit in the chest with a sledge hammer when they do it... so its hard to lay down under the swing again

I totally understand. BTDT...still there with two issues. Even boycotted drs & meds for a while-to my own detriment- because I just couldn't handle one more appt and being written yet another rx for an anti-depressant. Just last month I found my 4th rheumy and she actually listened. But it took almost 5yrs to find her. So I totally get it.

But please do go to the appt & see. You never know where help might be waiting. 17 years is a long time to be in pain without a solution and I hate to think of you suffering when there might be someone or something that could help. Pain drs tend to be more open minded about pain-in other words believe you-than other drs. Not all but most.

Emerald

i went to the pain dr today and he suggested a stellate ganglion block... whatever that is... they're sposed to call to set up an appt, maybe they'll call on monday

gave me a script for norco too, but said i have to give up the mmj in exchange... which honestly, is fine by me

wasnt nearly as bad as i figured it'd be... the dr was nice