Multiple Sclerosis (MS) Support Group

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Pain Clinic issues

NataliaDeV
NataliaDeV

So I starting going to a pain clinic but I hate it! I'm just wondering if anyone is having a similar problem. They treat me like a drug addict. I get sick to my stomach whenever I have an appointmen because I'm so nervous. The meds they give me aren't strong enough, and everytime I say something I get a lecture and either a slight increase or they change the RX for something that's weaker. Then I go in and have to complain weekly until they gradually increase it and tell me that if I don't take the script exactly like it's written,"I will OD and die". They literally said that to me infront of my two children. I'm just so sick of being in pain, I thought that is what a Pain Clinic specialised in.

lorrieonline
lorrieonline
So sorry, Natalia, for what you're going through. Do you have an MS specialist at all? Maybe you need a second opinion or someone who can relate better without the scare tactics? I don't have pain per se, but I think an MS specialist would be more understanding and knowledgeable. Nobody should be scaring you and your children like that. I don't like the sounds of that. If it's important to get that across, there are better ways so I don't understand that. So sorry.
NataliaDeV
NataliaDeV
I don't really have an MS specialist other than my Neurologist. He's the one who sent me to the pain clinic, because they have a better selection of pain meds. However, I feel like they just treat everyone the same there; like addicts.
lorrieonline
lorrieonline
I'm sorry to hear that they treat patients this way. I think I'd be looking around for an MS Specialist.
limboforever1
limboforever1
Some medical "professionals" suck! I'm so sorry you went through that. I would ask to be sent to a different pain clinic or try to work more closely with the neuro. Good luck. *hugs
NataliaDeV
NataliaDeV
I'm just wondering if ALL pain clinics treat people like this, or if it's just the one I go to. However, I have been thinking about changing clinics.
Uduplr
Uduplr
So sorry to hear about your experience. Unfortunately it is really nothing new. Prior to my MS and TN I was a Sr. Rehabilitation Counselor for 19 years. A lot of my patients were sent to pain clinics and the majority had the same experience. Find a Primary Doctor, preferably in neurology. Even if you have one or get one, You need to Advocate for yourself. To do that you need to educate yourself about whatever your main diagnoses is to the point that You can fully understand everything they say to you. Next, do your own research. Not about who used what and how it worked for them, because everyone is different. Look at the research behind the drug; how many participants started, how many dropped out and why, what were the drugs effect on the directed and undirected points of emphasis. You need to take the lead in your care. Ask questions, make sure you understand the answers, make medication suggestions (and not based off some TV commercial.). Remember, a Doctor is in a PRACTICE, educate yourself enough to Help them practice on you.
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