Support and Chronic Pain Community Group
Welcome! This room is for CP/IP survivors. This room promotes fun, family, support and compassion. No Drug Seeking Posts or Promoting of such activities are allowed here. Please, No "F" Bomb--keep swearing to a bare minimum. No posts that are "fighting" with another person/group on this board or another.
Went to my appointment with my pcp this morning and it went alright. I expressed my concern about the gradual return to work and her opinion was 'You should try... if it doesn't work out just be honest with them and tell them its too much, too fast' She felt since there is no other treatment that can be done and I have shown some improvement in the last 7 months since I've been off that trying to cooperate with insurance would be the best next step. At the same time she is giving me some time to go back to physio for some core strengthening first. My new back to work date is Jan. 2 2012... that was a relief at least, gives me two more months.
She asked about my 'moods' since she said she sensed I am not doing so good mentally. She was bang on with that perception and I told her I was intending to talk to her about the anxiety that is keeping my from sleeping and possible depression. She didn't want to do sleeping pills (and I don't really want to take them) but she did prescribe me an antidepressant that she said should also work on the anxiety - Effexor (sp*). I'm curious to see how well it works, I sure hope it does.
On the downside... my pain doc did NOT call in my refills this week like he was supposed to and I will run out of meds before he is back in the office on Monday. I called last week to let them know I'd be out of meds on Wednesday this week - they like a 1 week notice for refills. His receptionist called me Tuesday to confirm what i need and said she'd call once they fax it to the pharmacy... They never called to say it was faxed so I checked with the pharmacy today and they said no, nothing on my file. Now the pain clinic is closed until Monday and I run out completely on Saturday. As it is I am making due with the 10 mg tablets I had left over from before the increased dose (I'm on 15 now). I ran out of my script yesterday and the 10s will be all gone Saturday. I dread Sunday, I will have nothing but a few percocet which doesn't usually help much, might be better than nothing, I'll soon find out. And then I have to hope they will get on it first thing Monday. I didn't need this and I even called in early like they asked me to.
She asked about my 'moods' since she said she sensed I am not doing so good mentally. She was bang on with that perception and I told her I was intending to talk to her about the anxiety that is keeping my from sleeping and possible depression. She didn't want to do sleeping pills (and I don't really want to take them) but she did prescribe me an antidepressant that she said should also work on the anxiety - Effexor (sp*). I'm curious to see how well it works, I sure hope it does.
On the downside... my pain doc did NOT call in my refills this week like he was supposed to and I will run out of meds before he is back in the office on Monday. I called last week to let them know I'd be out of meds on Wednesday this week - they like a 1 week notice for refills. His receptionist called me Tuesday to confirm what i need and said she'd call once they fax it to the pharmacy... They never called to say it was faxed so I checked with the pharmacy today and they said no, nothing on my file. Now the pain clinic is closed until Monday and I run out completely on Saturday. As it is I am making due with the 10 mg tablets I had left over from before the increased dose (I'm on 15 now). I ran out of my script yesterday and the 10s will be all gone Saturday. I dread Sunday, I will have nothing but a few percocet which doesn't usually help much, might be better than nothing, I'll soon find out. And then I have to hope they will get on it first thing Monday. I didn't need this and I even called in early like they asked me to.
It is hard but I think sudden withdrawal is much worse.
Good news/Bad news. I know you have been worried about the visit and work. I am glad you are going to try the med the doctor is giving you for anxiety. Who wouldn't be anxious with all you have gone through. Chronic pain,anxiety and depression pretty much walk hand in hand I think.
Good to hear on the date being out there. I agree with doctor. All you can do is try and if it doesn't work then say it doesn't. I am sorry about your meds. Shame on them. Wonder if you pharmacy can do something for emergency sunday. Please be careful on mixing your pain meds by using some you have left over. Maybe on the stronger ones depending on when you started you can cut them to lower dose to just get by to monday and not have withdrawal and pain. I bet if you ask pharmacist they will have some tips.
Warm hugs to you.
I hate that someone has that kind of "power" over me. They have the power to help me feel like I can make it or not. They have the power over my body and, sometime don't listen when I am trying to tell them what is going on with it. I hate being at "their" mercy. ARRGGHHHHH, I will get off my pulpit now.
I am glad about the good news you received and, I hope that it works out for you. I think it is a good idea to try but, it must be done without any expectations of limits. I can try to work too. I might even make the first week--masking the pain and trying to be normal...but, after that...heck no. I would be in agony and tears and, there would be no masking it, I assure you.
Stay down this weekend and don't do anything that will put your body through higher pain as your meds are so low. Monday...get it straightened out.
HUGS to you!
I started taking Effexor about 2 months ago. It actually helps with my pain. There's not a radical reduction but enough to make me want to continue with it. I hope you have the same results.
There is no weekend doctor at this clinic. It is a private pain clinic; he is the only doctor and the clinic is only opened Mon - Wed. i never liked that but there's not much choice its the only pain clinic on the island. I can call and leave a message that's it, and I will be doing that today so they know I need my prescriptions first thing Monday morning. Again thanks everyone.
Hugs, Lisa