Hello all:

I wanted to share the results of my PM appt yesterday in hopes it may help someone in the future. As many of you know, I have been under-medicated for at least 6-9 months now. My last two appts I had explained this and they gave me just a slight increase. The last 2-3 months have been very painful with many days with little to no meds left even as I scrounged and scrimped and tried to stretch with what they gave me.

I had commented to Toni that I wasnt going to beg this time. What I meant was I was going to present my situation and if they didnt increase then so be it I would suffer. Luckliy this was a 1 year comprehensive checkup that allowed more time.

Ironically I got to meet with the first PA that I met with. Her first diganosis put me on methadone which was terrible. A long two year climb to get it right after that. anyhow, we went thru the normal BP tests, med listing and they were ready to close me out. And I stopped the PA and said can we discuss my current situation. She said sure. I slowly and calmy explained that my pain had increased and one of the main reasons was work and the fact that I now basically do two jobs. Not much response. Blank stares right? I further explained that most days by 5pm I am nauseous, 8-9 headache and I have to lay down. It takes me two hours just to feel human with the minimal meds they give me. I explained how some days at work I sit at my desk and have to do deep breathing to keep from almost passing out from pain. The PA ears perked up finally.

Long story short, she proposed a 40% increase in my medications. She gave me two options.. We discussed and decided on one of them. She said no problems see you in three months. Was I lucky? Maybe. I guess we all know it depends on who you get right? Which PA or doctor. If you get your meds directly from your PCP consider yourself lucky. I would like to think I presented my case in a calm and intelligent manner. Ill be a friggin monkeys uncle it worked out for me for once.
So I hope you don't have to hear any more bitching about my pain. I should be managed. I hope to support others. As much as I have tried to be psotive these last few months, it has been extremely difficult and painful. Sunday I laid in bed moaning and nearly crying as it was horrible.

So thanks to everyone for their support and advice as always. She also put me on a muscle relaxer. For my legs maybe? I cant remember the name. It seems I took muscle relaxers before and they jacked up my stomach and made my heart flutter. Anyone like/dislike muscle relaxers. I will post the name later, they are at home.
Hope to be better and not so ornery now Toni!

Martini