Nerve block off the list
So I got to talk to my pain doc today on the phone regarding the nerve block and insurance pretty much insisting I have to look into it. He is such a great doctor to talk to, just like chatting with a father-figure. He is NOT a fan of nerve blocks. He said he would not recommend sticking needles in someone's back unless they are in excruciating pain and nothing else is working. He said it is a painful procedure and not permanent. "nerve blocks don't fix problems" were his exact words. It will not get me back to working full time so in his opinion is not worth it. In his opinion I am managing my pain ok.
He also understands insurance and they're idea of managing pain is not the same as his. He feels as long as I'm coping well and I'm satisfied with my level of pain relief then that is good pain management, insurance on the other hand feels good pain management is being able to go back to work full time asap.
I mentioned that, though I feel my pain is managed OK, I still cannot sit and could not get through a work day even alternating sitting, standing and walking around. He agreed that would not be good for me and recognized that sitting would still cause considerable sciatic pain and probably always will. He said if I was to want to return to work I would probably need to consider retraining in a different line of work.
The best part of the whole conversation was when he said that if the insurance wanted his word in writing he would provide that at their request. I am so glad I insisted on a referral to this pain clinic.. my doctor did not suggest it, it was my idea. If I had waited around for someone else to recommend it I'd still be in excruciating pain with nothing but Tylenol 3 and an occasional percocet. Thank you Dr. C.
He also understands insurance and they're idea of managing pain is not the same as his. He feels as long as I'm coping well and I'm satisfied with my level of pain relief then that is good pain management, insurance on the other hand feels good pain management is being able to go back to work full time asap.
I mentioned that, though I feel my pain is managed OK, I still cannot sit and could not get through a work day even alternating sitting, standing and walking around. He agreed that would not be good for me and recognized that sitting would still cause considerable sciatic pain and probably always will. He said if I was to want to return to work I would probably need to consider retraining in a different line of work.
The best part of the whole conversation was when he said that if the insurance wanted his word in writing he would provide that at their request. I am so glad I insisted on a referral to this pain clinic.. my doctor did not suggest it, it was my idea. If I had waited around for someone else to recommend it I'd still be in excruciating pain with nothing but Tylenol 3 and an occasional percocet. Thank you Dr. C.
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