Completely confused and frustrated

[Star B.]

I had my first visit with a pain specialist. She told me that she "doesn't prescribe narcotic medications" and then proceded to try and book me for an epidural procedure. My uro/gyn doesn't prescribe narcotics either, which she thought I might need, so she sent me to a pain specialist. I can't seem to find anyone that is willing to give me medication. There has to be a middle ground between what is being done for my pain now (nothing) and invasive procedures.

I am so broken down by this whole process. I have to wait months to see a doctor and then I can't seem to get any realistic help.

Does anyone have any suggestions? My uro/gyn is useless in actually finding people to refer me to. I'm lost and on my own in this.

[ICNDonna]

If you go to http://www.ic-network.com/md/listing..._Columbia.html you'll find a support group for Washington, DC --- they can be an excellent resource for finding specialists.

I hope you will find some help soon.

Donna

[Star B.]

I've tried Ultram, Amitriptyline, Celebrex, and a couple other non-narcotic meds and none of them have worked. So, are epidurals and nerve blocks usually the first thing pain doctors try for pain management? It just felt like a big leap for me.

[earthlady]

I think I would be confused too if I went to a pain specialist and I was told that they didn't prescribe pain meds.?? I guess there are different kinds of pain specialists out there. My uro prescribes pain meds but only a certain amount a month and if more are needed beyond that she will refer to a pain specialist. I hope you find one that can help you.

[Star B.]

That last visit just killed me. I felt so completely defeated. I still do. At what point do you just give up and decide you're going to be in pain? I've been through so many doctors and I just don't have the mental energy for it anymore.

[mary124]

I answered another posting from you just a few minutes ago. I had a pain doctor at one time that is all he prescribe for me was pain meds after awhile though they didn't help - everytime I went in for a followup and I said something about my pain levels they increased my dosage and # of pills.
when I did my back in a few months ago, decided to go to another pain doctor who wanted to do injections but he told me I would have to get off my coumadin (blood thinner) for a few days, and I told him no that there got to be something else. Anyway, back to you, and your question- there are other meds have you tried cymbalta? I started it about 6 weeks ago, and I can really tell the difference.

[earthlady]

I see that your located in DC. I was curious if you had gone to see Dr.Moldwin who I think is still in NY so it's not too far from where you are. He's been mentioned here on our forum quite a lot. If you haven't, it may be worth a trip.

[Star B.]

I haven't. I sould probably start looking at Dr's outside of my area. Thanks for the suggestion.