epidural and pain management
From: Ann (nevilleridings96@aol.com)
Sat Oct 29 17:24:05 2005
Hey everyone! I just had an epidural done to try to find the cause of my
persistent left-sided low back and flank pain, which also radiates down
into the groin and pelvic area. I was sent to an orthopedic doc by my
urologist, which I go to for ureteral strictures. I had a recent renal
scan done and it turned out good, so I asked him did he think that it
could be the adhesions. I won't bore ya'll with the details but I have
had 4 major abdominal surgeries for endo, adhesions, etc. He said could
be, but he wanted to find out if my back was okay.
The ortho doc did an MRI and found a mild degenerative disk, but said he
didn't think that it was causing all the pain. So I endured an epidural
of the lumbar, which let me tell you was holy hell. I was told later
that they didn't use enough novacaine at the injection site and
therefore that was the cause of it being so painful. I thought that I
was going to die, it hurt so bad. I was crying by the time it was over.
Anyway, it did not work. I still have the persistent pulling, tugging
pain. What will it do to get these doctors to listen? I feel like
screaming at them to listen to me.
My gyn FINALLY referred me to a pain management doctor when I was crying
in his office because the pain was so bad, but I had to wait 3 weeks to
see him because they were so slow in getting the referral letter and the
records sent over, and of course when I asked for pain meds in the
meantime, he said that he didn't feel comfortable giving them to me
anymore, because he had prescribed so many so far. What is wrong with
these doctors? I have been getting about 1 prescription of about 24
Lortab each month and sometimes not even every month, because they make
you feel like a drug addict when you ask for more. So I try to stretch
them out and by the time that I take one I am crying because the pain is
so bad.
So I finally got an appointment for the pain doc and when I got there
all I seen was his assistant. I asked where is the doctor and she said
that she would take down all the information and then talk to him and
would call me back. Well that was 3 weeks ago and no call. What do
ya'll do to get these people to listen to you? I am sick and tired of
being treated like there is nothing wrong with me and that the pain is
not too bad. I think now that my parents are even starting to believe
that there is nothing wrong with me. My poor husband is so
understanding and sweet, but even he is starting to get tired of dealing
with me, I think.
Sorry this is so long, but I am so tired of dealing with it all and this
is the only place where people understand. I have even had thoughts of
just ending it all, but I know that is selfish and cowardly, but the
thoughts are still there. Someone please tell me how to handle these
pain docs and what to ask for. Thanks, Ann
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