Anyone here know of a good fibro/chronic pain doc in Portland, OR who will take me? I've been with Kaiser for over 10yrs, and am now having my insurance changed to unitedhealthcare. I am on several meds that can't be suddenly stopped. I'm pretty apprehensive about it since 2 of them are opioid type, and 3 others benzo type, and I know MDs are getting scared into not prescribing these things. I don't abuse them, and my current regime has worked well for me, for the most part-but maybe a new doc could help me find something that works better.
It does, thank you Sandy. I also got some advice about bringing in a letter from my current provider, laying out my tx plan, and how long, etc...and of course my med records. I'll just try to be prepared. Just not sure who to go to that may know about fibro/chronic pain, all that.
if you change jobs, pre-existings don't matter, its only when you're trying to buy an individual plan on your own. Luckily, otherwise-there would be just about nobody insured! LOL. I only know because I've been doing medical billing and coding for over 20yrs. I thank God/Universe daily for the job I have now. I am so fortunate, with these bodily issues (and psychological as well) to be able to work at home. I have a fantastic boss, and I just love everyone I work with, even though we only communicate by phone/webex/email/IM etc...I just know w/my health issues I couldn't do a 'brick n mortar' job. Did that for many years, and ended up having to leave after a long fmla leave. Glad I did though, cause this fantastic job came my way! That's one of the biggest things that I am passionate about, and so very, very grateful for! Back on subject, maybe its different in Australia, but here in the states, if you are covered under your employer-or thru your employer, there is no medical review, no pre-existings should ever fall in there at all.
Yaay Sandy! I am glad that was helpful, its a SUPER BIG fear to go w/out insurance-absolutely! But trust me, my advice is true, thru an employer, you just sign up for the plan you want, done, done, and done! Glad to hear it takes a load off for you!
Stress is a big part of FM it seems. For me it is at least. Seems to trigger more pain, more panic/anxiety attacks...more everything I don't want!
Kitty is also in Portland, I left her a note with a link to this discussion, and she had also posted a 'find a Dr link' on one of her previous posts that may help.
When you do find a new job, I would suggest talking w/your doc, telling him/her the situation, and maybe getting 3mos worth of your prescriptions that you can have until your new insurance kicks in and you can find another doctor, or keep going to your current until you have the insurance, maybe your current doc office can work out a pmt plan due to the situation? Or, like you said, let them know you are in need of insurance, and a smooth transition from one to the other...but get that letter from your current doc about what you've been on, why and for how long...your current treatment plan, etc...that's what I've been told at least...lemme know what happens!
thanks Kitty, got that message, I will look into her, although I really dislike going to NW Portland, but its not like I live in the boondocks like you do, so I'm sure I could make it to at least check her out. I'll probably end up making several appts. w/doctors, just to see who I like, and can work with. Thank you everybody for all the help. <3
I agree. The commute to NW is grueling and the population is an anxiety trigger for sure. The first time I went I had a ride. The second time I drove on my own, and did pretty well. They do have their own parking lot right at the building which makes it good.. I also have the MAX route figured out, but it takes a street car connection too. I am taking my neighbor the next time I go because there are so many fun things to do on 23rd street. Not to mention, Powells Books is right down the street. I will have to take a pain pill that day to make it through.
I hope she is one you try. I love her. She already knows me and I've only seen her twice. She knows more about fibro than any doc I've ever seen. She is totally worth the inconvenience for me.
Oh Sandy. You are Wonder Woman. I admire you to no end. But, 12 hours is way over the top, Sweetie. I agree, you could use a normal schedule.
I've though about getting a very part time job. I am so bored. It's funny because when I was working full time with my family of 6 and all the ball games and meals and appts, etc, I just wanted to be home so I could be better at doing the Mom and wife stuff. Now that they are all grown and I'm here alone all day til my husband gets home, I am so bored. Plenty to do, just too unmotivated and sore to do it. I would love a coffee shop job a couple days a week or something like that. Oh well. Sorry to get off track.
I hope you find a nice job with fewer hours soon. Luciwho is right. Check with your doc and insurance and see if they will prescribe enough to get you through the change over.