I just returned home after a successful appointment with my doctor. She adjusted my pain meds and added a muscle relaxant and did so without making me feel like a drug seeker! How refreshing is that!
Anyhoo...we talked so much that I COMPLETELY FORGOT to ask her about a referral to a Rheumatologist. Duh...Maybe because she was taking such good care of me that I didn't feel the need? Possible....Also some of you mentioned that you end up being treated primarily by your GP so I'll try to remember for next time.
She was so good about listening to my concerns...cost is a mojor factor presently so i'm limited to what I can use. There's a Government program starting in May. It's called a White Card. Until now,only people on social assistance qualified but they've extended it to people who are working but don't have coverage and also people like me who are on disability. I don't know yet how much it covers but any help at this point would be great. Before my diagnosis I was trying to wean my meds down. i don't want to be taking any more than is necissary but it turns out that all of what i'm taking is very necessary, and now I have additional scripts to fill.
The muscle relaxant is called Baclofen.(and it was cheap so I hope it helps) Heard of it? She also got me to check the cost of Oxy-Neo. It's a time release oxycodone. The new formulation makes it impossible for addicts to crush it or cook it. I looked into it and it's suppose to be Ontario's solution to the opiate abuse epedemic. There's a lot of controversy about this new drug. Anyway,it's expensive so I don't have to worry about changing to it for the time being.
It's been a big couple of days and i can't type any longer. I'll be checking in later tho.
I am so glad you like your doctor and that she is helping my rheumatotogist doesnt treat fibro but she stays in contact with my primary doctor about it. I think everyone with fibro should see a rhuemy just to have other things ruled out i have lupus and arthrits. You can call your doctor and ask for a referral instead of waiting for your next appointment
Thanks..I'll do that. I have to know for sure that there's nothing else going on and until that happens,I'm left worrying. So I'll take your advise and do that today.
Hi Carolyn!
I’m new here but am so thrilled to have found this group of fellow spoonies!
I have a mah-velous GP, Rheumatologist and Neurologist. I have FM, Raynaud’s, migraines, Scoliosis in my neck and a bulging disc in my neck. Hmmm…wonder if I could put that to music?! LOL
I just sent my sweet hubby to the pharmacy to pick up my Zanaflex. It gives me some horrific nightmares but it sure does help with my unbearable neck pain. I’m meeting with a doc at a pain clinic next month to set up an appt. for an epidural into my bulging neck disc. Man! That sure sounds like fun to me! Please, if you are able…get the appt. for the Rheumy. Mine is pretty terrific. Some are not. I pray for all of the best for you. Gentle hugs…Bevie
What GREAT TIMING!!! My sister has been going through hell for the last 7 months and she found out a couple weeks ago that she has 2 herniated discs. She had a couple rounds of prolotherapy(spellings wrong i think) and was taking pain meds by the truck load with not relief and she was sick to her stomach all the time.
Two days ago she had the epidural and she called me afterward SO EXCITED... she's PAIN FREE for the first time in 7 months! She still needs surgery but the pain relief is unbelievable! I know everyone is different but i really hope you get the same results that she did! Obviously you have a lot more to deal with than the disc and I'm so sorry...but maybe ONE DOWN...a few left to go?
Thanks for responding and your comforting words. I called and left a message with my doctor about the referral.