Question:
When I see this subject line, I am reading it like Jimmy Dean (the sausage man) has a pain clinic named after him…the "Jimmy Dean Pain Clinic"…sorry..just trying to put some humor in here 
Nikki "… lost in the darkness of my own circumstance, criticizing echoes leaving me awake in the night… the barrier and blockades that keep me safe and in control while I pretend that I am okay… "
Response:
>When I see this subject line, I am reading it like Jimmy Dean (the sausage >man) >has a pain clinic named after him…the "Jimmy Dean Pain >Clinic"…sorry..just >trying to put some humor in here >Nikki
Nikki, you’re showing your age! I know Jimmy Dean as a country singer & I think had his own TV show for a while, THEN he got into the sausage business. Debbie Life is a test. It is only a test. If this were real life, we would have been given better instructions.
Response:
I guess you missed the comment: "which is why I’m asking, not accusing." What makes me wonder now is that she hasn’t answered. — The Mouse No cute quote; deal with it. AIM ID: JSHMTE ICQ# 9049058
: Hello, : : Why must you look for the evil in posters(especially new posters) : right from the get go. Why must you play net police? Why cant you : start from the aspect that maybe Julie wants to help others like you : want to help others and work from there? Suspicion is even written in : someones reply and then her website is investigated all the while she : didn’t even give a web address. Maybe, just maybe, she can help someone : on this group but she could be runoff before even given the chance, and : what is her crime and at this point why is there any need to be : suspicious or to investigate? Yo Cagney and Lacey take a day off and : let Julie post in a guilt free environment. : : respect everybody…fear nobody
: > : > : What website? There is not one included in any post she has made that : > : I can find. : > : > I just followed the site in her address (aboutcts.com, I believe) and found : > all kinds of goodies for sale. It made me leary, which is why I’m asking, : > not accusing. I do find it odd that someone who claims to do what she says : > she does can’t spell massiter muscle correctly, which is what first got my : > attention. : > : > Mouse : > : > : : > : Don’t take this wrong — I have the same sneaking suspicion you have : > : (there have been far too many of them not to have). But I haven’t yet : > : seen anything to confirm the suspicion or even really give me cause to : > : question. She is not including a link to a website. She is sounding : > : like many of the others who come here and start by saying "I know the : > : cure for you" and it evolves to "pay me and I will tell you", she : > : just has not done the "pay me" part yet. I am suspecting that she : > : will get to that, in fact I am watching for it. I was going to let : > : her hang herself though. : > : : > : > Julie: Are you selling the packages advertised on your website? Or : > : are you : > : > going to give out the information and assistance here free of : > : charge? : > : > : > : > — : > : > The Mouse : > : > : > : > No cute quote; deal with it. : > : > AIM ID: JSHMTE : > : > ICQ# 9049058 : > : > : Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need : > : advice on : > : > back : > : > : and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people : > : who : > : > have : > : > : chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely : > : successful : > : > : and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients : > : (I have : > : > : plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that : > : are : > : > right : > : > : for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment : > : techniques. I : > : > do : > : > : that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. : > : > : : > : > : Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been : > : successful : > : > with : > : > : hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – : > : except in : > : > : the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you : > : won’t : > : > easily : > : > : find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your : > : search : > : > for : > : > : the person who is best qualified to help you. : > : > : : > : > : : > : > : : > : > : : > : > : > : > : > : : > :
Response:
Hello, Why must you look for the evil in posters(especially new posters) right from the get go. Why must you play net police? Why cant you start from the aspect that maybe Julie wants to help others like you want to help others and work from there? Suspicion is even written in someones reply and then her website is investigated all the while she didn’t even give a web address. Maybe, just maybe, she can help someone on this group but she could be runoff before even given the chance, and what is her crime and at this point why is there any need to be suspicious or to investigate? Yo Cagney and Lacey take a day off and let Julie post in a guilt free environment. respect everybody…fear nobody – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > : What website? There is not one included in any post she has made that > : I can find. > I just followed the site in her address (aboutcts.com, I believe) and found > all kinds of goodies for sale. It made me leary, which is why I’m asking, > not accusing. I do find it odd that someone who claims to do what she says > she does can’t spell massiter muscle correctly, which is what first got my > attention. > Mouse > : > : Don’t take this wrong — I have the same sneaking suspicion you have > : (there have been far too many of them not to have). But I haven’t yet > : seen anything to confirm the suspicion or even really give me cause to > : question. She is not including a link to a website. She is sounding > : like many of the others who come here and start by saying "I know the > : cure for you" and it evolves to "pay me and I will tell you", she > : just has not done the "pay me" part yet. I am suspecting that she > : will get to that, in fact I am watching for it. I was going to let > : her hang herself though. > : > : > Julie: Are you selling the packages advertised on your website? Or > : are you > : > going to give out the information and assistance here free of > : charge? > : > > : > — > : > The Mouse > : > > : > No cute quote; deal with it. > : > AIM ID: JSHMTE > : > ICQ# 9049058 > : > : Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need > : advice on > : > back > : > : and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people > : who > : > have > : > : chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely > : successful > : > : and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients > : (I have > : > : plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that > : are > : > right > : > : for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment > : techniques. I > : > do > : > : that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. > : > : > : > : Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been > : successful > : > with > : > : hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – > : except in > : > : the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you > : won’t > : > easily > : > : find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your > : search > : > for > : > : the person who is best qualified to help you. > : > : > : > : > : > : > : > : > : > > : > > : > :
Response:
Hi Ruada , Just turn the add’y into a http url and you will find the web site. The *aboutcts* title refers to carpal tunnel syndrome and the site sells info on how to heal yourself of muscle related problems . Wishing you the best with your food problems . Peace , Richard
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What website? There is not one included in any post she has made that > I can find. > Don’t take this wrong — I have the same sneaking suspicion you have > (there have been far too many of them not to have). But I haven’t yet > seen anything to confirm the suspicion or even really give me cause to > question. She is not including a link to a website. She is sounding > like many of the others who come here and start by saying "I know the > cure for you" and it evolves to "pay me and I will tell you", she > just has not done the "pay me" part yet. I am suspecting that she > will get to that, in fact I am watching for it. I was going to let > her hang herself though. > Julie: Are you selling the packages advertised on your website? Or > are you > going to give out the information and assistance here free of > charge? > — > The Mouse > No cute quote; deal with it. > AIM ID: JSHMTE > ICQ# 9049058 > : Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need > advice on > back > : and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people > who > have > : chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely > successful > : and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients > (I have > : plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that > are > right > : for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment > techniques. I > do > : that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. > : > : Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been > successful > with > : hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – > except in > : the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you > won’t > easily > : find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your > search > for > : the person who is best qualified to help you. > : > : > : > :
Response:
: What website? There is not one included in any post she has made that : I can find. I just followed the site in her address (aboutcts.com, I believe) and found all kinds of goodies for sale. It made me leary, which is why I’m asking, not accusing. I do find it odd that someone who claims to do what she says she does can’t spell massiter muscle correctly, which is what first got my attention. Mouse : : Don’t take this wrong — I have the same sneaking suspicion you have : (there have been far too many of them not to have). But I haven’t yet : seen anything to confirm the suspicion or even really give me cause to : question. She is not including a link to a website. She is sounding : like many of the others who come here and start by saying "I know the : cure for you" and it evolves to "pay me and I will tell you", she : just has not done the "pay me" part yet. I am suspecting that she : will get to that, in fact I am watching for it. I was going to let : her hang herself though. : : > Julie: Are you selling the packages advertised on your website? Or : are you : > going to give out the information and assistance here free of : charge? : > : > — : > The Mouse : > : > No cute quote; deal with it. : > AIM ID: JSHMTE : > ICQ# 9049058 : > : Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need : advice on : > back : > : and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people : who : > have : > : chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely : successful : > : and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients : (I have : > : plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that : are : > right : > : for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment : techniques. I : > do : > : that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. : > : : > : Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been : successful : > with : > : hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – : except in : > : the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you : won’t : > easily : > : find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your : search : > for : > : the person who is best qualified to help you. : > : : > : : > : : > : : > : > : :
Response:
What website? There is not one included in any post she has made that I can find. Don’t take this wrong — I have the same sneaking suspicion you have (there have been far too many of them not to have). But I haven’t yet seen anything to confirm the suspicion or even really give me cause to question. She is not including a link to a website. She is sounding like many of the others who come here and start by saying "I know the cure for you" and it evolves to "pay me and I will tell you", she just has not done the "pay me" part yet. I am suspecting that she will get to that, in fact I am watching for it. I was going to let her hang herself though.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Julie: Are you selling the packages advertised on your website? Or are you > going to give out the information and assistance here free of charge? > — > The Mouse > No cute quote; deal with it. > AIM ID: JSHMTE > ICQ# 9049058 > : Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need advice on > back > : and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people who > have > : chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely successful > : and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients (I have > : plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that are > right > : for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment techniques. I > do > : that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. > : > : Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been successful > with > : hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – except in > : the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you won’t > easily > : find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your search > for > : the person who is best qualified to help you. > : > : > : > :
Response:
Julie: Are you selling the packages advertised on your website? Or are you going to give out the information and assistance here free of charge? — The Mouse No cute quote; deal with it. AIM ID: JSHMTE ICQ# 9049058
: Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need advice on back : and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people who have : chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely successful : and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients (I have : plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that are right : for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment techniques. I do : that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. : : Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been successful with : hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – except in : the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you won’t easily : find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your search for : the person who is best qualified to help you. : : : :
Response:
Jimmy – please look for the response I just wrote to "I need advice on back and leg pain" from Clarington Jackson. I have been helping people who have chronic joint pain for 14 years. The treatments are extremely successful and involve deep muscle therapy. I am not looking for new clients (I have plenty of them) but I do want to help people find therapists that are right for them. I can also talk you through some self-treatment techniques. I do that all the time with my own patients, and it’s also successful. Please feel free to contact me. Our medical office has been successful with hundreds of people. Many, many times the problem is muscular – except in the USA there is no specialty for muscles, and as a result you won’t easily find the therapist who can help you. I will help you direct your search for the person who is best qualified to help you.
Response:
> > "nerve blocks"? > I put it in quotes because many doctors proclaim them to be miracle cures > ..My experience indicates they aren’t – but as they say, YMMV! I went > to one of those pain clinics, er tourture clinics, a few years ago for a > problem I had. They tried several different treatments, none of which > worked, and it ended up causing me more pain and trouble in the long run.
According to their statistics, nerve blocks are effective in about 50% of cases. I don’t know how they define effective. Mine worked for 36 hours, which they told me was not effective. Then they lost interest in me (I guess I’m not a good patient — I didn’t respond to their treatment). Nonetheless, with appropriate information available to the patient, I think nerve blocks are an important part of the arsenal against pain. Jon Miller
Response:
SAG, Why won’t your Dr. prescribe (not subscribe….unless he is giving 12 months of GQ ;o)…) the Oxycontin, since you have been on it? Is this the same MD that was writing your meds before? I do not know if you are in the States, but you did mention trying to get to your regular "RN." RN’s, at least in the States, are not able to write prescriptions. Some states will allow PA-c (Physician’s Assistants) to write an Rx. I do think you need to sit down with whomever it was that sent you to the Dr. that ordered the MRI and Nerve Studies and decide who is going to write your Prescription’s. It is not right to leave you hanging until someone refill’s your meds. They evidently found a reason for your pain. If they do not want to Rx an Opiate, there are meds out there to help with nerve pain, such as Topamax and Neurontin. But to give you a shot in the neck, and a few muscle relaxers, is cruel. If you’ve been on OxyContin for awhile, they need to either wean you off, if they do not want you on it, or give you something else. To just stop it, could put you in withdrawal, and anyone that has been through that, knows it isn’t a bed of roses! I do hope you get some help. Robin >Path: >lobby!newstf02.news.aol.com!portc01.blue.aol.com!news.stealth.net!newscon
02.news.prodigy.com!prodigy.com!cyclone.swbell.net!nnrp3.sbc.net.POSTED!no t-for-mail – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Newsgroups: alt.support.chronic-pain >Lines: 10 >X-Priority: 3 >X-MSMail-Priority: Normal >X-Newsreader: Microsoft Outlook Express 5.50.4133.2400 >X-MimeOLE: Produced By Microsoft MimeOLE V5.50.4133.2400 >NNTP-Posting-Host: 216.63.21.97 >Organization: SBC Internet Services >I went a got an MRI and a nerve test done and while both showed some damage >all they did was give me a steroid shot in my neck and a script for 15 >zanaflex which all I call tell made me nod off all day long. I asked for >refill of the Oxycontin my regular pain meds but the Doc subscribed said >they didn’t subscribe narcotics at the pain clinic. The shot didn’t do >anything and now I’m stuck with trying to get my regular RN to keep managing >my pain which he is reluctant to do. Any thoughts. >SAG
I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice. The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.
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My rheumatologist ran out of ideas when I couldn’t tolerate the 20 mg Oxycontin and sent me to a pain management clinic. I took my most recent MRI and scans and he said all they did was injections and blocks and since I have rheumatoid arthritis in every joint, it wouldn’t do me any good. He sent me back to my RD who changed me to 10 mg Oxycontin. onight was my first dose. Wish me luck.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> What kind of pain clinic is this that does not prescribe pain medicines > (narcotics)? If they don’t prescribe narcotics, they are no different than > the other opiataphobe doctors that love prescribing NSAIDs that now only > ruin peoples digestive systems, but provide little to no pain relief! What > a crock of shit!
Response:
For Matt — There are quite a few "so called" pain clinics that are being run with usually a single doctor who has some experience in doing nerve blocks and trigger point injections and this is about all they offer. No meds or suggesting that one go elsewhere for better care given the disorder. The doc’s will do epidurals, subarachnoid, facet nerve block injections. Since there are only certain types of pain likely to respond and of these, the results are very short term, they have the patient return for repeated injections, some saying that it takes more than one or two." From my personal experience, every nerve block I underwent lasted no longer than the anesthetic in the injection would allow. The same pain always returned. But there are thousands of these types of "clinics" and for the most part, it seems the bottom line comes before all else. Its always wise to seek out info before seeking and seeing a new doc. Ask that they mail a brochure that lists the services offered (if they have one). If you have a good relationship with your pharmacist, ask (s)he for suggestions. If the doc is board certified, such as the American Academy of Family Physicians (who recently published a policy statement supporting the use opioid analgesics for chronic/terminal pain), you may have a better chance of gaining relief . Also, the receptionist may be able to either bite your head off or respond honestly when asked to describe the treatment options the clinic offers, if the treatment includes "weaning the patient off of pain medicine," and it can’t hurt to ask what non-drug treatments they offer. It can an art form in progress when seeking out a new pain doc. The following includes many of the board certification web sites as well as a number of physician/pain clinic links Check out the National Chronic Pain Outreach Assn; they offer a free physician referral service, doing so since 1978 http://painlinks.org/paindoc.html Good Luck Dave L
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> They don’t prescribe narcotics at a pain clinic? I guess irony never made > it into their vocabulary. > Did you check this so-called pain clinic out at Skip Baker’s site about fake > pain clinics? > — > The Mouse > No cute quote; deal with it. > AIM ID: JSHMTE > ICQ# 9049058 > : I went a got an MRI and a nerve test done and while both showed some > damage > : all they did was give me a steroid shot in my neck and a script for 15 > : zanaflex which all I call tell made me nod off all day long. I asked for > : refill of the Oxycontin my regular pain meds but the Doc subscribed said > : they didn’t subscribe narcotics at the pain clinic. The shot didn’t do > : anything and now I’m stuck with trying to get my regular RN to keep > managing > : my pain which he is reluctant to do. Any thoughts. > : SAG > : > :
Response:
> As far as their other treatments, I suspect it’s probably the normal "nerve > blocks"
Why in quotes? Do you disbelieve in nerve blocks, or are there nerve blocks and "nerve blocks"? Jon Miller
Response:
> > As far as their other treatments, I suspect it’s probably the normal "nerve > blocks" > Why in quotes? Do you disbelieve in nerve blocks, or are there nerve blocks and > "nerve blocks"?
I put it in quotes because many doctors proclaim them to be miracle cures ..My experience indicates they aren’t – but as they say, YMMV! I went to one of those pain clinics, er tourture clinics, a few years ago for a problem I had. They tried several different treatments, none of which worked, and it ended up causing me more pain and trouble in the long run. Skippy
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> I went a got an MRI and a nerve test done and while both showed some damage > all they did was give me a steroid shot in my neck and a script for 15 > zanaflex which all I call tell made me nod off all day long. I asked for > refill of the Oxycontin my regular pain meds but the Doc subscribed said > they didn’t subscribe narcotics at the pain clinic. The shot didn’t do > anything and now I’m stuck with trying to get my regular RN to keep managing > my pain which he is reluctant to do. Any thoughts. > SAG
What kind of pain clinic is this that does not prescribe pain medicines (narcotics)? If they don’t prescribe narcotics, they are no different than the other opiataphobe doctors that love prescribing NSAIDs that now only ruin peoples digestive systems, but provide little to no pain relief! What a crock of shit! As far as their other treatments, I suspect it’s probably the normal "nerve blocks", cortizone injections, and the physical therapy bit that many people on here report as torture when done alone.. Don’t get me wrong as they can be valuable treatments, but when a clinic uses just these to relieve EVERYONES pain, they often end up putting the patient in more pain from what I have heard. So, instead of a pain clinic, how bout just calling it a Torture Clinic? Skippy
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They don’t prescribe narcotics at a pain clinic? I guess irony never made it into their vocabulary. Did you check this so-called pain clinic out at Skip Baker’s site about fake pain clinics? — The Mouse No cute quote; deal with it. AIM ID: JSHMTE ICQ# 9049058
: I went a got an MRI and a nerve test done and while both showed some damage : all they did was give me a steroid shot in my neck and a script for 15 : zanaflex which all I call tell made me nod off all day long. I asked for : refill of the Oxycontin my regular pain meds but the Doc subscribed said : they didn’t subscribe narcotics at the pain clinic. The shot didn’t do : anything and now I’m stuck with trying to get my regular RN to keep managing : my pain which he is reluctant to do. Any thoughts. : SAG : :
Response:
I went a got an MRI and a nerve test done and while both showed some damage all they did was give me a steroid shot in my neck and a script for 15 zanaflex which all I call tell made me nod off all day long. I asked for refill of the Oxycontin my regular pain meds but the Doc subscribed said they didn’t subscribe narcotics at the pain clinic. The shot didn’t do anything and now I’m stuck with trying to get my regular RN to keep managing my pain which he is reluctant to do. Any thoughts. SAG
Response:
Tramadol’s brand name is Ultram..you can access information on it at: http://www.rxlist.com
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I wrote up a few evaluations of my personal experiences with this drug. You could do a power search on Deja News using my email and Ultram to find them. I’ve decided to stop using it. It takes ALOT to keep my breakthru pain under control (appx 15 tabs per day). I get the most headaches from the pharmacists when I get my prescriptions (Ultram is a a pseudo-scheduled drug here in the states…..the pharmacists look for anyone who take large doses of it). Hope you experience is better in Aus–the drug WILL work at higher dosages with a narcotic. – Jon – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >:University teaching hospitals’ pain clinics can also offer the latest treatments >:and in some cases treatments/medications that have not been released to >:the public. >Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on >Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It >hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on >its success, side effects etc?
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Tramadol is Ultram. > – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > :University teaching hospitals’ pain clinics can also offer the latest treatments > :and in some cases treatments/medications that have not been released to > :the public. > Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on > Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It > hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on > its success, side effects etc?
Response:
> Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on > Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It > hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on > its success, side effects etc?
I have had bad experiences with "new" drugs.Make sure you are aware of all reported side effects BEFORE you start taking it Don’t know this one,but be careful with experimental pain meds.I was taking Ketalar when they were first trialing it.It seemed OK for my pain,then I broke my toe caught it on a stool,didn’t take much notice(these things happen). A week later I went face first into the tiled floor,after I missed the step(the afore mentioned toe was no help)Broke my nose had 7 or so stitches in my forehead. Next visit to the pain clinic"Oh my God what happened to you" Then he tells me Ketelar disassociates mind and body and this was the most probable cause for my for my fall and the broken toe.I stopped taking it and only then did people start telling me how distant and disconected I had been. aussie annieb
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Dear Scarlet, I’ve been casually using Ultram against lower back pain since 10 years. I think that there are not many people who have been taking this med for such a long time.Two years ago I started going to a pain-clinic, where the doctors recommended me to take 200 – 300 mg daily (up to 400 mg). I can say that this medication helped me to cut the highest pain-level. For me (and fore some other people of this ng) Tramal has an antidepressant effect too. When I first took Ultram/Tramal, I only needed the half dose to get a recognizable pain relief. Since it has no severe side-effects for me, I don’t had a problem with upping the dose. My doc told me that the possibility of withdrawal effects can be ruled out. In spite of this I am concerned about addiction because if I foget to take my morning pill I feel pretty bad – like catching a cold, very tired and simultaneously cold and hot. This could be withdrawl symtoms. I hope this information helps you, Sigrid – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on >Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It >hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on >its success, side effects etc?
Response:
Just go to the place on your keyboard (go to) write in www. pain clinic.com it will tell you of clinics in your home town or close by.It did for me. Good luck,Donnie
God Be With You, Donnie & Judy
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Scarlet, I have been taking Ultram (Tramadol) for several months now. I take them with my hydrocodone (5 vicodins a day) to "boost" it. I’ve tried taking it alone and I didn’t get any pain relief. I’ve tried taking it with 2 extra strength tylenol ( yes, that’s right, OTC tylenol ) and got some relief. I feel it is a pretty worthwhile antidepressant though, which is to say I must get something out of it, any change in the way I view my pain is appreciated. Perhaps I am looking for it to act like a narcotic and when it doesn’t (no itching, no need for the deep breath, no warm fuzzy feeling, etc), I feel it’s not any good. If I could ever get over this herniated disc problem in my neck and get back to my regular arthritis, I would like to try it for just those symptoms. My friend with fibromyalgia thinks they work great and I’ve heard others say they liked the pain relief it gives them. Shauna – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > :University teaching hospitals’ pain clinics can also offer the latest treatments > :and in some cases treatments/medications that have not been released to > :the public. > Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on > Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It > hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on > its success, side effects etc?
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I’ve been taking Ultam for about four years and I swear by it. It seem to help the pain that the narcotics don’t touch. It wears off after four hours, so it’s not hard to tell whether it’s working or not. I also take the equivalent of 16 Vicodins a day, so Ultam isn’t my primary pain drug, but I wouldn’t give it up. I think it has done a job on my stomach, though. I never had heartburn before. Now it’s like lava. Don’t know for sure if there’s a connection, but a lot of H2O seems to help. Purple – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >:University teaching hospitals’ pain clinics can also offer the latest treatments >:and in some cases treatments/medications that have not been released to >:the public. >Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on >Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It >hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on >its success, side effects etc?
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I’ve been suffering from back pain for some time now (a few months) and I too find that Tramadol helps and gives some kind of antidepressant effect. I’m not on many pain killers now but I find if I take 50mg pill before I go to bed I can rise easily in the morning and feel ready to go to work. If I don’t I find it really hard to get out of bed and feel tired all day. Could be related to the pain causing a shut down of the sympathetic nervous system and when the pain is gone the system comes back and performs more "normally". Just a hypothesis. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Dear Scarlet, > I’ve been casually using Ultram against lower back pain since 10 years. I > think that there are not many people who have been taking this med for such > a long time.Two years ago I started > going to a pain-clinic, where the doctors recommended me to take 200 – 300 > mg daily (up to 400 mg). I can say that this medication helped me to cut > the highest pain-level. > For me (and fore some other people of this ng) Tramal has an antidepressant > effect too. > When I first took Ultram/Tramal, I only needed the half dose to get a > recognizable pain relief. Since it has no severe side-effects for me, I > don’t had a problem with upping the dose. > My doc told me that the possibility of withdrawal effects can be ruled out. > In spite of this I am concerned about addiction because if I foget to take > my morning pill I feel pretty bad – like catching a cold, very tired and > simultaneously cold and hot. This could be withdrawl symtoms. > I hope this information helps you, > Sigrid >Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on >Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It >hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on >its success, side effects etc?
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Hey….me too. In fact, I find that this effect lasts about 2-4 hours longer than the pain relief. I can’t be sure, but I think it’s at least partially related to the stimulant properties of Ultram. The antidepressant effects might contribute too. At first, I put it off as simply a result of getting a GOOD night’s sleep finally. But I don’t know that I believe that anymore. It seems to be realted to the drug, and is dose dependant (up to a point). Anyone else got ideas on why Ultram does this? Spiggy – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I’ve been suffering from back pain for some time now (a few months) and I too > find that Tramadol helps and gives some kind of antidepressant effect. I’m > not on many pain killers now but I find if I take 50mg pill before I go to > bed I can rise easily in the morning and feel ready to go to work. If I don’t > I find it really hard to get out of bed and feel tired all day. Could be > related to the pain causing a shut down of the sympathetic nervous system and > when the pain is gone the system comes back and performs more "normally". > Just a hypothesis. > Dear Scarlet, > I’ve been casually using Ultram against lower back pain since 10 years. I > think that there are not many people who have been taking this med for such > a long time.Two years ago I started > going to a pain-clinic, where the doctors recommended me to take 200 – 300 > mg daily (up to 400 mg). I can say that this medication helped me to cut > the highest pain-level. > For me (and fore some other people of this ng) Tramal has an antidepressant > effect too. > When I first took Ultram/Tramal, I only needed the half dose to get a > recognizable pain relief. Since it has no severe side-effects for me, I > don’t had a problem with upping the dose. > My doc told me that the possibility of withdrawal effects can be ruled out. > In spite of this I am concerned about addiction because if I foget to take > my morning pill I feel pretty bad – like catching a cold, very tired and > simultaneously cold and hot. This could be withdrawl symtoms. > I hope this information helps you, > Sigrid > >Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on > >Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It > >hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on > >its success, side effects etc?
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When I was taking 300-400mg a day I was getting reasonable sleep simply because the pain was relieved. Now that I only occasionally take tramadol, I find that if I take it before going to bed I don’t sleep as well, I’m restless and a bit itchy but I can get out of bed easy in the morning. It seems as if I don’t get as deep a sleep as I would normally do. Sunday night I took 50mg when I went to bed and I managed to do a full days work starting at 8.30 in the morning. I didn’t take any since then and although I’m not in pain, I got to work at 10.30 na dI’m struggling to lift my hands to the keyboard. I’ve got to get this sorted. Steve – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Hey….me too. In fact, I find that this effect lasts about 2-4 hours longer > than the pain relief. I can’t be sure, but I think it’s at least partially > related to the stimulant properties of Ultram. The antidepressant effects > might contribute too. At first, I put it off as simply a result of getting a > GOOD night’s sleep finally. But I don’t know that I believe that anymore. > It seems to be realted to the drug, and is dose dependant (up to a point). > Anyone else got ideas on why Ultram does this? > Spiggy > I’ve been suffering from back pain for some time now (a few months) and I too > find that Tramadol helps and gives some kind of antidepressant effect. I’m > not on many pain killers now but I find if I take 50mg pill before I go to > bed I can rise easily in the morning and feel ready to go to work. If I don’t > I find it really hard to get out of bed and feel tired all day. Could be > related to the pain causing a shut down of the sympathetic nervous system and > when the pain is gone the system comes back and performs more "normally". > Just a hypothesis. > > Dear Scarlet, > > I’ve been casually using Ultram against lower back pain since 10 years. I > > think that there are not many people who have been taking this med for such > > a long time.Two years ago I started > > going to a pain-clinic, where the doctors recommended me to take 200 – 300 > > mg daily (up to 400 mg). I can say that this medication helped me to cut > > the highest pain-level. > > For me (and fore some other people of this ng) Tramal has an antidepressant > > effect too. > > When I first took Ultram/Tramal, I only needed the half dose to get a > > recognizable pain relief. Since it has no severe side-effects for me, I > > don’t had a problem with upping the dose. > > My doc told me that the possibility of withdrawal effects can be ruled out. > > In spite of this I am concerned about addiction because if I foget to take > > my morning pill I feel pretty bad – like catching a cold, very tired and > > simultaneously cold and hot. This could be withdrawl symtoms. > > I hope this information helps you, > > Sigrid > > >Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on > > >Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It > > >hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on > > >its success, side effects etc?
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:When I was taking 300-400mg a day I was getting reasonable sleep simply :because the pain was relieved. That’s all I want. A good night sleep. Is that too much too ask??? Apparently so. Today my G.P refused to give me another prescription for Panadeine forte. Her theory is that the reason I’m not sleeping at night is because I’m not getting up early in the day, so my sleep pattern is out of whack. She completely ignored the fact that the reason I don’t get up ’til noon is ‘cos I didn’t get to sleep ’til 4 am. Why? Because of the *pain*. She just could not grasp the concept. I had to bite my tongue to stop myself from bursting into tears. I have experienced negative attitudes regarding codeine etc. but from *my own doctor*???? Pah!! She also is concerned that I have been on Panadeine forte for 6 months now, & is concerned about the long term side effects. What about my present sanity??? : Now that I only occasionally take tramadol, I :find that if I take it before going to bed I don’t sleep as well, I’m :restless and a bit itchy but I can get out of bed easy in the morning. It :seems as if I don’t get as deep a sleep as I would normally do. Sorry ’bout that rant, but I’m extremely frustrated…back on topic… I was taking 150mg Ultram a day for a week & it didn’t do much. When I told my doctor (not the aforementioned. This was at the pain clinic.) this, he said "it’s not the drug for you then". This was disappointing, as from what I’ve read it seemed to be the perfect drug for me. I’m also taking anti-depressants (depression caused by my pain), & maybe I could’ve stopped them if Ultram has anti-depressant side effects. Scarlet
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Sandra, If you are in the US, you might be able to find a pain doctor through this website. I hope it helps. http://www.abpm.org/ Lily Women do come with instructions….ask them! Artificial Intelligence is no match for natural stupidity. *delete the colour of my hair from my address to send e-mail to me*
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> Can anyone tell me what resources there are to find a chronic pain clinic? > Sandy D.
Your local phone book. A recommendation from your doctor. Your insurance company. Chris Owens
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:University teaching hospitals’ pain clinics can also offer the latest treatments :and in some cases treatments/medications that have not been released to :the public. Just returned from my my first visit to the pain clinic. They’ve put me on Tramal (Tramadol hydrochloride) as a substitute for Panedeine forte. It hasn’t been fully released in Australia yet – does anyone have feedback on its success, side effects etc?
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Can anyone tell me what resources there are to find a chronic pain clinic? Sandy D.
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Hi Sandra!! There are a lot of resources here. If you don’t find what you need please get back to us!! ;-) http://www.c2corp.com/painresource1.html Hugz, Jane
|Can anyone tell me what resources there are to find a chronic pain clinic? |Sandy D. | |
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Pain clinics, like other specialized clinics, offer a wider range of treatment options then a doctor’s office that doesn’t specialize in pain treatment. Depending on the disorder that causes your pain, pain clinics offer everything from botox injections, epidural blocks, electric stimulation, medication pumps to narcotic therapy. University teaching hospitals’ pain clinics can also offer the latest treatments and in some cases treatments/medications that have not been released to the public. Its always best to see a specialist when dealing with a chronic disorder. Good luck.
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Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct 12 hour dosing schedule. For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit in tomorrow. Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to request a consultation… it’s not required. They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have chronic pain and how to deal with it. Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. Will
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Will , Thanks for the fill in on what the pain clinic is doing . So much of the stuff I ridiculed two years ago ( stress mgmt. , relaxation , ) I surely wish I had a better handle on now . See if you can find out if they are using this approach with RSD , specifically full body. As a pain patient who has lived with severe anxiety , I think it is time for me to explore other avenues to compliment the medication approach . I will be interested to see what you think of their approach down the road a bit . Thanks !! Peace Richard > Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told > him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his > class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes > today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got > in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only > thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He > feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds > aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of > physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of > course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could > continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. > Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the > meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct > 12 hour dosing schedule.
< snip for space >
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I like the holistic approach with medication. I could never afford three weeks off work, though. I am self-employed and that would ruin me. Kay
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Richard… it’s basically the same routine for everyone who comes to the clinic. They have a basic time schedule you follow that has the things I listed on it… water therapy, biofeedback, relaxation, nutrition, stress management, etc.. Then you also have an hour or two per day where they have you do individual things you request or need. For me it was physical therapy. Others might choose the psychologist, more pool time, or whatever. We did have a couple of people there for fibromyalgia who were also being given opioids. I think I remember people talking about that being one of the chronic pain diseases that they have a problem getting doctors to believe. So it appears that everyone is treated equally and they go primarily by what you state is your pain level. The doctor didn’t even glance at the x-rays I brought with me… and sent them home with me too… so he isn’t going to be looking at them later either. I felt he was just totally taking my word on everything I told him… including my pain level. I think agreeing to take the class for three weeks where he can monitor me did make a big difference though. He’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand that I’m not abusing them or anything. I was impressed that when he wrote the script he told me that these probably aren’t going to be strong enough, but that we have to start somewhere and see what works and he didn’t want me driving high in the morning to come back to the clinic. Since I’m going to be monitored every day for three weeks and can up the dosage just by asking, I have no problem starting low and moving up as needed. I’ll probably keep you all posted each day what goes on unless everyone isn’t interested. I just took my first oxycontin about 45 minutes ago… Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Will , > Thanks for the fill in on what the pain clinic is doing . So much of the > stuff I ridiculed two years ago ( stress mgmt. , relaxation , ) I surely wish > I had a better handle on now . See if you can find out if they are using this > approach with RSD , specifically full body. As a pain patient who has lived > with severe anxiety , I think it is time for me to explore other avenues to > compliment the medication approach . I will be interested to see what you > think of their approach down the road a bit . Thanks !! > Peace > Richard
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told >him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his >class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes >today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got >in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only >thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He >feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds >aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of >physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of >course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could >continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. >Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the >meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct >12 hour dosing schedule. >For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain >clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, >and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine >every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the >actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed >the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did >sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The >stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side >effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, >opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback >stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where >we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed >my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit >in tomorrow. >Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with >a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a >swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. >Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one >as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your >individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other >things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending >more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the >edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a >psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to >request a consultation… it’s not required. >They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help >with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation >period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. >But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. >Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or >friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they >attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have >chronic pain and how to deal with it. >Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the >long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in >conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get >my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises >so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is >a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought >I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them >that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be >staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. >Will > Well, sheeeit…..three weeks? Is this good news?<g> > Crafty
Good that I’m now on oxycontin… bad that I just postponed interviewing and looking at jobs for another three weeks. Cash donations will be accepted. Will
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Hi Kay Yeah, they kind of are asking a lot to give up three weeks for most people. I’m lucky (?) that I’m on SSDI right now and can do it. However, I just put out about a dozen resumes in the last week or two and it does postpone starting work anywhere for awhile. We do get out early on Friday afternoon though, so I can go to an interview if one should come up. I went to this pain clinic last year and they sent a recommendation to my primary care doctor to start me on hydrocodone. They didn’t make me take the class for those. I think with the big gun opioids they want to monitor you is part of the reason for the class. At least that’s the feeling I get besides the basic education/holistic part of it all. Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I like the holistic approach with medication. I could never afford three weeks > off work, though. I am self-employed and that would ruin me. > Kay
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sounds like extortion…you can have meds if you sign up for a course….sorry…but that sounds like extortion to me…but I hope it is helpful and look forward to hearing about your experiences. Good Luck..
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told > him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his > class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes > today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got > in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only > thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He > feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds > aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of > physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of > course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could > continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. > Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the > meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct > 12 hour dosing schedule. > For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain > clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, > and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine > every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the > actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed > the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did > sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The > stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side > effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, > opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback > stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where > we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed > my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit > in tomorrow. > Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with > a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a > swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. > Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one > as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your > individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other > things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending > more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the > edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a > psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to > request a consultation… it’s not required. > They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help > with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation > period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. > But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. > Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or > friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they > attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have > chronic pain and how to deal with it. > Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the > long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in > conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get > my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises > so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is > a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought > I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them > that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be > staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. > Will
Response:
I am sorry to say I have been looking for work for over 12 months after completing a Network Engineering Technology (4.0 GPA/Honor Role/Deans List) course with certifications in Novell and Microsoft (CNE & MCSE) and there is a catch 22 to actually getting hired….OSHA precludes allowing you to work while on the medications and you are uninsurable for Workman’s Comp and other liability issues…even though we all know that our alertness is not effected by the medications, we are pinned with a sign that says stay away from this person because they are high risk…employers can get information on any person who is on SSDI/Medicare including a full pharmacology report when prescribed class 2 narcotics..your life is an open book and even without your permission they can find this information and refuse to hire or follow up after an initial interview and getting your SSI number on an application. I have been fighting this in Congress with my local representatives and there is pending legislation (forget about it being signed by Bush) to limit the access to this information by employers..until then we are going to be refused an opportunity to return to the working world while on class 2’s A very sad state of affairs but reality and truth. In addition, I don’t know anyone who has gone through the long wait of determination of benefits and the additional 24 month waiting period for Medicare coverage that has not been financially harmed resulting in negative items on a credit report…also a source of information for employers and many will not hire if you have credit problems…another sad but truthful fact… SUCKS!..and I am angry and frustrated…I am able and willing to work if someone would look past my physical problems that do not effect the ability to get the job done and do it well.. I wish you luck in your job search but be prepared for what I have just detailed of my own personal experiences.. Alan
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> >Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told > >him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his > >class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes > >today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got > >in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only > >thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He > >feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds > >aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of > >physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of > >course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could > >continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. > >Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the > >meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct > >12 hour dosing schedule. > >For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain > >clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, > >and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine > >every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the > >actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed > >the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did > >sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The > >stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side > >effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, > >opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback > >stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where > >we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed > >my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit > >in tomorrow. > >Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with > >a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a > >swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. > >Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one > >as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your > >individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other > >things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending > >more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the > >edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a > >psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to > >request a consultation… it’s not required. > >They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help > >with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation > >period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. > >But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. > >Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or > >friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they > >attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have > >chronic pain and how to deal with it. > >Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the > >long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in > >conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get > >my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises > >so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is > >a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought > >I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them > >that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be > >staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. > >Will > Well, sheeeit…..three weeks? Is this good news?<g> > Crafty > Good that I’m now on oxycontin… bad that I just postponed interviewing and > looking at jobs for another three weeks. Cash donations will be accepted. > Will
Response:
Please keep us up to date on your experiences…I would like to see if extortion really works…sorry…if your program works…I should not be so quick to the fire on this one..I am very interested in how your days go and how you are treated.. Alan
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Richard… it’s basically the same routine for everyone who comes to the clinic. > They have a basic time schedule you follow that has the things I listed on it… > water therapy, biofeedback, relaxation, nutrition, stress management, etc.. Then > you also have an hour or two per day where they have you do individual things > you request or need. For me it was physical therapy. Others might choose the > psychologist, more pool time, or whatever. We did have a couple of people there > for fibromyalgia who were also being given opioids. I think I remember people > talking about that being one of the chronic pain diseases that they have a > problem getting doctors to believe. So it appears that everyone is treated > equally and they go primarily by what you state is your pain level. The doctor > didn’t even glance at the x-rays I brought with me… and sent them home with me > too… so he isn’t going to be looking at them later either. I felt he was just > totally taking my word on everything I told him… including my pain level. I > think agreeing to take the class for three weeks where he can monitor me did > make a big difference though. He’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand that > I’m not abusing them or anything. I was impressed that when he wrote the script > he told me that these probably aren’t going to be strong enough, but that we > have to start somewhere and see what works and he didn’t want me driving high in > the morning to come back to the clinic. Since I’m going to be monitored every > day for three weeks and can up the dosage just by asking, I have no problem > starting low and moving up as needed. I’ll probably keep you all posted each day > what goes on unless everyone isn’t interested. I just took my first oxycontin > about 45 minutes ago… > Will > Will , > Thanks for the fill in on what the pain clinic is doing . So much of the > stuff I ridiculed two years ago ( stress mgmt. , relaxation , ) I surely wish > I had a better handle on now . See if you can find out if they are using this > approach with RSD , specifically full body. As a pain patient who has lived > with severe anxiety , I think it is time for me to explore other avenues to > compliment the medication approach . I will be interested to see what you > think of their approach down the road a bit . Thanks !! > Peace > Richard
Response:
Will, Good luck with the classes. Keep us posted. The Dr. at the hospital where I go, who runs the pain clinic and the pain service for inpatients also does not believe in breakthrough meds and that your base med should be titrated up…..who knows…. Feel better. I hope the oxycontin works well for you. Robin I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice. The information posted is information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.
Response:
Will, sounds like a winning situation. When you saw this pain doctor last year you weren’t ready to try alternatives to medication. I don’t see this decision to participate in the pain clinic as giving into extortion but more as you being ready to look at your life in a more holistic way. Plus you are planning to return to full-time employment so it makes sense to have as many useful ideas as possible for handling pain issues. And last, you are having these severe edema and ankle problems and this gives you nearly three weeks of daily contact with physical therapists and other medical professionals. Good luck and do let us know how it goes. Jennie…. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told > him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his > class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes > today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got > in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only > thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He > feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds > aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of > physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of > course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could > continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. > Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the > meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct > 12 hour dosing schedule. > For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain > clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, > and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine > every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the > actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed > the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did > sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The > stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side > effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, > opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback > stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where > we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed > my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit > in tomorrow. > Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with > a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a > swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. > Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one > as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your > individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other > things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending > more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the > edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a > psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to > request a consultation… it’s not required. > They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help > with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation > period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. > But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. > Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or > friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they > attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have > chronic pain and how to deal with it. > Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the > long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in > conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get > my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises > so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is > a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought > I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them > that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be > staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy.
Response:
>> For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain
clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, and asking pain level << The anti-narcotic and narcotics are evil messages will begin soon. !^NavFont02F00C00007RGHHGC1D9E3 !N3
Response:
Interesting . . . some of it (biofeedback, nursing management, relaxation) sounds a lot like what I did last year in the psych program as an outpatient at a local hospital. Sounds like it could be really useful, Will. mary – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – >Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told >him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his >class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes >today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got >in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only >thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He >feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds >aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of >physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of >course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could >continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. >Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the >meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct >12 hour dosing schedule. >For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain >clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, >and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine >every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the >actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed >the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did >sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The >stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side >effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, >opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback >stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where >we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed >my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit >in tomorrow. >Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with >a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a >swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. >Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one >as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your >individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other >things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending >more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the >edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a >psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to >request a consultation… it’s not required. >They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help >with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation >period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. >But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. >Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or >friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they >attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have >chronic pain and how to deal with it. >Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the >long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in >conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get >my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises >so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is >a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought >I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them >that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be >staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. >Will
Response:
>sounds like extortion…you can have > meds if you sign up for a > course….sorry…but that sounds like > extortion to me…but I hope it is helpful > and look forward to hearing about your > experiences. Good Luck..
=== === === Alan, Prior to going on opioids for chronic (read lifetime) use, I had to go to a pain clinic, also. At the time, I felt like you. Looking back, it was one of the best moves I ever made. I actually turned down the opportunity 2 years earlier, thinking, "I’m not gonna let some shrink poke around in my head AND pay for his Ferrari!". Now I see the reasoning behind it. For one thing, they have a chance to interact with you over an extended period of time. They see your good days and the days where you’d rather be dead. They see you when you hurt so bad a bowel movement is nearly impossible. Second … trust is built. The begin to take you at your word, and don’t get suspicious when you suggest things, or ask for your meds to be upped. In other words, they LISTEN. I’m still going to my pain clinic. I see my psych guy every couple months, or whenever my pain starts to get the better of me. There’s new coping skills being developed every day, as well as new PT modalities. The pain clinic helps me to make informed decisions about where I want to go, as far as my pain’s concerned. They know I’m telling the truth and are truthful to me in return. I’m allowed to try different meds, but always go back to methadone, as it has *no* side-effects on me — not even constipation! A GOOD pain clinic could be the first step in reclaiming your life. Pain doesn’t *have* to win. — Harley "Can’t hang with the big dogs? Stay on the porch!"
Response:
>Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told >him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his >class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes >today since there weren’t any openings for the next three week
I think, but I could be wrong, that some doctors use this idea to get someone to take a class, then after the three weeks they come out and say something similiar to "see you truly don’t need pain medications as if you were in that much pain you would not have been able to go through a complete three week course". Then you go back and say that you pushed yourself, or were just barely able to do it, etc. But it’ll end with him saying something along the lines of "you can do whatever you can if you set your mind to it..including not taking pain medications and beating the pain". All of this may or may not be good for you, depending on the situation. Just a heads up there for you. George
Response:
I could have probably talked my way out of the classes. I did last year when I saw him and got a reference letter for hydrocodone to take to my PCP. I was actually kind of open to taking the class before I went there. I get to see a PT, a nutritionist, nurses, and all these other people every day for three weeks and they’re helping me to work on my pain with other things than just meds. I’ve noticed that my physical strength and stamina has gone downhill over the past few months since getting out of school. I’ve become much more sedentary because of the pain. So they will be helping to teach me non weight bearing exercises and monitoring me so I don’t have a heart attack and all that other neat stuff that you can’t get doing it yourself at home. Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > sounds like extortion…you can have meds if you sign up for a > course….sorry…but that sounds like extortion to me…but I hope it is > helpful and look forward to hearing about your experiences. Good Luck.. > Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told > him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his > class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes > today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got > in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only > thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He > feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds > aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of > physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of > course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could > continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. > Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the > meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct > 12 hour dosing schedule. > For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain > clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, > and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine > every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the > actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed > the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did > sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The > stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side > effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, > opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback > stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where > we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I missed > my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit > in tomorrow. > Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning with > a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a > swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. > Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one > as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your > individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other > things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending > more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the > edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a > psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need to > request a consultation… it’s not required. > They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help > with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation > period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. > But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. > Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or > friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they > attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have > chronic pain and how to deal with it. > Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the > long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in > conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get > my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening exercises > so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that is > a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought > I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them > that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be > staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. > Will
Response:
Thanks for the well wishes and the info, Alan. I hadn’t heard about the employers accessing SSA records before. Is there somewhere on the net I can go to read about it more? Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > I am sorry to say I have been looking for work for over 12 months after > completing a Network Engineering Technology (4.0 GPA/Honor Role/Deans List) > course with certifications in Novell and Microsoft (CNE & MCSE) and there is > a catch 22 to actually getting hired….OSHA precludes allowing you to work > while on the medications and you are uninsurable for Workman’s Comp and > other liability issues…even though we all know that our alertness is not > effected by the medications, we are pinned with a sign that says stay away > from this person because they are high risk…employers can get information > on any person who is on SSDI/Medicare including a full pharmacology report > when prescribed class 2 narcotics..your life is an open book and even > without your permission they can find this information and refuse to hire or > follow up after an initial interview and getting your SSI number on an > application. > I have been fighting this in Congress with my local representatives and > there is pending legislation (forget about it being signed by Bush) to limit > the access to this information by employers..until then we are going to be > refused an opportunity to return to the working world while on class 2’s > A very sad state of affairs but reality and truth. In addition, I don’t > know anyone who has gone through the long wait of determination of benefits > and the additional 24 month waiting period for Medicare coverage that has > not been financially harmed resulting in negative items on a credit > report…also a source of information for employers and many will not hire > if you have credit problems…another sad but truthful fact… > SUCKS!..and I am angry and frustrated…I am able and willing to work if > someone would look past my physical problems that do not effect the ability > to get the job done and do it well.. > I wish you luck in your job search but be prepared for what I have just > detailed of my own personal experiences.. > Alan > > >Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told > > >him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take > his > > >class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes > > >today since there weren’t any openings for the next three weeks. I got > > >in because some people canceled out due to weather this week. The only > > >thing the doctor and I didn’t agree on is the use of breakthru meds. He > > >feels that the base drug should be titrated so that breakthru meds > > >aren’t needed. I guess he doesn’t figure people do different levels of > > >physical activity and need that extra boost. His reasoning was… of > > >course… fear of addiction with the IR meds. He did tell me I could > > >continue using my hydrocodone PRN while we’re adjusting the base med. > > >Oh, and he wrote me a script for oxycontin before we finished the > > >meeting. I’m waiting to take my first one tonight to get on the correct > > >12 hour dosing schedule. > > >For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain > > >clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, > > >and asking pain level (they’re JCAHO). I guess they do that routine > > >every morning. Then I talked to the doctor. After that, I started the > > >actual class. Since I wasn’t there in the morning for class, I missed > > >the physician lecture, stretch and flex, and group bio feedback. I did > > >sit in on the nutrition class and the stress management class. The > > >stress management one was interesting… we talked about sexual side > > >effects of different drugs people take who have chronic pain… AD’s, > > >opiates, etc.. I also talked to some lady who will do the bio feedback > > >stuff when it comes around again. I was sent to physical therapy where > > >we discussed doing water therapy and what to do about my ankle. I > missed > > >my appointment with the nurse to do a full intake, so that will be fit > > >in tomorrow. > > >Tomorrow I will be starting at the ungodly hour of 8 in the morning > with > > >a private water therapy session. I expressed concern at getting into a > > >swimming pool since I don’t know how to swim and that I might panic. > > >Therefore, I will start with a private session instead of the group one > > >as most people do. They seem to try to tailor the program to your > > >individual needs. There are some things you do as a group and other > > >things you do individually based on personal needs. I’ll be spending > > >more time with physical therapy because I have that ankle pain and the > > >edema that they would like to get under control. They did offer a > > >psychologist… but it’s completely at my discretion and I would need > to > > >request a consultation… it’s not required. > > >They’re also going to teach me some basic simple exercises that help > > >with arthritis type of pain. We’ll see. Oh, and we have a relaxation > > >period each day too. I guess you just sit in a recliner and relax. lol. > > >But the best part is that they give you a free meal ticket for lunch. > > > >Each Friday they have a group meeting where you can bring family or > > >friends for a "Concerned Persons Group." It was explained that they > > >attempt to educate your family and friends what it’s like to have > > >chronic pain and how to deal with it. > > >Overall, it seems like a harmless class that could actually help in the > > >long run. And they stress that it’s a holistic approach that is done in > > >conjunction with proper pain meds, not in place of. My goals is to get > > >my pain under control with the pain meds and the strengthening > exercises > > >so that I can start working a 40 hour week soon. Anything beyond that > is > > >a plus for me. I imagine all pain clinics are different, but I thought > > >I’d share what the one I went to was like. Oh… and when I told them > > >that I didn’t bring any of my pain meds because I didn’t know I’d be > > >staying all day… they offered to get some sent up from the pharmacy. > > >Will > > Well, sheeeit…..three weeks? Is this good news?<g> > > Crafty > Good that I’m now on oxycontin… bad that I just postponed interviewing > and > looking at jobs for another three weeks. Cash donations will be accepted. > > Will
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I’ll keep you all posted. And it’s not as bad as it sounds. I’m impressed with them so far. Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Please keep us up to date on your experiences…I would like to see if > extortion really works…sorry…if your program works…I should not be so > quick to the fire on this one..I am very interested in how your days go and > how you are treated.. > Alan > Richard… it’s basically the same routine for everyone who comes to the > clinic. > They have a basic time schedule you follow that has the things I listed on > it… > water therapy, biofeedback, relaxation, nutrition, stress management, > etc.. Then > you also have an hour or two per day where they have you do individual > things > you request or need. For me it was physical therapy. Others might choose > the > psychologist, more pool time, or whatever. We did have a couple of people > there > for fibromyalgia who were also being given opioids. I think I remember > people > talking about that being one of the chronic pain diseases that they have a > problem getting doctors to believe. So it appears that everyone is treated > equally and they go primarily by what you state is your pain level. The > doctor > didn’t even glance at the x-rays I brought with me… and sent them home > with me > too… so he isn’t going to be looking at them later either. I felt he was > just > totally taking my word on everything I told him… including my pain > level. I > think agreeing to take the class for three weeks where he can monitor me > did > make a big difference though. He’ll have the opportunity to see firsthand > that > I’m not abusing them or anything. I was impressed that when he wrote the > script > he told me that these probably aren’t going to be strong enough, but that > we > have to start somewhere and see what works and he didn’t want me driving > high in > the morning to come back to the clinic. Since I’m going to be monitored > every > day for three weeks and can up the dosage just by asking, I have no > problem > starting low and moving up as needed. I’ll probably keep you all posted > each day > what goes on unless everyone isn’t interested. I just took my first > oxycontin > about 45 minutes ago… > Will > > Will , > > Thanks for the fill in on what the pain clinic is doing . So much of > the > > stuff I ridiculed two years ago ( stress mgmt. , relaxation , ) I surely > wish > > I had a better handle on now . See if you can find out if they are using > this > > approach with RSD , specifically full body. As a pain patient who has > lived > > with severe anxiety , I think it is time for me to explore other > avenues to > > compliment the medication approach . I will be interested to see what > you > > think of their approach down the road a bit . Thanks !! > > Peace > > Richard
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Thanks Robin The 10 mg he started me on did nothing… no pain relief, no high, nothing. Might as well have been candy. The doctor was really busy today because being behind due to weather issues this week… so I didn’t get in to see him. However, I talked to the nurse and she said that there would be no problem increasing my dosage… but I need to see the doctor to do it. She promised she would get me in tomorrow. An interesting comment she made to me too… she said in an offhand kind of way that I’m no where near what my dose will be when I leave in three weeks. That sounded promising to me. Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Will, > Good luck with the classes. Keep us posted. > The Dr. at the hospital where I go, who runs the pain clinic and the pain > service for inpatients also does not believe in breakthrough meds and that your > base med should be titrated up…..who knows…. > Feel better. I hope the oxycontin works well for you. > Robin > I am *not* a Medical Doctor (MD) or *any* other type of Medical Professional. > PLEASE consult your own Dr. for medical advice. The information posted is > information I have learned from researching or learning from my own disease.
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I don’t see it as extortion either, Jennie. I could have talked my way out of the classes if I really wanted to. As much as I gripe about stuff, I think deep down I knew the classes would be good for me and I kinda wanted to take them. There’s also the personal and professional interest in learning what they do at a pain clinic. I wish I could talk them into offering some basic voc rehab counseling to exiting clients and hire me to do it. I talked to a physical rehab guy today. We’re going to figure out some non weight bearing exercises for me to do. My stamina is way down since finishing school and I need to get it back up if I ever want to last a forty hour work week. I’m going to be fitted for a custom stocking thing to help control the edema. It’s some kind of compression stocking. However, they don’t have them to fit me, so I’m going to get a custom one made just for me. I am in really bad pain after being there doing things all day today… but a lot of it is muscle pain from once again using those muscles I forgot I had. I also used my free lunch pass today and hit the salad bar in the hospital cafeteria. The free lunch pass doesn’t work at the McDonalds located in the hospital. lol. Anyway, I ate so much salad that I was tired after lunch. I’m not used to eating lunch. Oh, and I found out what relaxation time is… we sit in recliners in a dimly lit room and listen to those mood tapes where the guy with deep voice almost hypnotizes you. And I went to the pool today too. They had a bar thing set up where I could stay between the two bars and never let go. It wasn’t as bad as I thought it would be. It’s amazing how heavy you are when you walk out of the pool though. You go from weighing nothing to weighing like ten tons it feels like. First time in a pool for me… so I didn’t know about that phenomena. Stress management was on depression and sexual side effects again. Strawberries and whipped cream where recommended by the psychologist teaching the class to increase interest in sexual relations. Nutrition class was boring again… we learned the five basic food groups… that pyramid thing. Let’s see… oh, the only other class was the exercise one. We sat in chairs and lifted these one pound weights. Nothing big… no running a mile or anything like that. The most exercise I got was walking from the pain center all the way to the other end of the hospital to get to the cafeteria at lunch… and then all the way back too. lol. So that was my day today. I’m going to meet with the doctor tomorrow to get my oxycontin dosage increased. What I’m taking now doesn’t do anything at all for pain. I’m not sure they’re even as good as a vicodin as far as pain control. So, I’m hoping he’ll at least double my dosage. First thing tomorrow is physical therapy for my ankle. Will – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Will, sounds like a winning situation. When you saw this pain doctor last > year you weren’t ready to try alternatives to medication. I don’t see this > decision to participate in the pain clinic as giving into extortion but > more as you being ready to look at your life in a more holistic way. Plus > you are planning to return to full-time employment so it makes sense to > have as many useful ideas as possible for handling pain issues. And last, > you are having these severe edema and ankle problems and this gives you > nearly three weeks of daily contact with physical therapists and other > medical professionals. Good luck and do let us know how it goes. > Jennie….
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> >> For those interested in what happened during my day at the pain > clinic… it started with the nurse taking blood pressure, temp, pulse, > and asking pain level << > The anti-narcotic and narcotics are evil messages will begin soon.
Nope… getting a script for oxycontin was next. Will
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My pain has gotten worse because of inactivity as much as anything in the last few months. If any of this helps me get some stamina and strength back, then I’m all for it. I haven’t gotten to do the biofeedback yet because I started the program later then the others during the week… but I’m looking forward to learning more about what it is about. The part I like with this program is that they consider the opiates to be an important part of the overall program. Their goal is to get you titrated by the end of the three weeks of classes. Hey, a little exercise and some education about pain management can’t hurt anyone. – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Interesting . . . some of it (biofeedback, nursing management, relaxation) > sounds a lot like what I did last year in the psych program as an outpatient > at a local hospital. Sounds like it could be really useful, Will. > mary
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> Hehe, good luck Will….that class sounds like torture to me<g>. > Crafty
Thanks Crafty. For me… besides the personal reasons for taking the classes, I also have a professional interest in learning more about these things. I want to help people with disabilities to get jobs. So the more I can learn about different disabilities and how the impact the person, the better counselor I can become. I get to talk in person with my fellow pain patients there each day about their disabilities and how it has affected their life. I also get to talk to the doctors and professionals and get their perspective on things. Heck, if I could make a career out of it, I’d go back to school forever. Will
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->sounds like extortion…you can have > meds if you sign up for a > course….sorry…but that sounds like > extortion to me…but I hope it is helpful > and look forward to hearing about your > experiences. Good Luck.. > === === === > Alan, > Prior to going on opioids for chronic (read lifetime) use, I had to go > to a pain clinic, also. At the time, I felt like you. > Looking back, it was one of the best moves I ever made. I actually > turned down the opportunity 2 years earlier, thinking, "I’m not gonna let > some shrink poke around in my head AND pay for his Ferrari!". Now I see > the reasoning behind it. > For one thing, they have a chance to interact with you over an extended > period of time. They see your good days and the days where you’d rather > be dead. They see you when you hurt so bad a bowel movement is nearly > impossible. > Second … trust is built. The begin to take you at your word, and > don’t get suspicious when you suggest things, or ask for your meds to be > upped. In other words, they LISTEN. > I’m still going to my pain clinic. I see my psych guy every couple > months, or whenever my pain starts to get the better of me. There’s new > coping skills being developed every day, as well as new PT modalities. The > pain clinic helps me to make informed decisions about where I want to go, > as far as my pain’s concerned. > They know I’m telling the truth and are truthful to me in return. I’m > allowed to try different meds, but always go back to methadone, as it has > *no* side-effects on me — not even constipation! > A GOOD pain clinic could be the first step in reclaiming your life. > Pain doesn’t *have* to win. > — > Harley > "Can’t hang with the big dogs? Stay on the porch!"
Right on, Harley! We’ve all heard of the scam pain clinics that just do the other stuff and not the pain meds. But I feel that one that just does the pain meds and doesn’t do any of the other things could be just as bad. While I may not utilize all of the things I learn at this pain clinic, at least I was given the opportunity to try them and find out first hand if they would work for me. I am also being educated on what to expect with these pain meds. How many questions do we see here every day that should have been answered by the doctor before ever scripting the meds? This pain center is making sure people know all the good and all the bad and how to overcome some of the bad stuff instead of just handing them a script and sending ‘em out to learn it on their own. Will
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- Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Well, I went to the pain clinic today. I met with the doctor and told >him what I wanted and he agreed to give it to me if I agreed to take his >class. It’s a three week class… 8-4/M-F. I agreed to start classes >today since there weren’t any openings for the next three week > I think, but I could be wrong, that some doctors use this idea to get someone to > take a class, then after the three weeks they come out and say something similiar > to "see you truly don’t need pain medications as if you were in that much pain > you would not have been able to go through a complete three week course". Then > you go back and say that you pushed yourself, or were just barely able to do it, > etc. But it’ll end with him saying something along the lines of "you can do > whatever you can if you set your mind to it..including not taking pain > medications and beating the pain". All of this may or may not be good for you, > depending on the situation. > Just a heads up there for you. > George
Thanks for the heads up… but I don’t feel that this pain center is the way you describe. They started me on my oxycontin the first day there and will titrate it to the proper amount while I’m there. Therefore, they can say I made it the three weeks, but only because I was on the oxycontin that they scripted me from the very beginning. They don’t make you take the classes with the promise of drugs later… they give the drugs and then you start classes. Will
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Greetings. Has anyone here been referred to a pain clinic? If so, what can I expect? Has anyone found benefit?? Many thanks. dee
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Be very very careful because there are quite a few of these pain facilities that are nothing but a scam. They tend to detox you off of any pain medication youmay be taking and then try to teach you to handle the pain by changing your thought process. Some are good tho. Ted – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Greetings. > Has anyone here been referred to a pain clinic? If so, what can I > expect? > Has anyone found benefit?? Many thanks. dee
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Hi Dee, There are different "philosophies" among clinics just as there are among MD’s or RN’s or any other profession. Some believe in getting you off all meds (the detox philosophy) and there are those that promote "all natural" methods and there are those that use a multitude of approaches and techniques. Unfortunately there is no set of guidelines accepted and/or approved by all. My personal philosophy is to seek a "group" of clinicians dedicated to the relief of pain. The multi-disciplinary approach makes the most sense to me. Since pain involves a multitude of systems (body, mind, spirit), then the approach should include treatment for the affected. I know there are many who would disagree with this approach and that’s there right. But to isolate treatment to one aspect is to ignore the depth of suffering in the areas ignored. Unrelieved pain is one of the leading causes of suicide, destruction of a marriage and family, loss of time from work, destruction of "self", and obliteration of "spirit". Clinicians included in this multi-disciplinary approach include anesthesiologists/anesthetists, internal medicine, orthopedic/neurosurgery/neurologist, psychiatry/psychology, physical/occupational therapy, spiritual guidance (priest, rabbi, minister, etc.), nurse practitioner, nurse clinicians, and others. Family inclusion and education is important also since unrelieved pain can be as destructive to other members of the family as it is to the person experiencing the pain. Education about medications and therapies is important for all involved. Dr. David Leak (www.painnet.com) has provided us with important questions to ask of any clinic or single practitioner to assist in the decision to choose the practitioner that will meet our needs. Questions YOU Should Ask of People That Are Treating Your Pain and Some of the Answers YOU Should Get When Sent to a Pain Specialist or Center Q. Is this practice dedicated solely to the diagnosis and treatment of pain? A. Answer should be: Yes, we practice full-time in the practice of pain medicine / management. Q. Are all the staff fully dedicated to the diagnosis and treatment of pain? A. Answer should be: Yes, except for part-time filing personnel or "generic" ancillary staff ( people who collect lab specimens, other medical technicians ). Q. How many full time staff are on the team? A. Answer should be: Minimally a secretary / receptionist, a nurse, a behavioral specialist, and a physician. 3a.) What are their specialties? Q. Do you have part time staff? A. Answer should be: Yes, or no, but the physician and primary nursing staff should not be part time. 4a.) What are their specialties? Physical therapy, occupational therapy, phlebotomy, dietary, social work, radiology technician, and administrative personnel. Q. Did you train specifically in the diagnosis and treatment of pain? A. Answer should be: Yes!! * Note economic pressures have caused many physicians to practice in the area of pain medicine / management without adequate training! Q. How long was your training in pain? A. Answer should be for a physician : Fellowships ( Fellowship, a period of intense medical specialty training after completion of residency training ) prior to 1993, six (6 ) months were wide spread, however, from 1993 forward fellowships of one year were more common. Q. Where did you do your training specifically in pain? A. Answer should be: At a university or with a proctor for an extended period of time (6-36 months). Week-end orientation courses or short visits with experts do not count as training. Orientation courses can only attest to physical presence at a course, not to demonstrated mastery knowledge or skills. Q. What do you use to monitor outcomes? A. Answer should be: Master Piece Medical, or an equivalent. If a test is ordered: 9a.) What is the purpose of the test? 9b.) What difference will this test make in my treatment? If a consult ( the opinion or evaluation of another specialist ) is requested: 10a.) What type of specialist is being consulted, and why? 10b.) Will the consult make any difference in my treatment? If a procedure is recommended: 11a.) What is the purpose of the procedure ? i. Diagnostic ( to tell what the problem is ) ii. Therapeutic ( for treatment ) iii. Pre-emptive ( to prevent pain from becoming worse due to a planned surgery ) 11b.) Where did you learn this procedure? 11c.) How many of these procedures have you done? 11d.) What is likely to happen if the procedure is not done? One additional question: What is your philosophy of using opioids for pain if more conservative therapies are ineffectual in relieving my pain? Answer: If it’s necessary, I’ll prescribe them for as long as necessary. If I can be of any other assistance, let me know. Feel free to visit my web site for additional links and information. — Jack Stem Midwest Anesthesia Consultants Conscious Sedation, Pain Management, PICC Lines, Chart Review http://www.bergsmyriad.com/macindex.htm "One person CAN make a difference. Be that person" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Greetings. > Has anyone here been referred to a pain clinic? If so, what can I > expect? > Has anyone found benefit?? Many thanks. dee
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The one I go to likes to use nerve block shots, but not working well for me. They have been trying to find some kind of morphine I can take that won’t make me sick . I get mad at them a lot but that is the nature of the pain and it is nice to have them call once a week to see how I am doing. I am in TN, could not even get good pain meds til I went to Pain Clinic. Am also going to chiropractor in spite of Harrington rods from L3 to T4 and physical therapy and keep thinking about the life I am going to have once we get the pain under control. Every good day I do all I can to make worthwhile….read somewhere that hard times breed character. Karen Shelton "Giving up is not an option" – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text – > Be very very careful because there are quite a few of these pain facilities >that are nothing but a scam. They tend to detox you off of any pain >medication youmay be taking and then try to teach you to handle the pain by >changing your thought process. >Some are good tho. >Ted > Greetings. > Has anyone here been referred to a pain clinic? If so, what can I > expect? > Has anyone found benefit?? Many thanks. dee
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Carol 
My motto is, if they can’t deal with you, find another one. They’s tons of ‘em Bev Remove the "SpamFree" for email, please. 