I attend Pain Clinic here in New Zealand. I see two different people, one is the Pain Specialist, the other is the Pain Team's Psychologist.
The P.S. basically is in charge of all my medications related to my chronic pain - but since some specialists can be narrow minded in regards to narcotics - and my P.S. is definitely that - and does not want me to continue taking any - I am now by-passing him and my house doctor is handling my pain management. There are about half a dozen pain specialists at my hospital - I may have to change to one who is more sympathetic to my needs eventually - but for now I'm going to leave it the way it is. I talk to my P.S. once every month over the phone - as he gives me a month's prescription for methadone - which we're reducing slowly - but I'm no longer mentioning to him that I am taking morphine as prescribed my my GP - as it only makes things more difficult.
My Pain Psychologist helps me cope with the pain 'mentally' - she's been teaching me breathing and relaxation exercises, and she lets me talk to her about anything that bothers me, and she helps me see a different perspective of things. The good thing is my husband sometimes comes with me, and she helps him cope too, and sometimes he even goes by himself. If I need advice I call her on the phone, and most of the time that is helpful. The only thing that bothers me is that she blabs everything I say to my P.S.
I know this doesn't sound very encouraging. I'm sorry about that. Sometimes you just come across people who are prejudiced and narrow minded, and who are simply too busy to listen.
I hope your experience will be a positive one!
Good luck.
Lin.
>----- Original Message -----
From: Lisa <lilylover5555@aol.com>
To: Multiple recipients of list ADHESIONS <adhesions@mail.medispecialty.com>
Sent: Wednesday, 5 December 2001 16:27
Subject: Question
> I have a first appointment at a pain management clinic next week and I
> was wondering if anyone could give me a clue as to what to expect, or
> any advise would really be appreciated!
>
> --
> Lisa
>
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