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