OK I went to my Doctors appt today and I have mixed results: Help and Advice NEEDED!
Question:
I’m glad you have a line on a good pain doc Shabba. The Topomax, Wellbutrin, and Serzone can all cause a lack of appetite. The dry mouth is understandible with several of the anticholenergic (sp) meds you’re taking. I really hope you’ll see another doc really soon! codeee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->OK, I’ve barely eaten one meal a day now for over 2 weeks and then only to >make my wife happy because I really have not been hungry at all, I drink >very little caffeine at all and what I do get is from diet coke which I cut >down to 2 tops in a day, I’ve mainly been drinking skim milk and spring >water juicy juice all natural cherry juice mixed together for the dry mouth. >I am going to go to the pharmacy myself tomorrow to pick up my new meds and >to check my bp, they have a machine there and for them to check my drug >interaction so I just don;t take the online one for granted and to insure >it’s correct in what it’s been telling me. >The online flame wars have calmed down quite a bit 
it got out of hand >there for awhile especially in the fms ng. But sorry to say I am NOT going >to give my my cigarettes yet, I’m just not ready and that will definitely >create a ton more stress for me than it’s worth right now . Sorry I still >need one vice I guess? >I am also going to call the dr office I guess tomorrow and get the appt I >never got for the shrink the dr told me about today to see what she/he is >all about, he I can just go once and see what it’s all about and if I feel >funny or don;t like them I just won’t go back, right? >I am also going to call a pain clinic a good friend in here gave me that is >near my house and make an appt, I’ll have to pay for it myself but I have to >do something and I need to take charge of this pain and stop sitting around >hoping for a dr that obviously is not listening to me to do something. >I have made up my mind that as soon as the SSDI paperwork is all done and in >and they have had enough time to contact the dr to get his reports I am >going to drop him and get a new pc. His time with me is just about over, he >was good while he lasted but my health has either passed him by or he has >given up IMHO! > It could be about anything, Shabzham… diet, stress, pain, meds, > interaction of meds, caffeine, nicotine, etc. If I was in your place, > I’d opt for monitoring it and try to see what I could change before > starting blood pressure meds. Stay away from food with starches… > bread, potatoes, etc. Stay away from nicotine and caffeine. Work on ways > to relieve your stress… yoga, tai chi, biofeedback. Have someone check > your meds and their cross interactions to see if that’s a possibility > for what’s causing it. And don’t get more stressed over this since that > just raises it higher. Oh, and avoid flame wars on usenet if that upsets > you. 
Hawki or others might have some to add… or correct… on what > I said here. > >I guess his point is that my bp has always been so normal and regular and > >today it was so high and out of control it scared him, I have to admit > >lately I have been having a lot of hot flashes, I just thought that was >all > >part of the FMS? > >Now I wonder if it just might not be my blood pressure has gone crazy? > >> Excellent point… and isn’t there something about high blood pressure > >> meds that doctors are supposed to be hesitant to script them unless >it’s > >> like for the rest of your life? I know many doctors try to change diet > >> and do most anything they can before scripting blood pressure meds. > >> Hawki??? > >> >I know many here have addressed many of the things you’ve mentioned > >> >here, but one thing bothers me…the fact that after only one, mind > >> >you ONE bp reading, he all of a sudden says you have high blood > >> >pressure? I thought it takes more than one reading, over a course of > >> >hours, if not days or weeks, to determine if it is a passing thing, or > >> >if it really is something that should be medicated…am I wrong? > >> >My bp varies, depending on pain levels, how fast I walked into the > >> >room, how fast I stand up, many things affect it, so they always take > >> >my bp at least 2 or sometimes 3 times if it is off by more than a few > >> >numbers, over the course of at least an hour. > >> >I would be very cautious about this diagnosis, but that is my opinion, > >> >and you should still do what your doc tells you, but please have it > >> >checked again soon, like at the pharmacy or something, before you > >> >start taking those meds for it. Maybe it isn’t really so high all the > >> >time, so the meds might be more harmful than good, especially with all > >> >the other things you are taking….anyway, this is just my concern for > >> >you, and you can take it or leave it, but I just don’t feel right > >> >about a doc giving bp meds so quickly to someone. > >> >Trailingvine > >> >>>Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my > >health > >> >>>problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins >companies, > >> >>>doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are > >severe > >> >>>back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a >fairly > >> >>>recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having > >are the > >> >>>pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I > >cannot do > >> >>>much with my body etc etc etc. > >> >>>So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned >in > >> >>>another thread > >> >>>1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to > >date > >> >>>films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > >> >>>2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy >pain > >med > >> >>>he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > >> >>>3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > >> >>>4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it >is > >now. > >> >>>So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees >to > >> >>>sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my > >pain > >> >>>and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and >we > >talk > >> >>>a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > >> >>>Ok this is what I’m going to do: > >> >>>1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone >2x > >a > >> >>>day > >> >>>2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t >need > >to > >> >>>go pee so much and can sleep better > >> >>>3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a > >walking > >> >>>time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say >huh? > >My > >> >>>blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? >he > >> >>>says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog >probably, I > >say > >> >>>ok I understand. > >> >>>That’s it? > >> >>>I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for >the > >pain? > >> >>>he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the >next > >few > >> >>>weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he >says > >take > >> >>>the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to >help, > >is > >> >>>making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s > >another > >> >>>reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > >> >>>I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said >and > >> >>>about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little >depressed > >but > >> >>>who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that >it > >> >>>going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > >> >>>understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this >is > >all > >> >>>just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I >was > >> >>>starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > >> >>>Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is >in > >your > >> >>>head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the >medication > >for > >> >>>the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in >and > >say > >> >>>Ok exasperated and defeated. > >> >>>So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with >me > >all > >> >>>the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and >making > >a > >> >>>simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who >makes > >any > >> >>>new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not >say > >one > >> >>>word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? >the > >> >>>secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, >takes > >my > >> >>>money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you > >nothing? > >> >>>As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on >one > >hand > >> >>>I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar >19th > >appt > >> >>>with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I >can > >find > >> >>>out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now >know I > >have > >> >>>high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on > >top of > >> >>>and not knowing
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Response:
Shabba, I contacted a friend who’s a pharmacist…he’s still in shock over the long list of meds he’s prescribed you, (all except the pain meds you need of course). He said the exact thing Ziggy did.. Polypharmacy! It sounds like he’s giving you drugs to counteract the effects of the drugs you’re already taking. One thing he did say was that the frequent urination can be caused by Darvocet and/or hyoscyamine and several of the other drugs you’re taking. Topomax presents a greater chance of kidney stones – six times the chance because of mixing it with hyoscyamine and other anticholinergics. It can also cause GI problems, heartburn, hot flashes, depression, anerexia, back and leg pain, (and *this* is supposed to help you?) I’d certainly check the blood pressure med you pick up against all of those you’re already taking….some of those have adverse reactions with many meds. Shabba, I’m certainly no expert..but I did just talk to one about this, and this "Doctor" is scary! This is an unofficial statement..but he said you might want to find another doctor before this one kills you 
I think I already said something like this…but since you have to have a referral, I don’t know if I’d even want a pain specialist this guy would refer you to. That’s why I’m thinking it might be worth your while to see the psychiatrist once – if that’s what you need to do to get referred to a good pain specialist. I’m not clear on the hoops you’d have to jump through to get a referral, but I certainly hope you’ll either find another primary care provider who will simplify your drug profile and refer you, or find a psychiatrist who’ll refer you to a pain specialist. If you haven’t had asthma since childhood, it’s probably being caused by some of these meds….Darvocet can sometimes aggravate asthma…as can some of the other meds you’re on. I’m sorry you had to run into one of these guys, the pharmacist I just spoke with does consultations that deal with drug interactions… he only looked up a few of the meds on your list – and came to the conclusion that many of your symptoms may be worse because of the meds, and that your doctor is treating the problems made by the meds with more meds. I hope you won’t be disheartened, but will be able to find a different doc really soon….Please feel free to email me, or ask if you have questions about your B.P. medicine when you know what it is. Best, codeee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->I’ve been waiting for you, codee and ziggy to comment on what ive said here, >I really value your opinions and would like you to comment about this and >what you think I should do! > http://www.drugchecker.drkoop.com/apps/drugchecker/DrugMain?cob=drkoop > Above is Dr. Koop’s drug checker program URL. You enter the drugs you >take > and it spits out a list of any possible interactions. I’ve used it to >check > my meds, although I only take about 7-8 meds and 2 of those not every day. > And I still got surprises. So 16 meds or more might give you more than >you > anticipate. Check it out….. > — > <3))))~~ > A dog has the soul of a philosopher. –Plato > : Shab > : > : >BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different > : >medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each > day > : >and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? >Am > : > : My opinion and it is ONLY my opinion….is that you should NOT need so > many > : meds!!!! > : > : MY suggestion: do you have a "nice" pharmacist you can perhaps discuss > this > : situation with??? Their are computer programs now that meds can be > entered in > : (ALL of your meds) and instantly it will show what does and does not mix > well > : together!! I was amazed when my internist fed in the 4 or so meds I was > : taking…and he immediately found a potential problem….and he re > : arranged,,substituted,,etc …with 19 meds there HAS to be > somewhere,,somewhat > : of an interaction,,etc that needs to be addressed… > : > : You mention the Darvocet bothering your tummy….could well be that the > poor > : thing (your tummy I mean) is simply rebelling against the gazillion >pills > you > : feed it each day!! > : > : epocrates is one drug program that a lot of health care providers are > using > : now….try and find a pharmacist (or doc friend) who has it…have ALL > your > : meds fed in….and see what comes out….THEN go back to this PCP and > INSIST on > : simplifying your regimen…I would guess that some of your meds are >being > used > : to counter side effects of others!! > : > : What you have is called POLYPHARMACY !! > : > : good luck..and let me know if this helps!! > : > : rb > : > : ps this is one instance where a pharmacist could turn out to be your >most > : valuable resource…You may even be able to download Epocrates from the > net…I > : think it is free…and do the work yourself….. > : Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
Shaba , I am not any sort of medical professional , but I would strongly urge you to get a second opinion on the blood pressure . One high reading following years of normal readings is very weak evidence for your Dr to put you on B.P. meds . I don’t suggest you take him lightly , but my primary Doc had me do a month of morning and evening readings with my own monitor to see if I needed meds for hypertension . My B.P. at home is on average 117 over 72 , yet at one of my Drs. it always reads 147 over 99 . My in hospital readings are always normal , yet that one machine at that one Dr. always has me at 147 over 99 . The machine has obviously been busted from day one . B.P. meds can have some crummy side-effects so you may want to get a second opinion before adding another med to your list . Peace , Richard
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> hehe I am a male and I am 42, doc said the flomax would help dry me up at > night so I would not have to get up so much and go pee, lately I been > getting up about every 1 – 1.5 hours to go, between going pee and waking up > because of the pain spikes I’m not sleeping for longer than 1 – 1.5 hours at > a time, really not good for someone with fms, total sleep I’ve been getting > a day is probably 4 or less hours. I have not had any deep sleep in weeks, > I fall asleep easy enough but just cannot stay asleep for long or get any > deep sleep. If the flomax works then I can probably end up with more sleep? > time will tell I guess. > BTW my bp today was like 180 190 over 125 or 135? I forget what he said > exactly but he was pretty upset about it. This doc always made fun of me in > the past in a fun way because my bp, heart rate and cholesterol was always > so good he would joke that I had great genetics. I am a big guy and don’t > look like an athlete any more but the doc said in the past if he ever showed > my readings to anyone else on paper they would say I was a 20 y/o athlete in > perfect condition? But I am going to be careful and watch my bp for a few > days and see what it says. > TV and Ziggy both made excellent points here….my, I continue to be very > impressed with ya’ll and your knowledge base!!! Leads me to believe that > maybe > all that blabbing on I do in exam rooms re prevention,,self care,,and > what > else is actually sinking in…..at least to all of you!!! YEAH > TV…..yes one reading is NEVER treated…except in the very rare instance > when > someone presents with a reading that is skyhigh….like in the > neighborhood of > say…220/140…in those cases we will usually treat right then and > there…give a strong med,,and recheck the person nearly daily til it > starts to > come down….I call this "stroke country." > Ziggy points out that lifestyle changes…diet,,sodium,,,etc is also VERY > important,,,and MOST of us will start that before a med….then have > regular > …twice a week checks for a month or so…last place I worked had a free > "nurse clinic" where person could come in and have pressure checked…they > would write it down on a continuing card,,,and if the trend is going the > wrong > way…the nurse will come and check with one of us about starting a > med….. > Also remember that not only stress,,pain,,,frustration..etc can cause a > "new" > elevation of a previously normal pressure…there is the "white coat" > hypertension that MANY will experience just walking thru the door…Guess > we > look scarey in our white coats.. > Recently I badly sprained my ankle…MY pressure registered about 140/100 > on > that first visit…..usual about 100/70….nothing to start meds over.. > Shaba..you mentioned "hot flashes"…..hmmm I sorta took you for a > MALE,,,since > one med you started on Flomax…is specific for prostate enlargement??? > Men > may get feelings of heat,,,but we usually don’t call them hot flashes…we > women keep THAT terminology for ourselves!! Speaking of prostate > health…if > you are in your 30’s….perhaps the getting up at night is NOT related to > your > prostate being enlarged….which is usually reserved for the "males over > 50" > set… > again guys…lots of good advice here… > rb > Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
hehe I am a male and I am 42, doc said the flomax would help dry me up at night so I would not have to get up so much and go pee, lately I been getting up about every 1 – 1.5 hours to go, between going pee and waking up because of the pain spikes I’m not sleeping for longer than 1 – 1.5 hours at a time, really not good for someone with fms, total sleep I’ve been getting a day is probably 4 or less hours. I have not had any deep sleep in weeks, I fall asleep easy enough but just cannot stay asleep for long or get any deep sleep. If the flomax works then I can probably end up with more sleep? time will tell I guess. BTW my bp today was like 180 190 over 125 or 135? I forget what he said exactly but he was pretty upset about it. This doc always made fun of me in the past in a fun way because my bp, heart rate and cholesterol was always so good he would joke that I had great genetics. I am a big guy and don’t look like an athlete any more but the doc said in the past if he ever showed my readings to anyone else on paper they would say I was a 20 y/o athlete in perfect condition? But I am going to be careful and watch my bp for a few days and see what it says.
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> TV and Ziggy both made excellent points here….my, I continue to be very > impressed with ya’ll and your knowledge base!!! Leads me to believe that maybe > all that blabbing on I do in exam rooms re prevention,,self care,,and what > else is actually sinking in…..at least to all of you!!! YEAH > TV…..yes one reading is NEVER treated…except in the very rare instance when > someone presents with a reading that is skyhigh….like in the neighborhood of > say…220/140…in those cases we will usually treat right then and > there…give a strong med,,and recheck the person nearly daily til it starts to > come down….I call this "stroke country." > Ziggy points out that lifestyle changes…diet,,sodium,,,etc is also VERY > important,,,and MOST of us will start that before a med….then have regular > …twice a week checks for a month or so…last place I worked had a free > "nurse clinic" where person could come in and have pressure checked…they > would write it down on a continuing card,,,and if the trend is going the wrong > way…the nurse will come and check with one of us about starting a med….. > Also remember that not only stress,,pain,,,frustration..etc can cause a "new" > elevation of a previously normal pressure…there is the "white coat" > hypertension that MANY will experience just walking thru the door…Guess we > look scarey in our white coats.. > Recently I badly sprained my ankle…MY pressure registered about 140/100 on > that first visit…..usual about 100/70….nothing to start meds over.. > Shaba..you mentioned "hot flashes"…..hmmm I sorta took you for a MALE,,,since > one med you started on Flomax…is specific for prostate enlargement??? Men > may get feelings of heat,,,but we usually don’t call them hot flashes…we > women keep THAT terminology for ourselves!! Speaking of prostate health…if > you are in your 30’s….perhaps the getting up at night is NOT related to your > prostate being enlarged….which is usually reserved for the "males over 50" > set… > again guys…lots of good advice here… > rb > Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
OK, I’ve barely eaten one meal a day now for over 2 weeks and then only to make my wife happy because I really have not been hungry at all, I drink very little caffeine at all and what I do get is from diet coke which I cut down to 2 tops in a day, I’ve mainly been drinking skim milk and spring water juicy juice all natural cherry juice mixed together for the dry mouth. I am going to go to the pharmacy myself tomorrow to pick up my new meds and to check my bp, they have a machine there and for them to check my drug interaction so I just don;t take the online one for granted and to insure it’s correct in what it’s been telling me. The online flame wars have calmed down quite a bit it got out of hand there for awhile especially in the fms ng. But sorry to say I am NOT going to give my my cigarettes yet, I’m just not ready and that will definitely create a ton more stress for me than it’s worth right now . Sorry I still need one vice I guess? I am also going to call the dr office I guess tomorrow and get the appt I never got for the shrink the dr told me about today to see what she/he is all about, he I can just go once and see what it’s all about and if I feel funny or don;t like them I just won’t go back, right? I am also going to call a pain clinic a good friend in here gave me that is near my house and make an appt, I’ll have to pay for it myself but I have to do something and I need to take charge of this pain and stop sitting around hoping for a dr that obviously is not listening to me to do something. I have made up my mind that as soon as the SSDI paperwork is all done and in and they have had enough time to contact the dr to get his reports I am going to drop him and get a new pc. His time with me is just about over, he was good while he lasted but my health has either passed him by or he has given up IMHO!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> It could be about anything, Shabzham… diet, stress, pain, meds, > interaction of meds, caffeine, nicotine, etc. If I was in your place, > I’d opt for monitoring it and try to see what I could change before > starting blood pressure meds. Stay away from food with starches… > bread, potatoes, etc. Stay away from nicotine and caffeine. Work on ways > to relieve your stress… yoga, tai chi, biofeedback. Have someone check > your meds and their cross interactions to see if that’s a possibility > for what’s causing it. And don’t get more stressed over this since that > just raises it higher. Oh, and avoid flame wars on usenet if that upsets > you. Hawki or others might have some to add… or correct… on what > I said here. >I guess his point is that my bp has always been so normal and regular and >today it was so high and out of control it scared him, I have to admit >lately I have been having a lot of hot flashes, I just thought that was all >part of the FMS? >Now I wonder if it just might not be my blood pressure has gone crazy? >> Excellent point… and isn’t there something about high blood pressure >> meds that doctors are supposed to be hesitant to script them unless it’s >> like for the rest of your life? I know many doctors try to change diet >> and do most anything they can before scripting blood pressure meds. >> Hawki??? >> >I know many here have addressed many of the things you’ve mentioned >> >here, but one thing bothers me…the fact that after only one, mind >> >you ONE bp reading, he all of a sudden says you have high blood >> >pressure? I thought it takes more than one reading, over a course of >> >hours, if not days or weeks, to determine if it is a passing thing, or >> >if it really is something that should be medicated…am I wrong? >> >My bp varies, depending on pain levels, how fast I walked into the >> >room, how fast I stand up, many things affect it, so they always take >> >my bp at least 2 or sometimes 3 times if it is off by more than a few >> >numbers, over the course of at least an hour. >> >I would be very cautious about this diagnosis, but that is my opinion, >> >and you should still do what your doc tells you, but please have it >> >checked again soon, like at the pharmacy or something, before you >> >start taking those meds for it. Maybe it isn’t really so high all the >> >time, so the meds might be more harmful than good, especially with all >> >the other things you are taking….anyway, this is just my concern for >> >you, and you can take it or leave it, but I just don’t feel right >> >about a doc giving bp meds so quickly to someone. >> >Trailingvine >> >>>Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my >health >> >>>problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, >> >>>doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are >severe >> >>>back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly >> >>>recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having >are the >> >>>pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I >cannot do >> >>>much with my body etc etc etc. >> >>>So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in >> >>>another thread >> >>>1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to >date >> >>>films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH >> >>>2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain >med >> >>>he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet >> >>>3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life >> >>>4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is >now. >> >>>So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to >> >>>sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my >pain >> >>>and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we >talk >> >>>a bit more and we get to the point where he says: >> >>>Ok this is what I’m going to do: >> >>>1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x >a >> >>>day >> >>>2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need >to >> >>>go pee so much and can sleep better >> >>>3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a >walking >> >>>time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? >My >> >>>blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he >> >>>says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I >say >> >>>ok I understand. >> >>>That’s it? >> >>>I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the >pain? >> >>>he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next >few >> >>>weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says >take >> >>>the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, >is >> >>>making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s >another >> >>>reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? >> >>>I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and >> >>>about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed >but >> >>>who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it >> >>>going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t >> >>>understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is >all >> >>>just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was >> >>>starting to get a little hot under the collar then! >> >>>Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in >your >> >>>head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication >for >> >>>the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and >say >> >>>Ok exasperated and defeated. >> >>>So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me >all >> >>>the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making >a >> >>>simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes >any >> >>>new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say >one >> >>>word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the >> >>>secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes >my >> >>>money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you >nothing? >> >>>As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one >hand >> >>>I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th >appt >> >>>with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can >find >> >>>out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I >have >> >>>high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on >top of >> >>>and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the >doctor >> >>>seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a >> >>>psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is >taking me >> >>>at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to >send >> >>>me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? >> >>>Input welcome, you advice is also welcome! >> >"To live happily is an inward power of the soul."
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Response:
I’m sorry Shabba, that sounded like one of those nightmare doc visits..been there, done it etc. I woner if the shrink would refer you to a pain specialist? He might if you make it clear that you’re not able to deal with anything else until That Major Issue is under control…that might be the only silver lining to this visit today, it doesn’t sound like this internist is going to refer you to anyone who can really help you, and he certainly isn’t going to prescribe the meds you need. I’m sorry you have to wend your way through all of this red tape…hopefully you’ll be able to get the referral you need. codeee – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Yes the one who dispenses meds, either way I feel it’s a waste of my time >and don’t see where it’s going to be able to help me with my pain or with my >fms in the pain or the brain fog area? I think going to a shrink will just >complicate an already difficult situation and make things even worse on me >and get me no closer to dealing with the real issue of my pain problems? > Do you mean a Psychiatrist? Cause a psychologist just talks to you and >you > talk to him about your problems. Now a Psychiatrist dispenses meds big > difference. > Bonner > > Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my >health > > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are > severe > > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly > > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are > the > > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot > do > > much with my body etc etc etc. > > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > > another thread > > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date > > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain >med > > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is >now. > > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my >pain > > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we > talk > > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x >a > > day > > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need >to > > go pee so much and can sleep better > > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a > walking > > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? >My > > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he > > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I > say > > ok I understand. > > That’s it? > > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the > pain? > > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next > few > > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says >take > > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, >is > > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another > > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and > > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed >but > > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it > > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is > all > > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in >your > > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication >for > > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and > say > > Ok exasperated and defeated. > > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me > all > > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making >a > > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes >any > > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say > one > > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes >my > > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you >nothing? > > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one > hand > > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th > appt > > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can > find > > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I > have > > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top > of > > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the > doctor > > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is >taking > me > > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to > send > > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
TV and Ziggy both made excellent points here….my, I continue to be very impressed with ya’ll and your knowledge base!!! Leads me to believe that maybe all that blabbing on I do in exam rooms re prevention,,self care,,and what else is actually sinking in…..at least to all of you!!! YEAH TV…..yes one reading is NEVER treated…except in the very rare instance when someone presents with a reading that is skyhigh….like in the neighborhood of say…220/140…in those cases we will usually treat right then and there…give a strong med,,and recheck the person nearly daily til it starts to come down….I call this "stroke country." Ziggy points out that lifestyle changes…diet,,sodium,,,etc is also VERY important,,,and MOST of us will start that before a med….then have regular …twice a week checks for a month or so…last place I worked had a free "nurse clinic" where person could come in and have pressure checked…they would write it down on a continuing card,,,and if the trend is going the wrong way…the nurse will come and check with one of us about starting a med….. Also remember that not only stress,,pain,,,frustration..etc can cause a "new" elevation of a previously normal pressure…there is the "white coat" hypertension that MANY will experience just walking thru the door…Guess we look scarey in our white coats.. Recently I badly sprained my ankle…MY pressure registered about 140/100 on that first visit…..usual about 100/70….nothing to start meds over.. Shaba..you mentioned "hot flashes"…..hmmm I sorta took you for a MALE,,,since one med you started on Flomax…is specific for prostate enlargement??? Men may get feelings of heat,,,but we usually don’t call them hot flashes…we women keep THAT terminology for ourselves!! Speaking of prostate health…if you are in your 30’s….perhaps the getting up at night is NOT related to your prostate being enlarged….which is usually reserved for the "males over 50" set… again guys…lots of good advice here… rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
I guess his point is that my bp has always been so normal and regular and today it was so high and out of control it scared him, I have to admit lately I have been having a lot of hot flashes, I just thought that was all part of the FMS? Now I wonder if it just might not be my blood pressure has gone crazy?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Excellent point… and isn’t there something about high blood pressure > meds that doctors are supposed to be hesitant to script them unless it’s > like for the rest of your life? I know many doctors try to change diet > and do most anything they can before scripting blood pressure meds. > Hawki??? >I know many here have addressed many of the things you’ve mentioned >here, but one thing bothers me…the fact that after only one, mind >you ONE bp reading, he all of a sudden says you have high blood >pressure? I thought it takes more than one reading, over a course of >hours, if not days or weeks, to determine if it is a passing thing, or >if it really is something that should be medicated…am I wrong? >My bp varies, depending on pain levels, how fast I walked into the >room, how fast I stand up, many things affect it, so they always take >my bp at least 2 or sometimes 3 times if it is off by more than a few >numbers, over the course of at least an hour. >I would be very cautious about this diagnosis, but that is my opinion, >and you should still do what your doc tells you, but please have it >checked again soon, like at the pharmacy or something, before you >start taking those meds for it. Maybe it isn’t really so high all the >time, so the meds might be more harmful than good, especially with all >the other things you are taking….anyway, this is just my concern for >you, and you can take it or leave it, but I just don’t feel right >about a doc giving bp meds so quickly to someone. >Trailingvine >>>Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health >>>problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, >>>doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are severe >>>back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly >>>recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are the >>>pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot do >>>much with my body etc etc etc. >>>So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in >>>another thread >>>1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date >>>films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH >>>2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med >>>he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet >>>3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life >>>4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. >>>So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to >>>sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain >>>and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we talk >>>a bit more and we get to the point where he says: >>>Ok this is what I’m going to do: >>>1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a >>>day >>>2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to >>>go pee so much and can sleep better >>>3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a walking >>>time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My >>>blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he >>>says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I say >>>ok I understand. >>>That’s it? >>>I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the pain? >>>he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next few >>>weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take >>>the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is >>>making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another >>>reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? >>>I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and >>>about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but >>>who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it >>>going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t >>>understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all >>>just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was >>>starting to get a little hot under the collar then! >>>Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your >>>head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for >>>the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and say >>>Ok exasperated and defeated. >>>So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me all >>>the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a >>>simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any >>>new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say one >>>word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the >>>secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my >>>money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? >>>As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one hand >>>I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th appt >>>with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can find >>>out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I have >>>high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top of >>>and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the doctor >>>seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a >>>psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking me >>>at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to send >>>me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? >>>Input welcome, you advice is also welcome! >"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." >Marcus Aurelius > — > Ziggy
Response:
Shab >BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different >medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each day >and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am
My opinion and it is ONLY my opinion….is that you should NOT need so many meds!!!! MY suggestion: do you have a "nice" pharmacist you can perhaps discuss this situation with??? Their are computer programs now that meds can be entered in (ALL of your meds) and instantly it will show what does and does not mix well together!! I was amazed when my internist fed in the 4 or so meds I was taking…and he immediately found a potential problem….and he re arranged,,substituted,,etc …with 19 meds there HAS to be somewhere,,somewhat of an interaction,,etc that needs to be addressed… You mention the Darvocet bothering your tummy….could well be that the poor thing (your tummy I mean) is simply rebelling against the gazillion pills you feed it each day!! epocrates is one drug program that a lot of health care providers are using now….try and find a pharmacist (or doc friend) who has it…have ALL your meds fed in….and see what comes out….THEN go back to this PCP and INSIST on simplifying your regimen…I would guess that some of your meds are being used to counter side effects of others!! What you have is called POLYPHARMACY !! good luck..and let me know if this helps!! rb ps this is one instance where a pharmacist could turn out to be your most valuable resource…You may even be able to download Epocrates from the net…I think it is free…and do the work yourself….. Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
Shabzham expressed frustration because he’s in a lot of pain from fibromyalgia, and his new doctor would not prescribe anything stronger than Wellbutrin and Darvocet. I understand your frustration and resentment. And it’s tricky, because everyone is different even with relatively simple conditions…and fibromyalgia would not be a simple condition even if you JUST had fibro, rather than fibro plus the back injury. But some people with fibromyalgia find that opiates do not give them much pain relief. And they find that certain kinds of antidepressants give them better sleep, less fog, and less pain, all with relatively few side effects. Your new doctor probably isn’t dissing your pain or thinking it’s all in your head – he’s trying to treat the sleep- disturbance part of the fibromyalgia. If you’re lucky, you’ll start seeing symptom relief in about 3 weeks. >2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med >he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet
If the darvocet is not helping you at all, maybe you should stop taking it. It can’t be good for your liver, and you’re complaining about other side effects too. Maybe an anti-inflammatory would do you more good? Even something non-prescription, like naproxen or ibuprofen, if your stomach can tolerate it. >I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and >about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but >who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it >going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t >understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all >just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was >starting to get a little hot under the collar then!
It looks like you have already made up your mind about what a shrink will say! There are some psychologists in the world who would rather help people cope with difficult situations, instead of making snap judgements and rejecting them as unworthy, as you seem to think. Competent psychologists who work with chronic pain patients teach relaxation exercises, which can help with sleep problems and muscle spasms. They also do cognitive therapy to teach coping skills for dealing with depression…of course you have good reasons to be depressed, or anxious, but you can learn to look past that to more positive emotions. You can learn to grieve for what you lost, without getting hopelessly trapped in despair. Some people learn it faster or more comfortably with a little help, and it’s nothing to be ashamed of.
Response:
>A psychologist doesn’t script meds, that’s the venue of a psychiatrist.
Ziggy A new tack is for psychologists to return to school and become NP/PA SOLELY so they can write scripts!! Not sure how or if it is being accepted…but hey..they just (in this state) sent optometrists to pharmocology classes so they can script "limited" eye meds…makes sense to me rb Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
Well, mine has me check it 2 times a day for a month. If it remains high he increases the dose. His HP might be because he is in pain or because his emotions. That there in itself can cause a BP to shoot through the roof. I do know what I am saying about BP. Emotions has a lot of things it can do on the body Bonner
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I know many here have addressed many of the things you’ve mentioned > here, but one thing bothers me…the fact that after only one, mind > you ONE bp reading, he all of a sudden says you have high blood > pressure? I thought it takes more than one reading, over a course of > hours, if not days or weeks, to determine if it is a passing thing, or > if it really is something that should be medicated…am I wrong? > My bp varies, depending on pain levels, how fast I walked into the > room, how fast I stand up, many things affect it, so they always take > my bp at least 2 or sometimes 3 times if it is off by more than a few > numbers, over the course of at least an hour. > I would be very cautious about this diagnosis, but that is my opinion, > and you should still do what your doc tells you, but please have it > checked again soon, like at the pharmacy or something, before you > start taking those meds for it. Maybe it isn’t really so high all the > time, so the meds might be more harmful than good, especially with all > the other things you are taking….anyway, this is just my concern for > you, and you can take it or leave it, but I just don’t feel right > about a doc giving bp meds so quickly to someone. > Trailingvine >>Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health >>problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, >>doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are severe >>back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly >>recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are the >>pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot do >>much with my body etc etc etc. >>So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in >>another thread >>1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date >>films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH >>2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med >>he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet >>3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life >>4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. >>So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to >>sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain >>and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we talk >>a bit more and we get to the point where he says: >>Ok this is what I’m going to do: >>1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a >>day >>2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to >>go pee so much and can sleep better >>3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a walking >>time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My >>blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he >>says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I say >>ok I understand. >>That’s it? >>I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the pain? >>he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next few >>weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take >>the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is >>making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another >>reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? >>I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and >>about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but >>who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it >>going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t >>understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all >>just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was >>starting to get a little hot under the collar then! >>Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your >>head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for >>the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and say >>Ok exasperated and defeated. >>So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me all >>the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a >>simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any >>new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say one >>word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the >>secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my >>money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? >>As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one hand >>I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th appt >>with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can find >>out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I have >>high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top of >>and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the doctor >>seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a >>psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking me >>at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to send >>me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? >>Input welcome, you advice is also welcome! > "To live happily is an inward power of the soul." > Marcus Aurelius
Response:
I know many here have addressed many of the things you’ve mentioned here, but one thing bothers me…the fact that after only one, mind you ONE bp reading, he all of a sudden says you have high blood pressure? I thought it takes more than one reading, over a course of hours, if not days or weeks, to determine if it is a passing thing, or if it really is something that should be medicated…am I wrong? My bp varies, depending on pain levels, how fast I walked into the room, how fast I stand up, many things affect it, so they always take my bp at least 2 or sometimes 3 times if it is off by more than a few numbers, over the course of at least an hour. I would be very cautious about this diagnosis, but that is my opinion, and you should still do what your doc tells you, but please have it checked again soon, like at the pharmacy or something, before you start taking those meds for it. Maybe it isn’t really so high all the time, so the meds might be more harmful than good, especially with all the other things you are taking….anyway, this is just my concern for you, and you can take it or leave it, but I just don’t feel right about a doc giving bp meds so quickly to someone. Trailingvine – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text ->Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health >problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, >doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are severe >back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly >recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are the >pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot do >much with my body etc etc etc. >So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in >another thread >1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date >films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH >2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med >he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet >3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life >4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. >So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to >sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain >and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we talk >a bit more and we get to the point where he says: >Ok this is what I’m going to do: >1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a >day >2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to >go pee so much and can sleep better >3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a walking >time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My >blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he >says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I say >ok I understand. >That’s it? >I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the pain? >he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next few >weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take >the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is >making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another >reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? >I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and >about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but >who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it >going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t >understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all >just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was >starting to get a little hot under the collar then! >Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your >head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for >the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and say >Ok exasperated and defeated. >So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me all >the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a >simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any >new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say one >word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the >secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my >money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? >As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one hand >I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th appt >with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can find >out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I have >high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top of >and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the doctor >seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a >psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking me >at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to send >me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? >Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
"To live happily is an inward power of the soul." Marcus Aurelius
Response:
Look it might help going to a shrink your words. When you are in pain sometimes you need to vent out your problems. Sometimes you need antidepressants to help with your mental attitude. Yes I know it is hard to go to them. Yes you think you are a nut case, but you are not. Chronic pain can and does cause depression. For so long people has thought Psychiatrist was not worth it. I can tell you more people ought to embrace it instead of disregard it as oh they think it is all in my head. They are not saying that, they want to also help the mental side of things. Bonner
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> I didn’t even bother asking him today to either send me to a specialist who > can help me with my back and fms and pain or to a pain clinic. I had planned > to do so if he was resistant to do anything about my pain but was so > frustrated when he told me I now have high blood pressure on top of > everything else and that he wanted me to go to a shrink that I just felt > defeated and that he really didn’t get it I just caved in and gave up! > Hi, > Sorry you are going thru so much. > The spine surgeon that is going to do my > upcoming back (fusion, laminectomy) did > not want to prescribe certain things for me either, > like Neurontin ( at nite for sleep, pain) and > strong pain meds, like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone. > He did refer me to a pain doc who > prescribes me my pain meds. > I think doctors are under a lot of rules and regs > and paper work concerning these narcotic pain meds. > (Did you hear about the doc, I think in FL, that > over-prescribed oxy and now faces prison?) > Can he refer you to a pain clinic? > I love my pain doc. he is so kind and understanding > and does not automatically assume you are a drug > addict or a nut case. > Take care and try to get an appt > with a pain clinic! > Kim > > BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different > > medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each > day > > and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? > Am > I > > in trouble here? > > > Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my > health > > > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > > > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are > > severe > > > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a > fairly > > > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having > are > > the > > > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I > cannot > > do > > > much with my body etc etc etc. > > > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > > > another thread > > > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to > date > > > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > > > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain > med > > > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > > > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > > > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is > now. > > > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > > > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my > pain > > > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and > we > > talk > > > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > > > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > > > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone > 2x > a > > > day > > > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t > need > to > > > go pee so much and can sleep better > > > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a > > walking > > > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? > My > > > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? > he > > > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, > I > > say > > > ok I understand. > > > That’s it? > > > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the > > pain? > > > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the > next > > few > > > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says > take > > > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to > help, > is > > > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s > another > > > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > > > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said > and > > > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed > but > > > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that > it > > > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > > > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this > is > > all > > > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > > > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > > > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in > your > > > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication > for > > > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in > and > > say > > > Ok exasperated and defeated. > > > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with > me > > all > > > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and > making > a > > > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes > any > > > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not > say > > one > > > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > > > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, > takes > my > > > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you > nothing? > > > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on > one > > hand > > > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar > 19th > > appt > > > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I > can > > find > > > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know > I > > have > > > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on > top > > of > > > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the > > doctor > > > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > > > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is > taking > > me > > > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to > > send > > > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > > > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
I’ve been waiting for you, codee and ziggy to comment on what ive said here, I really value your opinions and would like you to comment about this and what you think I should do!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> http://www.drugchecker.drkoop.com/apps/drugchecker/DrugMain?cob=drkoop > Above is Dr. Koop’s drug checker program URL. You enter the drugs you take > and it spits out a list of any possible interactions. I’ve used it to check > my meds, although I only take about 7-8 meds and 2 of those not every day. > And I still got surprises. So 16 meds or more might give you more than you > anticipate. Check it out….. > — > <3))))~~ > A dog has the soul of a philosopher. –Plato > : Shab > : > : >BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different > : >medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each > day > : >and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am > : > : My opinion and it is ONLY my opinion….is that you should NOT need so > many > : meds!!!! > : > : MY suggestion: do you have a "nice" pharmacist you can perhaps discuss > this > : situation with??? Their are computer programs now that meds can be > entered in > : (ALL of your meds) and instantly it will show what does and does not mix > well > : together!! I was amazed when my internist fed in the 4 or so meds I was > : taking…and he immediately found a potential problem….and he re > : arranged,,substituted,,etc …with 19 meds there HAS to be > somewhere,,somewhat > : of an interaction,,etc that needs to be addressed… > : > : You mention the Darvocet bothering your tummy….could well be that the > poor > : thing (your tummy I mean) is simply rebelling against the gazillion pills > you > : feed it each day!! > : > : epocrates is one drug program that a lot of health care providers are > using > : now….try and find a pharmacist (or doc friend) who has it…have ALL > your > : meds fed in….and see what comes out….THEN go back to this PCP and > INSIST on > : simplifying your regimen…I would guess that some of your meds are being > used > : to counter side effects of others!! > : > : What you have is called POLYPHARMACY !! > : > : good luck..and let me know if this helps!! > : > : rb > : > : ps this is one instance where a pharmacist could turn out to be your most > : valuable resource…You may even be able to download Epocrates from the > net…I > : think it is free…and do the work yourself….. > : Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
Flonase 2 squirts in each nostril daily alergies etc Claritin-d 24 hour 1X daily for allergies and ear clogging problems Advair 2 puffs 2X daily for asthma Accolate 2X daily for asthma Entocort 3X daily for colitis Colazal 3 pills 3X daily for colitis Hyoscyamine 1 or 2 tabs every 4 hours as needed for pain from colitis Prilosec 1X daily for reflux Metoclopram 1 tab 4X daily for heartburn Ambien 1X daily at bedtime Serzone 2X daily for stress Celebrex 2x daily for arthritis topamax 1X daily at bedtime for fms Prop-n/apap 100-650 every 4 hours for pain Folic acid 1X daily to replace what is depleated by the meds Multi vitamin 1X at bedtime New meds are: Welbutrin 2x daily with the serzone for stress Flomax 1X daily at bedtime for less frequent urination and a blood pressure med I am not sure of the name because I have not picked it up yet from the pharmacy Thats about covers all the meds i take every day I count up about 40 or so pills a day with the new meds!
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Shab > Well I feel better that at LEAST you don’t have any potentially bad > interactions… > would you post or email me a current list of your meds?? I am just > ‘Professionally curious" as to the NEED for all of them…It just sounds like > 19 is way over the top!! > Yeah this grapefruit juice warning is on a LOT of meds now….I don’t like the > stuff anyway,,,so it has never been an issue!! > rb > ps I am not trying to second guess your PCP here,,,BTW….just curious…so > don’t feel you have to share!! > Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
http://www.drugchecker.drkoop.com/apps/drugchecker/DrugMain?cob=drkoop Above is Dr. Koop’s drug checker program URL. You enter the drugs you take and it spits out a list of any possible interactions. I’ve used it to check my meds, although I only take about 7-8 meds and 2 of those not every day. And I still got surprises. So 16 meds or more might give you more than you anticipate. Check it out….. — <3))))~~ A dog has the soul of a philosopher. –Plato
: Shab : : >BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different : >medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each day : >and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am : : My opinion and it is ONLY my opinion….is that you should NOT need so many : meds!!!! : : MY suggestion: do you have a "nice" pharmacist you can perhaps discuss this : situation with??? Their are computer programs now that meds can be entered in : (ALL of your meds) and instantly it will show what does and does not mix well : together!! I was amazed when my internist fed in the 4 or so meds I was : taking…and he immediately found a potential problem….and he re : arranged,,substituted,,etc …with 19 meds there HAS to be somewhere,,somewhat : of an interaction,,etc that needs to be addressed… : : You mention the Darvocet bothering your tummy….could well be that the poor : thing (your tummy I mean) is simply rebelling against the gazillion pills you : feed it each day!! : : epocrates is one drug program that a lot of health care providers are using : now….try and find a pharmacist (or doc friend) who has it…have ALL your : meds fed in….and see what comes out….THEN go back to this PCP and INSIST on : simplifying your regimen…I would guess that some of your meds are being used : to counter side effects of others!! : : What you have is called POLYPHARMACY !! : : good luck..and let me know if this helps!! : : rb : : ps this is one instance where a pharmacist could turn out to be your most : valuable resource…You may even be able to download Epocrates from the net…I : think it is free…and do the work yourself….. : Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
Shab Well I feel better that at LEAST you don’t have any potentially bad interactions… would you post or email me a current list of your meds?? I am just ‘Professionally curious" as to the NEED for all of them…It just sounds like 19 is way over the top!! Yeah this grapefruit juice warning is on a LOT of meds now….I don’t like the stuff anyway,,,so it has never been an issue!! rb ps I am not trying to second guess your PCP here,,,BTW….just curious…so don’t feel you have to share!! Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
There is an online site at: http://www.focusonmedications.com/script/main/hp.asp that I got from some kind soul in these ng’s that I’ve been using and i;ve fed all of my meds into it until today, don’t know the name of the 3 new ones today to feed it in yet, and they all came out ok which I thought was weird, they all had mild interactive warning but also said these medications are used in combination with each other all time and are really nothing to worry about. What the weirdest thing about all the meds was is how bad grapefruit juice interacts with a lot of them and speeds the absorption of some of them to critical levels? That I never knew about before? good thing I don’t like gf or gf juice huh? But I do agree I am taking way too many meds every day especially when I am taking so much and am still in such god awful pain day in and day out and getting no relief?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Shab >BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different >medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each day >and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am > My opinion and it is ONLY my opinion….is that you should NOT need so many > meds!!!! > MY suggestion: do you have a "nice" pharmacist you can perhaps discuss this > situation with??? Their are computer programs now that meds can be entered in > (ALL of your meds) and instantly it will show what does and does not mix well > together!! I was amazed when my internist fed in the 4 or so meds I was > taking…and he immediately found a potential problem….and he re > arranged,,substituted,,etc …with 19 meds there HAS to be somewhere,,somewhat > of an interaction,,etc that needs to be addressed… > You mention the Darvocet bothering your tummy….could well be that the poor > thing (your tummy I mean) is simply rebelling against the gazillion pills you > feed it each day!! > epocrates is one drug program that a lot of health care providers are using > now….try and find a pharmacist (or doc friend) who has it…have ALL your > meds fed in….and see what comes out….THEN go back to this PCP and INSIST on > simplifying your regimen…I would guess that some of your meds are being used > to counter side effects of others!! > What you have is called POLYPHARMACY !! > good luck..and let me know if this helps!! > rb > ps this is one instance where a pharmacist could turn out to be your most > valuable resource…You may even be able to download Epocrates from the net…I > think it is free…and do the work yourself….. > Hawki…..the nurse practitioner
Response:
I didn’t even bother asking him today to either send me to a specialist who can help me with my back and fms and pain or to a pain clinic. I had planned to do so if he was resistant to do anything about my pain but was so frustrated when he told me I now have high blood pressure on top of everything else and that he wanted me to go to a shrink that I just felt defeated and that he really didn’t get it I just caved in and gave up! – Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Hi, > Sorry you are going thru so much. > The spine surgeon that is going to do my > upcoming back (fusion, laminectomy) did > not want to prescribe certain things for me either, > like Neurontin ( at nite for sleep, pain) and > strong pain meds, like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone. > He did refer me to a pain doc who > prescribes me my pain meds. > I think doctors are under a lot of rules and regs > and paper work concerning these narcotic pain meds. > (Did you hear about the doc, I think in FL, that > over-prescribed oxy and now faces prison?) > Can he refer you to a pain clinic? > I love my pain doc. he is so kind and understanding > and does not automatically assume you are a drug > addict or a nut case. > Take care and try to get an appt > with a pain clinic! > Kim > BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different > medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each day > and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am > I > in trouble here? > > Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my > health > > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are > severe > > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly > > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are > the > > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot > do > > much with my body etc etc etc. > > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > > another thread > > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date > > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain > med > > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is > now. > > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my > pain > > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we > talk > > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x > a > > day > > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need > to > > go pee so much and can sleep better > > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a > walking > > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? > My > > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he > > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I > say > > ok I understand. > > That’s it? > > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the > pain? > > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next > few > > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says > take > > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, > is > > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another > > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and > > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed > but > > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it > > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is > all > > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in > your > > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication > for > > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and > say > > Ok exasperated and defeated. > > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me > all > > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making > a > > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes > any > > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say > one > > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes > my > > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you > nothing? > > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one > hand > > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th > appt > > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can > find > > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I > have > > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top > of > > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the > doctor > > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is > taking > me > > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to > send > > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
Yes the one who dispenses meds, either way I feel it’s a waste of my time and don’t see where it’s going to be able to help me with my pain or with my fms in the pain or the brain fog area? I think going to a shrink will just complicate an already difficult situation and make things even worse on me and get me no closer to dealing with the real issue of my pain problems?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Do you mean a Psychiatrist? Cause a psychologist just talks to you and you > talk to him about your problems. Now a Psychiatrist dispenses meds big > difference. > Bonner > Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are > severe > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are > the > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot > do > much with my body etc etc etc. > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > another thread > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we > talk > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a > day > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to > go pee so much and can sleep better > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a > walking > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I > say > ok I understand. > That’s it? > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the > pain? > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next > few > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is > all > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and > say > Ok exasperated and defeated. > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me > all > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say > one > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one > hand > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th > appt > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can > find > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I > have > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top > of > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the > doctor > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking > me > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to > send > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
Hi, Sorry you are going thru so much. The spine surgeon that is going to do my upcoming back (fusion, laminectomy) did not want to prescribe certain things for me either, like Neurontin ( at nite for sleep, pain) and strong pain meds, like Hydrocodone, Oxycodone. He did refer me to a pain doc who prescribes me my pain meds. I think doctors are under a lot of rules and regs and paper work concerning these narcotic pain meds. (Did you hear about the doc, I think in FL, that over-prescribed oxy and now faces prison?) Can he refer you to a pain clinic? I love my pain doc. he is so kind and understanding and does not automatically assume you are a drug addict or a nut case. Take care and try to get an appt with a pain clinic! Kim
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different > medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each day > and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am I > in trouble here? > Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are > severe > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are > the > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot > do > much with my body etc etc etc. > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > another thread > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we > talk > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a > day > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to > go pee so much and can sleep better > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a > walking > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I > say > ok I understand. > That’s it? > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the > pain? > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next > few > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is > all > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and > say > Ok exasperated and defeated. > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me > all > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say > one > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one > hand > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th > appt > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can > find > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I > have > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top > of > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the > doctor > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking > me > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to > send > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
Do you mean a Psychiatrist? Cause a psychologist just talks to you and you talk to him about your problems. Now a Psychiatrist dispenses meds big difference. Bonner
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are severe > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are the > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot do > much with my body etc etc etc. > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > another thread > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we talk > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a > day > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to > go pee so much and can sleep better > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a walking > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I say > ok I understand. > That’s it? > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the pain? > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next few > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and say > Ok exasperated and defeated. > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me all > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say one > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one hand > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th appt > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can find > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I have > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top of > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the doctor > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking me > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to send > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
BTW just to mention after today’s visit I am now up to 19 different medications a day a total of over 40 different pills taken orally each day and still nothing really to help me with the pain I am in constantly? Am I in trouble here?
– Hide quoted text — Show quoted text -> Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health > problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, > doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are severe > back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly > recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are the > pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot do > much with my body etc etc etc. > So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in > another thread > 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date > films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH > 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med > he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet > 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life > 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. > So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to > sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain > and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we talk > a bit more and we get to the point where he says: > Ok this is what I’m going to do: > 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a > day > 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to > go pee so much and can sleep better > 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a walking > time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My > blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he > says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I say > ok I understand. > That’s it? > I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the pain? > he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next few > weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take > the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is > making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another > reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? > I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and > about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but > who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it > going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t > understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all > just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was > starting to get a little hot under the collar then! > Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your > head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for > the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and say > Ok exasperated and defeated. > So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me all > the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a > simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any > new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say one > word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the > secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my > money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? > As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one hand > I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th appt > with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can find > out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I have > high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top of > and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the doctor > seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a > psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking me > at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to send > me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? > Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
Ok those of you who have been following along with me know about my health problems and what I’ve been going through recently with Ins companies, doctors, SSDI etc etc etc, Those who don’t my two main problems are severe back injury in 1991 making me permanently disabled in 1993 and a fairly recent diagnosis of Fibromylagia, the main two complaints I’m having are the pain and the brain fog, of course I don’t sleep well at all and I cannot do much with my body etc etc etc. So any way I go my PC/internist today for a few reasons I mentioned in another thread 1: to get sent for x-rays and a mri for my back so I can have up to date films for the 19th appt with my ortho in NH 2: Talk to the internist about the pain and how the current lousy pain med he has me on is not working, he has me on generic darvocet 3: Explain to him how much the pain and brain fog is ruining my life 4: try to explain the big picture about how my life was to how it is now. So we start talking and I think everything is going well and agrees to sending me for the xray and mri and he seems to understand ho bad my pain and brain fog is, checks me out a bit take my blood pressure etc and we talk a bit more and we get to the point where he says: Ok this is what I’m going to do: 1: I am calling in Welbutrin for you to take along with the serezone 2x a day 2: I am calling in Flomax to help dry you up at night so you don;t need to go pee so much and can sleep better 3: I am calling in a high blood pressure medicine because you’re a walking time bomb because your blood pressure is through the roof? I say huh? My blood pressure has always been normal before what is happening now? he says, stress from the pain, lack of sleep and the brain fog probably, I say ok I understand. That’s it? I say what about something stronger than the generic darvocets for the pain? he says you have to wait for the topamax to start working over the next few weeks once it titrates up. I say ok what do I do until then? he says take the darvocet, I say I already told you it’s not doing anything to help, is making my stomach upset and makes my ears ring? he says, that’s another reason I want to send you to a psychologist? I say WHAT? I tell him Sorry Doc but I am extremely leery of what you just said and about going to a shrink, I know that I am probably a little depressed but who wouldn’t be with all the pain and brain fog and other stuff that it going on with me and I am a afraid that if I go to a shrink he won’t understand about FMS,chronic pain or my back problems and think this is all just in my friggen head and I know better than that! yes sorry I was starting to get a little hot under the collar then! Doc says, NO Please don’t get me wrong here, I don’t think this is in your head, but a psychologist is better capable of handling the medication for the brain fog and pain than me who is just an internist. I give in and say Ok exasperated and defeated. So usually after out visit he walks me to the front desk joking with me all the way, he usually leaves it by shaking my hand and smiling and making a simple joke or witty remark, then I deal with the secretary who makes any new appointments etc. Today he walks me to the front desk does not say one word gets there hand the secretary my chart turns and walks away? the secretary makes my appointment for the mri and xray for tomorrow, takes my money and that’s it, no appointment for the shrink, no thank you nothing? As I said in the subject I have mixed feelings about this visit, on one hand I am happy I got the mri and xray things out of the way for my mar 19th appt with my back dr in NH so I can update the records with him and so I can find out what is new with my back problems, I am also glad that I now know I have high blood pressure as that is certainly something I need to stay on top of and not knowing about was dangerous. I am really unhappy about the doctor seemingly ignoring my pain problem and then recommending I see a psychologist as a matter of fact I wonder just how seriously he is taking me at all and if I should just either drop him all together or ask him to send me to a specialist who can handle my pain and fms together? Input welcome, you advice is also welcome!
Response:
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