the pain clinic, round II
Hello, internets, it’s me, Emily.
So Tuesday I went to see the pain clinic – this time for my back. And things are going to be very different this time around. Hopefully that means we make some improvements! Ha. But seriously, I went to the appointment, and my first appointment was with the physical therapist and doctor, then I had an appointment with the pharmacist.
So there was a doctor there who was interning with Dr. D (my doctor), but Dr. D. himself did not appear until later on. Apparently his time is valuable. Fair enough. There was also a pharmacy intern and a medical student. Also, the physical therapist, Tami. Of course, I put on the gown right away, and if it didn’t feel like Grand Central station before, it sure did then! They tried to keep me as covered up as they could, but basically there’s not a lot to be done. So for the first hour I was ‘evaluated’ by the physical therapist. Of course this involves testing my pain, when it appears, when it doesn’t. There was a lot of poking and prodding of my back, as well as twisting and measuring. My right leg is 1 cm shorter than my left leg! How do you like them apples? Apparently, anything up to 2 cm is still considered normal. The PT felt that the leg thing combined with the accident may be causing the perfect storm of pain in my back. No mention yet on why this started last October. I’m pretty sure we’ll never know that.
So after that, I got dressed again and we talked – she warned me that PT is very different in the pain clinic. I figured. And then Dr. D made his appearance. He went over the broad strokes of things (often making mistakes, which I corrected), and said he thought they’d be able to help me. He cautioned that he was not a pain eradicator, but a pain manager. I think he was just trying to make sure my hopes weren’t *too* high. Then it was off to the pharmacist.
The pharmacy intern took me and we went to a room with a comfortable chair. HALLELUJAH! That was the best part of this appointment. We basically went over all the meds I’m taking, why I’m taking them, when I started taking them, and how much I feel like they work for me. 90% of the pills are for my headaches, so we talked a fair amount about that.
And there it is. The appointment. I felt good about it, I’m looking forward to working with the physical therapist and hopefully figuring some stuff out. I would LOVE it if we could improve or do away with the back pain with just exercises; more or different exercises. The needles, I’m hoping to stay away from as much as possible. The pills….we shall see. The one I’m on now isn’t helping and is causing side effects. Brain fog, myoclonic jerks, etc. I want off this ride!
All the people I met with (Dr. D, the pharmacist, the PT, and the therapist) will all get together and talk about my case. Then I’ll see Dr. D Friday, November 6 to go over their plan of attack.
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Have had myoclonus as long as i can remember. Certain meds (like Elavil) set it off big time. Sympathize greatly. Sounds like a great appt at the pain clinic!
I sure hope they can help you. That would be great!
Let’s hope the “D” in Dr. D stands for Determined or Dogged or Detective.
Oh, I was looking at your title again, and it is a ‘2′, not an ‘11′ like I thought at first. duh!
Funny, but I just discovered that my left leg is at least 2cm longer than my right. My physio thinks the unevenness of my pelvis might be causing the trigger point activity in my right sub-occipital area. Interesting, but it doesn’t cause me any back pain at all.
It sounds like a good appointment and a good team approach! I hope it works out for you!
Sounds like they knew what they were doing. Don’t you wish there could be comfy chairs all the way through? I hope it helps you!
oh the jerks – o much fun. been meaning to tell you, I love your new look, especially the bird. hope you’re feeling better soon
Ok, you make me feel guilty that I complain about a tiny little headache. Hang in there, girl.
Oh, I hope that they can help!