Tired of the gaslighting

Holy crow or cow or whatever expresses surprise and AWE. I know this post is a few months old, but since I am just seeing it now it is new to me. How much of what you have experienced has also been mine? Quite a bit. Here is a sample.I just saw a pain management dr this week. Brought my MRI's for my neck which is now at the herniated disc stage and told dr the only med that has helped my pain is Methadone. I have already doene the acupuncture, the physical theray, the chiropractic. I still have pain gauged at #10 for 5-10 days at a time that puts me in bed 24/7 -usually 2X a year. Because the pain is so severe I don't eat or drink and am unable to care for myself so need around the clock help bringing icepacks etc. That pain in my head, the doc said he can't help me with because it is not in his purview. It isn't in the neurologist's purview either. But, the pain doc does want to inject some steroids while I get radiation to guide him and a bit of dye put in my bloodstream too so he doesn't accidentally hit my spinal cord. Nope, I don't think I am doing that, thank you. So, I am going to die in pain because at age 77 I might become a Methadone junkie. It makes complete sense to me.

Maybe there’s something I don’t understand. The procedure you describe is well understood for severe Spinal Pain. The radiation is minimal and the dye isnt harmful. I had it deposited via a Bronchoscopy into the bottom corner of my lung so the doc could find the tumor when he made an incision from the outside. It exited via my urine which turned lovely shade of green. If your personal risk profile for the procedure exceeds your tolerance, then you of course have the freedom to refuse it.
I just don’t grasp your frustration. What do you want to happen that isn’t happening?

If I had a lung tumor I might investigate and find that it is the only option or the best option at the very least. But I have been living with my pain as the cervical issues continue to worsen for at least 30 years and it is not life threatening as far as I know. It will probably get worse but I am already 77 so I don't have a lot of time left for it to become completely disabling. On the other hand as it has been described the procedure will have two potential threats-allergic reaction to the dye and also radiation. I have had too much exposure already. I grew up at a time when fluroscoping feet to get the right pair of shoes was the norm. So over the years the exposure adds up especially when you factor in mammogaphy and dental x-rays for nearly every visit since I was 3. The risk that the doctor mentioned of having a spinal headache is disturbing too. He didn't tell me how frequently that happens or what can be done when it does happen, but that is not something I even want to think about. Since I have some kidney issues and because they don't help anyway I am not interested in anything that includes Tylenol such as oxycodone. I have had prescriptions for it in the past and it doesn't do much . I just want the one med I know works. Since there is absolutely no chance of becoming hooked as I would need just a few tablets to ease my severe pain 2X annually there is no real reason for denial. I am not a person who has ever had addictions. I just need to ease my pain without a risky procedure.

As the kids say today, you do you girl 🙂

I go in and read my Dr. notes. And I read the note that my orthopedist wrote. This is part of it. He said that their arthritis protocol was discussed with me, consisting of: low impact exercise, glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate/ASU, NSAIDS and weight loss. He said all of my questions were answered and I am pleased to move forward with the plan. None of this happened. I have other notes saying things that never happened. It is thoroughly disgusting. All I can say is , “ I have only just begun.” @rnlorena

@mlorena
That’s terrible! Are you going to bring it up with them?

Don’t even get me started! I too have found complete errors in the medical notes, and I called back immediately and demanded they correct them!
For pain, I have found that Accupuncture is amazing! Find an acupuncturist that’s classically trained in China and you have found a gold mine, my dear!

Hello!!!!!
Had the CT Scan, all the same nothing new BUT I am not supposed to read, do anything that stimulates the brain!!!!!!!!!!!!! Who can do that!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! The pressure is SOOOOOOO bad!
Going tomorrow to Columbia Presbyterian Hospital about my horrible S.F.N, Can't take too much more.
Hope you are doing well!!!!!

Penn, I’m so happy to hear you finally had that much-needed scan. Thank goodness they didn’t find anything serious! Good luck tomorrow! T’s and P’s!

I started taking B-12 when I first had shingles, for the pain. And, then I noticed that I could think better and so have continued the sublingual B-12 all these years. Besides hydration it is really worthwhile. I've had to add D3 due to low values and lung nodules and magnesium oxide for constipation.