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@fanning, I hear the frustration and fed-up-ness (is that a word?) in the tone of your message. You sound like you were at the end of your rope. Yes, you deserve dignity and living with pain is awful.
I agree with @covidstinks2023. You and your PCP have developed a really good pain plan. What initiative and gumption to bring this idea to your doctor and kudos to him for working with you, led by you! Wow. This is example others can adapt. I appreciate your sharing the plan.
How did you present your idea to the doctor so that he would work with you? What tips would you share with others about building a pain plan with their doctor?
Replies to "@fanning, I hear the frustration and fed-up-ness (is that a word?) in the tone of your..."
I just felt like I needed to find a way to find quality in my life pain is not the quality I want. I just told him I needed a plan going forward.
I thought about what I felt I needed and what I would get in the ER. I presented my PCP with what I thought was a realistic plan for a “pain crisis” (what I call it). I asked if he trusted me, which I was pretty sure he did. If my PCP said is he didn’t then I knew I needed to find a doctor, there has to be trust. I also noted with just 10 pain pills would help my pain but would not lead to addiction or death but would allow me relief while getting a message or an appointment to him for further treatment or evaluation.
I really looked at the bigger picture of my pain patterns and what had previously worked to relieve pain and what a realistic plan for my pain pattern would look like. I even wrote it down for him.
I really hope others will do this with their PCP or other specialist you feel would work with you. I feel good just knowing I have away to control my pain when it gets into a crisis situation. There is something to knowing you have a pain plan and control.
Sheri
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I would love to know more about your approach as well, @fanning! Also, can you point me to where I can learn more about the Rochester pain program? This sounds like something that would be helpful to me.