In need of treatment, but can it be in Wisconsin

It seems that anyone who suffers with pain are automatically branded a drug addict which is so not true. We only want to control the pain to a reduced level so we can have a quality of life and enjoy life like everyone else. I am 60 yrs old and have suffered with pain since age 7. My pain is so bad it is elevating my BP to levels as high as 267/126 and my UW cardiologist team which truly cares have adjusted my heart meds as far as they can. They and other UW doctors tell me I have to get my pain under control and do not agree with what the UW pain clinic is doing and they apologize to me for the pain clinic giving up and treating me so badly. I also have Hypertrophic Obstructive Cardiomyopathy from my mother's side of the family. I do not want to die.

I received an email saying I have biography badges, that is not what I am looking for. I am looking for help and many questions that at not being answered and getting frustrated. My life is at risk thanks to pain and really want to avoid dying.

Todd, I for one haven’t a clue what you’re asking about. Unfortunately our threads we write aren’t linked with each thread we write so it’s hard to answer. As for the badges, I don’t think anyone here is looking for badges. Getting frustrated isn’t going to help. I’ll go back and see what your looking for and see if I know what your going through and see if I can answer…David

Hello @toddgalbrecht, Welcome to Connect. I just wanted to let you know that you are not alone in your struggle with chronic pain. I can't imagine dealing with the pain since age 7. I am not sure how the UW pain clinic or their program works but I know of many members who have been helped by Mayo's Pain Rehab Center and wanted to share a post in another discussion by Rachel @rwinney that includes a video on Central Sensitization Syndrome (CSS) by Dr. Christopher Sletten -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/comment/750658/.

Are you able to share why your UW doctors do not agree with the UW pain clinic program?

OK Todd, I found this thread and yes I understand what you’re going through and what you’re facing. To begin with, this forum is run by Mayo. Many of the members here are not Mayo patients. Yes you would be a complicated patient due to all the trauma your body has gone through in any MDs eyes. As more then just 1 MD would be needed. You would need a team of MDs and specialists to address each issue . If I suspect, you were taken each time to a trauma center whose main purpose is to stabilize you as well as your initial set of X-rays , CTs and then straight to the OR to hopefully repair the life threatening injuries. What your MD said was definitely out of line. Even though most First Responders as well as Trauma unit specialists haven’t thought that to themselves. It shouldn’t have been said to you or any family member though. Now the hard part, trying to find a Team approach of MDs that can handle your pain and function. Hopefully a moderator will get involved with this thread that can contact Mayo and ask. I can say though, they only accept certain insurances . As well, if you look to the right side of this thread it’s has a contact Mayo . That would be my first call. For what’s it’s worth EVERY member here is looking for the same answers as you my friend as we ALL live in pain and are also looking for answers as well as support. I honestly hope you find answers to your questions. Please keep us updated on how your doing……David

Hi @toddgalbrecht, I have moved your messages into one discussion. As @dabbs said, this makes it easier for members to see your story.

It sounds like you are asking about getting seen by Mayo Clinic experts at a Wisconsin location through the Mayo Clinic Health System. To request an appointment, please start here: http://mayocl.in/1mtmR63

I agree with @johnbishop that @rwinney's insight might be helpful and perhaps @jenniferhunter's experience with back surgery at Mayo Clinic can provide some ideas.

How is your hypertrophic cardiomyopathy being managed at the moment?

I would, but can they do the testing I was told to find the best treatment
for me. I am truly sorry I cannot afford to stay in hotels at your hospital
in Minnesota for the 7 to 10 days of testing they told me about. I see
locations in Lacrosse and Tomah which is less than 40 minutes from my
house. It truly sucks the UW pain clinic gave up one me and said I was
better off dead, told I do not deserve a quality of life, but all the other
UW doctors said the pain clinic is wrong and apologize for their giving up
and poor treatment. I don't want to die. You are my last hope. Please
help. I need doctors who actually care and won't give up because I am
complicated and can't find easy answers, lie to me about test results and
the latest CT scan proves they are lying. I have never given up and is why
I made a awesome Design engineer.

Sincerely,
Todd M. Galbrecht

Todd M. Galbrecht

Todd, I for one feel for you. If Mayo can’t help, I definitely would recommend a good teaching hospital. There you would find young MDs guided by a Senior Physician who oversees them , He will NOT let harm come to you as he/she makes the appropriate decisions and actions. These young physicians are eager to help as they’re at the stage where they’re not into it for the money, Their into it for helping others. Which should be the norm but unfortunately it comes into how much money the Hospital will make. As well, teaching Hospitals will work with you and get you involved with Social Services and typically assign you a case manager who can guide you through the system. Most importantly, never give up! Yes it’s easy to get depressed, angry, frustrated but turn those emotions into positive emotions. But again, never give up on yourself! Please keep us updated on how you’re doing and how you’re progressing! …David

I am just fed up with suffering, Dr's giving up and telling me I am better off dead and definitely don't care about my quality of life. If I can't get my pain level under control I will die.

They no longer treat pain because anyone who suffers with pain are only drug addicts. Other UW doctors who tried to refer their patient to the clinic were told the pain clinic no longer treats pain. Because of the UW pain clinic stopping treating patients and terminating their care I have lost a relative and friends to suicide because they could no longer take the suffering. Thanks to being on disability I can't afford to pay to stay in the hotel and all the other cost for the 7 to 10 days of testing. How the UW pain clinic now treats people should be illegal. Especially Dr. R and Dr. L have treated me. I have never tried drugs, tobacco, never abused medication and I do not drink. If the Wisconsin locations can help because they are less than 40 minutes away. I am 60 yrs old and have been suffering since age 7 which is the first time I was hit by a car. I have been hit 3 separate times (age 7, 12 and 22). 1st time I was crossing the street with a crossing guard, 2nd on bicycle and driver ran stop sign, and last time on bicycle on sidewalk and was hit from behind and driver kept going and left me for dead.