Chronic Pain members - Welcome, please introduce yourself

@faithwalker007 Where did you hear about & get your service dog? I would love to look into getting one for all the reasons you mentioned.

I knew I needed a service dog so I consulted the trainer I told you about and she advised different breeds appropriate for me and my needs and size as well as breeders.
I suggest finding a dog trainer (that trains service dogs) and conveying your needs and size info so they can help you with your choices. They could probably help you with a breed or selection of choice.
If you train the dog yourself, please remember it will be at the minimum a year before your pup will be ready. If you get a giant breed, it will be two years before full service is possible.
You can get help with funding. I received mine through Wyoming Independent Living and you may find some through different state disability assistance groups or foundations.

Renee, so glad you and your husband have your dogs for so many reasons! 🤗🌹

@faithwalker007 @lorirenee1 @jakedduck1 @jesfactsmon
and my other pain warrior friends.

I just spoke with my pcp. I reminded him that before my scs implant, I was taking mscontin 30mg tid, and dropped down to 15mg tid because the stimulator was helping so much. He finally gave in and advised 30mg bid until my November appointment with the pain specialist. He didn't want to increase it any more than that without approval from the specialist.

OK. Now for things he said. Opioids are for short term use only. Patients build up a tolerance. National protocol says that it loses its effectiveness in treating chronic pain. National protocol says that it isn't indicated for neuropathic pain.

I told him that I know all about that, but I'm one of those people whose pain is relieved long term by opioids, and because I've run out of options, because I don't abuse meds by taking more than I'm prescribed, and morphine is the only medication that's been of any help.

Oops. Time for my zoom with the therapist.

Jim

@jimhd
That is very good that he upped you to 30 mg. Sounds like a good guy Jim. Of course he is going to give you the party line, even though the party line is always a one size fits all kind of deal. But at least he upped you. Hank

@artscaping Thanks I went on there website and it looks all naturel right now I'm using New Age products

@jesfactsmon

I'm finding it hard to communicate with the pcp on the subject of pain control. He just keeps saying the same old things ( about opioids specifically). During the phone visit I had to interject "yes, but..." several times, trying to keep him focused on me and my treatment plan, instead of the statistical analysis by the government. I think it would be better if my pain meds were managed by a chronic pain specialist, which would happen if I got a pain pump implant.

When I told Marilyn that the doctor gave me a 15mg increase, she said something negative - I don't remember the specific words. She really doesn't like that I take a narcotic. She thinks that I don't think clearly because of it. I know that opioids do cause cognitive impairment if someone takes more than they should, but I don't think I'm there yet. My memory has been less than stellar most of my life. I've always depended on lists - Evernote on my phone is my external hard drive. Being 70 naturally affects a person's memory, too. But until I find a non-narcotic pain medicine, morphine will be in my veins.

I turned off the scs last night, to see how that compares with the newest setting. I'm turning it back on now because my feet and ankles are up to 8. I'm trying to figure out what the different therapy levels will do to the pain. Today I finished putting the railing on the front steps, and I'm pleased with how it looks and with how sturdy it is. If it gets warm enough tomorrow, I'll put on a coat of deck stain. But right now I need to get the kitchen cleaned up. Marilyn made a bit of a mess making a big batch of spaghetti sauce, using some of the bountiful harvest of tomatoes. She makes a great spaghetti sauce.

Jim

THINGS TO DO AND/OR REMEMBER AT A PAIN MANAGEMENT APPT (NOT a mental health appointment)

I suggest educating everyone around you:
1: Print off the 2016 CDC Opioid Guidelines
2. Print off the 2018-9? CDC Warning Regarding the Misapplication of the CDC Opioid Guidelines with Chronic Pain Patients
3. Make and Print a list of your disease states and past treatments for pain and current treatments
4. Define for you what would be an acceptable goal of control for you. I.E 50-70% - for me it is 50% and I’ve reached 40% with my DRG SCS and pain management which includes various non-controls and controls including opioids.
5. Show everyone including family and providers how, when, and why your physical body, mental capacity, social abilities, and family life is dependent on pain management of which opioids is part of to lead a quality life.
6. Print off the doctor’s HIPPOCRATIC OATH.
7. Print of your local, State, and federal legislators contact information and the DEA, your State Board of Pharmacy, State Medical Board, and every major newspaper and television station in the area.
8. A journal to take notes on everything that happens in the appointment and take notes while it is occurring. Note everything from the front desk reactions, to the med assistant’s and nurse’s behavior, to the doctor’s reactions and behavior. If you want take a recorder and ask for permission and record the appointment.
8. Caution: do not threaten, accuse, insinuate, assume, pretend, or share your feelings (unless asked) about anything. Tell them the TRUTH objectively and quantitatively, in other words, in terms they can measure, test, affirm, and value. If they want objective or descriptive values, they will ask. At that time, be ready for them and be succinct, clear, and understandable. I.E. anxiety, depression, fear, suicidal tendencies, etc.
9. Stay in control of the appointment. Remember, this is your care not the doctor’s. He or she is there to assist you and help you, not the other way around. If he can’t, it is his job to find someone who can, not make excuses about why she can’t or why healthcare has abandoned the chronic pain patient. If they do that, you need to remind them of their job gently.
10. Do not take abuse. Do not assume responsibility for your condition. Do NOT EVER SAY YOU’RE SORRY for anything you are not guilty for especially your pain.

Hi @lioness, thank you for the feedback. What are New Age products?

May you be content and at peace/

@faithwalker007
Great list Renee! Some really good things for people to keep in mind. The better organized someone is going in the better their appt. is likely to go for them.