Pain Control Plan

Pain Control Plan-

I took the initiative to design a Pain Control Plan with my PCP. I have had chronic pain for 6 years. Diagnosed with Connective Tissue Disease with several joints reconstructed over the years. I am an RN for 35+ years. I have had several ER visits over the years due to acute on chronic

Last week when I saw my PCP I finally told him we need a pain plan. After we both agreed I have several conditions that cause pain and especially since my RA is erosive and extensive. I asked my PCP if he would consider a pain control plan. I think he hesitated at first but after some discussion he agreed to a plan. My plan is more for emergent pain control or acute on chronic pain flares. I have pain all the time and can usually find relief by using what I learned in the pain program/clinic with Mayo in Rochester MN. I take one day at a time but at times, usually with
Inflammation flares, I get severe pain that needs to be managed before it turns to a pain crisis. I think of a pain crisis of when the acute on chronic pain that makes me spiral into depression, extreme anxiety, sleeplessness and thoughts of suicide. These thoughts put me into a vicious tailspin where I seek pain relief, I think this is normal reaction to severe pain . I have never been an addict or ever used anything that was not ordered for me but in a “tailspin” of pain I need pain relief. I can’t function or process normally when I am in extreme pain. I am allergic to most pain medication which make management of my chronic pain difficult to say the least. Fentanyl and Morphine and all derivatives are out. Even planned surgeries are difficult for pain control. Over the counter anti inflammatories are out due to allergies.

Anyway, my PCP and I decided that I can have on hand 10 Oxycodone and some flexril, for “pain crisis” I also have trazodone 1 to 3 tablets as needed. When I need pain medication I will alert my PCP of symptoms activation of plan control plan via the patient portal if the treatment works I let him know if it does I let him know that as well and attempt to get an appointment before the medication is gone. It may or may not be the best plan but it is a start for me. Usually my pain is muscle spasms around my spinal column that if I can’t get relaxed cause massive pain. I am willing to use the medication on hand as a last resort or as the last tool in my toolbox. I just want relief of pain when I am at my most vulnerable to be with dignity.

My rant:

BEING IN PAIN IS NOT A CRIMINAL ACT,

NEEDING HELP WITH PAUN RELIEF IS NOT A CRIMINAL ACT,

BEING HUMAN AND SEEKING PAIN RELIEF IS NOT A CRIMINAL ACT.

I am not a criminal, I am a human, I come to my doctor for help in managing a medical condition. Being treated like a criminal is NOT ACCEPTABLE!

Am I wrong ???

Sheri