Why?

Posted by jsandmeyer @jsandmeyer, Jul 17 5:06pm

Why does Mayo website claim to be a “patient-centered clinic” when it just seems like the last CNP essentially told me to risk losing my job for an epidural injection? Why was I told they don’t do “long-term” pain meds when the injection is a month away so I have to sit in pain and try to make it through each day suffering? How is one month long-term??? I get the feeling they think I just want to be medicated, when I just want to make it through the damn day with minimal pain, let alone to my appointment and be present as a dad and family man. Why put me on an antidepressant for a month that I know I’ll have side effects from going on, and then coming off after the injection?? Why say I can’t work on narcotics when you clearly see I have before without a problem?? Why don’t doctors and CNP have more empathy?? They are more and more putting the PATHETIC in empathetic. Growing up in Rochester I was glad I had such a great hospital, but as the years go by, my confidence in actually working together as a team with a doctor to find a happy medium is slimming WAY down. Just because you’re a doctor, or C.N.P. doesn’t necessarily mean you know best. Swallow your pride and check your attitudes and egos.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Chronic Pain Support Group.

dlydailyhope | @dlydailyhope | Jul 18 5:48am

@jsandmeyer
I hear you. I am a single parent of a teen son with chronic pain and it is really hard to get through each day (do not have any family support). The healthcare system is seeming to really drift away from patient health and care. Many times it seems my providers do not empathize with my disappearing quality of life or put themselves in my or other patients’ shoes to realize how hard it is to function in a job, at home, in relationships, etc. If it was them trying to be a doctor plus a spouse plus a parent with a home and pets and responsibilities AND dealing with chronic pain daily, would that help them be more empathetic?

Do you have spine issues/disc herniations/nerve compression causing your pain (what is the source)? How long have you been suffering? Other than injections or medications, has anything else been suggested (PT/surgery, etc.)?

jsandmeyer | @jsandmeyer | Jul 18 6:53am

Herniated disc in neck. Had a surgery years ago which definitely helped, but now have a bulge there with a crater. L5 and S1 are herniated. L5 is pressing on sciatic. So they want to do injection to see if that will take care of it, but I see it as a mask. Injured a couple years back but this year the symptoms have dramatically increased in a short amount of time. Already went through pt. Injection I was scheduled for last Friday I couldn’t do because nobody told me I needed a driver for after it, so now have to wait until next month…

bunstuffer | @bunstuffer | Jul 18 9:57am

I think ALL doctors are like this now because insurance and Medicare and politicians control medicine. My doc used to be very caring but now he rushes through appointments and doesn't have time to listen.

mrsr1234 | @mrsr1234 | Jul 19 5:13am

Hi… I feel your pain and frustration. I’ve been there. I’ve been fighting with (undiagnosed) who-knows-what as well as a plethora of other crap .. anyway; bottom line: ADVOCATE for yourself always!!! if you’re not getting the answers that you want go somewhere else until you get something some kind of answer. I finally found a pain doctor that’s worth something and is decent. He put me on Savella for my fibromyalgia, which was a godsend. Struggling with postop neck fusion times two it actually did some good. So don’t let anybody tell you it’s in your head and then you should just sit with it. It’s crap your pain is your pain. No one can tell you it’s not real they’re not living your life. Keep going. The system sucks. Keep fighting it.

jenatsky | @jenatsky | Jul 27 2:22pm

Have you considered seeing a therapist? I’m not belittling any of your symptoms but from the tone of your post you sound a bit angry which is unhealthy and not good for your pain or your mental health. A pain management doctor or program has counselors attached to it plus you’ll need to be evaluated if you go to a pain program. It’s just what they do, nothing special just their protocol. I hope you find some peace and help.