I didn't realize that my last post on this blog gave the impression I was ill. I was attempting to show how kind and caring are the people in my life.
Actually, I am doing quite well now.
The main problem I have been fighting for the past year or more is chronic pain. Part of the problem was my primary care doctor will not prescribe any kind of pain medicine that I need. I had to resort to Extra Strength Tylenol and OTC pain medications. These can cause liver problems. For half my life I have had to use some kind of codeine product for extreme pain several times a year, but due to the over-reaction to prescribing those products, doctors refuse to do so.
My medical providers in the past knew I only used prescription medications when I absolutely needed them, and I had no problem keeping some on hand. I have tried to manage pain most of the time without using medicine. I used acupuncture, orthopedic massage, chiropractic care, physical therapy and PRP injections. But at times I have nerve pain that needs immediate intervention.
I am very encouraged at this time. After a three month wait, I finally saw a doctor who understands and is sympathetic to my dilemma. She is a pain specialist. She is smart and offered long-term cessation of one of my worst conditions. Like many, I thought a pain management center was a place where you were given steroid injections and heavy drugs to mask the symptoms.
I have to accept that I will have a drug test each time I have an appointment there. That is the new norm due to the abuse of drugs. Such a sad situation. Someone like me has to be tested like I was an addict because of all those who have bought and used drugs illegally.
Once again I realize that we have a broken health care system in this country. For decades I have sought help from neurologists, rheumatologists, orthopedists, and other doctors, but never heard the suggestions I heard from this doctor this week. With all the reading and questions I have asked, no one ever said to me, there is a simple procedure that can be done to stop Trigeminal Neuralgia.
We, the patients, have no way of knowing there are certain doctors who know how to help us. Our family doctor often just gives us pill after pill until he runs out of ideas. I knew my pain was nerve pain so I sought neurologists to help me. But, to no avail. I was told this week that my pain doctor often teaches neurologists how to help people with migraine headaches, occipital neuralgia and other painful problems.
I can't wait to begin treatment and hopefully end my constant fear of this piercing pain which can start suddenly and will not go away. It is a determined and stubborn enemy of mine. Things are looking up.
On Wednesday, I attended Coffee with the Poets and Writers and had lunch after with some of my friends. I look forward to getting ready to drive over to Sylva, NC for A Day for Writers on August 24 where a large group of people from four states will enjoy hearing and learning from knowledgeable and interesting instructors.
I hope I have cleared up the impression that I am ill. I appreciate the loving concern, however.
Anyone who deals with chronic pain knows it is a constant battle to keep moving and working and just enjoying life. Pain interferes with sleep and we all need sleep. That is what I have been dealing with the past year. Pain drains our energy and makes us tired or fatigued all the time. I hate that because I have so many things I like and want to do. Life is good and I am eternally grateful for my life and all I have in it.
What do you think about health care where you live? Have you had a long and difficult time dealing with the medical world?
Other posts similar to this one: https://profilesandpedigrees.blogspot.com/2018/09/nerve-pain-worst-kind-of-pain-can-it-be.html
https://profilesandpedigrees.blogspot.com/2014/08/pamper-myself-month.html
Years back I went to a pain management seminar. The pre-requisite for attendance was that participants had to have chronic pain which had lasted over a year.
ReplyDeleteThe presenters told us that 'pain affects every area of your life'. Well der.
Sadly the codeine restrictions have come here too, and it is a fight to get access. Each and every time.
Good luck with your procedure. Even one less pain trigger is a HUGE bonus.
I am so happy to learn that you have a treatment available to you. And yes, it's really hard to understand why we have such problems getting the care that we need, when it's available and our doctors don't know about it. I am blessed that at most times I am not in constant pain, but the times when I have it, it's all I can think about. I understand and am glad to know that you are not ill. :-)
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you're doing better, all things considered. I hope the new pain treatments work.
ReplyDeleteYes, EC. Even one less pain trigger is good. Each day is a challenge these days to try to keep pain at bay. But we all have our "burdens to bear" as the old song says. I was brave today and decided to walk the grocery store aisles instead of riding in a mobile cart. Well, I won't do that for awhile. Just too much for my knee which swelled up like a basketball. But I am going to bed soon and when I get off it, the swelling will go down and the pain will ease off, too.
ReplyDeleteThanks for being a faithful reader, EC.
DJan, I heard this week about a man who had cancer and his doctors had given up saying there was no more they could do. But this man and his family did not give up. They did their own research and found out about a treatment that he could take and he did and is now cancer free. Those things are what drive me nuts about our health care in the US. Hospitals are in competition with each other, doctor groups are in competition with each other and they won't share their research. I heard the head of Mayo clinic a decade ago say that was the biggest failing of western medicine. What is being used in California can be totally unknown in Atlanta Georgia. We pay a fortune for insurance and health care, then we have to research and find our own treatments. Something is badly wrong with this picture, I think.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Abbie. I see you are as busy as ever. Keep writing and sharing your talent with the world, not only writing but singing as well.
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