I went to Dr. Feelgood's office on Wednesday for a routine follow up and a medication refill. When I first arrived, the PA...whom I love...came in and assessed me. Then, what came out of her mouth next had me bawling and having an instant panic attack.
She told me that after discussing my case with Dr. Feelgood, he felt that he had explored every treatment option and that this was basically the end of the road. Then she said she wasn't sure if he even intended on following through with my medication refills.
I am on a number of medications currently, which I am not proud to announce, but one is an extended release opiate. One that Dr. Feelgood prescribed to me back in Febuary because nothing else was effective. This isn't really effective either as far as head pain, but it does help tremendously with my joint and muscle pain and stiffness.
So...I totally panicked for a couple of reasons. #1...I was flabbergasted my doctor was giving up on me...and #2...if he did not refill my meds, I could and most likely would go through potentially dangerous withdrawal from going cold turkey.
The PA went out and brought Dr. Feelgood in to see me immediately. He instantly put my mind at ease. He said he was not giving up on me as a patient, but that he was incredibly frustrated that the insurance companies override his medical recommendations. Specifically the neurostimulator trial and the stay at the clinic in Michigan...and that he was out of any other options to give me. He also stated, as any good doctor would, that he could not continue to prescribe me endless amounts of narcotics indefinately. Which, obviously, I understood and completely agreed with. So, that being said...he is bascially insistent upon me changing my insurance when open enrollment at my employer comes around in Novemeber. I had thought about doing that when they refused my stay in Michigan, and now even more so that they refused the stimulator trial. He agrees to continue seeing me every 6 weeks and refilling my medications until I switch insurance companies and go to Michigan.
I am skeptical about going to the clinic as I have heard mixed reviews about their care. But, I guess I will never know unless I go myself.
Either way...I need to make a change. I cannot continue on this path of pill popping.
So far nothing else has worked. Not Occipital Nerve Blocks, not Botox, not Medial Branch Blocks, not Radiofrequency Nerve Ablation, not medication, nothing.
While massage and chiropractics give me relief during the session, as soon as I am done with the treatment, I am back to where I started from...and alot of times in more pain.
So as of now...I plan on continuing with my medication and ice packs and occasional massages and praying that one day relief will come.
11 comments:
Oh Jess, I wish you could find some relief!
It's so stupid, yes I said stupid, that insurance companies can cancel out doctor recommendations. Just who do they think they are?
I hope with a change in companies, you will get the help you need, and that they will find something that works for you to end the constant pain cycle you are on.
I AM SO UPSET ABOUT YOU LITTLE GIRL. I WISH I COULD HELP YOU FEEL BETTER. YOU HAVE BEEN SO BRAVE ABOUT THIS AND HAVE TRIED SO HARD TO BE HAPPY. I CAN NOT UNDERSTAND WHY YOUR DOCTOR WON'T GIVE YOU PAIN MEDS IF NEEDED. DR. SHARMA PUT ME ON INDOMETHACIN 25MG FOR ALL MY MUSCLE AND JOINT PAIN AND TOOK AS PRESCRIBED AND THEN FOUND I DID NOT NEED IT ANY MORE AFTER A YR OF IT. I ONLY TAKE TWO TABLETS WHEN I HAVE A FLAIR UP. MAYBE JUST MAYBE YOU COULD DISCUSS THIS WITH YOUR DR. IT WAS THE ONLY PAIN MED THAT WORKED AND I TRIED EVERYTHING THAT WAS PRESCRIBED AND STOPPED THEM ALL. I LOVE YOU MOMMOM
We're basically in the exact same situation, but I've decided for now not to pursue the stimulator. Maybe I'm making a mistake, but I just don't feel like it's the right step for me right now. I don't know how our med lists compare, but I'm sure we've tried the same stuff given that we've had all the same procedures.
Just wanted to acknowledge your post and that moment of getting to this point where there isn't really much else to do. I guess it's all about acceptance from here. I'm currently doing some opioids to go along with my behavioral pain management techniques. I'm not thrilled with what we're trying, but we'll just keep adjusting and hope to get somewhere better.
Diana-I'm not convinced a neurostimulator is the right choice for me either as I am now battling alot of connective tissue/arthritis issues now as well. I do think going to the clinic in Michigan will me my next step. I would love for a doctor to be able to treat both my head and rheumatologic problems with one magic treatment...although I am aware that is asking for a miracle!
I'm so sorry you have to fight in this way lady, but I'm glad to hear that he isn't giving up on you and that he will continue working with you until you can make a change. My thoughts are with you...
Oh, Jessica I'm so sorry that you are in this position with your insurance company. I hope that open enrollment will provide you the chance to try whatever course you and your doc decide to try. You deserve that.
I've been in the situation where my doc told me there was nothing more he could do to help and I started bawling. It's an awful feeling. I'm glad your doc is sticking with you a little while longer until you can get better insurance (notice I said "better" - not "good" - because there isn't such a thing)!
I know it's hard to hear that your doctor can't help you anymore, but personally I respect a doctor that an acknowledge his limits instead of just stringing you along with endless useless treatments and medication. Of course if this is the case, the doctor should also work with you to find someone who CAN help you. At least that's my opinion.
Isn't insurance infuriating??? It kills me that there are solutions out there for pain yet some shmuck behind a desk somewhere gets to make the decision on what treatment is appropriate. Don't even get me started, this is a gib soapbox issue for me :)
As for the Botox...the first doctor that gave it to me gave me the injections in my head/face. They didn't work. The doctor I have now actually gives them to me in the triggerpoints in my shoulders and neck. Massage could temporarily relieve the tension headaches associated with those spots, but the Botox is MUCH more effective. I get months of relief. Anyway, I don't know how your injections are done but it's something to think about.
Ditto here. My doc told me the same thing about 18 months ago (minus the part re: insrurers. He did say that there wasn't much point in me seeing him for head pain anymore as he had run out of suggestions.
He hasn't filled a script for pain meds since 2008, which on his part is wise, I suppose, but some days -wow, could I ever use rescue meds. The ER can't prescribe them either. They can only give them if you are in the ER and on an IV.
I hope things get better soon.
Why is it that so many of us rely on massage and ice as the only real option? It's just so wrong.
Heather....I have Aetna and work for a huge medical corporation and still have issues. I feel so sorry for people that don't have a decent insurance carrier or the connections I have....it's so sad.
Banner....I completely agree! I totally respect my doctor and his decisions...I was just dumbfounded at the moment. And scared. He's been the best dr I've seen in 7 yrs and if he can't help me, I feel like no one can! As for Botox, I do get it in my face, scalp, neck and shoulders....the trigger points. Not a tremendous help so far though. =(
So sorry for the struggles. I know how frustrating and discouraging it can be.
I worry about the drug trial I'm in. When the med finally gets approved there's no guarantee my insurance will pay for it.
I hope and pray you're able to find a solution for the pain.
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