Is there any hope?
oh_tinker_bell posted:
Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this.
My husband is 37 yrs old and has been diagnosed with Facet Joint Syndrome, Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease and 4 Disc Herniations. Family Dr sent us to "Pain Management". He has been seeing this Dr since October. He is on Percocet, and MS Contin twice a day. Hes doing Physical Therapy(which just seems to make things worse). He has been off work since October. He is unable to do the smallest things around home without being in agony . The Dr has done 3 different "shots" to try and get rid of the inflammation in the spine. He just had the nerves on the left side of his spine burned today and we go back next Tuesday so the Dr can do the right side. The Dr doesnt like to explain things to us, refuses to give us any explanation, refuses the idea of surgery. He straight out told my husband today that if this procedure doesn't work then he just has to face the fact that he will not be any better and will be on medication for the rest of his life.
I'm not sure how "second opinions" work. If its something we should do. I feel helpless and we both feel lost. My husband is a Sheet Metal Worker, Dr told him to find another profession. It just sounds like the Dr is giving up and wants us to do the same. We dont know what to do!!
89 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Hello everyone, thank you for taking the time to read this.
My husband is 37 yrs old and has been diagnosed with Facet Joint Syndrome, Stenosis, Degenerative Disc Disease and 4 Disc Herniations. Family Dr sent us to "Pain Management". He has been seeing this Dr since October. He is on Percocet, and MS Contin twice a day. Hes doing Physical Therapy(which just seems to make things worse). He has been off work since October. He is unable to do the smallest things around home without being in agony . The Dr has done 3 different "shots" to try and get rid of the inflammation in the spine. He just had the nerves on the left side of his spine burned today and we go back next Tuesday so the Dr can do the right side. The Dr doesnt like to explain things to us, refuses to give us any explanation, refuses the idea of surgery. He straight out told my husband today that if this procedure doesn't work then he just has to face the fact that he will not be any better and will be on medication for the rest of his life.
I'm not sure how "second opinions" work. If its something we should do. I feel helpless and we both feel lost. My husband is a Sheet Metal Worker, Dr told him to find another profession. It just sounds like the Dr is giving up and wants us to do the same. We dont know what to do!!
medfaxx responded:
Hi Tinker Bell,
There is some hope and you may want to read this post clicking through to the videos when appropriate. Hope find something useful in the post and good luck.
bobj
There is some hope and you may want to read this post clicking through to the videos when appropriate. Hope find something useful in the post and good luck.
bobj
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Hi Tinker Bell, <br /><br /> There is some hope and you may want to <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.painreductiontherapy.com/index.php?/Articles/teach-your-body-that-chronic-pain-is-not-natural.html">read this post clicking through to the videos</a> when appropriate. Hope find something useful in the post and good luck. <br /><br />bobj
Hi Cweinbyl,
Enjoy some of your previous posts but do want to clarify what is consistent, but not factual.
The posts are to "Chronic Pain" patients with the diagnosis symptomatic, not causative. The comments on "BY DOING NOTHING AT ALL" your pain would disappear are not appropriate for a chronic pain patient. I agree with you completely if the person writing were in an acute episode of pain, but that is not who you are responding to.
Unfortunately even the use of "placebo" is inappropriate as many chronic pain patients have already "been there done that" yet they still are in pain.
I'm not a chronic pain patient but just as a courtesy many of them are offended with that type comment being made.
bobj
Enjoy some of your previous posts but do want to clarify what is consistent, but not factual.
The posts are to "Chronic Pain" patients with the diagnosis symptomatic, not causative. The comments on "BY DOING NOTHING AT ALL" your pain would disappear are not appropriate for a chronic pain patient. I agree with you completely if the person writing were in an acute episode of pain, but that is not who you are responding to.
Unfortunately even the use of "placebo" is inappropriate as many chronic pain patients have already "been there done that" yet they still are in pain.
I'm not a chronic pain patient but just as a courtesy many of them are offended with that type comment being made.
bobj
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Hi Cweinbyl, <br /><br /> Enjoy some of your previous posts but do want to clarify what is consistent, but not factual. <br /><br /> The posts are to "Chronic Pain" patients with the diagnosis symptomatic, not causative. The comments on "BY DOING NOTHING AT ALL" your pain would disappear are not appropriate for a chronic pain patient. I agree with you completely if the person writing were in an acute episode of pain, but that is not who you are responding to.<br /><br /> Unfortunately even the use of "placebo" is inappropriate as many chronic pain patients have already "been there done that" yet they still are in pain.<br /><br /> I'm not a chronic pain patient but just as a courtesy many of them are offended with that type comment being made. <br /><br />bobj
soulprosper responded:
Have you thought of visiting a DO? I think that they have alternative ideas as well as compassion. They deal with the whole person rather than just the illness or injury.
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Have you thought of visiting a DO? I think that they have alternative ideas as well as compassion. They deal with the whole person rather than just the illness or injury.
seminolearnp responded:
Dear Tink, have you ever heard of the Patient's Bill of Rights? It is a legal document that discusses what a patient can expect and demand from his/her physician. At anytime you can get a second opinion depending on the insurance provider. Specialists do usually require a referral from another physician, but you should be able to obtain that from you primary care doc. Has your husband seen a neurosurgeon or orthopedist? That is probably where you should go next for possible surgical interventions. Pain management certainly has its place but you should investigate all options. I am a nurse practitioner in dermatology so I have no advice on his medical condition but I can tell you that you are entitled to quality care. Make a list of your questions, and dont be afraid to ask them. Most docs are happy to answer them if handled timely, or see the nurse practitioner or physician assistant first. They frequently get a better history, and have more time to spend with you. Hope this helps. Good Luck!
cj
cj
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Dear Tink, have you ever heard of the Patient's Bill of Rights? It is a legal document that discusses what a patient can expect and demand from his/her physician. At anytime you can get a second opinion depending on the insurance provider. Specialists do usually require a referral from another physician, but you should be able to obtain that from you primary care doc. Has your husband seen a neurosurgeon or orthopedist? That is probably where you should go next for possible surgical interventions. Pain management certainly has its place but you should investigate all options. I am a nurse practitioner in dermatology so I have no advice on his medical condition but I can tell you that you are entitled to quality care. Make a list of your questions, and dont be afraid to ask them. Most docs are happy to answer them if handled timely, or see the nurse practitioner or physician assistant first. They frequently get a better history, and have more time to spend with you. Hope this helps. Good Luck!<br />cj
greg8846 replied to seminolearnp's response:
Hey CJ;
You know i was reading through some of these older threads that have been posted . You know you mentioned a
very interesting thing about a Patient's Biill of Rights, so many times doctors will strong arm there patients to make sure the patient in no way shape or form gets in the so called drivers seat. I think its very sad that patients are afraid or feel
threatened by there doctors. This is not right after all who pays whom for services rendered. Or like some doctors saying well if you don't do the pain blocks i cut you off your narcotic prescriptions. Then after the patients go through with
all these so called procedures the PM doctor says well this should have worked and you should be off all your pain medications. So they discharge them and the patient feels alone and tossed to the curb like a piece of garbage. I like you consider this horrible that any Chronic Pain patient should ever have to go through this type of human destruction. Well CJ you always have a great and kind way of getting your point across. Your patient should feel lucky to have you in there corner.Take care.
Greg
You know i was reading through some of these older threads that have been posted . You know you mentioned a
very interesting thing about a Patient's Biill of Rights, so many times doctors will strong arm there patients to make sure the patient in no way shape or form gets in the so called drivers seat. I think its very sad that patients are afraid or feel
threatened by there doctors. This is not right after all who pays whom for services rendered. Or like some doctors saying well if you don't do the pain blocks i cut you off your narcotic prescriptions. Then after the patients go through with
all these so called procedures the PM doctor says well this should have worked and you should be off all your pain medications. So they discharge them and the patient feels alone and tossed to the curb like a piece of garbage. I like you consider this horrible that any Chronic Pain patient should ever have to go through this type of human destruction. Well CJ you always have a great and kind way of getting your point across. Your patient should feel lucky to have you in there corner.Take care.
Greg
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Hey CJ;<br /> You know i was reading through some of these older threads that have been posted . You know you mentioned a<br />very interesting thing about a Patient's Biill of Rights, so many times doctors will strong arm there patients to make sure the patient in no way shape or form gets in the so called drivers seat. I think its very sad that patients are afraid or feel<br />threatened by there doctors. This is not right after all who pays whom for services rendered. Or like some doctors saying well if you don't do the pain blocks i cut you off your narcotic prescriptions. Then after the patients go through with<br />all these so called procedures the PM doctor says well this should have worked and you should be off all your pain medications. So they discharge them and the patient feels alone and tossed to the curb like a piece of garbage. I like you consider this horrible that any Chronic Pain patient should ever have to go through this type of human destruction. Well CJ you always have a great and kind way of getting your point across. Your patient should feel lucky to have you in there corner.Take care.<br /> <br />Greg
Yup, agreed.
However, we should just make a new thread because I'm lazy and don't wan to scroll through so many posts. AND I am certain that in most cases the original author is long gone.`
However, we should just make a new thread because I'm lazy and don't wan to scroll through so many posts. AND I am certain that in most cases the original author is long gone.`
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Yup, agreed.<br />However, we should just make a new thread because <i>I'm</i> lazy and don't wan to scroll through so many posts. AND I am certain that in most cases the original author is long gone.`
I should have mentioned too that I am an on and off reader and mayber I shouldn't have a say, but it's just much easier for all of us. So, how is each and every one of you?
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?I should have mentioned too that I am an on and off reader and mayber I shouldn't have a say, but it's just much easier for all of us. So, how is each and every one of you?
Richamar responded:
First off don't let any Doctor work on your bosy unless he/she is willing to fully expain what is going to happen.
Spinal fusion with cleaning of the nerve channel and spinal cord is a great option. Of course with the fusion you need to have a metal plate to sully stabilze the spine. I had this done after living with what the V.A. called inoperable nerve root damage. I found a neuro-surgeon that felt he could help, and he did. I had lived with pain and decreased mobility, my left leg kept giving out leading to falls. Since surgery I bowl 2 times a week as well as walk my dog for about 1 mile daily.
After 10 years of oxycodone I now use Tylenol for the arthritis. look around for another doctor, explorer your options, Medicine is never black and white, remember that it is a practice and as such the doctors are supposed to be always learning new ways to take care of you
Spinal fusion with cleaning of the nerve channel and spinal cord is a great option. Of course with the fusion you need to have a metal plate to sully stabilze the spine. I had this done after living with what the V.A. called inoperable nerve root damage. I found a neuro-surgeon that felt he could help, and he did. I had lived with pain and decreased mobility, my left leg kept giving out leading to falls. Since surgery I bowl 2 times a week as well as walk my dog for about 1 mile daily.
After 10 years of oxycodone I now use Tylenol for the arthritis. look around for another doctor, explorer your options, Medicine is never black and white, remember that it is a practice and as such the doctors are supposed to be always learning new ways to take care of you
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?First off don't let any Doctor work on your bosy unless he/she is willing to fully expain what is going to happen.<br />Spinal fusion with cleaning of the nerve channel and spinal cord is a great option. Of course with the fusion you need to have a metal plate to sully stabilze the spine. I had this done after living with what the V.A. called inoperable nerve root damage. I found a neuro-surgeon that felt he could help, and he did. I had lived with pain and decreased mobility, my left leg kept giving out leading to falls. Since surgery I bowl 2 times a week as well as walk my dog for about 1 mile daily.<br />After 10 years of oxycodone I now use Tylenol for the arthritis. look around for another doctor, explorer your options, Medicine is never black and white, remember that it is a practice and as such the doctors are supposed to be always learning new ways to take care of you
LssLikelyEvryDay responded:
Personally, I think you need to find a new doctor. I'm living with chronic pain now and it's been a nightmare from start to finish. I understand what it can be like to have to fight with doctors every step of the way on the treatment path. However, there are multiple options available. Pain management doctors are supposed to help with the psychological effects of chronic pain as well as physiological effects. If your husband's doctor doesn't than he isn't worth your time and money. Look online for spine clinics that deal specifically with spinal issues and have neurosurgeons on staff. Many of them have their own pain clinics associated with them. I've found dozens already and most of my treatment is handled by both the pain management doctor and the neurosurgeon. Especially if the discs are herniated, a neurosurgeon is your best bet for finding better treatment options. Pain management doctors aren't qualified to make a determination on the necessity of surgery.
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Personally, I think you need to find a new doctor. I'm living with chronic pain now and it's been a nightmare from start to finish. I understand what it can be like to have to fight with doctors every step of the way on the treatment path. However, there are multiple options available. Pain management doctors are supposed to help with the psychological effects of chronic pain as well as physiological effects. If your husband's doctor doesn't than he isn't worth your time and money. Look online for spine clinics that deal specifically with spinal issues and have neurosurgeons on staff. Many of them have their own pain clinics associated with them. I've found dozens already and most of my treatment is handled by both the pain management doctor and the neurosurgeon. Especially if the discs are herniated, a neurosurgeon is your best bet for finding better treatment options. Pain management doctors aren't qualified to make a determination on the necessity of surgery.
I read your posting and looked up Gary Spivey.
He looks like an entertainer who wears a poofy white wig.
What did her do for you?
I also read that he makes predictions about celebrities getting divorced.
His site does not portray him as a healer, but someone who would not really be taken seriously.
Could this be the same man about whom you wrote?
He looks like an entertainer who wears a poofy white wig.
What did her do for you?
I also read that he makes predictions about celebrities getting divorced.
His site does not portray him as a healer, but someone who would not really be taken seriously.
Could this be the same man about whom you wrote?
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?I read your posting and looked up Gary Spivey.<br /><br />He looks like an entertainer who wears a poofy white wig.<br /><br />What did her do for you?<br /><br />I also read that he makes predictions about celebrities getting divorced.<br /><br />His site does not portray him as a healer, but someone who would not really be taken seriously.<br /><br />Could this be the same man about whom you wrote?
Caprice_WebMD_Staff replied to CTBeth's response:
Hi Bet,
Srumbaugh posted that over three years ago and I doubt your question will be seen.
Srumbaugh posted that over three years ago and I doubt your question will be seen.
We must let go of the life we have planned, so as to accept the one that is waiting for us.
~Joseph Campbell
~Joseph Campbell
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Hi Bet,<br /><br />Srumbaugh posted that over three years ago and I doubt your question will be seen. <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/wink.gif" align="top" border="0">
CTBeth replied to Caprice_WebMD_Staff's response:
Yeah, I saw that after posting. It was one of the discussions on the right-hand column.
It was a very interesting discussion, too.
It was a very interesting discussion, too.
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Yeah, I saw that after posting. It was one of the discussions on the right-hand column.<br /><br />It was a very interesting discussion, too.
TraySmRN1971 responded:
Surgery for herniated disc is definitely an option when nothing else has worked..seek out a new Dr.! A Dr. That doesn't listen or take you serious is not one that I will ever have again!.. Go to your primary care doc and tell him your concerns about your pain mamanement doc..he is the one who can refer you to the surgeons..if meds and therapy haven't helped..it may be the only choice you have...but it may get his life back...a second opinion sounds like a must in your husbands situation.
Report This| Share this:Is there any hope?Surgery for herniated disc is definitely an option when nothing else has worked..seek out a new Dr.! A Dr. That doesn't listen or take you serious is not one that I will ever have again!.. Go to your primary care doc and tell him your concerns about your pain mamanement doc..he is the one who can refer you to the surgeons..if meds and therapy haven't helped..it may be the only choice you have...but it may get his life back...a second opinion sounds like a must in your husbands situation.
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