Well, I went and saw the new doctor today. He was certainly friendly enough, and thorough. He looked at my MRI’s and gave me lots of tests. He’s also getting my records from my pain doctor and the other “neurosurgeon”.
But one thing he said really pissed me off. When I was telling him how much it hurts (because I thought it might be relevant that he knows this is not just some derpy level 5 pain), he said, “If you’re here looking for drugs, I’m not going to give you any.”
You asshole, you have my medical history right in front of you. Including two MRI’s that show substantial spine damage. I am already taking more drugs than I want to be taking. I have a pain management doctor who takes care of any medicine I might need for pain. Did I ask you for drugs? I told you I am here to try out your Groundbreaking New MethodTM that controls pain without surgery or medication. WHY would you say something like that? I guess all the idiot people who do go around to different doctors looking for drugs ruin it for the ones who really are in pain.
Now I only wish I had said all that to him. Just because doctors don’t even think about how what they say might make somebody feel. Instead, I meekly said no, I am hoping that this treatment will allow me to decrease my medication back to normal levels. So he says he’s glad to hear that. Good for you, Doc. I’m happy you’re “glad”.
I’m still going to give it a chance. I go in Monday for a nerve test, then I start a physical therapy regime 4 days a week that uses a combination of heat and cold therapy, and some sort of traction-therapy to stretch the muscles. This is supposed to give the discs more room and relieve the pain. He might want me to wear a neck brace.
Also, I was worried about the co-pays, because I can’t afford a $40 co-pay four times a week. As it turns out, I was talking to another new patient outside the office. He told me that when he said he couldn’t afford the co-pays, the office offered to reduce his co-pay to five dollars. So, when I am negotiating with the office, I will be sure to tell them that I know they offered another patient a five dollar co-pay and that’s what I want also. I’m sure this place is making out like a bandit from the insurance money they’re collecting.
I really am still not sure if this is some kind of legitimate therapy or some insurance scam. (I gave you the website last time. What do you think?) But I guess I’ll never know until I at least try it. And at this point, I’d be willing to let someone stab me in the back with a fork if it would stop the pain I’m in.
So, I guess I’ll have an update on the back issues some time next week, if therapy begins that soon, which I hope it does. And I hope this stuff works.
I hate doctors. Even the ones who pretend to be nice.
Cat 
PS…Sorry for the long rant. I’m just so tired of all of this.
2 comments:
I have to spend far too much time with doctors. When something like this happens, I write a note to hand the doc the next visit. In this case I would cordially tell him that he could make his point without insulting and alienating his patients. Try the phrase "I'm glad you're not here for drugs, because I won't give you any." It just substitutes one word, but makes all the difference.
I looked at the website. I think this approach is very good. It's the type of treatment you'd get from many chiropractors and physical therapists.
The only addition I would ask for is a referral to an occupational therapist. They can point out movements to avoid, and show you how to do daily tasks in a way that won't continue to aggravate things. IMO, this is best done now, not at the end off your therapy.
Personally, I would consider surgery only as a last resort. Apart from any potential damage, back surgery is often unsuccessful at alleviating pain. I don't remember the exact stats, but I would definitely find out before any surgery.
Thanks KipperCat for the encouraging words!
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