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Dr. Bob is Robert Hsiung, MD,
bob@dr-bob.orgShown: posts 1 to 3 of 3. This is the beginning of the thread.
Posted by dhbranx on February 29, 2012, at 17:38:19
Just would like to clarify some myths about pain management or pain clinics that most people are not aware of: A while back I fell down in the yard, unable to move my right leg from the pain. When I went to the pain clinic and complained, I went through a series of specialists that did not know what was wrong when I lost muscle mass (atrophy) in my leg and was unable to lift my foot (I finally found out that it is nicknamed 'drop foot'). After going through a lot of wrong turns, one doctor's opinion was that the problem was in my back (if you look at the charts in the doctor's office, it shows that the nerves from the back lead out to the extremities, from certain predictable points to other points). The doctor suggested an MRI (I call it the MIR because I think that it is backwards). 4 bulging discs, a degenerative disc (missing) were detected and surgery was recommended. Spinal stenosis was the diagnosis. Stenosis is a mystery to me, because I had gone to previous doctors and had a previous MIR which indicated the same symptoms without stenosis, so I didn't get anything for pain. But now I read that the bulging discs are the stenosis, whereby the spinal cord is restricted because the bulge of the disc in inward, not outward. After surgery, the wound would not stop draining, I wound up back in surgery with Osteomyelitis, a staph infection which the specialist informed me went into remission but could return. After two more surgeries, I went to a nursing home for a year to learn to walk again. I have always gotten a minimum of pain medication, even though I have major permanent symptoms. My point is this: I don't appreciate the press hoopla concerning the 'pill mills' and the 'hillbilly heroin' (Oxycontin) and the 'hospital heroin' (hydrocodone). These nicknames are invitations for cynics who deal counterfeit pills to put the street drugs in the pharmaceutical chemicals. I have real pain, and a real hypersomnia problem that has never been treated because of the speed freaks. Fibromyalgia is described as a psychosomatic ailment by some social workers or psychologists. When I got a list of my diagnoses, someone tried to add psychiatric ailments that they assumed would occur as a result of the pain and hypersomnia (chemical dependency and other wrong opinions). Anyway, don't be fooled by the media concerning the pain management clinics, because if you go in and complain to the real doctors, they are going to determine, with the accurate scientific instruments, whether you are acting or not.
Posted by Phillipa on February 29, 2012, at 19:06:22
In reply to fibromyalgia, posted by dhbranx on February 29, 2012, at 17:38:19
I'm so sorry of the horrible time you have had and hopefully not still having. I have lots of the same things no surgeries and decided not to. So are you saying this back pain I truly have would be treated with a pain med if the conditions are truly present? I've had MRI's and all confirmed but the neurosurgeon asked if wanted surgery I said no and out the door I was led. Why didn't or wouldn't he have suggested something other than surgery? Add osteoporosis to the list. Phillipa
Posted by creepy on March 5, 2012, at 15:01:39
In reply to fibromyalgia, posted by dhbranx on February 29, 2012, at 17:38:19
unfortunately until we have the ability to subjectively measure pain both physical and emotional, other people will -always- be prone to underestimating what you are going through.
I think probably all of us here at one time or another have been stiffed by the medical profession. 'its all in your head' or 'take this pill and call me in a month'.
Its getting worse now since there is such enormous pressure to save money. These docs are squeezed from all sides. Doesnt make them more likely to be helpful, thats for sure. =(
This is the end of the thread.
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