Doctor visit anxiety....so stupid

[Jalapeñomel]

My meds for my back aren't really working....they sort of take the edge off, but I still am in pain, so much so that I am having difficulties sleeping still. 

So I'm totally anxious about asking the doctor tomorrow to change my meds, because I'm afraid he'll think I'm a drug-seeking loser.  

This is is stupid, right?

[Jalapeñomel]

Jan 28, 2015 19:04:28 GMT -5 mofongo said:

What are you in pain from? I'm sorry:( If it's working, don't feel silly about going back!

Oh, hah, I accidentially edited that part out.  My back.

i have to get an injection tomorrow that is supposed to help for 6 weeks, so my fingers are crossed it works!

[Nonny]

Back pain is awful.

Have you done PT? The thing that helped me a ton with my back was when after a ton of PT, my therapist pushed my insurance to give me a TENS unit, and then I could stim the hell out of my back all the time. I found the stim to be so much more helpful than pain meds.

[lilac05]

Well, I'm not going to call you stupid, but I really don't think you need to be worried about your doc thinking you're a drug-seeker at this point.

My H has had 2 injections for back issues. The first one immediately relieved all of his pain (I think) and he didn't have any residual issues. His back didn't really bother him for almost 4 years. He had another issue this past fall and needed another injection. This one hasn't been AS effective, but he was able to enjoy a Disney vacation a week after the injection with minimal pain. He has to be a lot more careful with his back now, but he's still able to carry the kids around and do most things. He just doesn't help people move anymore!

[Jalapeñomel]

Jan 28, 2015 19:09:22 GMT -5 Nonny said:

Back pain is awful.

Have you done PT? The thing that helped me a ton with my back was when after a ton of PT, my therapist pushed my insurance to give me a TENS unit, and then I could stim the hell out of my back all the time. I found the stim to be so much more helpful than pain meds.

I've been in PT for almost a year now with little relief.  Althoug, I would LOVE a TENS unit of my own.

[Jalapeñomel]

Jan 28, 2015 19:10:55 GMT -5 chilerellanos said:

I've had two injections. They've worked great for me!

I still have a little bit of pain, but only after my third 12 hr shift in a row. And Motrin works.

The most annoying thing is I still have a LOT of numbness in my right foot.

Sometimes that causes an uncomfortable enough sensation that it's hard to sleep.

I'm so glad to hear this! I already have numbness in my right foot from a surgery a million moons ago, so at least I don't have to worry about that.  Lol

[sjh722]

I had a lot of relief from a pain injection when I had a bad flare up of back pain 3 or 4 years ago.

Don't be discouraged if it doesn't help immediately - I felt some relief right away, but much, much better 2-3 weeks out.

[Nonny]

Jan 28, 2015 19:55:45 GMT -5 sjh722 said:

I had a lot of relief from a pain injection when I had a bad flare up of back pain 3 or 4 years ago.

Don't be discouraged if it doesn't help immediately - I felt some relief right away, but much, much better 2-3 weeks out.

This was my experience with my injection as well.

This combined with more PT helped immensely and I'm mostly OK now.

[Nonny]

Jan 28, 2015 19:49:59 GMT -5 Jalapeñomel said:

Jan 28, 2015 19:09:22 GMT -5 Nonny said:

Back pain is awful.

Have you done PT? The thing that helped me a ton with my back was when after a ton of PT, my therapist pushed my insurance to give me a TENS unit, and then I could stim the hell out of my back all the time. I found the stim to be so much more helpful than pain meds.

I've been in PT for almost a year now with little relief.  Althoug, I would LOVE a TENS unit of my own.

Ask your doc if he can prescribe you one and see if your insurance will pay. Mine is made by EMPI, and my insurance didn't complain at all, and they also play for additional sticky pads, and in my case they let me pick which kind I wanted -- the kind of thick gooey ones like in the office, or an insanely sticky bandaid type that you can leave on for a couple of weeks at a time (which I hate).  I didn't/don't need as many pads as they try to foist on you though, and I'm able to use it on my knee when it acts up. 

You might also consider switching PTs.  I loved my PT and saw him for ages until my insurance got into a bitch fight with the provider and I had to change.  My new PT was recommended by my old PT and it turns out that the new guy was even better.  PT1 was more specialized in knees, which I had seen him for initially, and PT2 was more specialized in backs and hips, so when I switched my back got better (and my knee temporarily got worse).

[Muddled]

You are your own best advocate. Please please please ask for what you need. I'm so sorry you are hurting.