HELP PLEASE!! Is there any way to get my get my doctor to take a serious approach to managing my severe pain?

Question

I've had a severe chronic migraine headache that has lasted for the last 8 months that has been one continuous, unremitting headache, not individual headaches that occur every day. I am disabled as a result of this (something all of my doctors have concurred with) and have tried every single preventative and abortive there is with no success, along with tons of alternatives like acupuncture. To make matters worse, I recently contracted Lyme Disease, which has been adding it's own painful and debilitating effects.I vomit at least twice a day, and I have hypertension. But I am 15, so this means that often what I say to the doctors is just ignored.The only medication that has actually helped me has been oxycodone and hydromorphone.But when I went to the pain management clinic at Boston Children's Hospital, I went through a 5 hour process to be told try to exercise and try relaxation.I almost cried.

P.S. The most recent studies on opioids show they're MUCH safer than commonly believed.

Also, if this wasn't clear:

I've tried all of the different preventatives, and have already been to pain management. That was the cause of my frustration.

And I've seen about 7 neurologists.

And I might as well mention that I'm on seroquel for sleep, lexapro as basically a prophylactic against depression, and zonegran as a 'preventative'.

And I couldn't switch my doctors even if I wanted to, I am 15. My parents tend to agree with whatever one of them says.

And it is a chronic pain specialty practice, run by Boston Children's Hospital, so I guess there's no other places more suited for someone who fits my profile

Most mayo clinic studies are for adults, or children with things that are prevalent. I fit neither of those

Answer 1

I really, really, really feel your pain (no pun intended). I went through a similar ordeal until I found a good pain doctor. I'm 26 years old, and some doctors are reluctant to prescribe pain meds of that caliber to people even as young as me, so I can imagine how much trouble you must be having. The only advice I can give you is to try and find another pain doctor. Just because they're big or famous doesn't mean they're the best. This website has a search function that allows you to find acreditted doctors and pain programs in your area: www.aapainmanage.org. My doctor is a diplomate member and he is the first doctor I've had that geinuinely cares and listens to me regarding my pain. I'm being treated with Oxycontin and OxyFast SOlution, and he allows me to give myself Phenergan injections at home for nausea so I don't have to go to the hospital if I can't keep my meds down. Do some research and find another pain clinic, then talk to your parents about going there. Good luck, and feel free to e-mail or IM me if you need someone to talk to about this or have any other questions about pain management.

Also, Mildred S, you speak like a person who has never been nor ever known anyone in pain management. I take Oxycontin and OxyFast Solution, both of which are Oxycodone. I drive, cook, walk my dog, work... everything.. while on the medication. If you have genuine, severe pain, you are not effected by opiates in the way that people who do not have severe pain are. Pain management doctors, good one, work with the patient to find a dose of the meds tnhat allows them to do all their normal activities with as little pain as possible. My medications do not even make me drowsy... in fact, I am on another medication to be able to sleep at night because I have insomnia. Unless you li8ve with chronic pain yourself, saying things like "you can't possibly handle a car on those medications" is ridiculous... how the hell would you know? Also, just because there has been a lawsuit brought against a medication's manufacturer does not make it BAD.... there's been a lawsuit brought against the makers of OrthoEvra, too, and they settled. Narcotics, when taken as prescribed, do not cause addiction. Less than 1% (or 5% depending on which study you're reading) of chronic pain patients become addicted. Dependence on a medication is not addiction. Addiction is a behavioral issue. Diabetics are dependent on insulin, but they aren't addicts. Neither are we. Sometimes "the real reason" for chronic pain is an issue that has been found prior to the patient being put into a pain clinic, and cannot be resolved, as in my case. You're making a whole lot of generalized, opinionated statements as though they are facts, which they are NOT (and you would know that if you did some research). OPiates are the OLDEST and SAFEST form of pain control. Tylenol destroys your liver if taken in high doses or for extended periods of time. NSAIDS can cause bleeding ulcers and kidney damage. Opiates do none of these things (we're talking pure opiate medications, not combinations like Percocet or Vicoprophen); the only serious side effects are dependence (EVRY different from addiction) and constipation, which is easily treated. Pain clinics do absolutely everything they can to monitor patients for signs of addiction. We jump through hoops to get the relief we need, but we DO IT because we need to. YOu cannot imagine all the things I have to do to be able to get my prescriptions every month: random drug tests, pill counts, checks of my prescriptions through the Virginia Prescription Database, etc. Don't judge.

Answer 2

oxycodone is highly addictive. they settled a lawsuit recently and the manufacturer pleaded no contest to withholding research info that the knew the dangers of this drug. this does not mean it is not effective but the risk must outweigh the benefit of a medicine. i believe the hydromorphone is also addictive but hasn't had a lawsuit ??

I do not understand how a doctor could not prescribe something to help you manage the pain that you are in. Are they thinking it is more of a tension / stress headache vs. migraine ? Regardless of the type of headache if it is that bad you need something to make you comfortable.

I went to neurologist and they told me to modify my diet , to exclude blue cheese, wine. I stopped both of those things and it's really helped a lot.

I would keep pushing the doctors and your parents to find the cause , you are 15 and will need to drive soon. You can't possible handle the car with these meds. Once they start giving you all those meds, they will quit looking for the real reason and you will have to live on them for your life unless you are lucky to run across a new doctor that can figure it out which isn't likely.

Answer 3

If you have constant and unrelenting headaches, and you have tried all the medications recommended by the neurologist then you may want to seek a referral to the Graham Headache Centre on Allendale at Centre in Boston, they work with Faulkner Hospital and can do inpatient control of your headache and then get you on an adequate preventive dose.

As far as narcotics for migraine, they are not considered to be effective for migraine management on the whole and are generally frowned upon in most pain medicine clinics.

I have managed a few patients on narcotics for the pain when no other method worked, but never on the medications you have mentioned. They are probably not the best for your condition. When I did finally agree to put patients on narcotics on an outpatient basis it was always methadone and Actiq, and was tapered off quickly after effective pain management was achieved and proper prevention, psychological support, biofeedback training, and patient education and trigger management was achieved.

I fully believe when properly used opioids are safe medications, but at 15 you are too young to place on chronic pain meds without every other effort being exhausted.

Incidently, I have never ignored what a 15 y/o patient has told me, and usually ask the parents not to speak if the 15 y/o is capable of talking for themselves.

Answer 4

I feel so much sympathy for you. I understand how hard it must be to deal with doctors who blow you off because of your age.
Is it possible to take a parent with you? Or another adult that understands what you're going through?
I hope you're getting treated for the Lyme disease, it sounds like that would be the case.
Pain management clinics are often kind of crappy about actually using pain-reducing medications. They are often convinced that you will have this chronic pain for the rest of your life, so they won't put you on narcotics because they are afraid you will never get off of them. They want you to find other ways to "deal with the pain," which just isn't practical for most.
My best suggestion is to try different doctors and facilities. You may have to go so far as seeking out specialists that might be able to help (chronic pain specialists, neurologists, doctors that specifically treat teens..). Go for doctors just out of med school, that are up-to-date on current practices and research, and are closer to your age. They tend to be more understanding, and more outgoing, as far as testing, diagnostics, and treatment, because they haven't fallen into that rut of labelling everyone with some easy, common diagnosis.

Answer 5

Chris, I know this has nothing to do with your question... but I would really like to talk to you about your migraines. I am a 19 year old female and I have had the exact same problem, except mine has been going on for 3 years. It doesn't let up, and nothing has helped... my neurologist is totally confused, and nobody knows what to do.

I would really like to talk to you about the things you have tried... to get some fresh ideas to treatment.

let me know, email, im...

Answer 6

Doctors do not want to put someone your age on an opioid since they are extremely addictive and you would most likely be on them for awhile.
But if I was you, and your parents, I would seek medical advice from specialists....don't stop until you find out what is going on! hang in there!

Answer 7

There is no medicine for H/A OR MIGRAINE. Not only these but for almost all painful diseases. Hence they become chronic.
Acidity, WORRY, excessive wind, cold , heat, sour food and sinusitis, constipation, intestinal inflammation;
Blockage in the flow of Vital Energy are their causes. None of them can be treated with medicine. Our 100% success in treating migraine &H/A confirms it.
Acupuncture is the best treatment. I can treat it with naturopathy and YOG, but how can you manage pl see.

Avoid late sleeping if possible;spicy, sour, stale bakery foods and alcohole.
Sweet foods, COCOANUT WATER,sweet fruits, milk, rice, SPROUTS, SALADS and good sleep will help you.
But you try one herbal remedy- two drops of drumstick leaves' juice in opposite nostril if one side pains and both nostrils if full H/A will give you rescue. Betel leaf helps but it isvery strong.
If it is acute pl search a painful point 3-6 mm behind your thumb nail and press it, H/A will disappear within 30 seconds.

Source(s):
SHREE SWASTHYAYOG TREATMENT, TRAINING & RESEARCH INSTITUTE
R.H. 19, Jhulelal Society, Sector 2/E, Airoli, Navi Mumbai, INDIA.

Answer 8

It can be as simple as this: find a new doctor or tell your current doctor you would like a second opinion. It will either trigger him/her to look more deeply into the problem or he/she will withdraw from treating you, which in turn sends you to a different doctor who actually believes you.

Answer 9

I think you should go to a neurologist and see what is causing the headaches. You need to figure out the cause of the pain and then try to make it go away. Your parents need to make sure the doctor listens to what you are saying!!

Answer 10

i was severly injured and had to have 11 sugreys it happend to me when i was 15 and alot of docters thin narcs to a young person is set for dister i know how u feel all i know is find a symthetic docter who is willing to find whats wrong and help ur pain i know how u feel