i have had painin my shoulder and lower back for years , but the doctors never see anything on the x-ray but the pain is still there , when i ask for pain meds they consider me some sort of drug seeker and dismiss me maybe with ibuprofin 800 mg. (which serves no purpose at all) . What should I do ?
2007-08-31 11:21:28 · 4 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Pain & Pain Management
Boy, have I heard this story before. I know exactly what you are talking about. I suggest the first thing that you do is request a MRI, because soft tissue issues do not show up on X Rays. Sounds like you may have a ruptured or herniated disc. Doctors are under such scrutiny now that you almost have to be cut in half to get pain relief. That and honestly there are alot of drug seekers out there, but the odd thing is, they seem to get the drugs????? Go figure.
I was pushed off from doctor to doctor so that no one would have to treat my condition and my pain. I am now disabled w/ neuropathy and virtually no feeling in my leg at all. Unless it is pain. All from a simple ruptured disc that was ignored.
If you have insurance you may be able to go to a Pain Management Clinic. They are great about listening to you, and helping you get the relief that you need. Some of these clinics only go by referral, and some are private, so you may have to look around a bit. Until then, I know it doesn't sound like much, but I learned to combine Tylenol and Aleve Liquid Gels for pain. Both have medication it them that are in prescribed meds that you may get from the doc. It really does help, also if you can find it (Usually CVS) BioFreeze is
a great reliever. And of course alternate ice and heat 15min at a time, every few hours when you have bad flair ups.
Hope this helped a little, sorry you have to go through it though. Welcome to the club. lol
2007-08-31 13:30:16 · answer #1 · answered by DeltaQueen 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I just had 2 knee surgeries and have been diagnosed with something and they STILL act like I'm a drug addict when I ask for pain meds.
Have they done an MRI?
I had Xrays done when I was complaining about my knee pain and it came up clean but when they did an MRI they found a large tumor. So make sure they are doing adequate testing. if you feel like they arent doing enough; either tell them or go to another doctor.
One thing I've learned is that you have to take charge of your own medical care. YOu dont have to take a doctors word as the last word if you aren't satisfied.
Only you know the amount of pain you are in.
But I would at least go to a pain specialist; they could really help. GOOD LUCK.
2007-08-31 11:27:21 · answer #2 · answered by bodmodangel 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Go to a pain management clinic. They will listen and help you with your pain. I have been going to one for over a year now after 5 years of pain and 2 years of being bedridden with pain and not a single doctor believeing me. I know where you're coming from. Even after they found something wrong my doc treated me like a junkie, but my pain doctor is great. I'm now on Oxycontin and OxyFast Solution, and it works wonders. This website will help you find a doctor or pain prgram in your are, just go to the search pages and enter your info:
www.aapainmanage.org
2007-08-31 11:43:56 · answer #3 · answered by Mandy VZ 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
BE AWARE THAT THIS IS A SOFT TISSUE INJURY AND WILL NEVER SHOW ON X-RAYS.
THE BEST THING YOU CAN DO IS GO TO A PHYSICAL THERAPIST THAT DEALS WITH SPORTS INJURIES AND PAIN MANAGEMENT.
IBUPROFEN 800mg EVERY 3-4 HOURS IS VERY EFFECTIVE WITH PAIN.
2007-08-31 11:30:23 · answer #4 · answered by Dr. Albert, DDS, (USA) 7 · 0⤊ 4⤋
Well to begin with maybe you should go see a chiropractor. They can look for reasons why you have pain.
2007-08-31 11:35:56 · answer #5 · answered by deb 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋