Well, Ladies,
I have been having a terrible time of it the past few days. My doctors are on vacation. It seems that August is "doctors take vacation month" in the northeast.
I finally got an appointment with my primary doc yesterday. I had a friend drive me to his office, because I really can't even walk anymore, let alone drive.
When I got into the exam room, they told me I'd be seeing the nurse practitioner. I was shocked! (I haven't been able to see my doctor in several months because of his scheduling, and have had to see the NP instead). When I made the appointment, I SPECIFICALLY asked to see the DOCTOR. Well, I was so upset, I actually becan to CRY! The poor tech didn't know what to do.
I was just so overwhelmed and exhausted with the pain and frustration. I was told on the phone that I'd be seeing my doc, and I really needed HIM!
So they squeezed me into his schedule and I am so thankful that I got in to see him.
He upgraded my pain med from Hydrocodone to Hydromorphone...I take it less often, but after just two doses, it has made a HUGE difference. Today I can stand upright for the first time in three weeks, but walking is still painful. The doctor also issued a temporary disabled parking permit for me, it's good for the next 6 months, so that will help when we go out as a family.
They're telling me that the stenosis and arthritis in my spine, has been agrivated by a sprain two months ago, that caused muscle spasms...and the myofacial pain and stiffness of the paravertebreal ligaments are just so severe, that it's become a vicious cycle of spasm and nerve compression.
The fibro pain and exhaustion just ice the cake. My jaw and neck are so tense, my head is throbbing, my hips are so stiff and full of searing sciatic pain that I cannot get around. I'm more exhausted and depressed than I have been in a long time, and although I have been trying to keep my spirits up...I am getting soooo disgusted by the runaround I encounter with the INSURANCE COMPANY!!!
I have been refered to a Pain Management Specialist, but none anywhere near me participate with my insurance plan. Do you have any idea how expensive these programs are???
I wonder if there is any other recourse to get the insurance companies to cover services like these when there are no in-network providers available?...I can't afford to pay for Out of network services. Maybe I should call a lawyer, but what kind of laywer would I call?
Also, I've been depending on my 12 year old daughter to take care of things around the house...I just don't know where to look for help. Do I contact social services? My doctors have skirted the issue when I mention that I'm not able to take care of myself.
We have a single income, and I am not recieving disability. I cannot pay out of pocket for services. How can I possibly choose between my pain, and our debt? Every penny I spend adds to my husband's stress and out staggering debt load.
It makes me feel miserable and guilty and I don't know how much more of this I can take.
I'm so sorry ..now I'm the dumper....
But I know you all have faced these feelings at some point or another too. And maybe some of you have had these very same problems and have solved them? Maybe someone can offer some help or advice. I knoww at the very least, there is always wonderful support out there. And that has been priceless. And just as important as any perscription I get from the doctor.

Val