I have an appointment with my Primary Care Physician this afternoon. I felt compelled to make it as I do not like the idea that no one in Kansas City is aware of my medical status. I, at least, want my PCP aware of my post-surgical state should I end up in ER at some point in the future.
I am also going to discuss pain management. I have not had any pain meds since well before leaving the hospital. While this got them to stop giving me the wrong stuff, it did not address my pain issues. And I am worn out.
I get very little sleep at night and what I do get comes in 2-3 hour sections with bouts of being awake. Being awake in the middle of the night with nothing stronger than Advil on my side is not a great place to be. I have Valium to take for my anxiety about the pain, but honestly, I can't bring myself to use it regularly. However, the more tired I get, the less able I am to hold the anxiety at bay, the more I want to use the Valium to control the pain, which it DOESN'T.
I am in need of pain management that provides temporary relief from nightly pain that allow me to sleep undisturbed for longer stretches than I am getting now. I plan on advocating for just that this afternoon. I'd have gone in sooner, but this was the soonest they could get me in.
I will post the results of this appointment later.
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Hi, Kurt!
ReplyDeleteI absolutely understand your need to have your local doctor on board with all the details of your recent medical needs. We felt the same when Lauren was diagnosed and wound up with specialists in several states.
We also signed medical releases and now have copies of all her medical records sent to her PCP. Might not be a bad idea for you too.
Also, have you thought about a medical I.D. bracelet? Not to over-dramatize the situation, but you have had major surgery and in the rare and unlikely event that you should suffer complications or an auto accident where no one is aware, it might prove extremely helpful to an EMT. Just a thought...
I'm so sorry to hear you've been suffering so terribly with pain. I'm hopeful your PCP will refer you to a good Pain Management Specialist in your area. Honestly, I wouldn't delay.
We've been fortunate that Lauren's bone pain has been easily controlled woth OTC meds, but should it increase I plan to get a Pain Management Specialist on board right away.
Our prayers continue- Feel better soon!
Tanya and Family
Kurt, I hope your PCP addresses your pain management quickly and correctly! It's hard to believe that after the major surgery you had, you aren't on any prescription pain meds. That's ridiculous if you ask me! You probably need some prescription pain med as well as possibly something like amitriptyline or trazodone to take at night to help you sleep. Those are considered antidepressants, but are used often in pain situations, too. I agree, the Valium is NOT for sleep and won't help it. And it's worrisome regarding becoming dependent on it. If I was your doctor I would give you Vicodin prn as well as either the amitriptyline or trazodone to take before bedtime. However, I can't get the pharmacies to fill my scripts, LOL!!
ReplyDeleteI'm anxious to hear how it went today! Love ya!