So I’m a little tardy to the party but I’m joining up with Adventuroo for a really cool link-up this week where we are capturing adventure in the everyday by sharing a week in my life through photos! As my life isn’t overly exciting, I won’t post a whole day of pictures at one time instead I’ll break things up. For example, yesterday I had an appointment with my doctor at the Pain Clinic so you will get to accompany me!
The day started off in a frenzy as usual but I actually made it to my appointment on time (not that I was called back on time).
First step of the appointment is the loads of paperwork. Never mind that I’ve been seeing him for over a year but every visit requires at least 3 pages of paperwork regarding current pain, location of pain, trips to other doctors, etc. The funny thing is that I don’t think we’ve actually ever talked about what I’ve written on the papers in our actual visit.
Next comes the drug test to prove that I’m not addict and no other drugs besides the one prescribed are in my system. This is the part of the visit I hate the most as I feel like I’m treated like a drug seeker or criminal but at the same I know they have to do it because there are people out there abusing the system. Its just frustrating.
Next comes the pill count. You have to bring in your current bottle so they can count how many pills you have left (per regulations they can call you in at any point for a pill count and/or drug test). This part I really don’t get because if someone really wanted to work around the system they would just leave some at home or say they are completely out but I assume they would catch onto patterns. My prescription is then adjusted based on how many pills I have left over in a month.
This visit was extended as little as we discussed my op report from my August surgery. I had glanced over it previously but today was the first day I actually read it in depth so I realize that the pain I’ve been having really could be related to the healing process. Things were pretty crazy in there so they had to do a lot of moving and excising, specifically around my bladder and bowels. So it does make me feel a little better about still dealing with pelvic pain as the doctor gave me some reassurance about the length of the healing process after a laparotomy (open surgery) versus the less evasive laparascopy (where they make minimal incisions). I was starting to panic that maybe my surgery was for nothing but now I feel a little more assured that in the end it will all be worth it!
So there you have it folks – a day in my life with a trip to the pain clinic! Tomorrow’s post will include our daily frenzy in getting ready and out the door!
Hi,
I just stumbled across your blog, as I found you on twitter. I am a fellow spoonie. I was reading one of your posts from July about allergy testing for your daughter, and I was wondering, have you ever heard of the ELISA/ACT test? It’s a test done by Better Lab Tests Now and it’s a delayed sensitivies test. Similar to the allergies, but they draw blood and then test it on slides over a number of days. Through this testing I found out I have to avoid a number of preservatives, red dye number 40, cola and the toughest of all SUGAR in all processed forms…I need to avoid all of these things for at least 6 months and then I will retest to see if my body has regained it’s regular tolerances again. It’s been 11 weeks and I have a lot more energy than I used to. Maybe ELISA/ACT could help you and your little girl too?
Take care. jg
Thanks for the info! Once she turns 3 we will go to an allergy specialist so I will ask about that!
Wow! That is a ton of work some pain meds! Worth it if you are in pain but still frustrating. My best friend’s mom had to wait almost three days to get pain meds because of all the regulations. Horrible.
I had a laparascopy last year. Most of my friend were up and bouncing around in no time at all. It took me a little longer but was still not bad at all. Totally worth it.
I’ve always seemed to be on the slower end of healing after a procedure! My sister had to gallbladder out last year and was back to normal within days! Its amazing how it affects people so differently! Now if it will just stop raining, maybe I can feel better!
I love how you documented your doctor visit… and I can’t believe all the paperwork! I imagine it gets pretty frustrating.
The paperwork wouldn’t be so frustrating if they actually looked at it! I guess at these places they have to document everything thanks to the crazies!
I never had to have a pill count before! I wonder how that works when you take them PRN, because I take them sporadically and sometimes one a time or two at a time depending on my pain level.
I definately think your pain is related to the healing process. Even at work when my patients have a cesarean section they think it’s a quick recovery. People don’t get that it is MAJOR abdominal surgery with lots of tugging and pulling on your internal organs. I can’t even imagine how your surgery was with removing all your adhesions!
Hang in there! Remember…you fight like a girl…and we are tough! =)
Thanks Jessica! Now that I’ve got a regular monthly rx of pain killers is what makes the difference as far as pill counts, drug tests, etc. The first 3 months I was at the clinic I had to do it monthly but they have released me to every 3 months so I guess I should be thankful 🙂
Lordy! I have been to assorted pain management doctors but never anything as elaborate as that. I’ve only been on controlled painkillers really briefly, though, thankfully.
Healing always takes longer than we want it to, but I hope you feel much better soon!
Thanks for the well wishes! I hope that I won’t be on controlled painkillers for life! That scares me! LOL!
Drives me crazy when doctors have you fill out umpteen page forms and then either never talk about what you’ve written or ask you all the questions again in the exam room.