Asking My PCP About Pain Management

Seeing my PCP on Friday for my yearly physical. I want to ask her about getting my to see a new pain management doc, because the last one (who was also the first specialist I've seen for my pain) did (finally) formally diagnose me with fibro, but didn't really give me anything to deal with it. he basically said "keep doing what you're doing" but what I'm doing isn't enough. I'm in constant pain and many days can't even work because of it. I'm a little nervous to ask my PCP about it, though, because even though I like and trust her a lot, I'm worried docs are gonna think I'm just drug seeking. which isn't at all what this is-- I'd prefer to NOT be on narcs, actually. I've been on some for short periods of time after surgeries and they made me too sleepy to do anything. But I do desperately need SOMETHING to help, likely some kind of non-narc pain med that's still stronger than ibuprofen. (if such a thing even exists???) any tips on how I should approach the subject with my primary?

Your answer

TINAMARIE85

1y ago

When speaking to a new Dr I always make sure to be H.O.T. - HONEST, OPEN, AND TRANSPARENT! 😉 🙋🏽‍♀️ I, myself, will have 6yrs clean this coming August; & you know what a challenge it can be for a recovered drug addict with multiple conditions that cause chronic pain to be treated properly. 🤦🏽‍♀️😩 However, I state out loud, something to the effect of, "The fact that I had an addiction (years ago) doesn't cancel out the fact that I am CURRENTLY in very real, very severe, debilitating pain. I'm not drug seeking. As a matter of fact, I would prefer to only use narcotics as a last resort. 💯 I know that due to my condition(s) being chronic, at some point I'd end up taking them, but that's not where we have to start. 🙏🏽" @Rustyshackleford brings up some great points. Nortriptyline, & Cymbalta are great, non-narcotic medications. I do take narcotics at this point because my flare-ups are just cruel, & I'm currently in much pain due to a failed spine surgery. However, if I do not take my LYRICA, CYMBALTA, TOPAMAX, MELOXICAM, or TIZANIDINE , oh I FEEL EVERY LITTLE FAULTY SYNAPSE! Side note: Most Drs will try you on Gabapentin (or other, lesser medications) first. But, after those are a "fail", most insurance will approve you even for 'unapproved' medications; but only after you fail out of the approved ones. 🙏🏽💪🏽✊🏽💯🫡 #HAVEABLESSEDDAY🙏🏽🙌🏽🫶🏽

rustyshackleford

1y ago

No advice on talking to your PCP, but take nortriptyline for fibro and it's taken away SO MUCH of my daily pain. It's not strictly a pain med, it's actually an antidepressant, but used in low doses for pain. Cymbalta is another antidepressant used for pain, but I didn't have much luck with it. There are definitely meds you can go on for pain that aren't narcs

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