What to expect when I visit Pain Management Clinic for fibromyalgia?
September 30th, 2009 | by Michael |
Bethy asked:
I have an appointment next week with the Pain Management Center at my local hospital. I am worried they are just going to tell me to go get massages etc but I don’t have insurance right now (lost my job). What can I expect in terms of tests and such? So far nothing has worked except opiates, but I would rather have relief without the bias against drugs.
ADAM
I have an appointment next week with the Pain Management Center at my local hospital. I am worried they are just going to tell me to go get massages etc but I don’t have insurance right now (lost my job). What can I expect in terms of tests and such? So far nothing has worked except opiates, but I would rather have relief without the bias against drugs.
ADAM
6 Responses to “What to expect when I visit Pain Management Clinic for fibromyalgia?”
By syl c. on Oct 1, 2009 | Reply
Many exams and tests are used to evaluate chronic pain. An initial assessment includes:
A detailed medical history. A doctor will ask you about your general medical history, past illnesses, and overall health. He or she will ask you questions about your pain, previous pain episodes, how they were treated, and whether treatment was successful. Also, your doctor will note any family history of chronic pain. In order to identify activities that cause pain, how you treat pain when it occurs, and whether the treatment relieves the pain, doctor may ask you to start keeping a pain diary (What is a PDF document?) .
A physical exam. Your physical well-being will be evaluated, which will help your doctor identify areas of pain. You may be asked to move your limbs to help identify painful areas. A physical exam may uncover health conditions that contribute to chronic pain. As part of your physical exam, you may also have:
A neurologic exam to identify possible nervous system problems. You may be asked to complete a few physical tasks, such as walking up and down a hall or getting up from a chair. By checking your reflexes and your ability to feel light touch, the exam can help determine whether you have a nerve problem. The doctor may also ask you to repeat a series of numbers or to answer simple questions about dates, places, and current events.
A mental health assessment. This test evaluates your emotional functioning and ability to think, reason, and remember. You will be asked questions to determine whether such conditions as depression, insomnia, or stress are contributing to or happening as a result of your chronic pain. These conditions often occur with chronic pain. You may also be asked about your use of alcohol and drugs. Answering these questions fully and honestly may help your doctor and you identify the sources of your chronic pain.
Diagnostic tests. These tests are often used to rule out other health conditions that can cause chronic pain. Tests may include:
Blood tests or other laboratory tests. A small sample of your blood is taken and then evaluated to see if you have an infection or other condition that could be causing your pain.
X-rays or other imaging tests (such as CT scans, MRIs, or ultrasounds). These tests take pictures of the inside structures of your body to look for disease and injury.
Electromyogram (EMG) and nerve conduction studies or other nerve tests. These tests measure muscle and nerve function to determine whether your chronic pain is related to muscle or nerve problems.
Angiogram or other vascular studies. This test injects a dye and inserts a small tube into your arteries to trace the movement of blood within your body.
Diagnostic nerve blocks. One example is an injection of a local anesthetic into or around a nerve to identify whether that nerve is causing the pain. Hope this helps. Check with your dr. on any medical advice given.
By Darren A on Oct 2, 2009 | Reply
I have arthritis and went through a chronic pain clinic. I don’t know if that is the same ,but they teach you relaxation along with exercise. I am also on opiates as long as they are taken when there is pain and not for the feeling it gives, you will be ok. In Canada there are new drugs for your condition, which may also be talked about at , your assessment. Go with open mind you will be fine
By elitimes3 on Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
I to have fibromyalgia. first of all be up front with the doctor about your finances there really is no test for it so ruling out other things is usually done with blood test, and it is based on what you have already had done. I was the same way as far as meds go. Luckily there are a lot of medicines out there that are used off label for fibro and some of them are generic. Neurotin is a good one. It is a anti seizure medication it comes in generic and also helps at night with sleeping. It is given for nerve pain. What ever you do know there are options, and finding the right combination is key. I do not take opiates every day anymore. Advil and my other scripts daily. Vicoden only when absolutely needed. But with Fibromyalgia everyone is different and everyday is different. There a lot of good websites out there that list good meds to try. Also Tramadol is a good pain killer for fibro, It doesn’t do much for my back pain which is not related to fibro but it helps with the muscle pain associated with fibro. Good Luck
By smarterthanafifthgrader on Oct 5, 2009 | Reply
I was given Lyrica (expensive) for nerve pain, it helped a lot. The problem is, I didn’t have Fibromyalgia. I have Lyme disease. Most Dr’s will just look at you like you are crazy if you ask to be tested for Lyme. For arthritis, Celebrex (also expensive) works awesome!
By 12pleze on Oct 8, 2009 | Reply
You will get steroidal shots, trigger point injections, and tramadol to start. Without taking Narcotics everyday legally you will not get much as should be if other procedures work. If you have no insurance go to local health center and they will get help with this. If you are looking for opiates, forget it until nothing else works. Pain management is for acute conditions while a Psychiatrist will help with narcotics when referred by pain management for when condition will not get better.
Believe me after 13 back surgeries and taking 100Mcg’s of Duragesic, pain pump with 10mg;s of Dilaudid, and 180 8mg’s of Dilaudid or 30mg’s of Roxicodone it is no fun. No feeling good or high just side effects that will end life prematurely.
By traci b on Oct 10, 2009 | Reply
I don’t have fibro, but I do have RSD. Tell your Dr asap you don’t have insurance. I know Lyrica has a program for people who need it but can’t afford it. The Dr will explain treatment options and go over your history. I take morphine, neurontin, percocet, and Relphan..I do not consider myself a pill popper and find that comment offensive. If that poster new the pain or felt the pain we feel on a daily basis they would realize not everyone is on meds for a high. Chronic pain *****!..Good luck..Traci