Pain Clinic Appointment

[Yas45]

Morning everyone,

I finally got a call from the hospital arranging an appointment with the pain clinic after 10 months of waiting. What normally happens at these appointments? How should I prepare for this appointment?

I’m having a really bad week since Sunday my left hip and upper thigh has been killing me. I’ve been unable to sit down to work without being in so much pain. The painkillers didn’t help and had to use my crutches to drop off a letter at the post box which is a 5 minute walk so I was thinking of talking about this and how much my life has been affected.

Any advice would be really appreciated!!

[Nonfictionreader]

I strongly advise keeping a diary of the pain incidents and how your manage them.

How it is affecting your work, everyday life and personnel relationships

To show at your appointment.

[Yas45 in reply to Nonfictionreader]

Thank you for your advice. Luckily the doctor actually listened to me and I explained how I went from an active gym goer to relying on my crutches and having to drive instead of doing a 10 minute walk due to the pain in my left leg.

I hope that your ok!

[Konagirl60]

Make sure you bring an advocate to the appointment. When you’re in pain you can forget what was said to you and what you say to the pain specialist. They tend to dismiss women. It’s easier to say you’re hysterical and have a mental disorder. Doctors are lazy if they can’t figure out the problem.

You should be given Pain clinic Intake forms to explain what your pain feels like ( stabbing, pinching, throbbing, cutting, electrocution, how you’d rate it from 0 ( no pain ) to 10 ( life threatening ). The notes should ask your previous surgical history, your previous activities, where you worked or do work, what medications you’ve tried, what other treatments you’ve sought. Most important, you should be able to document how the pain affects daily living, and your ability to sleep.

Good luck. I hope you have a doctor that truly cares.

[Yas45 in reply to Konagirl60]

Thank you for your advice. I was first told that the doctor has no idea what is triggering my pain after looking at my MRI scan and notes from my laparoscopy. Luckily the doctor listened to what I had to say and has referred me to have MRI of my spine and to neurophysiology.

I hope that your ok now

[Konagirl60 in reply to Yas45]

I’m disabled due to negligent care.