UCLA Pain Clinic/SM

[ans]

Interesting discussion. For me, the rx has changed my life.

I had an S-I injection yesterday. My hip pain is gone but my left lower leg shin pain is still there and it hurts when I sit down to lift my left leg on the quads and deep in the pelvis (piriformis syndrome? neurological as I take Cymbalta for the jolts?).

My doc had an assistant who was to be an Olympic gymnast until she had an ugly compound fracture on her arm. I asked her point-blank is she was a National Merit scholar (I'm fascinated by highly-intelligent people; it's a hobby!) and she said "yes". She said that she's at the best pain management residency (or fellowship) in the country so this confirmed my sense that I'm not dealing with hacks by any stretch.

I sure wish I knew what's causing my knee/lower leg pains.

I still have to take Norco for pain which the PM doesn't want me to do but I must for flareups once/day. I would never drive with both. But it blows my mind that I am cognitively pretty intact with this med, no euphoria thank God, and that I can sleep. Again, I was up every 2 hours in pain and could barely function and I have to work. I also take Celebrex 400 mg/day and want to diminish this to 200 mg/day (lower cardiac risk) so he might have to up the Avinza which has me very nervous re: cognitive decline, safety.

With my extensive DDD, I have a sense that no matter what doctor, what method - and with osteoporosis (will get a CT of the spine re: osteo), that I suck as a candidate to get rid of this nonstop discogenic pain. I wonder if starting piriformis stretches will help me but I'm waiting for the doc re: PT.

Sorry it's so long and all about me; I was in psychological/physical agony.

Be well people. ~ ans

[scduggan]

This thread on pain management has been so helpful to me. I have learned more from you guys than I would have ever learned trying to do research on my own. I will still research all the different commonly used pain medicines....but you guys speak from experience. I talked to my OS today about a referral to a PM specialist. He is more than willing, but we decided to wait a bit as I am REALLY in limbo. I should here soon from UHC about my appeal letter. Also, if that falls through I am seriously contemplating the AxioMed Freedom Lumbar trial. My OS said "go for it". I do not think he was being flippant. I think he has a pretty good idea I am getting close to the end of my rope. He is just as frustrated and I am about the insurance nightmare. I feel so much better knowing I have a plan B with a PM doc. I am the kind of person who needs a plan. I don't like just swinging in the breeze. Thanks Guys!
CD

[ans]

*Best of luck to you!* Why not start PM now until you have your surgery so you can be in more comfort; they can wean you down later. Just an idea.

ans