[Fading]

Hello -
I've been dealing with debilitating chronic pain for 7 years and I just can't keep on like this.
I've been on and off aLOT of meds during all of this.

The reason my pain doc wants me to see a psychiatrist is because (I guess) they want to determine if depression is causing my pain to be worse.....or vice versa. My tolerance to opioids is pretty high and this will probably be one of the main things we will address - to try and manage my meds and depression.

I'm a bit nervous about my first visit with the Psych Dr.....
Can anyone give me some pointers on how to go to this visit feeling good about it and confident?

There is alot at stake here and I might be heading toward disability.
I just don't want a label put on me regarding the meds I've been taking.

Has anyone else been referred to a psyche Dr by your pain doctor?
I'm just not sure what to expect.....
Thanks

[Leed]

Yes, I was. My pain doc had a psychologist on staff, and I had to have a session with him. I was a bit nervous, but it wasn't bad at all. The doc put me at ease so there wasn't anything to worry about.

I just answered his questions honestly and straight-forward and things went well. Obviously with chronic pain, you WILL be depressed. You would be very unusual if you were not depressed. The 2 go hand in hand -- chronic pain & depression. If you're not on an antidepressant right now, you probably will be put on one. Don't be surprised if you are. It will help you feel alot better.

Best of luck & God bless. I hope everything turns out okay. Hugs, Lee

[(JD)]

Yes, it's a vicious cycle/circle. Contrary to old school minds, the connection between body/mind/spirit is inseparable. What one shares they all share. (There's a great book, Your body believes every word you say, that explains this and how to work through it, to your advantage.)

Most everyone with chronic illness battles depression. There are chemicals responses that make pain worse, which makes depression worse...etc.

CBT is great for learning how to realize what it is you're thinking, and whether it's in your own best interest, and if not, how to counter it so you begin to heal that way too.

It's not "all in your head" and not "mind over matter" in a sense that if you'd just change your mind and snap out of it, you'd be healthy... but the connection is really that strong.

So what if medicine can help you have less pain or a better life? If your own body has run out of the ability to create the amounts of chemicals your stressed body needs, and medication can supplement it, so be it!

[Fading]

Oh THANK you for these responses!
I'm new to PC and a bit overwhelmed with all of the wonderful forums here to choose from.....
I was hoping to connect with others, like you, who understand where I'm at. It's just so VERY frustrating the feeling I have that I'm not being HEARD by my pain doc! I feel as tho he just isn't quite comprehending how badly this pain (RSD) is affecting my daily life! I get the feeling that he thinks I'm taking my pain meds to help 'cheer me up'
This is SO NOT true! My pain is REAL and it is VERY debilitating!

So, when I go in to see my psyche doc, I don't want to come across as tho I am being 'defensive'.......then I'm sure i would be perceived as dependent on my pain meds. Well YES, of course I 'depend' on them....if it weren't for them, there is no way I would be able to function at my job...or family....or ANYthing!

Hopefully, like Lee said, it won't be that big of a deal.

Does anyone else share the experience I am dealing with? - Doctor not truly comprehending the scope of my pain.....
Indeed, it IS a circle of madness.
I sure hope I can feel at ease with the lady.

[spacemonkey36]

I'll throw my two cents in...if I can dig them out of the sofa...

But seriously, a pain psychologist is awesome--the one they had me see turned out to be the best advocate I have in that he** hole of a clinic. And he's going to "have another conversation" with my pain doc...We'll see. They may fire him when they find out he's a decent guy...LOL-JK!

Don't be afraid of it--these guys are all totally right on. CP has a lo of ups and downs, and that's kind of part of the territory. I've been on a streak of feeling down, but am trying to remember today is a new day, and to put one foot in front of the other, even though that's hard sometimes, since they hurt so dang bad... GOL (Groan Out Loud)...

But just go with it, be 100% honest. And I'd keep a journal, but less on your pain level, but how it's causing you to feel, and what's going through your head as a result of your pain. But keep the entries short and to the point--don't let them think your pain is your sole focus in life. Then you'd be SOL.

But good luck-I hope it goes well!

[Fading]

Thank you for these replys!
It's encouraging to read other's views and knowing I'm not the 'only one'...

I guess the main reason I'm feeling 'overwhelmed' is because my pain Dr doesn't seem to really 'recognize' RSD and what it's like to live with on a daily basis. ...... seems a bit 'odd' however, that he knew ALL about it BEFORE I agreed to get a very high-priced spinal cord stimulator implanted. Now that he's collected his big chunk of change, it's almost as tho I'm of no use to him anymore.......that I'm 'needy'.....
I feel a sense of betrayal to be quite honest.

From his standpoint, he thinks I take pain meds to help 'cheer me up' yeah, those were basically his words.
He is very arrogant. It's such a humiliating place to be in - to be made to feel like I'm such a lowlife. He's the kind of guy that will take your high dollar procedures, yet when it comes to the ongoing follow thru care, he'd just assume put a 'label' on my chart - that I have a 'conversion disorder' or something! And for the sake of technality, that was ruled out in the 'psyche eval' I had to take prior to my SCS implant. The eval was necessary to get insurance approval.
I wish I could just switch gears and get another doctor, but it's not that easy. I live in a rural area for one thing.

Anyway, I do appreciate your feedback....... I thought I sent a post last night, but either I forgot to click the 'submit post' button... or maybe my post hasn't come thru yet since I'm a new member.

Thank you for your support....I really appreciate hearing others share their experiences with chronic pain psychiatrists....

Fading.....

[spacemonkey36]

Originally Posted by Fading

Thank you for these replys!
It's encouraging to read other's views and knowing I'm not the 'only one'...

I guess the main reason I'm feeling 'overwhelmed' is because my pain Dr doesn't seem to really 'recognize' RSD and what it's like to live with on a daily basis. ...... seems a bit 'odd' however, that he knew ALL about it BEFORE I agreed to get a very high-priced spinal cord stimulator implanted. Now that he's collected his big chunk of change, it's almost as tho I'm of no use to him anymore.......that I'm 'needy'.....
I feel a sense of betrayal to be quite honest.

From his standpoint, he thinks I take pain meds to help 'cheer me up' yeah, those were basically his words.
He is very arrogant. It's such a humiliating place to be in - to be made to feel like I'm such a lowlife. He's the kind of guy that will take your high dollar procedures, yet when it comes to the ongoing follow thru care, he'd just assume put a 'label' on my chart - that I have a 'conversion disorder' or something! And for the sake of technality, that was ruled out in the 'psyche eval' I had to take prior to my SCS implant. The eval was necessary to get insurance approval.
I wish I could just switch gears and get another doctor, but it's not that easy. I live in a rural area for one thing.

Anyway, I do appreciate your feedback....... I thought I sent a post last night, but either I forgot to click the 'submit post' button... or maybe my post hasn't come thru yet since I'm a new member.

Thank you for your support....I really appreciate hearing others share their experiences with chronic pain psychiatrists....

Fading.....

Fading,

God, if I could just write down once the he-- my "pain specialist" has put me through, the number of times he's treated me like a drug-seeker and a head case, I would...and then just copy/paste it to my reply.

Unfortunately, what you're experiencing is normal. It's also due in large part to an equally large ego: his. Because you are sill in pain, he takes it that you imply failure (however true it may or may not be) on his part, and a bit of news about doctors, hon--they do not take failure-implied or otherwise, well at all. And pain doctors are even worse. You could have done everything right, and responded perfectly to treatment, and he'd still be labeling you a "crazy." Jerk-off's like that have no business in medicine-and that's what they do-one, they see it as business, not a "caring profession," as it once was, and second, they are doing just that: practicing medicine. It makes me sick.

Yup, you guessed it: I am also a crazy woman who just would prefer to sit at home, getting "high" and taking pain meds to numb out, and "cheer up." But if the stupid ******* had to walk to my mailbox in my slippers, he'd be screaming for mercy. And you bet I'd be there, and I'd dangle the prescription pad over his face while he's screaming for morphine and diladud, and tell him to go straight to the nearest Rite Aid and buy an ice pack and some Tylenol.

Sound vindictive? Like I have a chip on my shoulder? You betcha! I am 36 and have suffered from some form of chronic intractable pain since I was about 7 or 8. Yeah, I guess this many years of it has made me a bit jaded.

Keep looking though, but a word of caution: when you come across a free-standing, privately-run "pain doctor" run (limp) as fast as you can away from them: all they want to do is give you a bunch of drugs, shove a stimulator in you or put steroids in your back/joints, and then withdrawal all drugs, because then you're cured! Stick with a hospital system, but just be wary of "teaching hospitals," unless you like the feeling of a trapped lab rat.

Sorry I can't give you a better picture, and that I am not famous for sugar coating it. It's a rotten situation, but know you are not alone. And really, as long as he signs the prescription, and has no reason that you give him to stop, who cares what he thinks about why you take them? Go through the motions, and do what you have to in order to survive.

I am sorry you didn't have better luck... But keep your chin up--you amongst good company!

[Fading]

Thank you Jenna! That was great!
Your feedback is EXACTLY what I'm looking for! I'm not in to 'sugar coating' either, so I really appreciate your straightforwardness.

Do we have the same Dr I wonder???

You hit the nail on the head - especially the part about my ongoing pain implying 'failure'.....BINGO....
And see, he REPEATEDLY told me not to expect more than 50% pain relief with the SCS when he was selling me the thing!
I am very happy with the stimulator and I even claim that it gives me 70-75% relief (in my legs)......so geeeze... it's like he's just dancing all over himself with his contradicting....and HOPEFULLY the psychiatrist lady and I will do well together and that she will see this for what it is! Good LORD it isn't meant to be a 'fight' with this guy! TBH, I want OUT of his hair! He's a jerk and has no business treating RSD pts.

The more I read up on what pain psychiatrists are here for, the better it makes me feel, because i KNOW in my heart that I'm straight down the line simply wanting to manage my pain and live my life the best I can. I have aLOT of responsibilities and don't have time to @#$% with these idiots any more than they want to mess with me.
YEAH! Whewwwww you're right...it DOES feel good to let off a rant

I'll pass the soapbox on to you now ........

I see my other posts have come thru...
I guess now this makes me an 'official' member! yippeee

[racee]

i love that i can afford my psychiatrist, when your in chroonic pain for so long the hopelessness sets in...no one wants to hear your struggles anymore, your doctor is tired and frustrated that he can't help you even going to the point where he says...theres nothing no one can do for you to cure you.

i probably wouldn't be sitting here typing right now if i didn't talk to someone, someone who understands (or at least makes me believe they do) and when they say oh we want to so if it's all in your head (which mine never mentioned) than hey let's go see then if it is! cure me!, so i can be out of pain...do your magic ..i'm up for anything if it means i will be pain free!

you ned someone on your side and this might just as well be the one for you...good luck

[(JD)]

The clinical psychologist I see is expert in pain and stress management. He's trained the psychologist at the "best" pain center in Miami (though the director is old school and not very good)...and is an adjunct professor for the Univ. of Miami Medical Center, instructing MDs on pain patients.

I won't change away from him ever.

But I've had the row of other doctors, the worst, absolute worst are neurologists down here! My own MD finally "got it" with logic. I had to be logical for too long (kind of felt like I was the "adult" and ... you know)

What goes to my advantage is, like most all chronic pain patients, I don't get a "high" from my narcotic. (I say most because the newer oxycontin med and another can make someone who has real chronic pain become addicted to the high. )

What I do get is a deterioration of quality of life if I don't have pain medicine management. It isn't the fear of not getting my narcotic, it's the fear of the increased pain that I get. I can live without the narcotic, but I don't want to live because of the pain.

My MD won't prescribe enough pain medicine for me to take care of most of the pain unless I quit driving. So I take what I can get that allows me to function with level 7-8 pain normally. One reason I can't give up driving is so I can go to see that wonderful pain psychologist! (Another is to see the PT that I've also had for over 20 years, and still another is the psychological benefit of not feeling trapped.)

From time to time my MD goes off the deep end regarding my pain med. I think the FDA must send out periodic messages to any doctor who prescribes narcotics. Yet, my own MD admits that she 'scribes much more meds to her other pain patients. She does have a full practice, not just pain patients too. So I don't know what her problem is.

But I don't worry about it, and battle it (with the T's help) when it rears it's head.

Lately my MD has balked about the antiinflammatory that works wonderfully well for when my sacrum is out and on my sciatic nerve. I mean, it's an anti-inflammatory! It's allowed to be taken 4 times a day for 5 days. She used to give me a script for 20. I might go through the script over the course of 6-8 weeks. IDK what happened, but she went squirrelly on me and would only write a script for 5. FIVE? If I go into a pain flare, that doesn't get me into the second day far. So I tried to reason with her... (still in the beginning of this) and she wrote the scripts for 20, but she designated only 1 a day for 5 days. Well, because of the med rules, they can only then give me 5 tablets, not the 20 she pretended to write the script for. grrr and she's been my MD since 1995. So, sorry, no it never ends.

I've decided that I will just go to the ER for a shot if I don't have enough tablets in that case. SO? Let them pay more. Let them send my MD documentation. Maybe she'll feel better, supported that my pain is more real? I mean, this isn't for the narcotic (oh never never go to the ER asking for a narcotic!) this is for the anti inflammatory.

Even if you need a narcotic, don't ask for that in the ER. Tell them what you normally take, but that you'll try anything else they wish to give you to see if it helps, instead. Sometimes that alone will help you get the narcotic. Depends upon the shift and the qualification of the ER doc I guess. They just have so many fakers go in for narcotics, you know. And I'm sure there's plenty of real chronic pain patients that, in the throes of intense pain look just like someone who is in withdrawal from their last hit on the street. The real guys suffer, always, from the fakers.)

Ok... YOU have elicited more from me on this than I think anyone. I have Chronic Myofascial Pain (CMP) with additional pain issues ... injured in an industrial accident in 1986.

With all that said,,,, don't be afraid to try hypnosis

[spacemonkey36]

I'm lucky-my therapist is also "disabled." She had a crippling injury of some sort, has also been through the wringer in terms of pain, and so forth-and although not a pain psychologist, per se, really gets how it is. I vent, rant, and get pi**ed off, but she's been awesome at helping me figure out ways to let go of it--it being the anger and resentment.

Now, about that rather large chip that resides on my shoulder when it comes to many of the doctors? If there was something that could be done? Hmmm, not sure about that. Having been told that I am crazy, I have "munchausen syndrome" (that made my current psychiatrist laugh his butt off for about five straight minutes before he straightened up and goes, "well at least we know that's an inaccurate diagnosis"), that I am malingering, and of course, my own (and that of many others) fave, that I am drug-seeking. Oh, I forgot: looking for attention.

Now, I am being sarcastic-very. That's just my sense of humor, so please understand it's just my "coping mechanism." But yeah, even with my new therapist, I can always feel that now I have a huge wall up, and my "defenses" are on "high alert." I am anxious before an appointment, especially new consults. And honestly, with a few exceptions, I found it's pretty well-founded.

Medicine is not what it used to be: it's no longer a caring profession. Most people don't know this, but at least in the US, doctors no longer even take the Hippocratic Oath upon graduation from medical school! I am being as honest as possible-this is totally true to the best of my knowledge; perhaps it's part of the problem; but really, given that in the last 15 years or so, the care and compassion has almost disappeared completely.

We all have to be our own advocates, because like it or not, no one is gonna do it for you. Here's a few tips:

-Ask what they bill for in cash. Hang up, call back the next day, and ask what they bill the insurance for. Note the difference, if any.
-Are you required to "secure" the appointment with a Visa/Mastercard?
-Do you make your copays in cash only (many free-standing, private pain clinics do this), and yet they refuse flatly to bill the very Visa or MC you secured your appointment with? If this is the case, limp like heck-get seen, because otherwise, the appointment is billed to your card, not your insurance. But do not go back-ever. This is a very, very bad sign and should be a HUGE warning sign!!!
-What is their cancellation policy? 24 hours is pretty standard, but when it approaches 72 hours, you can pretty much assume they're looking for a way to get some cash out of the deal.
-Check with your insurance company and ask about the number of grievances filed. If you're with BC/BS, they have a website (see the back of your card), and you can check member ratings. Find out what other members of your insurance company think: this can be highly revealing.
-You have the perfect right to check their medical license. This can be done simply, and for free. Do a Google/Bing search for "Medical licensing Board, (your state)" and something will come up that will lead you to where you need to go. Enter the doctor's name and city/state, and it will tell you if they've ever been disciplined, investigated, and sometimes (not always, depends on the state), how many complaints on their license, and if it's ever been suspended.
-Check with the DEA and see if they've been in trouble there. Just do a search for the DEA webpage and follow the yellow brick road.

Professional accreditations are their bread and butter in some cases:
1. Some specialties require accreditation through specific Associations: for example a neurologist or psychiatrist has to be board-certified through the American Academy of Psychiatry and Neurology. They lose this, they are sunk. As in: doors closed. Pain docs are usually required to be board certified by the American Association for Anesthesiology (I believe I got it...I have a list of websites, but I'd have to check...my file folder with this list is called "Dirt on Doctors") or some Pain management association: but either way, this requirement is dependent also on most hospitals giving them their operating rooms, and ability to admit a patient, or do any kind of procedure, and these days, if they can't even get a hospital affiliation, doors closed.

Now, one complaint may not close their doors-it likely won't. But if enough pile up on any of the professional organizations, the medical licensure, with the insurance companies (ESPECIALLY: Blue Cross/Blue Sheild, Medicare, and yes, believe it or not, even Medicaid), all of whom accept complaints against doctors, they will be disciplined. That results in difficulties obtaining privelages at hospitals, and more complaints results in more investigations, etc, etc. It can get very hairy.

And yeah, as a former RN, I have heard horror stories. And ones where they overmedicate people (literally) into the next life, while others are grossly undertreated. It's a royal mess, thanks in large part to the fact that way back in the 1920's, when the DEA first started inviting themselves into the exam room, the AMA couldn't grow a spine, and tell them to fly a kite. Ten years prior to this, the same thing happened in England, and the British Medical Association politely-to my knowledge-told the English government to jump off a cliff. Now, as most people in England are more polite than their American counterparts, I doubt those were the words used, but I think you catch my drift.

But to anyone: if you have to, use your last bit of strength, whatever--if it's anger giving you the energy, then channel it into the productiveness of writing letters to where it's going to hurt them the most.

The Cash Register!

Or hire an attorney if it's outright malpractice. But for the legal process, it will be a period of years, your life will suddenly be everyone's business, as will your medical, psychiatirc, and social history.

But keep the chin up, and if you don't have it in you to have faith in our capitalistic legal system, I don't blame you...but there's other ways to chip away at the problem.

The problem is it takes time, energy, and resroucefulness. And it's pathetic that it's where things are now.

Sometimes, I wish I could move to another country: England, Canada even, New Zealand, anywhere else. No system is perfect, and any idiot who says ours is the best in the world--is probably a doctor driving a Porsche.

Oh, gotta dust off that chip residing on my shoulder-sorry.

Group hug anyone?

[Perna]

Maybe there's some specialized ideas here at this website?

http://www.rsds.org/4/resources/out_...ain_intro.html

[Fading]

Wow Lots of good feedback, Thanks

OK ANOTHER question! Regarding my first visit with the psychiatrist....

When they ask regarding my 'history'......
I'm a bit reserved when it comes to questions of what I've done or not done in my past. I'm afraid of getting a 'tag' put on me if I admit that I used to enjoy drinking beer (back in college...and in my 20's)...I come from a German community and beer is a very common thing.
And, excuse me for living , but I messed up once and got a DUI.
This is all way before my pain issue and I haven't drank in over 10 years, especially since I take all these meds.
And yes, excuse me for being human, I've tried marijuana.....Good Lord, I was born in the 60's......who HASN'T tried it!

Should I admit to these things? Will it make me look like a 'bad' person?

If I DON'T admit this, I'm sure they do background checks of some sort and I'm sure my DUI will show up. So this will make me look like an idiot if I deny these things if they're gonna probably find out anyway.

Part of me thinks it's not fair to be judged by what we've done in the past. But yet, I want to be completely honest so that I have the Dr's respect.

How is the best way to handle an issue such as this?

[Fading]

Thank you Perna! That is a VERY informative website!
I'm going to Bookmark this!


Fading

[Perna]

Originally Posted by Fading

Should I admit to these things? Will it make me look like a 'bad' person?

Talking to a psychiatrist isn't quite like talking to other doctors or "officials". It's not about "admitting" to anything. He probably mostly wants to know about your pain and its causes. If he asks about drinking or drugs, just an offhand, "Some, back in college, umteeump years ago" is sufficient. If he asks more details, be specific but don't be detailed (don't tell whole stories, just facts). Being factual about things you don't think germane or that you don't particularly want to talk about should satisfy what they ask without making them "curious" LOL. It can be hard with a psychiatrist.

My father had a "joke" about psychiatrists (he didn't like them but never really had much to do with them, my mother did/had to back in the 1940's for a brain tumor which is why he didn't like them; of course they couldn't help but back then, no one knew that yet) that went: A guy is walking down the hall and greets another guy, a psychiatrist, with "Good Morning!" The psychiatrist responds, "Why did you say that?"

If you can, get the psychiatrist on your side, talking as if you know what you are doing :-) "I have RSDS but don't think my pain doctor is very familiar with it and how much pain it can cause, can you help me think of better ways to communicate with him my needs?"

[spacemonkey36]

Originally Posted by Fading

Wow Lots of good feedback, Thanks

OK ANOTHER question! Regarding my first visit with the psychiatrist....

When they ask regarding my 'history'......
I'm a bit reserved when it comes to questions of what I've done or not done in my past. I'm afraid of getting a 'tag' put on me if I admit that I used to enjoy drinking beer (back in college...and in my 20's)...I come from a German community and beer is a very common thing.
And, excuse me for living , but I messed up once and got a DUI.
This is all way before my pain issue and I haven't drank in over 10 years, especially since I take all these meds.
And yes, excuse me for being human, I've tried marijuana.....Good Lord, I was born in the 60's......who HASN'T tried it!

Should I admit to these things? Will it make me look like a 'bad' person?

If I DON'T admit this, I'm sure they do background checks of some sort and I'm sure my DUI will show up. So this will make me look like an idiot if I deny these things if they're gonna probably find out anyway.

Part of me thinks it's not fair to be judged by what we've done in the past. But yet, I want to be completely honest so that I have the Dr's respect.

How is the best way to handle an issue such as this?

Hey,

Answer: no red-blooded American.

That was the simple answer. But if you consider yourself now to be a non-drinker, then it simply doesn't need to be brought up, depending of course, on when your DUI was, and if you passed your court-ordered evaluation (or even had to take one).

But honestly, if it's all more than ten years: don't bring it up. That may sound dishonest, but really, at this point, you gotta CYA a bit too. And you were in your 20's...idk how old you are now, I didn't check, but really, they don't need to be checking your ID either.

We're all human: we screw up. And case in point: I am a sober alcoholic...kinda enjoyed the benzos too, but chemically, they're the same as alcohol, which is probably why. I told them the God's honest truth about it, and the world didn't end, much to my surprise. Most of them are cognizant that everyone screws up, we come from different cultures and backgrounds; and being German-yah, das beer is big!!! Ok, I speak crummy German (Deutsch), but point is, it was cultural, you were young, and now you're older, you make better choices, and you haven't repeated the mistake...don't ice yourself for it.

I would keep as closed-mouthed as it is. Docs play CYA. So do we.

My own four cents I dug out of the sofa. Good luck, and just guard that info with a few concealed weapons. And if the DUI is more the 7 years old, cops don't even see it on your record, and neither does the insurance. Why should they?

Best of luck.

As for CP therapy for RSD, I know there's been recent success, even here in the US, with ketamine...you may not get it where you go now, but it's worth looking into. This is my friend's daughter Jessica's "journey" with her treatments:

http://www.hopeforjessica.blogspot.com

[Fading]

Thanks guys

Hey Jenna ---- I like your sofa! You keep digging all this change out of it, perhaps it could help pay for some of these psych visits

And (i feel stupid asking this) but what is CYA?

I have an idea what it MIGHT mean......but then, my mind can go in some pretty 'odd' places.......

[spacemonkey36]

Cover Your *****... (CYA)

I just get lucky sometimes...like when other people sit on my sofa... Me, I got "Hoover flags," or to be more modern, "obama flags" Lol...

Spare change anyone? LOL.

Hoover flags were when Herbert Hoover was President at the beginning of the Great Depression (of the 1930's, not Y2K), and to make a statement, residents of "tent cities" of the very very poor turned their pockets inside out, and the press began calling them Hoover Flags, in open criticism of President Herbert Hoover (yes, history buff present in the forum).

[Evilette]

Hello, I am new tho this community so far, but I just wanted to tell you that you are not alone with your feelings! I, too, suffer with chronic pain issues, but have not yet been sent to a psychiatrist....but I feel that discussion will be coming soon with my primary doctor. I had recently lost a 12month insurance program I was on because I'm in the middle of a disability appeal to the appeals council right now. Things are getting harder to deal with ontop of the pain. Stress starts to arise & I am starting to get so stressed out I feel I am growing more depressed by the day. And that's not something like I like to admit! I'm sure you having to go see that doctor would make you nervous, it'd make me nervous too! Sometimes people don't realize how they really feel until they actually start talking about it to actually admit it. Denial of things comes in many different ways. That's my opinion, anyways. I hope you get things figured out, pain, stress, limitations, that get to you everyday, sometimes better & sometimes worse. And mental & emotional stress can play into your physical pain. Until I started reading a lot into my conditions, a lot of that kind of stuff was stated. I am starting to honestly admit things to myself that I never would have before. Disability is a long hard road. It also makes me feel a little worthless at times. It makes you no less of a person though. Just because I miss the days I was very social & went to work full-time & supported myself, I feel that way sometimes. I miss just getting out, having friends to have fun with, associating with the public. I have been unemployed since Sept. 26, 2009. My life is totally opposite of what is once was. I live a very secluded life now, no friends that I hang out with. I'm 32 years old & I find it hard to just take care of the housework by the week! I feel horrible & I know there are a lot of people out there dealing with a lot of the same issues. Hopefully it will make you feel better to let some things out talking to that new doctor. And hopefully it will help you understand how those feelings can flow into your everyday pain & moods. I know you are looking for answers & some communication with support. I, too, could use both. I'll give you a shout out & request your friendship & if you like we could talk some more about how things are going with you & your new doctor. I would be curious, myself, to know how those sort of things go. Keep your head up, it sounds like you are trying to tackle school also? You sound very strong & I hope things will get better for you. Just wanted to reply to you post. Hope to, if you like, talk to you another time. Ok. Take care of yourself & keep your head up!

Originally Posted by Fading

Hello -
I've been dealing with debilitating chronic pain for 7 years and I just can't keep on like this.
I've been on and off aLOT of meds during all of this.

The reason my pain doc wants me to see a psychiatrist is because (I guess) they want to determine if depression is causing my pain to be worse.....or vice versa. My tolerance to opioids is pretty high and this will probably be one of the main things we will address - to try and manage my meds and depression.

I'm a bit nervous about my first visit with the Psych Dr.....
Can anyone give me some pointers on how to go to this visit feeling good about it and confident?

There is alot at stake here and I might be heading toward disability.
I just don't want a label put on me regarding the meds I've been taking.

Has anyone else been referred to a psyche Dr by your pain doctor?
I'm just not sure what to expect.....
Thanks

[(JD)]

Well, it depends upon what history your Pdoc wants. A DUI but now you don't drink? I think that would give Pdoc an avenue to help you find out what worked in doing that, so you can handle current issues the same way.

Yes, a high use of narcotics can cause rebound pain. The only way to know if you are caught up in that medical issue is to go off them. Not necessarily permanently... but you know... It could be the very medication you are taking is causing you to need more and more... and beginning again after going off it might allow for less pain on less medication. Good all 'way round imo.

It could be that there's a better medication too...new ones are always coming out.

Yes. Pain causes depression, and depression causes pain. What is their issue? It's a vicious cycle that you have to manage...MANAGE... and that means getting it to where it is manageable. Work with them as much as you can to do and feel better. You'll learn (maybe the hard way) what really works for you and what doesn't... but fighting or arguing before you try and know is not a good thing...so don't.

Good wishes!