I have a list on my phone of symptoms with dates and times that I review with my neurologist at my visits. My husband comes with me and I feel like his “back up” of my symptoms gives me credibility (which is awful, but you gotta do what you gotta do.) I also have become pretty pushy about challenging my doctors when I disagree with their assessments. I have enough knowledge to be dangerous. lol.
2024 was not a good year for me, physically and emotionally. I tried therapy a couple of years back (I was in therapy as a teen/young adult but hadn’t been for quite awhile) and it was painfully (pun not intended)obvious to me that wasn’t what I wanted or needed. I went to a pretty dark place at the end of last year but I let myself. I was honest with family and friends about it. I almost feel like I needed it. I’ve slowly, but surely, worked out of that place with research and persistence and a bunch of what my teenager calls “hippie junk.”
I am fortunate enough I can communicate with my Dr. and PA through a message board. As we all know pain doctors are becoming "less" available and there are fewer doctors going into pain management, but I've been lucky so far. After a visit I can follow up through messaging, with additional questions or clarification. I'm sure eventually this communication will come to a halt. I do appreciate it.
I write down all of my questions, with prioritizing what I need help with the most, first. Also, I make sure I communicate what is working. I am also fortunate, my follow up with my doctors PA is a half hour appt. I'm very lucky and I know this.
As far as mental health goes - icky! One pain management clinic has mental health support in their office, but they are swamped. They also have a history of canceling your mental health appt. This was not helpful at all. Also I'm allowed 12 visits per year! That's all! It stinks. Also, we ask know there is a shortage of mental health providers for chronic pain patients.
Good luck everyone... it is very challenging at times
I have a list on my phone of symptoms with dates and times that I review with my neurologist at my visits. My husband comes with me and I feel like his “back up” of my symptoms gives me credibility (which is awful, but you gotta do what you gotta do.) I also have become pretty pushy about challenging my doctors when I disagree with their assessments. I have enough knowledge to be dangerous. lol.
2024 was not a good year for me, physically and emotionally. I tried therapy a couple of years back (I was in therapy as a teen/young adult but hadn’t been for quite awhile) and it was painfully (pun not intended)obvious to me that wasn’t what I wanted or needed. I went to a pretty dark place at the end of last year but I let myself. I was honest with family and friends about it. I almost feel like I needed it. I’ve slowly, but surely, worked out of that place with research and persistence and a bunch of what my teenager calls “hippie junk.”
Thank you for sharing Laura! Sending good vibes your way. :)
I am fortunate enough I can communicate with my Dr. and PA through a message board. As we all know pain doctors are becoming "less" available and there are fewer doctors going into pain management, but I've been lucky so far. After a visit I can follow up through messaging, with additional questions or clarification. I'm sure eventually this communication will come to a halt. I do appreciate it.
I write down all of my questions, with prioritizing what I need help with the most, first. Also, I make sure I communicate what is working. I am also fortunate, my follow up with my doctors PA is a half hour appt. I'm very lucky and I know this.
As far as mental health goes - icky! One pain management clinic has mental health support in their office, but they are swamped. They also have a history of canceling your mental health appt. This was not helpful at all. Also I'm allowed 12 visits per year! That's all! It stinks. Also, we ask know there is a shortage of mental health providers for chronic pain patients.
Good luck everyone... it is very challenging at times