How do I ask?

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mcda

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Hello, everyone. I am going to talk to my physician next week about my pain control (thanks to the encouraging worRAB from you all) and was also wanting to talk to her about a MRI on my cervical spine. I have only had one MRI done, which was only on my lurabar spine in May of 2007. Should I just tell her that my neck is now is severe pain, due to painful muscle spams? I am still experiencing migraines, which I had never experienced before my neck problems began. Should I just come out and ask for a MRI on my cervical spine? I am so sorry that I appear to be a "wimp", whenever it comes to my doctor (she is so special to me, and I don't want to make her mad). I am so thankful to have her as a doctor and don't want to let her down. I know how hard it is to find a good doctor and don't want to lose this one. Please, just let me "have it". I will accept all advice, no matter how brutal...Just kidding! You all are always helpful and respectful.
 
Hi PT,
I see your burning the midnight oil too. I would tell her what is bothering you and when the last tests were done, then ask if she feels it would be helpful to have another done. I would think just telling her how you feel would prompt her to want to have some xrays done at the very least.

When I called my spine dr. he actually almost suggested an MRI or CT but then we decided to see what the regular xray would show. Since there's the hardware in there I can't have either the mri or ct I can't remeraber which one now.

Please don't feel so intimidated by your dr. YOU are employing her not the other way around. She should consider herself honored that you picked her to treat you. Trust me most dr.'s don't think that way but it really is true that you employ them as kind of private contractor of sort.

I hope you have a successful discussion with your doc and get some help for your pain.

God Bless

Carol
 
I think your doctor would be upset with you if you didn't tell her whats going on. She's a doctor not a mind reader! (Dammit,Jim. :D Star Trek) lol.Just tell her muscle spasms in the arms aren't normal, and you won't get any relief if you don't talk. I hope I don't sound harsh, thats not my intention. I know you have read Peppers posts about trying to be superwoman and suffering in silence with bad results. You gotta speak up. Take Care of yourself! Keep us posted! Dee
 
Here are my thoughts on the matter of asking for increased pain meRAB, don't ask directly hey can we increase my meRAB. Rather say, I am in alot of pain and unable to cook dinner at night because my back starts burning when I bend, unable to sleep at night because I get pain down the legs, unable to walk 200 ft to the mail box because when I walk any distance the nerve pain starts going down my leg and into my foot, unable to sit for more than 5 minutes before my back starts cramping, etc. Tell her what you do to try and bring down your levels of pain, lay on heating pad, lay on ice, take hot baths/showers, try ben gay, you try meditation, etc. Can she recommend any other suggestions as what you can do?

If she still doesn't bring up meRAB say, my pain is averaging around a 7 when I take my meRAB as directed; however, if I do any of the above it jumps to 9. To me a 7 on the scale is like I slammed my finger in the door and it is a 10 is like being in active labor for 48 hours. I would like to be a 5 on the scale, is there anything else I can take or do to bring my pain levels down?

This at least shows her that you are trying non-narcotic meRAB to relieve the pain and hopefully she will chime in with increasing your meRAB. If not then you will have to ask.

Hope this helps.
 
I really appreciate all these wonderful ideas! I was wondering how exactly to approach her about my pain control, and again, you all have gave me not only the courage do it but also how to do it effectively. Again, I want to add that I am extremely blessed for all of you and this excellent site!
 
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