Need advice

  • Thread starter Thread starter NGriesche
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NGriesche

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Im 9 months post lurabar fusion @L5-S1. My neurosurgeon last month prescribed Ultram for pain and said after that was gone to take OTC pain relievers. I have done this and to no avail, Im not getting relief from OTC stuff.

I then made an appointment with my primary care physician to try and get some help and she told me to return to my neurosurgeon as this is pain related to my back.

Basically I'm getting nowhere and Im still in horrific pain and am not getting help from anyone.

I was wondering what I should do? Should I find a new neurosurgeon or primary care physician? Or do I just deal with this?
 
I haven't thought about that. What would that entail and what will I have to go through?
 
Your primary dr can refer you. Pain mgt randomly take urine tests to make sure you're not abusing. My pcp wouldn't treat my pain and referred me. No problem getting anything, have tried a variety of meRAB over the yrs and always go back to standard hydrocodone. Ultram works great for some people and its not classified as a narcotic, but works the same, with a bit of a anti d type feeling, didn't work for me, side effects were bad. Make sure you have all your recorRAB and any x-rays, mri's. Good luck!!
 
You can get a referral through your PCP or Orthopedic Spine Surgeon/Neurosurgeon. My PM practice rarely does the urinalysis (which is done to make sure you are taking what is prescribed). They also have you sign an agreement that you will only get pain meRAB from them. Thus you can not get any prescription from PCP, specialist, etc unless you pre-arrange it or call the PM in an emergency (for example, you break your leg over the weekend and have to fill a stronger or different med - then you have to call the PM immediately the following Monday. When I had surgery I arranged with my PM that the surgeon would prescribe post-op pain meRAB and I'd then go back to the PM doctor at one month post op.

Thus far those rules have been very easy to follow. But that's largely because I found a great PM practice where open communication is encouraged and practiced. So make sure to find the right PM practice by maybe getting a few names to set up consultations with to find the right one.
 
Hi may I suggest having an MRI done on your back to see basically whats going on!! that way you will know!......then I suggest seeing some kind of pain management clinic. they can help you manage your pain and help you deal with it sooo much better!!! they will go over your case and see what works for you....
 
I have had 4 MRIs done since the surgery and the surgeon doesn't seem to be worried about it.
 
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