I need some advice on how to talk to yet another Dr. I have to start over again with a new GP and get referred to another neurologist. What do I say to get her to listen? How do I make her understand my pain is real and I need help? I’ve had so much anxiety lately. I hate seeing new Dr’s. I hate trying to explain how I feel. And I absolutely hate to see “that” look in their eyes. I’m sure most of you can relate. I can’t even get my family to truly understand, so how do I make a stranger with a medical degree and preconceived notions about me understand?
Ask them to go over drugs for your symptoms. Whenever I expressed myself I got shut down because they dont want to deal with pain patients, ESPECIALLY the pain clinic! I hope your new doctor treats you right, and try and figure out what you want because when I tried to level with them they are just working. Remember, its their JOB and they are employees so give some power to yourself and learn about the drugs and demand demand demand. Thats what I would tell myself. Its frustrating to be in a painful situation, so I think that fogs my thoughts when the doctor just wants to figure out what to give you. After that its just figuring out what feels right for you, they have as much answers as are on the internet, and they cannot know how frustrated you really are because we spend ALL of our energy holding back. So I would walk in and tell him/her "this is what I would like because of this and this reason" instead of "I have pain and its killing me" and leaving it an open question. They cannot possibly fathom whats going on in your head so a really concentrated short summary and knowledge of all the treatments. Ive learned so much over the last few years when I talk to the doctor they think im fishing for drugs but hey, THATS EXACTLY WHY IM HERE. SO frustrating.
GOOD LUCK
Dont mean to sound pessimistic, I truly hope you can work with your new doctor, but remember, they have a time limit to adhere to, and everyone is important so I recommend skip all the referrals and try and pin them down fast!
Thanks Minty. At the moment I am not on any medications. I had to leave my neurologist because, while he gave me a diagnosis, he seemed set on giving me meds that put me in such a brain fog I couldn’t function. The fog and the tremors make it too difficult to function and take care of my kids, especially since they offered no relief from the pain. Its so hard to make people understand the pain. I’m not wearing a cast or bleeding profusely so they can’t see it. I just want a little bit of normal back. I’m tired of trying to keep the happy face on.
First get a GP to give you
Lidocaine face patches or cream
Google and print this
McGill pain scale
Fill it out and take to GP and neurologist!!
Can you pick your own neurologist that HAS TN patients?
There is a good start!
It can be better
Im going to attach a few links for you
Look at all the med combos you have not tried yet
That help us here
http://www.livingwithtn.org/forum/topics/taking-a-poll-here-please-instant-help-for-pain-now-topical
These are topicals you can ask doctor for ASAP relief
You can print meds in a word document from either of those for doctors
This is for you and caregivers
Hope this helps
Hi Tonya. I agree with Minty an Kc. I would also suggest going over some of the stuff on the site. Be prepared to give them a seminar of TN. Write out bullet points. All of us have learned the degree of medical staff limitations Choose some postings that exhibit the difficulties of social stresses and effects upon ourselves and our loved one. . Refer our site to them..
Also, go to the Facial Pain Info link at the top of the page. Scroll down the topic list until you find How Do I Help My Family to Understand?
The best way to educate others is to be informed, be kind and be patient (patience-this is the hardest task)
Good luck and please let us know how it goes.
Thank you all. Still waiting on the appointment. I appreciate all the helpful advice.