Mother’s neck surgery recovery continues to go well. She probably has one more visit with the neck surgeon and then will be cleared. She just had x-rays done and we are waiting on that visit but so far so good. But her thoracic spine is hurting and she needs to go to pain management. The neurosurgeon referred her to a highly regarded pain management doctor, who works in his building in the big city Medical Center. We just went through that paperwork, and find that anyone on a continuous narcotic or muscle relaxer prescription requires an in person visit to obtain refill for a 28 day supply. Every single time. It is getting harder to get mother different places. She has insomnia, and tends to stay up all night and sleep late into the morning. She’s also had IBS, my entire life, and lately it tends to act up right as we are trying to go somewhere. I’m not about to load her in the car for an hour long ride when her bowels are about to act up. We actually had appointments scheduled today with this pain management and the neurosurgeon, but they have predicted all kinds of nasty stormy weather and mother decided we should not go. I also hesitate to drive in the weather they are predicting. So after reading the pain management policies. I decided it was going to be too hard to get involved in something that requires, a trip to the big city med center every few weeks. I’m just not signing up for that nightmare. So I found a pain management doctor close to where we live. He may not be the best of the best or recommended by the hotshot in Neurosurgeon, but it will be much more manageable.
We are waiting to see if there is some procedure or injection. He can do to her thoracic spine. I know the goal is to get her off of narcotics, but I’m not convinced that will happen. She has osteoporosis in some things that look like compression fractures.
This year I have a few family members that have needed to collect all sorts of specialists. We are blessed to have options & everyone is willing to keep things local where possible. This allows the more independant ones to drive or take a short solo taxi ride. Those needing a driver to wrangle walkers or wheelchairs make it easier on family by choosing sensible locations.
Only varient is an ER listed as preferred location for one LO. It is accross town, busy & hard to park, but, is connected to a good rehab, which is easy to travel to & park. It has better links to permanant care in an area I'd be happier with longterm too.
People fall, get ill, have accidents. The future is unknown. But if I do get to choose an ER so that the follow-on pathway suits - good.
I'm looking after my mental health too.
What do they do with cases such as yours? Is PT helpful? Would strengthening muscles help in this situation?
PT helped my husband after rotator cuff surgery on each shoulder. He had awful pain for a while.
PT helped me tremendously after my surgery for an open compound fracture that I had in a bicycle accident.
I was paralyzed for a while. The physical therapist forced movement and I went through an aggressive physical therapy program for several months.
PT was worth it though. I have some permanent damage but I got back about 80 percent of my range of motion.
It’s funny, I can tell when the weather is going to change due to the steel rods on my bones! I can’t get through X-rays at the airport. I get thoroughly searched when I travel.
Hopefully, they will be able to manage her pain and find the right balance of meds so she can feel better.
Living with chronic pain is miserable! Addiction does complicate matters.
Everyone responds differently to meds. Wishing you and your mother well.
i’m trying to put some things together from the time we were absent. When she kept being found outside disoriented, and one time naked, the only difference in her medication list was she was on Soma and Elavil for the antidepressant. And it sounds like she was really out of it at times then.
My mother went into the hospital for seizures. While she was there, I was told that they saw symptoms of Parkinson’s disease.
We were instructed to make an appointment at a large medical center because they had a doctor on staff that specialized in Parkinson’s disease.
Since this was a teaching hospital, mom initially saw the doctor they recommended, then she had rotating doctors who treated her throughout her time under their care.
My mother wasn’t comfortable with this situation and said that she often felt like a guinea pig.
My mother was more comfortable seeing one doctor on a regular basis. I found another neurologist who treated mom very well. It was closer to home, easier parking and a lot less traffic.
You’ll be fine with a place other than the place that was suggested for your mom.
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The thoracic spine is a particularly painful area for me now after I had kyphoplasty surgery to repair broken vertebrae. Hard core pain meds aren't the answer for me because they cause more issues than they cure, plus we build a tolerance for them after awhile and need more.
I think it's a good idea to look out for YOURSELF these days bc it'll be one thing after another with mom.
I doubt your mother will receive inferior care at the closer place. You can always read articles by Dr. Fancy and discuss them with Dr. Local.
I so hope that there is good pain management that works here, and so worried you won't be able to find the right mix and combo to handle this. Compression of the spine adding to whatever issues are already there is excruciating. I deal with chronic back pain as a former nurse; motrin used to be my best friend before I understood the damage it did to my IBS and my Diverticulitis. I am medication free now, and just "deal with it" but can well imagine at 81 there will come a time when it won't be that simple.
I sure wish you luck. I congratulate yourself for arranging this so well. Massive pat on the back to you, but not enough to knock you over, O.
He may recommend Mom coming in every 28 days but that is not the law. With DEA controlled meds, a 30/31 day refill is only allowed. None of that 90 day refill stuff. In my State, u must see a doctor for a new prescription every 6 months.
You did OK.