At my wit's end

[hobbit]

My Neuro of 18 yrs retired and I have been searching for a new one. I checked out 3 and all 3 said they would not prescribe the pain meds (percocet and tylenol #4). I am dismayed that a doctor will not treat pain. I've lived with MS for 28 yrs. I shouldn't have to live in pain.

[oceanpride]

They wouldn’t be much of a Dr to you anyway if they don’t know MS can cause pain. Hopefully you can find a good one.
They are clamping down on doctors now for prescribing pain meds. Crazy !
You would think that having MS would warrant it.
Good luck in finding a Nero

[Mamabug]

Perhaps your PCP can recommend a neuro. Your PCP might also be willing to rx pain meds.

[pennstater]

Another option to look into is a pain management clinic. Depending on type/cause of pain, the approach may vary.

I don't think most neuros in this area would prescribe the meds you are on for MS. I know mine does not. They will prescribe other types of meds for neuropathic pain, while other meds for spasticity related pain. Given all the bad publicity related to certain pain killers, docs seen only willing to prescribe them for short-term use (following acute injury or surgery and to get thru physical therapy). Have you tried any other types of meds for the pain?

I wish you good luck in trying to find someone to help manage your pain.

[mike423]

Hello Pennstater, I've reached out to you before and this time I need some advice. I had a brain MRI yesterday and Neuro sent back everything looked good. Today I had a cervical mri and awaiting response. Is it common to have a clear brain MRI but have something going on in spine. I'm about to start my 2nd year of Mavenclad and feel like my body is just worsening. My vertigo is constant and fatigue is over bearing. Been prescribed numerous different meds for help, but am fearful it's something else MS related. Any thoughts or ideas. And thanks so much in advance.

[pennstater]

Hi mike243. I don't want to hijack hobbit's thread too much. If my response here doesn't help, you may want to start a new thread.

I know the most common presentation is to have lesions in both the brain and cervical. Is it possible your Neuro means that you have no new lesions in the brain and not that you don't have any?

I am not familiar with Mavenclad. Any possibility side effects can add to your symptoms? It is possible that it may not be the right med for you if you feel you are progressing. The other thing we sometimes do is chalk it all up to MS, do make sure your general health is in order (blood pressure, cholesterol, not anemic, etc ..).

If you do have more questions, I would suggest starting a new thread so Hobbit's question doesn't get lost in our discussion.

[hobbit]

Pain is a main symptom and has been for at least 20 yrs. My former Neuro and I had tried a variety of options before landing on the current regime. Pain scripts usually last for 2 to 3 month as they are taken as needed.

[annettyy]

You should talk to another doctor.

[Mamabug]

Hobbit -- I also wonder about a pain management specialist. It does seem that the medical community is making it more difficult for doctors to rx medication for pain, due to the problems that some have with opioid addiction.

[hobbit]

Mamabug, one pain specialist I saw only does injections and he said that would not work for me. The neurologist I currently have put me on tramadol and it takes off the edge but only lasts 2-3 hrs. He recently sent me to a different pain specialist who is only willing to prescribe what I'm currently getting and told me I will never be pain free. After 28 yrs of MS I kind of figured out that part but it could be better.

This whole opioid addiction debacle is aimed at the wrong people. The CDC is trying to back step now but the damage has been done and Drs are refusing to acknowledge any new reports.