pain management questions

Hi girls,
I was diagnosed with ORS last month and am waiting on an appointment with pm doctor. How long before you got your appointment?
What can I expect? Is the first appointment a consult only?
Do they do tests?
I don't know what to expect.
I can't and don't want any surgery right now( I have had three in 13 months and my doctor doesn't want to do anymore if at all possible and doesn't feel comfortable prescribing me narcotic meds every month when the ibuprofen, hot baths and hot rice packs stop working at controlling my pain).
IWe know I have ORS because my gyn did a blood test this past April and my hormone levels are consistent with someone that has working ovaries(my RSO was in Jan 2005 and my LSO was in Sept of 2005). My menopausal symptoms stopped in December of 2005 and the pain began about the same time. I am not taking HRT because of the endo that was found.
please help!!
Essie

I think that sometimes chronic pain like this does require a narcotic . I do not have ORS, however, this had to be ruled out as I have had chronic pain related to 3 surgeries in 10 months (like you). Now they think the problem is damaged nerves and I am now waiting until Aug. 23 for a nerve block. I take Lortab 3 times daily and also Lyrica (for nerve pain). BTW, I took Motrin for 15 months straight and gave myself a couple of peptic ulcers. This is also causing a lot of discomfort and I did not see it coming. Nor did I think that taking Motrin night and day was a problem. Hopefully the pain management specialist will help you control your pain until you get a firm answer on treatment options for the ORS. The first appt with a PM specialist is typically extensive and will not include a procedure or anything. That has to be scheduled. It should include prescriptions for pain control based on the type of pain you have with anything extensive scheduled down the road. They may order an MRI of your pelvis as ovarian remnants are sometimes visible on an MRI (so I was told) and/or to rule out other things. Best of luck to you!

Thank you for responding so quickly Lisa.
I am waiting for an appointment with a pain management specialist already.
Are you able to function normally with the medications you are on?
I won't drive when taking my vicoden.
Thank you again.
Essie

Hi Essie

I don't have ORS, but I do suffer from chronic back pain (failed back surgery) and have been under a Pain Management Specialist for the past six months. My first consult, she already had most of my history, but we went over it again, just so she was clear in her own head. I had to describe the pain, where it was, scale out of 1 - 10. My specialist physician already had me on prescription pain killers, so she continued me on the medication I was on - Oxycodone 5mg x 4 times daily. She also introduced a nerve pain tablet - Gabapentin 300mg x 3 times a day, as I have sciatic nerve pain along with the chronic back pain. When I saw her 2 months ago she increased the Gabapentin to 600mg x 3 times a day. The tablets don't completely take the pain away, they take the edge off it. I am still able to function and I still drive, though not very far. I am at present working part days due to not being able to sit all day and I still do my work properly and I'm not a walking zombie (hmmm... at least I don't think I am...). The pain management specialist has now written to my neurosurgeon to see if he confers with her that I am a candidate for epidural injections to try and give me some relief from this pain that doesn't abate 24/7.

I hope the pain management team are able to help you when you have your appointment.

Hi Essie, I have been in pain management for 2 years now. Your story sounds so familiar to mine. Alot of regular doctors and gyns don't want to rx the narcotics because it is tracked so closely by the govt. I am a big proponant of pain management, and trying various different methods in addition to the drug treatment plan my doc has me on. I am currently on Percocet 5mg, and Lyrica 150mg 3xday. I just began nerve blocks earlier this year, and they were successful for a period of time. I am now going for a Radio Frequency Nerve Ablation, where they burn the nerve group. So don't be afraid to try various different methods. You might hit on something that works for you.

Good Luck!!!! SusieQM

PS... Hi Gail my old mate!

Essie,
I've been in pain management for about 4 years now. I'd have to look back at my records to know the exact timeframe, but it's been quite awhile. It was one of the best things I did for me. I didn't realize how much I was hurting until I found some relief.

My pain doctor didn't do any tests because I had already had many of them. I don't think there was much left to test. We already knew that I had nerve damage from my records.

The pain doc did do a thorough exam and I filled out extensive paperwork about the pain. I did bring in a copy of all my records, that proved to be very helpful

The doc than made recommendations and we discussed them. Do keep in mind that sometimes it may take some changing of doseages or various meds to find the right fit for you. I was relieved just knowing that we were working towards relief and that someone was in my corner seeking the same goal.

Good luck! I hope the appt goes well. Do keep us posted on how you're doing.

Thank you all for sharing your experiences with me and for the well wishes.
Yesterday started another "cycle" of pain. I hope I can get through work.
I just started a different position at work last week, because the company restructured the cash office, so now I work in the photolab and am on my feet all day.
Time will tell.
I'll keep you posted.
Again thanks and have a safe Fourth of July everyone!!

To answer your earlier question Bluesuit, I can and do drive and work on my pain medication (it's the same as yours, just a different name). In the very beginning, it made me feel a bit tired and "loopy", but these side effects wore off. Good luck with your new position and I hope that you can manage ok with it! We'll be rooting for you

Thank you all for your replies.
Thank you Lauralis for putting my mind at ease.
I already work when I am on meds, but don't take them until after I get to work. I always go in about 45 minutes early so the pills have time to kick in.
Thanks Kim for giving me insight on what to expect when I get my appointment (still waiting). I am trying to keep a painlog, so it will make my visit more efficient.
Thanks Suzie and Gail for telling me some of the other options that are out there also.
Researching and others experiences are teaching me alot, and I want to go in well prepared.
Again thanks and have a safe and happy 4th!!!

bluesuit66,
There is a new advertiser here that is offering an online pain diary. It looks very interesting. I am signing up later today. You might want to take a look Online Pain Diary