I have been struggling where I live with doctors who are unfamiliar with
UCTD, how to treat it best, how to address the symptoms I present with
and overall to be taken very seriously.
I sent my Rheumatologist a letter, who by the way--takes me very seriously, but has left certain things like pain management and day to day care to my Primary Care Doctor. Which has needless to say, been insufficient.
I asked him to not only refer me to a gastroenterologist, reviewed my symptoms and issued a request for him to refer me to a pain specialist at his hospital.
I have been discouraged for so long, with my doctor saying "OH you are
doing great"... REALLY? I can't do the things I used to, I can't work
and I spend half my day in the bathroom!!!
ANYWAY... I faxed my three page letter stating the doctors had no idea what to do with me, explained the nature of my concerns and my pain issues. I also explained that while I have a true understanding of why pain management is so difficult due to addiction issues, I was a
substance abuse counselor for 10 years. I explained I did not get into
the field because of personal experience with chemical dependency. I
Today I got a call from the hospital. The gastroenterology department
set up an appointment with me and so did the pain clinic.
I feel so relieved to be taken seriously and at least some direction to
address my current issues, instead of the local yokel "Gee I don't
know?" and "Oh you are doing great, you are still here!"
I told my PCP yesterday that, no if I were doing great I wouldn't be here!
An excerpt of what I wrote:
!
-AKR
UCTD, how to treat it best, how to address the symptoms I present with
and overall to be taken very seriously.
I sent my Rheumatologist a letter, who by the way--takes me very seriously, but has left certain things like pain management and day to day care to my Primary Care Doctor. Which has needless to say, been insufficient.
I asked him to not only refer me to a gastroenterologist, reviewed my symptoms and issued a request for him to refer me to a pain specialist at his hospital.
I have been discouraged for so long, with my doctor saying "OH you are
doing great"... REALLY? I can't do the things I used to, I can't work
and I spend half my day in the bathroom!!!
ANYWAY... I faxed my three page letter stating the doctors had no idea what to do with me, explained the nature of my concerns and my pain issues. I also explained that while I have a true understanding of why pain management is so difficult due to addiction issues, I was a
substance abuse counselor for 10 years. I explained I did not get into
the field because of personal experience with chemical dependency. I
Today I got a call from the hospital. The gastroenterology department
set up an appointment with me and so did the pain clinic.
I feel so relieved to be taken seriously and at least some direction to
address my current issues, instead of the local yokel "Gee I don't
know?" and "Oh you are doing great, you are still here!"
I told my PCP yesterday that, no if I were doing great I wouldn't be here!
An excerpt of what I wrote:
My letter workedI am really at a loss. The doctors here have no idea what to do with me. My life continues to be impacted by whatever is going on. My pain level has not improved and I am requesting that you assist me as best you can. I would like to see a gastroenterologist at (the hospital my Rheumatologist works at), there is not one here in my city. I would also like to address my pain issues with a specialist there. Having been a substance abuse counselor for so long I realize that there are concerns in addressing pain. I did not choose the substance abuse field because of personal experience with addiction. I am well aware of the potential dangers of pain management, but I also believe that I have the right to have my pain addressed and properly treated.
! -AKR
