In the Sea of Pain-- Without A Captain

I am truly alone in my fight with Chronic Pain due to my severely damaged spine.  


For the past seven years, I have had a trusted partner to work with in my search for pain relief.

I have written about the importance of having your Pain Management Physician being your true partner in finding solutions to for your pain.  At the moment, I am floating in the Sea of Pain, without a Captain.  No one to drive the ship, to direct the crew, to give knowledge and ideas.

It is a dangerous place to be alone, this Sea of Pain.  And scary too.

 (Photo credit: arichards63)

After seven years of being guided by my wonderful Pain Management physician, there have been changes in  insurances and medical groups, and because of these reasons, I can not see my trusted pain doctor anymore.  


I'm thrown back into looking again.  Starting brand new.  Kinda rusty at this.  7 years.  Bleh.

Those who have begun their search for a PM (Pain Management) doctor, know that just finding one is the first step, but not the easiest step.  Proximity must be considered, (insurance coverage should be established before the search begins) then physician availability is next.  

Waiting for your first appointment with a PM doctor is expected.  The first visit is important, but this will continue to be an important person in managing your life of pain.  Your LIFE of pain.  **Chronic Pain can be overwhelming to look at, as it has no expiration date, it's a lifetime of management.  

When a relationship has been established with a PM doctor, it hurts to lose that. That takes time, years, seasons.  Things change, life changes over 7 years.  My Dr. and I had an excellent rapport, he was interested, listened, had such insight and understanding, spoke the same language of pain, and most of all: he believed everything I said.  This is an important part of the doctor/patient relationship in any diagnosis, but with chronic anything, the patient must access care frequently, and on an ongoing basis.  

He knew I was a compliant patient, and never called in early for refills, etc.  He was like a psychologist, a psychiatrist, an internist, a spine specialist; and my most trusted partner in the care of my spine.  I trusted him, and he trusted me.

(Photo Credit--By Brocken Inaglory)

He saw me on days I didn't think I could handle anymore pain, anymore depression (that comes with the outlook on the rest of life being this painful) and days I sailed in with a smile.  He knew that I could be both. He expected both.  He knew I didn't have to put on any show, change anything about who I am, I just was me.  Walking in with a bounce in my step and a smile, gave him the relief of knowing that our choices, made together, and guided by him, were working.


He is going to be a tough act to follow.    


Gentle Hugs....