Standard practice or getting the run-around

[Guest guest]

I have been dealing with a lot of pain issues. I have always had chronic

headaches and been to the doctor numerous times over the years, three different

doctors. They all told me that they are not migraines and gave me codeine to

help with the pain and to come back if it does not help, when I go back they

tell me to try getting a massage or go to a chiropractor, but that does not

help. Ibuprofen has been the best " cover " for the pain but I have to take way

more than the recommended dose every day!

Over the past couple years I have been having unexplainable pain in my entire

body it seems to be a combination of joint pain and muscle pain/weakness. My

head, neck, back and legs are the worst. No matter what I do wether it be work

or relax it is a daily nightmare, affecting my work performance and my attitude.

I have been to my doctor who ran blood tests and physical tests. The blood tests

show all is normal, but she did notice the weakness and immobility throughout my

body during physical testing.

I was given a prescription for pain killers, muscle relaxers, and

anti-inflammatories, which did seem to help but the problem is still there. I

was referred to an arthritis specialist who ran physical test and found the most

limited movement in my hips and lower back.

So that is all they took x-rays of, even though I complained of my head, neck,

back, and legs being the most problem. She also decreased my dosage of pain

medication and took away the muscle relaxers.

The last two check-ups nothing has gotten better, only worse because I can't get

the relief I need due to the lower dosage. When I explain what I am going

through she gives me a 20 minute lecture about taking too many pills, then

renews the exact same prescription and sends me on my way.

I can appreciate the doctors concern of taking too many pills but she isn't even

allowing me the maximum dose for the pills I am taking. On top of that a number

of people i've talked to, on different sites I have found on the web all suggest

that I should have an MRI of my neck and back to eliminate any obvious problems.

My concern is why do these doctors not pursue that route? And why do they not

try to find an alternate drug or maybe some type of therapy that will work,

other than the same stuff over and over even though its not working. I have a

very hard time arguing with a doctors recommendation but I am getting very

frustrated. I am getting tired of taking all these pills especially when they

don't help.

Also I have not been given a solid diagnosis, they say there is slight arthritis

in my hips, but it doesn't explain the rest of the pain. I am 29 yrs old and

should not feel like this, I can't help but think there is a simple explanation

but they are not looking for it.

Should I be the one to recommend an MRI and/or alternate medication. Or is there

a reason for their way of handling my situation. If anyone has had a similar

experience or simply some suggestions that might help, please let me hear your

thoughts.

[Guest guest]

FIND A NEW DOCTOR ASAP!!