With a cervical fusion in C3-4 already, borderline stenosis in C5-6 and C6-7,
Then add Lumbar herniations: Stage 2 in L3-4 Stage 1 maybe 2 in L4-5 Stage 3+ in L5-S1, ***In all fairness they did not have the lumbar scans yet, but did see the neck during an epidural injection***
Dr. Low, I think it was, the man of oriental ethnicity; meets me in the exam room. I am 43, and have been in construction for 25 years. I did not come in and fake my range of motion or strength, as I know likely most do. (Not intending to offend anyone with this.) I was heard out, as far as my description of my pain characteristics. However, I was then told that what I was describing was just arthritis, and everything was sugared over and downplayed by a man not feeling, nor really having a clue; as to the true level of my pain. Again in all fairness, back in 2003 or 2004, I was receiving 50 mg Fentanyl patches. I explained that they only lasted 2 days, not 3, that I needed something additional or alternative, and was ignored. I went back to my primary care doc. (back when you could do it) and got a script for I think (90) 15mg oxycodone tablets. I broke narcotic contract, yes. Now, with over half of a psych. degree under my belt, working full time, and adopting my 4 year old grandson who has been severely traumatized, I am treated like I have a felony on my record. I communicate with this doctor with a heavy load of condemnation due to the issue 11 years ago. I do not even get another shot at something to relieve my pain due to an extremely old offense. I will take the injections, the procedures, but truly resent the treatment and attitude I am dealt at this institution. As a whole, the undertakings; appointment and scan scheduling, etc. is handled in a somewhat sloppy, complacent and uncaring way by a large portion of this establishment. There are diamonds in the midst of it that treat you well in their area of duty, though.
May God bless them, and also the ones I did not have great experiences with as well.
Whatever time your appointment is you have to arrive 30 minutes early so that you can sit around in pain and wait. Then if you are lucky the nurse will take you back when it is time for your appointment weigh you, take blood pressure and make you wait some more.If you are 10 minutes late for the 30 minute wait period you then have to reschedule. This office is the perfect example of the arrogance of the medical field and those in it. They don't give a damn if they inconvenience you, your time is not important. It's a shame we can't charge them for the time we lose waiting on them.
They were horrible. I was told they cannot help me because my condition is very rare and has no cure. However, they did admit that I was in chronic pain. Thankfully, my doctor then sent me to Duke Pain Managment who is amazing and very helpful to me. They have started treating me immediatley and are helping me finally not be in constant pain. I eventually found a spot after cruising around a little bit. I wish they had more convenient parking available. They consistently dismiss my concerns and accuse me of making problems up. I don't trust them to ever actually look into my concerns and see if they're valid. There was no annoying music playing while I waited or during my visit. I appreciated that they didn't have that typical elevator music on. I found the office, but only because I had simple, very clear directions. I wish it had been easier to locate. I did not feel safe at all in their care. I definitely had doubts about their qualifications.