Physicians have lost their minds

[usedtobedemgurl]

61. I have been in chronic pain for over twenty years....

I went to the doctor when I first got in my car accident and they prescribed Vicodin. I took a whole one and have not done so since. I had to crawl to the bathroom because I could not stand up!

I was thankful for the Vicodin because even though I was kept awake with the pain, it was more manageable.

Luckily I had insurance back then. It is only through ACA that I can now afford health care and have started going back to the doctors to see why my pain persists so many years later. By the way, when the accident happened I saw a physical therapist, a chiropractor, and a neurologist.

Before I got insurance I was gifted 58 Vicodin from a friend whose mom died. That was in December of 2015. I am down to my last five pills. I have seen several GP's, a couple of ortho's, and been to the ER. No one has offered anything stronger than a muscle relaxer. This is after x-rays, an MRI, and two epidurals done on my back due to pain.

I saw my GP last week and she said the next time I apply for a handicap placard she will make it permanent! She said that half the time I am in her office I am in tears. Of course I am. I have been diagnosed with arthritis in my hips, sciatica, facet joint disease and degenerative disc disorder. Yes, there are times when I a in tears as I even try to wipe myself after I have used the bathroom. There have been times when I have used my walk in shower, versus lifting my legs up to get into the bath, because of pain. She asked if I had thought about surgery and I told her my current ortho has said I am not at that stage. She suggested I get my MRI and seek one out. But you know what? I still am not prescribed pain meds. How crazy is that?

As of late I have taken to drinking because I need to have some relief and I want to save those last few Vicodin for when I am in deeper need than I am at the moment. What our doctors are doing to our people is crazy. My quality of life has gone way downhill. I take aquatic fitness classes and on a weekly basis I leave early and in tears. How can our doctors do this to us? There has to be a better way.

I feel for you. I hope you get relief soon.