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Why is a physician who treats addiction working
in chronic pain?
I have always had a special interest in chronic pain patients since working in the pain clinic
during my training and after the completion of my training in anesthesiology. There is considerable overlap in addiction
medicine and chronic pain. First, approximately 75% of chronic pain patients at some point develop problems with pain medication.
Another common similarity is the hopelessness that occurs with both addiction and chronic pain. Both illnesses erode the
spirit and the body. Both illnesses are often associated with depression and exhausted families who want to help, but don’t
know how.
We often see clients who have failed at traditional treatment for the chronic pain. They have tired blocks,
narcotic pumps, and spinal cord simulators. We approach the pain from massage, exercise, appropriate medication, and resolution
of the emotional trauma that occurs when you live with chronic pain. If blocks or other invasive procedures are felt to be
helpful, then we will regur you to one of the specialists we use for these types of procedures.
I have recently
had to use more pain medication to control my pain; is this normal?
It is normal to have to use larger amount
of pain medication to control the same pain. This adaptation is called tolerance or habituation. The level of medication
can become so high that your physician may become concerned about the amount of pain medication you are using. Often, this
is the reasons why chronic pain patients are referred to this practice. When the pain medication is dangerously high, it
needs to be gradually reduced. At the same time it is important to begin alternative pain management that will provide relief
from pain. This process of pain mediaction managment can take from several weeks to several months. During this time, you
will be seen frequently in the office and will be involved with one of my assistants to begin rebuilding your life.
Will
I be able to get pain medication if I need it?
Yes, but many studies with chronic pain patients show clarly
that most pain patients experience less pain when off narcotic pain killers. One of the side effects for many people on pain
medication is depression. This type of depression does not respond well to antidepressant medication. Many pain patients
find that once off pain medication they have greater mobility and freedom. Most chronic pain programs discourage the use
of pain medications for this reason.
There are a certain groups of pain patients that require pain medication. They
are a minority, but we recognize these patients exist. These patients have to go through additional tests and evaluation
due to the risks of long term pain medication.
If there anything special I need to do before I come for an appointment?
We
prefer that you obtain a referral from the physician who normally handles your care. If is important that all your physicians
be informed of your participation at HeatlhCare Connection. We will ask you for releases so we can enlist their support in
your care. It is very important that your pain has been thoroughly diagnosed and evaluated by appropriate specialists. If
we fell your evaluation is incomplete, we will refer you to the appropriate specialists.
Will my insurance cover
my treatment?
It is important that your insurance covers the required evaluation and treatment. If not,you will
be responsible for your bill. If we are unable to help you, we will do our best to refer you to an alternative program.
What happens when I finish treatment with you?
One of the most important goals of your recovery is development
of an maintenance program. This could include one or two years in our pain aftercare program as well as utilizing other community
resources which you may not be aware. Maintenance includes exercise programs, involvement in support groups, pain medication
management, and medical reevaluation when there is significant changes in your pain syndrome.
How can I get additional
information to see if I can benefit from your service?
Call my office and as to speak with my intake councilor.
If that person is unable to answer your questions, she will forward you to the staff member who can answer your questions.
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