going to Pain Specialist Dr tomorrow-Any suggestions?

[wally]

I was referred to a Pain Specialist Doctor and will be going tomorrow for the first time. My rheumatologist had me on tramadol several times a day but it was not enough so he referred me to a pain specialist. My pain comes and goes throughout the day and varies dramatically from little pain to alot. Any idea what he or she might put me on? Any suggestions?

[Sissy]

I hope you'll post your experience with the "Pain" doctor.  It'll probubly be a memorable experience!

[ceckols]

I am new to this Sjogren's site, but I am not new to Pain Management.  I have Chiari Malformation, Ehlers Danlos, and Sjogren's.  The Chiari and Ehlers combined create a huge world of pain which includes cervical spine to skull fusions with metal rods and joint and muscle pain.  The Sjogren's has increased the over-all body pain and joint pain and the exhaustion and foggy-ness as well as the neuropothy on my face and limbs.  My pain doc has been my constant through these last 6 years of diagnosis, treatments, surgeries and lots of pain.  For the body soreness and ache that Sjogren's creates my pain doc, along with my rhumy started me on a new drug called Savella.  It has some issues with blood pressure increase, but we just increased by BP meds, but I can't say enough positive things about the medication.  I call it my miracle med.  I was hurting 24 hours a day and percocets were not touching the pain.  I was so depressed and had no desire for life and unable to function because of the pain.  The Savella has given me my life back.  I am now taking Lyrica for the neuro pain coming from my swollen glands in my face and neck, as well as the Raynaulds pain in my feet and hands.  Just for the Sjogren's I take -- Plaquenel, prednisone, Savella and the Lyrica.  I think this combo is my saving grace.  Talk to your pain doc about the Savella -- it is FDA approved for fibromyalgia.  Good luck.  Stay positive
Cindy

[bloodless]

Interesting. Savella was a waste of money for me. Didn't do a thing for pain.

I've not been to a pain specialist, but I'd sure like to hear what comes from your visit. Keep us posted.

[wally]

The "Pain Specialist" doctor did a nerve test on me and put me on Neurontin for nerve pain. He said that the hand numbness he did not think was related to Sjogrens. I disagree. Too many people on this board have described this condition.

I will be getting another opinion from a neurologist later in the month.

I will post how it goes later on.   Thanks, Wally

[eyeamdry]

Sometimes we need to try "things" that do not work well for us.  I tried Savelle also, but did not consider it a waste of money.  I gave it a several months trial and decided it did not help me.  So, I can cross that off my list.  For others, it helps.  Lyrica helps me and I will continue taking it.  I also take Plaquenil and MTX and some other pain meds.  Lucy