I'm sorry OP, this is awful. Not familiar with the health care system where you live and why your PCP can't prescribe opioids, but can you see them for help navigating how to have this addressed? I agree it looks bad if you start seeing a new PCP or go back to ED but perhaps letters from your current PCP explaining the situation would be helpful?
Im 30 years old and after a very long and defeating search for a doctor willing to listen, I was finally diagnosed with Nutcracker Syndrome. I have surgery in 1 month, but I am in debilitating pain. Im a critical care nurse of 8 years and no stranger to the difficulties with pain management faced and felt by both physicians and patients. What I was baffled by was the extreme amount of gaslighting I faced as I tried to get this syndrome ruled in/out. Ive fought for months to NOT end up in this position (stuck in pain) by advocating for myself yet listening to each physicians advice, and trying to be a good patient and human being.I was in pain management but left the clinic because the doctor wasnt willing to work with me in any way. I was given Meloxicam, Gabapentin, and one 5mg Norco per day. Only the Norco would do much of anything. I had an appointment set up with a new clinic before I left, but its not till Dec. 12th and my pain has gotten MUCH worse even in the last week. I will also still have to wait the 2 weeks to actually get any medication (as far as i understand).My surgeon cannot prescribe me anything, and I see a PCP who uses holistic and traditional medicene (basically started me on tons of supplements) and really seemed to help me, its pricey but worth it as they are also more available. BUT, they cannot prescribe pain medication as they are a cash pay direct care practice. Ive called other pain clinics and they cant get me in until even later dates, Ive texted every doctor Ive worked with and their leads have fallen through. Meanwhile, the pain is so horrible I can hardly eat or move, and getting worse by the day. I went to the ED out of desperation a couple days ago and the doctor was kind and gave me 14 Norco 5s which help the pain a bit for about 2-3 hours. But I desperately need something stronger and more permanent (obviously).As far as options, My surgeon suggested going back to the ER for more pain meds (which was weird) or my PCP though he knows they cant prescribe those meds. The ER doctor suggested a new PCP which Im considering but Ive had good support with my current one and feel they are far more accessible, especially considering something new happens each week it seems like (strep B UTIs, hypothyroidism, gallbladder and liver issues, you name it). Plus idk if anyone would feel comfortable writing me opiates on a new patient visit.Is it even worth trying a new PCP? Would it be pointless to keep both my current PCP and see a new traditional PCP that could help with pain ? Or should I switch altogether? When my current pain meds run out I WILL have to go back to the ED because it gets that bad and Im no wimp. Its a solid 7-8/10 WITH the Norco on board. Would a second ED physician even consider writing Another script?Should I try and speak to the actual doctor I will be seeing Dec 12 about my hopeless situation or insist that the nurse tell him about it?Im really at a loss, Im in Indiana so medical marijuana isnt an option. I would appreciate any advice, leads, anything. I feel like Ive been failed for a year straight, and I was hoping I would be taken more seriously as someone whose also in healthcare, but its sadly not been the case. TIA