Chronic Pain? You Need A Doctor...

Of course you need a doctor!  However not just any old doctor will do.  For a while I stayed with the same General Practioner that had treated me for a long time, but when this back pain became chronic pain, he just didn't seem to agree with much of what my highly trained (and trusted) pain specialist had diagnosed and prescribed medication for.  Every time I had to go for a new prescription, my doctor would be frustrated at having to follow the specialists advice, and I dreaded the next appointment.

I found a doctor that was willing to work with me and the rest of the pain team, and that was such a relief.  For you to be effectively treated by any health care practitioner:

1. They must listen to you.  I don't mean say 'uh huh' and nod a few times, then return to explaining to you whatever the were in the middle of saying.  They need to address your concerns, explain any medical terms you don't understand, tell you the reasons they are prescribing what medicines they think you need and how they work or can effect you.  You need a channel of clear communication between you both.

2. You must feel that you can trust them.  Now for some people that is a given.  For me, when this situation began I just blindly accepted everything any health care worker said to me, thinking that they are 100% sure and extremely experienced in what they do.  After a while I came to know that sometimes people can talk over your head, not listen and may not have the experience or information they need to move forward with what they prepose to do/administer/treat etc.

As a woman, sometimes we may be too eager to please and can hate to say 'no', even when it concerns our own health needs.  You may fear to come across as aggressive or arrogant, or perhaps you think that you don't know enough to debate a point with a treating doctor or whoever they are.  LISTEN... you are the only one who has lived in that body, and you do know when something isn't right. 

Be an active participant in your health care... it might just save your life!