Why is it easier to get illegal drugs than help from the medical community???

Note: Mods I am not saying illegal drugs are good or bad, I am not selling or asking for them, I am merely using it as a comparison!

******Begin Rant******************
I find it difficult to fathom the fact that I can go out and EASILY get any "street" drug I wanted. Granted I would potentially be buying something marketed as something else. No guarantees on street drugs. I could get arrested. Many things could go wrong. But why is it so easy to do that (ignoring the downside) compared to getting a doctor to help figure out a diagnosis.

I have no insurance so am cash pay and really can not afford to spend money on a specialist for them to tell me I went to the wrong doctor. After researching prices it appears that a mri is the same price range as neurologist. I am a 32 y/o female. For a year and a half I have been on gabapentin and norco per my previous doctor (PA-C) for ongoing pain. I have had pain in my lower back across the entire back, between my shoulder blades and my neck. I am getting severe headaches at my temples and across my forehead. The headaches come with nausea, extreme sensitivity to sound and sometimes I have mild sensitivity to light. I have an area the size of a baseball on my tailbone that is constantly sore and bruised feeling as if I fall directly on it multiple times a day. I am also getting pins and needles on my feet / legs and along the outside and backs of my hands. (Both sides.)

If I had a gaping wound I think it would be better as I have proof but this is something no one can feel or see and those around me just cant understand how uncomfortable I am all the time. I just look lazy when I have a hard time walking or doing something as simple as grocery shopping because of the pain.

My husband is willing to ask for an advance and the PA-C has ordered an MRI but I know sometimes that may not show anything. Since specialist and MRI are the same price I want to get the most bang for the buck if that makes sense. The hip thing is a deep constant ache discomfort -> cold headache type pain in my outer thigh starting from my hips and extending halfway to my knee. Sitting or walking makes it worse. I end up just figiting(sp?) all day. The gabapentin DOES help take the edge off the hips / thigh area. The norco is amazing for my entire back, tailbone area and neck but because my previous doc was just a PA-C he is uncomfortable continuing to give me norco without having a known diagnosis. Every symptom is progressively getting worse. The headaches are every day now. I have been run through all OTC arthritis meds, Soma, Relafen, Topamax, Celebrex, Flexeril, 800mg Ibuprofen, Amitriptyline, and Prednisone with no relief. I have been given tramadol which nearly put me in the hospital with the most severe headache I have ever had. My PA-C suggested a local free clinic which really left a bad taste in my mouth.

The intern "doctor" at free clinic told me that he has a herniated disk and that he "hangs upside down, uses lidoderm patches and takes tramadol and it is all better". After my bad reaction to tramadol I took him the bottle of meds and asked if he would try something else and got a "nope". That was it. "Nope." Well, aren't you helpful? They sure did keep the bottle of Tramadol I paid for though.

So did some research on insurance. Of course I would not be covered for pre-existing conditions for 12 months after I get the insurance. So @300 a month for 12 months for nothing. Then have to meet deductible before I can get them to help pay for any medical work. Umm... yeah not worth it. And just think... ObamaCare will have us ALL paying out the @300 a month for some air pretty soon! How exciting!!!

So I have to decide...
...try to go to a specialist who may or may not attempt to figure out what is wrong or care... yet (s)he will still charge me full price I bet! And the specialist may need me to get the MRI's or other imaging which I would not be able to afford because I just paid the doctor bill... (Also, if this specialist does not care enough to figure out what is wrong and understands that some of us have to SAVE to do even simple blood work... I will have to look for another one. Just great! Looks like I am doctor shopping and I REALLY won't get any help.)
...get the MRI and hope like hell it shows something so I get a little validation and still need to go to a specialist to get it "fixed" or at least some relief.... which again I would have spent my money on the first and now can't afford the latter...
...IDK bullets are cheap. Maybe we can say that the headache made me blow my own head off to escape the pain. (Would certainly fit in with the conspiracy de-population agenda nicely!)

My mom: "Well how do all these other people get help with their medical?!?! They have disability and medicaid and you can't get even a little help? You are below the poverty line also." Me: "I don't know mom... I just don't know."

UGH!!!!

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reply to post by pslr2301
Since a specialist will definitely send you for an MRI (especially a neurologist) it's best to go ahead and have one, but do your research first. Get out your phone book and shop around. There are many medical testing/imaging facilities that will give you a huge discount for being self-pay, and some even offer payment plans. After you have chosen a facility that has a price you can live with get your doctor to send the order for the MRI to the facility you have chosen- don't just settle for the facility the doctor is "in bed with" as it is not always in your best fiscal interests.

reply to post by littled16


I have done that. I found one MRI center for much less than the general pricing and my doctor has sent in the order. Before that though I called every imaging center within 100 miles believe it or not. And I live within 100 miles from two major Texas cities and several smaller ones. The cost for the neurologist is about the same as the MRI. If I could find a neurologist that let me make payments on the entire bill I would gladly pay and would leave me able to pay outright for the MRI and payments for neurologist. May not be able to sign up for more than @$100 a month but I would be a repeat customer (first visit as a new patient is generally up there in price but prices for visits after that are manageable).

reply to post by pslr2301
I completely understand. My husband sees a neurologist (he is epileptic) and they are definitely not cheap! I imagine it would be very difficult to find one that is willing to accept payments. Since you live near a few large cities have you tried UTMB or one of Baylor's or Texas A&M's medical facilities? I don't know what part of the state you are in but I also live in Texas and if you can get into the system at one of the university facilities they charge on a sliding scale and will set up payment plans. If you haven't checked one of them out yet it is worth a shot. Often your family physician can refer you.

reply to post by littled16


I have an appointment with UTSA. I had called and was previously unable to get in but I was finally able to get in. It is still crazy hoops and hopefully I get someone who cares and *wants* to help me fix this or find out what is going on. It is a long wait for the appointment and until then I am stuck. But at least there is some light.

It is just frustrating that it is so difficult for people to get help. =(

reply to post by pslr2301


Try going to the local community hospital and ask where they have a Medical Idigent Program....they pay for the medical and whatever else you need...

I know exactly how you feel. It took me three years to get a diagnosis. And, you know what? The diagnosis didn't make as big of a difference as I had hoped, but, that's another story for another day. The diagnosis was RA.

Doctors can be the worst. They can be damaging, dismissive, downright mean. I had a few gems.

'You must be imagining things, because, there is nothing wrong with you. Here, why not try an antidepressant.'

And, I was told this with positive blood work, obvious joint swelling/redness, positive family history, and every single symptom.

Living with constant pain is a rough existence. It's exhausting and horrible. Eventually, you kind of adjust to it and start to wonder if you are feeling better or if you have just evolved. You will get a new normal, even though you didn't want one in the first place, and in time you will adapt. You have to.

The only thing worse than the physical pain, is the emotional pain. Because, no one gets it. That has been the worst pill to swallow, because sometimes, they get tired of trying to get it, or maybe they never cared to try at all. Then there is the guilt, which is also another story for another day.

It will get easier. I promise. Just please don't place too much faith that things will get magically better when you finally get a diagnosis. I was blindsided by mine even though I had been desperately seeking an answer.

And, even after I was diagnosed, it took 7 months to get a script for pain meds.

reply to post by daryllyn


Yeah it seems to be "luck of the draw" when it comes to getting a caring thoughtful doctor. And sometimes they turn out good but have to be stern and uncaring to make sure you are going to do what they ask. One of the best doctors I had was just plain rude the first time I saw him but once I went back and he saw that I was trying and doing what he asked he turned into the most caring guy.

And then, like you, I have had those that just plain don't care. Makes you wonder how they stay in practice... Using my previous example of the free clinic, he felt like what was wrong with him and worked for his problem was everyone's I guess and he would treat it the same way and only that way.

My husband is real good about trying to help me up and walk closely behind me in case I get dizzy after standing. He keeps me from falling over. He almost picks me up out of the chair. He tries to massage my hurts though that hurts even more. He sees and watches my pain as I walk up a wall with my hands because my back hurts too much to stand normally. He tries so hard to get it. And there is nothing he can do. I end up telling him I am ok and "lying" about most of the pain because he worries about me. But I wear everything on my face. He knows.

But even him trying to be supportive he just doesn't really understand. He can't see any wounds. He can't feel the stab or the ache. He just has to take my word for it. And the same for everyone else. It just looks like I am lazy or trying to get out of stuff. Just had to tell my aunt that the 2 hour drive to (and 2 home) her house for Easter was likely going to cause me more harm than good and I didn't think we would make it. But to her it is me trying to get out of coming. She loves me and understands what I am saying but it is still almost an insult that I don't *want* to go visit her. But I DO I just don't want the repercussions in my body for the car ride.

There are points where I tell my husband... "It's ok I am getting used to it." It is becoming part of my existence. It doesn't hurt any less but I know that nothing will make it better so it is just the "norm" to hurt.

I want a diagnosis for validation. For my own benefit. Something where I can say "See I am NOT lying!!!" Because without the bleeding wound or the bone sticking out of my body that is what others think.

I am glad you got a diagnosis and I really hope they are taking care of you now. I know RA is painful and debilitating. And thank you for your thoughtful response.

ETA: You mentioned guilt. I do feel guilty. My husband didn't sign up for this. He accepts it and loves me through it but it isn't fair to him. He misses out on so many things because he wants to do them with me. I try to do it and power through but it doesn't last long. I feel guilty as hell that he can't live the life he wants because he is stuck babysitting me.

reply to post by rangersdad

Thank you for your post. Sorry about not responding. I almost missed your post!

Apparently the medical indigent program is the free clinic I went to. The best they can do for any testing is blood work. The "doctor" (nurse intern) I saw ... and I may be wrong but... it seemed that he felt that my problem was the same as his and that the treatment that works for him should work for me. Never mind that I had a horrible reaction to the medication that he takes and prescribed for me. Since it works for him that is the only thing he is willing to prescribe for me and that was ALL he would do.

Not that I really care about medication or feel as though that would "fix everything". But I would like something to help me live life again. As it is we rarely go do anything because the car ride mixed in with the walking once we get there is something that is difficult for me to do now. And then you throw in the daily migraine and I am done.

I will pay for any tests and consultations I get but it is just that I have to do payments and most places don't do payments anymore or if they do then you pay more for the privilege of having the payment plan.

reply to post by pslr2301

I want a diagnosis for validation. For my own benefit. Something where I can say "See I am NOT lying!!!" Because without the bleeding wound or the bone sticking out of my body that is what others think.

I understand the quest for an answer; I lived it for three years. It is rough. It can consume you. And, there is a sense of validation when you finally get one.

I was blindsided by my RA diagnosis because I had this fantasy that they would find out what was wrong and that they will be able to fix it. But, RA doesn't work like that. There is no 'magical' cure.

That is why I warned of not placing to too much faith in the idea that a diagnosis will magically change things.

But even him trying to be supportive he just doesn't really understand. He can't see any wounds. He can't feel the stab or the ache. He just has to take my word for it. And the same for everyone else. It just looks like I am lazy or trying to get out of stuff.

This resonates with me deeply. One of the hardest things for me has been not 'looking' sick; people assume that if you look fine, you are fine. It might not be intentional, but, that doesn't make it any less hurtful. People also don't understand how tired constant pain can make a person, and chronic fatigue is a common symptom with conditions that cause chronic pain. Sometimes I am so tired and stiff that I feel like I am walking through jello; everything can be a struggle on days like that.

My husband is real good about trying to help me up and walk closely behind me in case I get dizzy after standing. He keeps me from falling over. He almost picks me up out of the chair.

I am glad you have someone to help you and be there for you. When I am in a RA flare, some days I cannot get out of bed by myself. My other half helps me up without pulling on my hands and I just have no clue what I would do without his support.

Having someone who loves you and wants and tries to understand what you go through is absolutely priceless. Hang on to him!

There is a short story you should read. Its about Lupus, but, its the best way of describing what it feels like to live with chronic pain/disability/illness and can help others understand what you are going through.

The Spoon Theory

I actually did the demonstration from the story with my other half and it really did help him to understand more. All I have to say is that I am out of spoons, and he completely understands.

And thank you for your thoughtful response.

You are welcome. I know that sometimes, for me, just knowing that someone else REALLY gets it, is very helpful.

reply to post by daryllyn


Wow I love the spoon theory. It really hit hard. Thank you for linking it.

It is hard to realize and put into practice that you just can't do everything anymore. I was the one that my family called for the hard work. The moving day packing and loading, the reliable one that would drive them to the doctor when they were sick, the take care of my kids and everyone else's too, clean someone's house to help them out and then come home and do my house. Go to the gym for a zumba class and an hour on the elliptical then back home to study for classes or get ready to go to a class.

On a good day I can still do some of the many things I used to do without any problems. And the afternoon hits and I am done for the day just after lunch. Other days I wake up done for the day. But we still have to do it. My kids understand when I am not feeling well they are a little quieter, a little more disciplined.

I bought a pair of ear muffs that drown out the louder sounds but can still allow me to hear the kids talking. I home school the 2 kids so a headache can't get in the way. But once hubby gets home it sure is nice to be able to throw him a kiss and lay down in my dark cool bedroom for a few hours to wait out the headache.

reply to post by pslr2301


I thought you might like the spoon theory (:

Have you tried an ice pack on the back of your neck for your migraines? I would die without one. Its a must.

My kids are little (3 and 5) so I can't really go lay down, because they really don't understand. So, I draw the blinds, turn on a kids' show, get my ice pack, take a pill (I take fioricet, its not perfect but, it helps), try to drink some caffeine, and lay as still as I can (elevated) with my ice pack until I feel better.

I hope you will try the ice pack!

reply to post by daryllyn


I had heard that fioricet was good for the headaches. I plan to ask to try it when I go. My sister has had "monday headaches" since she was a kid. It was likely stress of going back to school after a weekend but it was always on monday and always knocked her down hard. As an adult they gave her fioricet and she can't say enough good things about it. She is one of those people that ends up in the hospital with a headache and they give her the headache "cocktail" because she feels like she is about to die.

Fortunately she has insurance so it is not too bad. I always take into account the high fees they will charge to enter the doors and go back to bed crying like a baby. LOL!

I will def try the ice pack. It can't hurt. Who knows! It may drop the length from 3+ hours per to less.

Thank you for the suggestion! =) You are so wonderful.

reply to post by pslr2301

Thank you for the suggestion! =) You are so wonderful.

Flattery will get you everywhere with me But, seriously, thank you. And, you are welcome.

Best of luck with everything. I hope you get an answer soon.

Let me know how the ice pack works out for you!

Originally posted by pslr2301

I have had pain in my lower back across the entire back, between my shoulder blades and my neck. I am getting severe headaches at my temples and across my forehead. The headaches come with nausea, extreme sensitivity to sound and sometimes I have mild sensitivity to light. I have an area the size of a baseball on my tailbone that is constantly sore and bruised feeling as if I fall directly on it multiple times a day. I am also getting pins and needles on my feet / legs and along the outside and backs of my hands. (Both sides.)

Odd question, but have you ruled out a physical problem (either an accident in the past or just a structural oddity with your body)? Some doctors don't view chiropractors as real doctors, but they can realign you if you need it and that could help if your pain is caused by something being out of place.

I currently see a chiropractor for an "incurable" issue with my sternum, ribs and spine that had my regular doctors simply giving me high dosage motrin (advil). I am sore now with all the manipulations going on, but the pain itself is greatly diminished and I haven't had migraines since they started working on me. Not saying it would cure you, but it might help with the pain and migraines.

I would definitely go for the MRI. The symptoms you have described are indications of various things from a slipped disc to MS and it really can't be determined without the medical tests unfortunately.

You could check with your social services office, they have something called a "slide plan" where they bill you based on your ability to pay instead of charging you the full price. That can be helpful if you are not on medicare or medicaid and hopefully bring the price down considerably.

Sorry you are in pain and I hope you find the answers you need and they turn out to be the most positive and least hurtful that it's possible for them to be.

reply to post by FaithandArms


Not odd at all really. I was in an accident when I was 12 and it looked like I was a chimney sweep if you looked at my back. Solid black but not a scratch on it. It is very possible that my back may have been damaged. I have never had any imaging done on my back to confirm or deny that though. Which is why an MRI would be helpful. We would be able to see if there was something wrong physically there. If there was then it may explain the seemingly nerve damage that affects my entire body. But the hands numb, headaches, neck and shoulder area does not come from the area of my back that was hit. Again, it is a possibility that it could have been damaged up top also but less likely as I never had issues there until all of this started hitting at once.

I have been to a chiropractor and he immediately said he saw something out of alignment with my hips but it did absolutely nothing to help and hurt more after I left. I did understand that it may hurt more after but would overall lessen the pain so I was waiting patiently for that effect. It never came. I have not gotten relief from a chiropractor.

I have had the high dosage 800mg ibuprofen (advil) and it did not do anything for me. I actually have a bottle here and I occasionally try again hoping it will at least take the edge off the pain. But it is like spitting into the wind. Just a waste of time.

We originally thought it must be muscle aches but have ruled that out because the muscle relaxers, though helping me feel drowsy, did not help lessen the pain. We thought arthritis but if it was that then the 800mg ibuprofen and / or OTC arthritis would have maybe touched it. At this point we are thinking nerves. Had the accident that I was in when I was 12 messed up my back so much that after these years I have some pinched nerves then it would be explainable. Again, we would see that on a MRI. (...Probably...)

I think at this point I am going to hold off on the MRI though. Because it points to some nerve something a neurologist would be the best one to determine whether (s)he needs an MRI. Because my appointment is at the college in a large town and I believe they have a degree concentration on imaging, I am hoping that I can have a "student" do the MRI for a lower cost. The instructor will surely look over it and make sure that they caught everything.

reply to post by kthxbai


I want to do the MRI. Worried about doing it and it not showing anything. But still very cool. How often do we get to look inside our own bodies and see the inner workings?! Would definitely be cool if nothing else!

The MS thing is scary. I have not found a definitive answer whether MS is hereditary yet. My grandmother on my mom's side passed away from MS. Looking at the symptoms and what I have found I do not *think* I have MS. Of course I am not a doctor so I hate to diagnose myself. Piriformis Syndrome, Sciatica and Fibromyalgia has been thrown around. The MRI of the lower back would only show the sciatica if that was it. The piriformis would be a separate scan of some sort on the hips area and the fibro wont show up on a scan.

So at this point I guess the best thing to do is wait for the neurologist and take my little list of symptoms in there so I don't forget anything and see what they say.

Still want the MRI to make sure we are not missing anything. Makes no sense why the back has to be "3 body parts" and why they have to charge so much PER body part for the MRI. I understand the equipment is expensive but you know they make that cost up fairly quickly. Especially considering they charge more for the insurance company.

Sorry you are in pain and I hope you find the answers you need and they turn out to be the most positive and least hurtful that it's possible for them to be.

Thank you very much for your response. Just tired of it all really. Had to scream and shout a little. You guys listened and saved my hubby's ears from the chewing for once. =)

UGH wireless mouse is a little double clicky last couple days... double post. Guess it's time to change the batteries! =)

Originally posted by pslr2301
reply to post by kthxbai

 

I want to do the MRI. Worried about doing it and it not showing anything. But still very cool. How often do we get to look inside our own bodies and see the inner workings?! Would definitely be cool if nothing else!

The MS thing is scary. I have not found a definitive answer whether MS is hereditary yet. My grandmother on my mom's side passed away from MS. Looking at the symptoms and what I have found I do not *think* I have MS. Of course I am not a doctor so I hate to diagnose myself. Piriformis Syndrome, Sciatica and Fibromyalgia has been thrown around. The MRI of the lower back would only show the sciatica if that was it. The piriformis would be a separate scan of some sort on the hips area and the fibro wont show up on a scan.

So at this point I guess the best thing to do is wait for the neurologist and take my little list of symptoms in there so I don't forget anything and see what they say.

Still want the MRI to make sure we are not missing anything. Makes no sense why the back has to be "3 body parts" and why they have to charge so much PER body part for the MRI. I understand the equipment is expensive but you know they make that cost up fairly quickly. Especially considering they charge more for the insurance company.

Sorry you are in pain and I hope you find the answers you need and they turn out to be the most positive and least hurtful that it's possible for them to be.

Thank you very much for your response. Just tired of it all really. Had to scream and shout a little. You guys listened and saved my hubby's ears from the chewing for once. =)

The quickest way to narrow it down to fibromyalgia is to check specific pressure points. If 9/10 of them are sensitive, moreso than surrounding tissue, then it's a very good indication that it is fibromyalgia. The good part is that it's manageable.