A Man Is No One's blog: "Rants"

So those of you who know me well know that for the past 18 months I have been dealing with severe shoulder and arm pain. For the longest time The doctors thought the problem was in my neck since the mri's showed a bad disc. Countless months were spent pursuing this angle, including physical therapy and medication, all with no progress. Finally, after 3 doctors and one surgeon, not to mention almost having major neck surgery that turns out would have been totally unnecessary, my last doctor finally found the problem in my shoulder not my neck. Turns out I have a nerve impingement in my shoulder as well as a couple bone spurs grinding on things. Finally a light at the end of the tunnel.

NOT!

The doctor referred me to an orthopedic surgeon once the problem was finally correctly diagnosed. The surgeon agreed to take over my case and the other doctor closed out my file on his end. I was told that when I needed a refill on my medication to call the surgeon and he would take care of it, which I did. So imagine my surprise when the surgeon denies my request because "He doesn't prescribe that for your type of injury", even though he knew full well beforehand what I was taking when he agreed to take over my full case. To make matters worse, I can't go back to the first doctor to have it filled because my case with him is now closed.

I am on 10mg Vicodin, a pretty decent narcotic from what I've been told. Perhaps I wouldn't have needed something so strong had the correct diagnosis been made 18 months ago, but as things have become progressively worse over that time the strength of drug has gone up with it. Personally I hate taking anything at all. I hate they way it makes me feel half the time, but I'll gladly take a little dizziness and fatigue over sharp stabbing pain all the time, as I am sure anyone would. But now I have this arrogant prick telling me I don't need something that strong? Who the fuck is this asshole, who has only met me once in person so far, to tell me what I do or do not need? Had he been in charge of my case all along perhaps he could make that kind of judgement, but not when he's only seen me once and managed my case for 3 weeks.

The Hypocratic Oath that all doctors take states right near the beginning that they shall do no harm. Well guess what, since he refused to fill the prescription and my old doctor stated that he can't, I have been so stressed out that things hurt worse than ever despite taking any of my dwindling supply of painkillers. Sure sounds like harm to me. I am so sick of doctors, bunch of arrogant pricks with dillusions of godhood for the most part, if you ask me, with the exception of my last doctor. I understand his position on not refilling my prescription and hold no ill will towards him. He's been the only one to stick with me all along until the correct diagnosis was made, and I can't fault him for not being able to help me now that surgeon took over the case.

So other than needing to vent here, I also want to offer everyone a word of advise. Be vary clear with your doctors about what you want to happen and what they plan to do. Don't assume they're going to do what you expect them to do.  Always advocate for yourselves, because if you don't nobody will.

~nuff said~