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Chicklet
27th-October-2005, 12:37 PM
Any one have any idea what a Consultant Anaesthetist (sp??) who specialises in Pain Management actually DOES to / with a patient???

Any tales of first, second, third hand experience greatly appreciated :flower:
C:D

Andy McGregor
27th-October-2005, 02:19 PM
In my past I've worked with many Pain Management Specialists - they are usually anaesthetists. To put it simply, they manage pain. They do not treat your condition, another specialist does that. The pain specialist will use phamacological, physical, electrical and psychological methods to ensure that the patient is pain free: or as close as possible to that state.

Why do you ask?

Chicklet
27th-October-2005, 02:28 PM
Why do you ask?

Thanks Andy.

Per visit to my surgeon last night it's the only thing I have left before spine fusion :eek: surgery to take the pressure off my sciatic nerve :sad:

I still haven't tried acupuncture or an osteopath so I don't think it's the last thing, just the next thing....won't be agreeing to the fusion for a while yet....and from what you say maybe the PM will suggest these things too.

Have also found an Alexander Technique class and I will ask him if that should help, or if it might be too severe.

Personally I think a nice cruise along the coast of Oman would do the world of good :rofl: but not sure my insurance co would agree :tears:

Andy McGregor
27th-October-2005, 05:42 PM
Thanks Andy.

Per visit to my surgeon last night it's the only thing I have left before spine fusion :eek: surgery to take the pressure off my sciatic nerve :sad:

I still haven't tried acupuncture or an osteopath so I don't think it's the last thing, just the next thing....won't be agreeing to the fusion for a while yet....and from what you say maybe the PM will suggest these things too.

Have also found an Alexander Technique class and I will ask him if that should help, or if it might be too severe.

Personally I think a nice cruise along the coast of Oman would do the world of good :rofl: but not sure my insurance co would agree :tears:One thing about surgeons is that they think of surgery - obvious when you think about it. The pain consultant will think about methods to relieve that pain you're experiencing. There's loads of ways to do this and a pain specialist will be able to select the one that's most likely to work in your particular curcumstances. Visiting a more specialised practitioner is unlikely to offer the same range of options available to a pain specialist. For example, a acupuncture specialist is unlikely to recommend TENS, an osteopath is unlikely to recommend strong painkillers, etc.

John S
27th-October-2005, 06:06 PM
I think surgery should be the last resort as it can't be undone, but in the end YOU have to take responsibility for your own body and decide, on the basis of ALL the advice you receive, what the best treatment is.

I've sent you a PM with some more info.

Good to see you at the BFG, though (and good to see your basque putting in such an overwhelmingly splendid appearance :whistle: - danger of thread being hi-jacked and sent upstairs!)