Pain Management Clinics

[inthedark]

I have gone the "eye" route (ophthalmologists, sclerals, corneal specialists, etc..) for a very long time trying to fix my dry eye symptoms and light sensitivity. Its not working and I've now started to dry neurontin and some other neuropathic drugs.

However, I was curious about going to a Pain management clinic. I'm not sure what exactly this entails besides them attempting to alleviate my pain.

Has anyone been to one? What kind of treatments do they offer? What ideas have they given you?

Help is greatly appreciated.

[kitty]

I am a nurse and have worked closely with several pain clinics. They are set up primarily to handle chronic pain from orthopedic and neurologic injuries and illnesses, most commonly chronic back pain. The team is usually comprised of a physical therapist, occupational therapist, vocational counselor, psychologist, nurse and an MD (Rehabilitation specialist/Physiatrist). You would really need to do some looking to find out if a clinic in your area has any experience with DES. Additionally, these clinics are generally very expensive, averaging $20,000 or more for a 4-6 week program. Insurance often covers it for spine and neuro disorders, but I have no idea if it would for DES. An alternative you might consider would be to meet with a chronic pain specialist MD, preferably one with a psychiatric background, and come up with a treatment plan that focuses on your needs. In other words, create a program for you rather than try to fit yourself into a program designed for someone else. The components of the pain program that might benefit you would center around learning ways to cope with the pain. Learning coping skills is in the realm of a psychologist/psychiatrist, nurse educator with med management through an MD. Your current eye doctor should also be part of the team. I personally don't think you would need the services of PT and OT, and probably not Vocational counseling unless your DES is forcing you to find a different career.

[Lucy]

Kitty-that was a great overview about pain clinics! I've never been to one, but have often thought of it after 9 long years of this eye stuff! Reading what I did, though, may be a bit much (for me) because of all it entails. It's good to have that knowledge going in, though. thanks. Lucy