By Robert Gould | Chronic Pain | Rating:





With low back pain being the number reason why millions of Americans miss work, you would think hospitals around the country would be more compassionate with people who suffer from chronic low back pain. Being a chronic pain sufferer myself who suffers from low back pain with a herniated disc, I know too well how ER doctors treat patients seeking help for some kind of relief. It seems as soon as you walk in and tell them the reason your here to see the doctor is for back pain, your immediately cast in a different light.

The ironic thing in today's modern times, hospitals and ER doctors have available, and can look up information on patients that have on record tests such as, MRI's, CT scans, or any other type of documentation to verify a diagnosis the patient is complaining of. With so many people falsely going to ER rooms complaining of back pain just to get medication, they should actually do a little research before they put you in that category of just seeking medication.

For instance, I waited 2 hours in the waiting room, after I got back to see the ER physician, I waited in the room for an additional hour just to hear the nurse tell me I need to go see my primary care physician about substance abuse. I was in shock. I could not believe they thought I was there seeking medications and not truly suffering from pain. When just recently I had two MRI's taken at this same hospital showing indeed I do suffer from herniated discs, and other back problems as well. To add insult to injury, I received a bill the following week charging me for the visit. I wonder what did they do for me. What did they charge me for? The only thing they did in all reality is turn me away. So why do they charge me for turning me away in my time of need.

http://www.healthguidance.org/entry/1968/1/Think-Twice-About-Going-To-The-Emergency-Room-For-Back-Pain.html

I woke up feeling like I was beat with a baseball bat.

I mainly wanted to get checked out with X-rays but also would have appreciated some pain relief. I remember the nurse rolling her eyes that the doc only gave me one (1) Valium and sent me on my way. She seemed embarrassed or at least acted embarrassed. I didn't know it then but I get it now - the doc figured I was a drug seeker. Asshole.

you got that right ahole indeed. I will now let this thread go to pasture. I just needed to let others know. I would of never write about these things that I have done here in the past few weeks, it felt good to get it off my chest. Kept it in a longggg time. Self therapy I guess, can't afford a shrink.

it was the answer to that sanctimonious tome The Making of a Surgeon.

for the reply. I will see if I can get my hands on both books. Always open to seeing the views of those who are in control of my health. This thread is based on the current (and sometimes harmful) use of the saying.

is so popular I'll kick it up one more time.....

one foot in the grave and the other on a banana peel that they couldn't do anything for because they were too far gone. Sometimes the residents used them for practice for medical procedures they needed to learn. Today, I think they would apply to the uninsured as well.

my mother's life ended.

Hydrocephalus, and have records stating so, you should be able to get at least temporary relief from the pain.

having seen your posts you appear to be in such discomfort that you need some kind of treatment, it would be cruel to deny that.

records sent to a new doctor which they wanted even before seeing me. The new doctor decided to not take my case and would not even allow me to make an appointment. With all that said I really don't think the ER is going to do anything either and will just charge me for a visit.

I was seen by my doctor who did the shunt surgery a couple of months ago and even though I show all the signs of shunt malfunction/obstruction he told us that I'm depressed and also blamed my pain medication.

The pain medication is very low dose which was confirmed by the nurse practitioner I see. She does not believe it has anything to do with what is going on with my head and the Hydrocephalus.

The shunt doctor did not examine me and this IMO is guess not a diagnosis. We still owe him over three thousand dollars (since he was out of network) and I believe this may be a factor since we are not paying large sums each month.

I have stated in the past I have high threshold for pain and I will stick it out as long I can while I search for a new doctor who is in my network and is willing to take me as a patient.

The ER is going to be my last resort if I can not take anymore, which could be very soon. Thank you the reply.