This post stuck out at me because of a few things, First off, it was my first MRI, which was totally normal. My recent (late 2009) radiography shows otherwise. It took years for my films to start showing the pain that I was feeling. Unfortunately physicians cannot get a “serum pain level,” and all the worse for it. The “pain management center” I mention was actually nothing of the sort. It was one exam room in the hospital that was staffed by one physician, who immediately upon my entering assured me that he “doesn’t prescribe anything except tramadol.” He ended up sending me to physical therapy for two months, which did more bad than good. Then he discharged me, and nothing changed.

I forgot about this for a while. The MRI and x-rays were “normal” according to the “report.” No one even looked at the films except for the techs, so they wouldn’t even let me see them. I don’t know that I trust the techs. Nothing I can do about it, apparently. The doctor at the clinic basically said he had no idea, and referred me to a pain management center. I’ve been calling them since then, and as far as I can tell they’re never actually open. My dad, who also has back problems, gave me some Norco (hydrocodone-10mg/acetaminophen-375mg). I got nine, which is 18 doses since I take them in halves. I’ve used one whole one so far.

I have no idea what this pain clinic will do for me, if anything. I currently owe the hospital like $5k. I’m waiting on their decision for the charity program.

I’m trying to desperately not hold my breath.

I haven’t had any major incidents since the last post, which was awful. I went ice skating a few days ago, which I could only manage to do for about 20 minutes before the pain was too much. It hurt pretty much all day. That was the day I took my first half of the Norco. I guess I’m not allowed to live life anymore.

I actually ended up getting on the charity program, but that only waives the hospital fees. I still got the doctors’ bills. I still owe on some of them. This was also the first time I noticed the pain starting to affect my leisure activities, such as ice skating.