Embracing life with chronic pain and illnesses.

Posts tagged ‘Somatic Symptom Disorder’

Hard Lesson Learned

Looking back on the past couple of weeks, my body and mind has been through a lot. Having experienced the withdrawal effects of Cymbalta, I can now say that there is definitely a positive side to it.

Dealing with the symptoms of going cold turkey, has brought forth an important topic to discuss with my primary doctor. I will discuss my experiences of the past two weeks. More importantly, I will be able to relate to her and my pain specialist what symptoms are helped by Cymbalta…the answer to a question that I could never really put my finger on…until now.

I am thankful for the intense nerve pain that the Cymbalta calms…that horrific feeling of charley horses, long needles and ice picks piercing my feet and hands…along with the overwhelming nerve pricks all over my body. It truly makes me appreciate my “normal” symptoms!

So yes…it is with a much better understanding that I embrace my day-to-day symptoms. I also better appreciate the combination of medications that my doctors have me on to better stabilize my symptoms.

My journey has been shifted…to a journey WITH pain…rather than OF pain.

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Psychological Review and Pain Pump

I received the written report from the Clinical Psychologist I had seen. She did such a great job in summarizing and clearly demonstrating the impact my conditions. She also officially provided another important diagnosis…I have been diagnosed with Somatic Symptom Disorder with predominant pain, persistent, severe. This is a huge step in moving forward with the pain pump trial!

I was able to forward a copy of the report via fax to my advocate who has all ready submitted it to Social Security Disability. My pain specialist has all ready submitted to insurance with the request to authorize the trial. Most importantly, it has been approved!!! By Tuesday of next week, I should have all the final instructions…the procedure is penciled in for Thursday, February 24.

I am excited to again be on track! This will be a huge step…to see if a pain pump will be an option for me.

If you find yourself in the position of having psychological testing, remember that you do not have to take the long test on the computer. Those of us dealing with conditions that affect the use of our hands would benefit greatly from the “written” test. Be sure to stand up for yourself! I don’t want anyone else to go through the five day flare that the computer testing caused me. (I did advise my doctor of this; and, she was going to review with staff that there is an alternate format for the long test.)

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