Question: I am 73 years old with a history of back problems. I have 3 X-blocks in my back. Since April I have severe back pain and pain in my right testicle due to disc degeneration. I am seeing a neurosurgeon who is having a difficult time determining the exact cause of my pain. I have had X-rays, MRI, CAT Scan,EMG of my spine and right hip .I have had three injections in my spine and one in my right hip.All of these take time to schedule and the pain continues.All have been ineffective. Last week I went to the ER because the pain was so bad and not controlled by Tylenol #3. In the ER the were able to control the pain with 10 mg of Oxycontin about every 4 hours. They suggested i go to the pain management center next to the hospital. With the exception of the ER doctor every doctor has been reluctant to prescribe adequate pain medication. i am very angry and frustrated. I told the Pain center doctor what happened in the ER and yet he prescribes 5 mg of oxycontin twice a day. This simply does not work. It takes at least ten mg to give me relief. I used the oxycontin 5 mg tabs 2 at a time, three times a day to get relief and now i cannot get refill. The Pain doctors seem to be intimidated by the FDA and are more concerned about that than the pain of their patient. The pain management center suggested i go back to the ER. Everyone seems to be covering their ass.
How do I get help and some pain relief and what has happened to the doctors that the are so afraid to prescribe something that will help me?