Pain in the...

Well that was, for the most part, a waste of time. I went to see the neurologist yesterday, and while he was a nice enough bloke the appointment wasn’t very productive. Ultimately he didn’t really tell me anything I didn’t already know.

Dad I were siting in the waiting room and when Dr Neuro called my name I stood and walked towards him. He motioned towards Dad, asking “is that your Dad?” I nodded. He signalled Dad over, saying “why doesn’t he come in with us?” I was about to tell him that I haven’t had a parent come in with me to see the doctor since I was seventeen but gave up before I had even started speaking, opting for the path of least resistance.

We sat down in his office and he introduced himself. He was a short man with beady eyes and an awkward demeanour. He saw Dad’s work name tag and asked Dad if he did indeed work there. Dad replied yes and the good doctor proceeded to ask Dad many questions about his work and about gardening. I was thinking “Hello! Who’s appointment is this?” when the subject turned to me.

After a brief history (in which he had a blank look on his face when I said “I’ve had ME since 1999), a physical exam and a neurological exam, he told me that codeine is not good for the long term and suggested a referral from my GP to the pain management clinic. We discussed some different drug (of the non pain killer variety) therapies and that was about it. The pain is still idiopathic (of unknown origin) and now the doctor doesn’t even want me t take pain killers.

I’m getting a little frustrated to be honest. Are answers too much to ask for??