Has anyone had success finding a reputable pain clinic in Portland Oregon?
I was diagnosed in 2004. Have a good Lyme specialist in the Seattle area, however, one of the most difficult aspects of my illness has been managing pain. I've tried a variety of prescription and natural therapies to treat and manage symptoms - despite our best efforts my pain continues and has not responded as we have hoped for.
In unbearable circumstances, I have taken myself to the Emergency Room but chronic Lyme is controversial and I often leave without getting the help that I need or am given an anti-anxiety pill.
I've tried a couple of clinics here but have not found the right fit. If anyone has had a good experience I'd love to hear from you.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- If you mention lyme in any MD's office in Portland, OR you will be very quickly shown the way out. Same with any E.R. - "lyme" is your fast track ticket out the door.
Is there any chance the pain is due to mechanical or structural issues / injury? If so, and if you totally leave lyme out of it, you might have a chance.
However, if it is connected to lyme / TBD and it's important that it be known then . . ..
I'm just too tired to continue.
Tomorrow, Sun. March 8, there is a Lyme Support Group meeting at Good Sam in NW Portland.
I will look up my email on that on time, etc. and post back. Best to talk to others in the group.
I've never been able to go but they are a good group. Back in a minute with detail. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Portland, Oregon Lyme Support Meeting:
Topic: Sharing, learning, and encouragement Date: Sunday, March 8th Time: 1-3 pm
REMEMBER TO SPRING CLOCK AHEAD TONIGHT for time change.
Location: Legacy Good Samaritan Hospital, 1040 NW 22nd Ave, Portland, Second Floor Conference Room
The building is across the street from the Hospital's main entrance.
There is a parking garage behind this building where you can park and a doorway in the garage on the first level that connects to the building.
We will be meeting in the second floor conference room. There is an elevator if you can not take stairs and signs will posted.
As a reminder, please refrain from wearing scented perfumes, colognes, lotions etc. the day of the meeting. Many individuals with Lyme also deal with chemical sensitivities. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- I hesitate posting the group leader's phone number right now as he has a close family member in hospice and is a bit overwhelmed.
If you cannot get to the meeting Sunday, please post below and then I'll see if I can find another number and PM you. I hope you can get there, though, it would be good to connect with others who are much more in the current loop. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Is there some reason you seek a pain clinic rather than massage, acupuncture or cranial sacral therapy?
Do you need any kind of machine scans or equipment assessments -- or assessment of some other type?
Are you hoping for some kind of pharmaceutical solution?
No answer necessary if too personal - just making a point that there may be other approaches.
If "no" to both of those questions, there may be various kinds of professionals who can help. I was helped tremendously with massage with a LMT and also with cranial sacral therapy with an UPLEDGER INSTITUTE trained DO.
A RESTORATIVE YOGA class . . . and also a Qi Gong class of great help as well, over time.
Are you gluten-free? I ask because that also makes a huge help for many to lessen pain.
And MAGNESIUM. Another major consideration.
And major point here: There are a couple excellent ILADS educated LL NDs in Portland. ND is a naturopathic doctor. And in Oregon, they can prescribe from the full pharmaceutical range if they deem it appropriate.
Usually, they have other methods to try first but if you find one of the ILADS educated LL NDs you may be in the best hands. Pain can often be due to liver overload, high glutamate levels, etc.
Again, if you can get to that meeting, talking with others is often the best connection. -
Posted by hopingandpraying (Member # 9256) on :
I've been at this a long time - 24 years. 11 since my diagnosis and 13 previous when doctors were less educated and no one knew what it was.
Massage, Acupuncture, Cranial, Magnesium Injections, Narcotics, CBD Oil, Pool Therapy, Diet and SO many others were all part of my arsenal.
I relocated to the Seattle area after my diagnosis to work with two Lyme specialists - one of whom is internationally well known and revered.
Pain management has been the biggest obstacle.
I am in Portland now so, I am seeking a pain clinic here while I continue simultaneous care w/my Lyme specialist in Seattle.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Will you be able to get to the support group meeting at 1 pm today - just about another hour & a quarter from now?
If not, I will PM to you later the contact for a LL ND here - you can call their office and ask if they might recommend a pain clinic in light of the variables.
It would be helpful to know if there is a structural / mechanical / past injury matter involved or not - or if it's soft tissue stuff. -
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- Just sent you 4 private messages - so you can access them more easily for future reference. Be sure to log on so you can access those.
1. LL ND contacts in Portland -- for their help or their suggestions for pain clinics
2. State group listings - attached to report / paper
3. Local group contact
4. short survey to help obtain better treatment access via political channels in the state
That's as much as I can do to help you find out more. Hope someone else might have a more direct approach still this may get you there.
Good luck. -
Posted by twist (Member # 15315) on :
Thanks for all of the info.
Posted by Keebler (Member # 12673) on :
- You are most welcome. Hope you find what you need. -