When do you ask?
By Amber
@AmbiePam (120690)
United States
April 19, 2022 2:37pm CST
When I was 18 a man ran my car off the road, and my life was never the same.Boo hoo.
However, it left me with a really messed up neck and back; the back being worse than the neck. I've had multiple surgeries and procedures, but about 9 years after the wreck I started on pain medication (very weak pain medicine at first).
Fast forward to now when doctors are scared to prescribe opioids. After about 8 years on the same dose, I finally asked my pain management doctor for an increase in my pain medication. He said yes, and I was stunned, and happy. It also made me feel good because he, in the past, has said he really has to trust a patient to up their dose. I went years not complaining because I didn't want to ask.
After my vacation I also asked for an application to get a handicap sign for my car. My back was just done with the amount of walking I did, that SHOULDN'T have been too much. He was surprised I had never applied for one with my injuries. I never did because if you see me, I look fine. I don't look like anything is wrong, and I think of those signs for people who can barely walk. Or they have health problems that exhaust their bodies.
When do you get the push to ask your doctor for a change? When would you give in and ask for a handicap placard for your car?
However, it left me with a really messed up neck and back; the back being worse than the neck. I've had multiple surgeries and procedures, but about 9 years after the wreck I started on pain medication (very weak pain medicine at first).
Fast forward to now when doctors are scared to prescribe opioids. After about 8 years on the same dose, I finally asked my pain management doctor for an increase in my pain medication. He said yes, and I was stunned, and happy. It also made me feel good because he, in the past, has said he really has to trust a patient to up their dose. I went years not complaining because I didn't want to ask.
After my vacation I also asked for an application to get a handicap sign for my car. My back was just done with the amount of walking I did, that SHOULDN'T have been too much. He was surprised I had never applied for one with my injuries. I never did because if you see me, I look fine. I don't look like anything is wrong, and I think of those signs for people who can barely walk. Or they have health problems that exhaust their bodies.
When do you get the push to ask your doctor for a change? When would you give in and ask for a handicap placard for your car?15 people like this
14 responses
@bunnybon7 (50970)
• Holiday, Florida
23 Apr 22
You probably should have many years ago. I know about pain. But I haven't suffered as long as you. I just started getting a lot extra since I was about 60. I'm 74 now so only about 14 yrs. I've suffered with the arthritis and ostioperosis. Not sure how to spell that.
Anyway, I hope you can find some relief now. 
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222310)
• United States
20 Apr 22
I already have a pain pill prescription and a handicap placard. My doctor has been very understanding and trusting of me. I'm glad you got your meds and placard.
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (222310)
• United States
21 Apr 22
@AmbiePam She's a PCP; and I've been going to her for about 25 years.
@snowy22315 (208846)
• United States
19 Apr 22
I think if I felt I really needed one. I am also shocked that my mom with her mobility issues doesn't have one, at least to my knowledge, if she has one, she doesn't use it. I think some people dont like to admit they have a problem.
1 person likes this
@Juliaacv (56199)
• Canada
20 Apr 22
Its a good doctor who monitor's their patient's pain levels like that.
Not only are those pain pills addictive, but they are hard on our livers.
I think that you held out and did your very best.
It is time for you to have a placard for parking, I see people using them and I never look to see if they are hobbling or not, that is not my place, I just think of how wonderful it is that we have these spots for those that need them.
I give dirty looks to anyone who abuses those spots, not that you can see much when I am wearing a mask, but my eyes are piercing looking just the same. 
Then I do judge.
Then I do judge.1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (169449)
• United States
20 Apr 22
I am still pretty far from a handicap placard, unless it is for Bob. A year and a half ago was a different story, but some changes took care of most of the pain in my leg, hip, and back. I do not have pain killers to take, but I do have muscle relaxers. I just do not take them unless I can afford to sleep a lot. I postpone asking for help often. My hands and arms have bothered me off and on for over twenty years. I only mentioned it to the doctor in trying to determine if it was spiking my blood sugar, which it was. I guess I ask for help when nothing else works.
/
1 person likes this
@allknowing (153544)
• India
20 Apr 22
I have a couple of doctors I am friendly with and so have no hesitation in asking
1 person likes this
@kaylachan (84758)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
19 Apr 22
You have to do what is right for you. I try to ignore pain most of the time with moderate success. It depends on how bad it is. I have some prescriptions and only take them when my pain becomes debilitating.
1 person likes this
@toniganzon (77121)
• Philippines
20 Apr 22
If I was in your situation I would have asked earlier than you did. In both situations.
1 person likes this
