Photo by Angelica March on Unsplash “Thank you for being a part of our network, sir. Would you like to join the auto renewal plan?” “Well, maybe, but—” “Ok, great, yes. We can do that for you. Let me sign you up.” “Um, ok, but what I really need—” “Can you confirm your name and address for me again, sir?” “David… 88888.” … More Biologics Part 2: The Specialty Pharmacy
Photo by José Boj on Unsplash Step 1: The Specialist Carousel How many medical specialists does it take to treat a chronic pain patient? Long before obtaining an autoimmune diagnosis and investigating biologics, I pre-gamed with an extensive group of specialists. After a hip injury in 2002 sent me to physical therapy, it started a specialist carousel that lasted the next 22 years before I received a diagnosis of axial spondyloarthritis (AS). Although I can’t remember them all, I saw approximately seven to eight massage therapists, ranging from deep tissue to myofascial to craniosacral, six to seven physical therapists, three … More Biologics Part 1: Pre-Gaming with Specialists and NSAIDs
Photo by National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases on Unsplash “David, open your eyes.” The medic is calm but stern as he tries to speak over my guttural wails and a commotion of sirens, swinging doors, and patient groans. “Can you hear me, David?” I lie on a stretcher in the hallway, pressed up against the wall as doctors and nurses rush by, my contorted limbs thrashing underneath stretcher belts and grasping for air. “Nurse! Nurse! We need help, please? We were told a room was ready when we called ten minutes … More Autoimmunity and the ER
Invisible Pain 