Think Twice About Going To The Emergency Room For Back Pain
Copyright 2006 Robert Gould
With low back pain being the number reason why millions of
Americans miss work, you would think hospitals around the
country would be more compassionate with people who suffer from
chronic low back pain. Being a chronic pain sufferer myself who
suffers from low back pain with a herniated disc, I know too
well how ER doctors treat patients seeking help for some kind of
relief. It seems as soon as you walk in and tell them the reason
your here to see the doctor is for back pain, your immediately
cast in a different light.
The ironic thing in today's modern times, hospitals and ER
doctors have available, and can look up information on patients
that have on record tests such as, MRI's, CT scans, or any other
type of documentation to verify a diagnosis the patient is
complaining of. With so many people falsely going to ER rooms
complaining of back pain just to get medication, they should
actually do a little research before they put you in that
category of just seeking medication.
For instance, I waited 2 hours in the waiting room, after I got
back to see the ER physician, I waited in the room for an
additional hour just to hear the nurse tell me I need to go see
my primary care physician about substance abuse. I was in shock.
I could not believe they thought I was there seeking medications
and not truly suffering from pain. When just recently I had two
MRI's taken at this same hospital showing indeed I do suffer
from herniated discs, and other back problems as well. To add
insult to injury, I received a bill the following week charging
me for the visit. I wonder what did they do for me. What did
they charge me for? The only thing they did in all reality is
turn me away. So why do they charge me for turning me away in my
time of need.
Unless your in a horrible car wreck, or your wheeled in by
ambulance on a stretcher, going to the ER room for pain is a
waste of time and money. Not only is it a waste of time and
money, your humiliated by the whole ordeal. People who suffer
from chronic pain are simply not believed. For whatever the
reason may be, ER doctors do not want to treat people in pain.
Chronic pain sufferers in America are discriminated again
tremendously. Everyone who suffers from pain should write their
congressman or senators. Something has to be done. Seems doctors
are taken the war on drugs against the innocent, against the
people who truly suffer from chronic daily pain. There is
something wrong with this picture. America has the best
healthcare in the world, but yet you cant get treated for
something as simple as low back pain. I just pray for the
millions of Americans who are in the same situation they that
somehow will find a compassionate doctor who truly understands
pain. Seems most doctors today are more interested in what's
best for them, and not the patient. Don't they still take an
oath to help the sick and hurting? Sometimes I wonder