Hi Nicole
I am in Canada and so maybe the docs here handle things
differently than where you are? I take pred, chloroquin and 6
other meds daily as well as the pain meds prescribed.
I have seen a pain specialist related to a pain control clinic
and was told I was not a candidate for the clinic but definitely
a candidate for long term pain control because I have what he
called 'ongoing and debilitating levels of pain which will only
worsen over time without any likelihood of improvement'.
Apparently the criteria used to decide the options available to
how they treat individuals who come to them referred or
otherwise.
I was satisfied with the meds I was subsequently put on and
maintain on to this day. I live a good quality of life and am
pretty much pain free daily with breakthrough pills available for
those times that a migraine or bad flare will up the ante in pain
level.
Good luck to you, I have had a good experience with every doctor
who has dealt with me and the 'pain-handling question' and wish
the same for you... keep us updated on what happens?