Wow I'm sorry for all of the pain and hassle you had to go through.

@CarolLynnOrell. It's sad bit true. Kids never thought about using their parents prescriptions even when my kids were younger they are from 36-44 yrs old now. Now everything has to be locked up. And those of us who do not abuse and are really are in pain are caught right in the middle. :-(

@CarolLynnOrell, I'm so sorry for everything you've been through. I never did the cat scan, or MRI because I wasn't going for anything like you went through. What actually helped me the most as a fibro patient was when my husband went in with me. I have a problem with speaking really low and mumbling when I'm not feeling well. Unbeknownst to me the dr was hard of hearing. I think before that he thought I was there for the drugs. Plus I had a hard time communicating and verbalizing how I felt. After my hubby went in and explained my history and also was a witness to what I went through everyday, his whole countenance and attitude towards me changed and he ended up being the one dr that helped me the most. He helped me by diet, prescription and supplements. I will say I had been referred to him and we lived in a fairly small town. I don't know if that makes or made a difference or not but in my opinion it might have as opposed to living in a bigger city. Hugs to all.

The answer to your question specifically is they will want bld work any cat scans, mri, xrays. Where is your pain, does the pain start with any specific physical movement. Why kind of pain is it sharp stabbing, dull ache, burning radiating. On the old pain meter rate it 0-10. What is your pain right at the time of your appt. What medications do you take. What measures have been taken to make you pain free. How effective was it. If they don't ask these questions and it's an in and out appt with a hand full of scrips, you need to find someone else. This clinic does not have your best interest at heart. There are many pill.pushers out there, you don't want to be a victim of them.
You are doingthe right coming here and asking questions. Gentle hugs and pain free days

Mine was somewhat different because it was a workers comp issue. Initially, I hurt my back while working as a PCU RN. I had two weeks off with pay. I was supposed to have light duty when I went back to work. My manager told me she didn't have light duty for me come back at full strength or don't come back. I needed the money. I went back to work...I worked an additional 6 MO until I could barely walk. I then went back to employee health. A neuro Doc referral for pain that was no better. He found a annular tear in the sheathing around the CNS. It was like pulling teeth for him to tell me the truth, my unrelenting pain was most probably caused by it. I could no longer walk normally. They got me a scooter I delivered messages. Later, I educated Neonatal visitors in appropriate hand washing. I then staffed the quarters for visiting families of loved.ones visiting the hodpital. Next, I staffed an ask a nurse..I was layed off after about 6 mo. During, all this they had sent me to a shrink, pain management, physical therapy, tried pool therapy, I had back therapy, massage, injections. In the meantime before I was, laid off, I consulted with an attorney. He said as long as they paid and took care of me I was ok. When they stopped to contact him. I.was injured in 1996. I was terminated approx 2 years later. Attorney on board law suit carryed on for the next two years. Had to see doctor upon doctor went through back injection. Chiropractic, psychiatric therapy. TENS unit. You name it they put me through it. Phyl finally diagnosed me with depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Court after two years of this found in my favor. But, right after, I was terminated from employment, lawyer had me apply for SSD he said I was the only person he knew who self applied and was approved 1st go round. I have been through it. It was not until 2004 when I began seeing a psychologist on my dime, that see recognized I had symptoms of Fibro.