Is there ever a benefit to visiting an ER for pain?

General
1

I am having what I know is a temporary pain - it will last 2 to 3 days only - but it is so intense I can't stand it. Do I just cry through it and wait it out - what would an ER do if I showed up? Could i get an injection of steroids in the joint or would they tell me to see my rheumy - which would take a couple of weeks?

anyone know?

2

Depends on your community.

You are best to get referred by either your PCP or Rheumy (why won't they take are of it???) otherwise if you bypass them you are likely to have you chart noted and could be labeled as drug seeker.

3

thanks - I am sure I can wait it out - but I always feel better with options or a plan. Does that make sense? Knowing there is a next step available if it gets "bad" enough, helps me to tolerate the pain a little longer - one minute at a time.

Not looking for pain meds - I have those but can't take them at work, I want cortisone or something to end it!

thanks again

4

thnk I am leaving work to take the pain meds - I can either get paid for being here - but suffer or go home, not get paid and find relief - today the money isn't worth it :(



Nic.Pat said:

thanks - I am sure I can wait it out - but I always feel better with options or a plan. Does that make sense? Knowing there is a next step available if it gets "bad" enough, helps me to tolerate the pain a little longer - one minute at a time.

Not looking for pain meds - I have those but can't take them at work, I want cortisone or something to end it!

thanks again

5

I don't know if you have urgent cares near you, but I recently went to one with pain, and they actually gave me a steroid shot right there in the office. I was there like five minutes. I didn't expect it but it was helpful. Maybe they can do it for you. Good luck, I feel your pain.

6

If it was me, I would show up in the rheumy's officc and act really pitiful until they saw me.