I suffer with a degenerative disease of my lumbar spine I have been through the pain management system twice. At first I was perscribed 400mg of MST Continus, 12.5ml of Oramorph, codeine, amitripyline, gabapentin which was a very large prescription. After a while I went and on my own fruition I reduced my levels due to being very conscious of the amount. After many trials and exhausting all treatment options I was finally put on a prescription of 7x30mg codeine, amitripyline, gabapentin, 120 mg of MST Continus twice daily. Which I was told was a maintenance dose and in the event of a flare up my MST would be temporary increased until my flare-up subsided. I stayed on this perscription. In the event of moving to another location I joined a new Doctors surgery. Due to the level of analgesic medication I was taking I was asked on the behalf of my Dr and the Partners to attend a Specialist Input and Review with regards to my medication. I attended all meetings and discussions took place and I was given the ok and I continued to take that prescription for two years. Unfortunately my Drs of 30 year tenure was up and he retired. I then saw the Dr that on occasions I saw when my main Dr was away or sick. Due to past experience and mistakes that have happened I only see one Dr. " to many cooks spoil the broth" My new Doctor wrote to me saying she and her partners were concerned regarding the amount of analgesia I was taking. To show that I wanted to comply and show I wanted to work collaboratively with them I reluctantly reduced my MST Continus by 60mg. This was the biggest mistake I agreed to and has happened to me. I have been in pain even since. I have been to hospital on a few occasions. Even taking to hospital after taking being on holiday. I have suffered with serious pain and spasms and my Dr remains stoic and even wants to further reduce my pain medication. I have had many appointments to try and reason and justify to her that I'm in serious pain and my day to day activities have seriously suffered. I have also had a very serious infection on my leg which I have had many, many appointments with my Dr a Hospital appointments and one 9 day admittance in hospital. I have had 4 different diagnosis on which all turned out to be incorrect. I am in pain and at the end of my tether. I have always had great trusting relationships with my Drs but this is different. If I cannot get help and pain relief from the people who are appointed to look after me then please can someone advise me on what to do. Many forums I have been on have told me to smoke cannabis. I have never smoked in my life and I don't intend to now. What other choice have people got to receive pain relief. Do I need to go out a seek the local drug dealer for help??? This is serious guys.
All the best
Take care
Darren
