Why my Dr is reducing my medication which is effecting my quality of life

[Daz75]

I am 45 I got diagnosed with a degenerative disease of my lumbar spine in July 2011. I also have lymphoedema. To cut a long story short I have been through hell and high water to get put on a medication plan to help with my conditions. I am still taking my medication but I am in chronic pain. The problems started with me when my old Dr tenure was up and he retired. My new Dr has always been kept in the loop as I used to see her when my primary was off. Since he retired at the end of 2016 I have suffered more and more with pain. At first I was sent a letter to ask me to reduce my medication as they believed I was taking to much. To be seen to be listening and being collaborative I agreed to reduce my medication by 120mg daily As time has gone on I developed bites on my leg that developed into an awful infection I had 10-12 Drs appointments with as many antibiotics and creams. I went to A&E on 2 occasions. I eventually had to spend 8 days in Hospital. I then went for further tests and I was told after 5-6 previous diagnosis I had lymphoedema which is absolutely excruciating at times. Coming to my back I have been seen by Orthopaedic Specialist's, Physiotherapist Specialist's, Pain Management Specialist's who diagnosed me with degenerative disc disease. I was given a pain management plan which was followed by 2 Drs . My Dr before he retired wrote to me and requested I attend a Specialist Input and review due to the amounts of medication I was taking . It was looked and reviewed and my perscription carried on. Since I have reduced my medication by 120mg MST Continus (Morphine) I have suffered ever since. I am a 45 year old Male that certainly doesn't have the quality of life of someone my age. in fact my quality of life and day to day activities are poor. I have had no sexual relationships or even female contact which is humiliating to say.

I contact my Dr and explain that I am in pain and need help her response is that it is now theory that being on a high dose of pain medication or taking more pain medication isn't the correct working practice. I have literally got to the end of my tetherand I am getting upset which only stresses me out also exacerbates my conditions. It's either that or I will get angry. I don't know if she is doing it to make me angry I am not sure. If any one can help and advise me on my situation I would be much obliged.

Thank you

Darren

[Darko74]

Hi Darren, so sorry to hear about your situation rings a bell with myself . Think as I can still stand and walk I must be ok which is far from the truth, to be honest. I too have been diagnosed with degenerative disc decease on med I really don’t want to be on but unfortunately I need them to function. Co-codamol 30/500mg x 8 a day, Duloxetine 60mg x 1 a day, Maxitram 150mg Sr x 2 daily, and Gabapentin 100mg x 3 a day just feel like that’s it, to be honest unless I lose control of my bowel functions the surgeon won’t touch me, great something to keep in mind. Pain management program was ok great to be able to swap pain stories but that’s all I got out of it, maybe you got more out of it. It there anyone you can speak too a friend or family member. Have you thought about the Samaritans? Even just to talk and have someone listen too you! I do hope you can get your head sorted, good luck!

[Jinnty89]

Hello, I am really sorry to hear that you’re going through this. Unfortunately, some idiot, has decided that chronic pain can be cured with cognitive therapy. What a total load of crock, but it now means that all drs have took this advice to be gospel, even though they know their patients well enough to know, that talking about their pain, isn't going to help them. But due to this person, who has probably never experienced chronic pain, everyone is now either reducing or having their medications stopped. The drs now consider this research as IT, the be all of end all, and nothing is going to change their mind. Unfortunately, my son has been took off everything, even knowing that doing so, will leave my son unable to walk, and for myself to have a tiny bit of life. You can only start fighting or take it as it is. I really wish I could offer you hope or something else, but I’m a loss as well. Stay safe and well.