Constant Pain

[Cloughy71]

Hi there. My name is Paul and I'm new to the forum.

I've been struggling with pain for many years now which was mainly lower back related and according to MRI scans was down to wear and tear/disc degeneration.

Since my first MRI in 2006 I've had several more scans and the pain has gradually become more widespread. I now suffer with pain in my lower back, thoracic area, hips, pelvis, ribs/chest and legs (mostly my right leg where I've had sciatica since around 2006). I have tried pretty much everything in the book, from food supplements to different exercise regimes to mainstream and alternative therapies. Nothing works for any length of time......nothing.

Put simply, the pain and discomfort is destroying my quality of life. I'm tired and in pain pretty much all the time and I just can't get any enjoyment out of anything.

I take Zapain, tramadol, pregablin and citalopram daily, as well as numerous food supplements and vitamins. I do exercise most days but what may help on one day will aggravate something the next. I have various gadgets, massage cushions, TENS machines, foam rollers, hot water bottles - you name it. They may give some relief but only in the short term.

I have seen multiple GPs over the years to no avail and it has now reached a point where I have been roundly dismissed and told that this is my lot and nothing more can be done. On my most recent GP encounter I was met with such a lack of compassion and downright rudeness it beggars belief. The GP actually ended the appointment by putting the phone down on me. Every single thing I suggested was met with objection. For instance, when I suggested perhaps it's some kind of rheumatic condition I was told that it couldn't be - I saw a rheumatologist in 2017 - yes, 6 years ago. He refused to refer me back to the pain clinic who had previously sent me away with a lovely photocopy of a pamphlet about reprogramming my mind.

My complete disillusionment with GPs and the NHS led me to finally wiping out my savings last year in order to have a new MRI scan and pain injections privately. The 2 page MRI reports shows widespread degeneration but I could only afford injections in the facet joints around my lower rib cage. This gave me some relief but lasted only a couple of weeks.

Ultimately I have no diagnosis and im receiving no treatment or support. I'm getting through each day by taking a lot of painkillers while trying to hold down a job and care for my wife who has recently been diagnosed with cancer. I've been actively discouraged from seeing a GP through the treatment I've received (or rather lack thereof) and some days I'm at my wits end.

Can anybody relate to the above and give me some advice on how to proceed? I seem to tick some boxes for several conditions but not all for any.

I'm in the process of changing GP surgery but I'm not building my hopes up. Its like banging my head against a brick wall.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts.

All the best,

Paul

**Edit** I just want to add that in terms of pain level on a scale of 1 - 10, it may not be very high on a daily basis. Say 3 or 4 perhaps but with twinges/spasms/flare ups that spike a lot higher and can sometimes almost incapacitate me. The problem is that it's constant, like tooth ache, and it can occur in different areas of my body. One day I might be limping because of the pain in my hip. Most days I struggle to stand or sit upright throughout the day.

I just wanted to make this clear as I know a lot on here will probably be experiencing pain of a far higher intensity than I am and I truly feel for you if t hat's the case.

[DISC]

You really need to see the Pain Management Tea at your local hospital. Ignore GPs who refuse, you have to insist. Get them to put it in writing why they won;t refer you if they refuse, as it is your right.

[Cloughy71 in reply to DISC]

Hi Disc. I've seen them before and all I received was a photocopied pamphlet. The last GP I spoke to would not refer me to anyone, almost as if to make a point when I tried being assertive (not agressive or abusive by the way). I'm stuck......the GP said I could feel free to speak to one of his colleagues if I disagreed with what he was saying but I was speaking to him in the first place because I was unhappy with the colleagues of his I'd spoken to before!

[Everywhere in reply to Cloughy71]

Sorry you’re going through this. I know that money may be an issue but the only time I got any help was when I went to a private Pain Consultant.

They are not only experts in pain, but more importantly in choosing the correct meds for the type of pain you have. Pain consultants are trained anaesthetists.

[Cloughy71 in reply to Everywhere]

Hi Everywhere.

Unfortunately I've spent all my savings on private treatments already, which obviously makes me feel quite bitter. Especially so now that my income has been drastically reduced and my wife is unable to work.

I've just been signed off work with stress and I'm seriously contemplating what the future holds.

I've registered with a new GP and will endeavour to try again to get some help via the NHS (a service to which I've been contributing for over 30 years I might add).

At least my wife is getting the treatment she needs but then again her condition is far more serious than anything I have to deal with.

All the best.

[Everywhere in reply to Cloughy71]

I’m so sorry to hear this Cloughy.

The NHS is in a dreadful mess and it’s hard to know how it will ever be sorted.

I know many people, including myself, who have spent money they can ill afford on private treatment. I recall the time when private consultants worked from their own homes and you could get an appointment within a week.

How things have changed. Most consultants work for the NHS and do a couple of days private work in private hospitals. I’ve just paid £250 to see a neurologist privately. The waiting time to see the same neurologist on NHS was 14 months. I waited for 5 weeks. I was very happy with my consultation which was 40 minutes long.

I think that what we’re seeing now is the beginning of the collapse of the NHS and that the private sector will pick up the pieces. Already we are seeing facilities at private hospitals being ‘bought’ by the NHS to shorten waiting lists, especially in orthopaedics and gynaecology.

The NHS was never designed to cope with the number of patients, the scope of treatments, the purchase of expensive diagnostic equipment and medicines. It was a great system while it lasted, but we are outliving what it can offer us.

In 1948, when the NHS was ‘born’, the average lifespan was much shorter than it is now.

I have no answers but it’s clear that there has to be a huge change in the way health services are delivered; moreover, that change has to be equitable and just for all service users.