At my witts end with pain and worry.

[junik53]

Hi,I had my H.A. on the 10th Feb and had a stent fitted.Apart from meds side effects and being a bit more tired than usual so far not been too bad and my Cardio rehab appointment is on Weds 28th march.My problem at moment is I am getting bad pain in my lower left back,Doctor prescribed Pregabalin for pain (was on Amitriptyline but cant mix with heart meds) was horrified by the list of side effects and the fact that they are highly addictive and they cause changes to the brain.Well to cut a long story short I decided not to take them as I have enough problems without them.I just take dihydrocodeine and paracetamol and sometimes it just doesn't touch it.I might add that I have not been examined for this back pain and was told it was sciatica ,but it could be my kidney as I have got a stone in the left side ,and was treated to have it broken up a few years ago (which it didn't) and it was left high up in my kidney as it stopped causing any more trouble at that time .My questions are -could it be stones in kidney again as my wee is sometimes dark and a bit pink,also if its not kidney and is sciatica is there another pain killer that is not as toxic as the Pregabalin and can be taken with heart meds.I know that you will all say go back to doctors ,but have been twice since H.A. and he is so dismissive and unhelpful even if I could get an appointment (mostly he just does phone consultations) What do I do ,I am my witts end with pain and worry.Have any of you been in my position?

[Zena166]

Hi Junik

Can you ask to see another doctor? Having pink wee sounds like a kidney problem however you really need to get it checked out. Maybe out of hours you can phone the out of hours doctor and see them or a walk in centre as you really should be seen soon as the pink wee should be reviewed. Take a specimen to your gp practice and have it tested. Also mention it to the cardiac rehab nurse when you see them. They may be able to help as well. But you must keep pestering. Not sure about the meds. But you would need them prescribed by a doc anyway. Drink lots of water as well! Hope all turns out ok for you

Take care

Zena

[bowler]

All good advice from Zena 166

Do get your urine checked out ASAP no Dr. should dismiss it, especially as you have kidney stones

[Hidden]

Hi junik53

My first piece of advice would be ask for a second opinion or change your GP. Secondly go back on the Pregabalin it`s no more addictive than the dihydrocodeine your taking (there both opiate based analgesics) and it doesn`t alter your brain it works by blocking the pain receptors in the brain. I`ve been taking them for about 3 years now it was recommended by the Liverpool Cardiac Pain Management Team and I am able to function mentally far better than I could when taking codeine. As for the lower back pain it sounds more like renal problems rather than cardiac.

Best of luck

Steve

[junik53]

Thanks for your replies,will definitely go and see another doctor,and take a sample.I based my opinion on Pregabalin on the forum for that medicine.I know how opiate based meds are addictive and was on Fentanyl patches a few years back before I had new knees,and believe you me coming off was hell.I will talk to another doctor about Pregabalin and find out the facts.Many thanks

[junik53]

Just a quick update.Just had my first cardio rehab appointment this morning and got everything off my chest to the nurse,She will report all the problems back to my doctor and then will make appointment with doctor to discuss.Will defo need a double appointment.lol

Plan for rehab in place and am feeling a lot more reassured and optimistic .

[Prada47]

It's amazing having Someone to Talk To and Listen To You. How it makes you feel better.

I have noticed through lots of posts how people appear so much better after having someone listen to their concerns. We all know how GPs are so busy, But someone needs to filter the concerns and then direct people with Concerns to someone who can Help. Just like the Rehab Nurse is now helping you.

Keep the Optimism in my Opinion It's one of the best tools in the Box for keeping you well.

Regards Frank W

[junik53]

Thanks Frank,will do.

[Emily_BHF]

Hi Junik53,

I am sorry to hear you have been experiencing this pain and you don’t feel as though your doctor is very helpful, but I am also glad to hear you will be attending cardiac rehabilitation.

1.In order to confirm whether your pain is caused by kidney stones you would need to do a urine test, a blood test and sometimes imaging (including CT) to confirm this.

2.Sciatica is when the sciatic nerve, which runs from your hips to your feet, is irritated. It usually gets better in 4 to 6 weeks but can last longer. If you only have back pain it is unlikely to be this. Sometimes people are treated with exercises and stretches, physiotherapy and psychological support as well as different painkiller options (but these would have to come directly from your doctor). It can also be helpful to discuss this with a pharmacist.

I would encourage you to make a face to face appointment with your doctor to discuss your concerns. Take a list of questions in with you to make the best use of your time and if the pain becomes severe, call 111 directly to seek medical support.

Take care,

Emily

[junik53]

Thankyou for the information,the cardio rehab nurse who I saw today was very reassuring and is writing to my doctor with all my concerns and I will make appointment as soon as they have recieved the letter.Thanks

[SWGASickleCell16]

I was given amitriptyline for the nerve damage in my feet called nueropathy and it helped in the beginning, but my mouth is always dry along with always feeling drowsy. My family and friends say I look like I'm in my own little world when I take it. I take hydrocodone (baby tylenol my family/friends call it) for pain and my primary care physician said this is the only thing I can take with CHF at 5mg because a higher dosage would speed up my heart. The heart will speed up then it will STOP!