What should I expect at my first pain management appointment?

[missteal]

My appointment isn't until the 25th Feb but I have no idea what to expect and am not sure they'll be able to help me.....any advice welcome xxx

[Eggcustard]

Hi, I had my first pain managemnt appointment a few weeks ago and it was a positive experience. The specialist was an aneasthetist (not sure about the spelling!) and suggested new medication (lyrica for nerve pain) and a nerve block injection.

The injection isn't until March though so will have to wait for that.

The tablets did improve the pain and I could walk more easily but the side effects were too bad for me (migraines, constipation and fuzziness) but I will be trying other similar meds after christmas as I know other people who take a different one with no side effects.

I hope your appointment goes well, I felt that the specialist really listened to me which isn't always the case! and although it is trial and error there is hope out there that things can improve.

It really depends upon exactly what is causing your pain,mine seems to be a combination of neuropathic pain, endo pain (prostap has improved that) and probably adhesion pain (tramadol/co-codamol for that). Each thing needs to be treated separately.

I truly hope that you find the answers you are looking for, to get to the point of chronic pain is very draining and because people can't see it they don't understand x

[missteal]

Thank you for your reply. The problem with me is that I haven't had a proper diagnosis. My consultant's best guess is a combination of adhesions and possibly adenomyosis. They found mild endo in my first lap but no re-growth in my second in Sept last year.

I'm currently on norethisterone to stop my periods for 6 months at a time. This has helped a lot but seems to be helping less and less the more time passes.

I have mefenamic acid to take before and during my period and co-dydramol and tramadol to take for the pain. I also have hyper mobility syndrome which affects my back and hips mainly so it's difficult to know what is causing what pain.

I've also got IBS so it is a juggling act with pain meds, anti sickness meds and laxatives! I rarely take my pain meds because they just make me either throw up, fall asleep or constipated. I'm really hoping they can help me as I've not really had any control over my pain for over 5 years now and it's really starting to affect my mental state as I'm sure a lot of you can empathise with.

Anyone else gone to pain management? xx