Input st Georges

[HB1968]

Has anyone been refered to this pain unit? It has an inpatient service for those in acute pain. Previously ive had to be admitted into the Priory when ive been v ill as i wont go into NHS hospitals - they are last place i would want to be during a mega flare from experience.

[mindful579]

Hi HB1968

I have not heard of this unit, but I too would not wont to go to St George's Hospital, London if you paid me a million pounds. You say you have had experience with being in a NSH hospital. Was this for Fibromyalgia?

mindful579

[Fibrofoggiest]

Hi there HB1968

I'm sorry but I have to point out that we encourage people not to name and shame people, establishments etc., and though I agree with you, it may be prudent not to mention places by name.

I am so sorry you have had such bad experiences and hope that something can change so you don't having to end up paying out huge monies, that is unless you have health insurance !

Sending lots of positive, healing vibes your way

Foggy x

[HB1968 in reply to Fibrofoggiest]

Thats a bit harsh, i said that my experience of the NHS was not great- i didnt name a specific hospital- which i could have. This is my truth- the NHS have consistently failed me with treatment of my conditions and if other people did not find St Georges helpful i wont bother getting a referral.

[Mdaisy]

Hello HB1968,

When I was first diagnosed I was offered a 4 week Input inpatient course with help from Physios, CBT, DR's nurses etc but at the time I didn't take it up as I was making good progress to pace, exercise etc at the time and felt I could manage to learn to live with condition on my own. I went on to have about 2 years of a fairly good quality of life, however since having my baby the demand on my body has caused a dip which I am trying to work through at the moment.

If I was offered it now I would jump at the chance personally. Fibro is physical but there is ways you can learn to live with it and the impact of the symptoms. Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT), relaxation & management courses etc do have there place alongside other treatments including adequate pain relief with recommended Fibro medications. A combined approach is often the best way to manage the condition, the problem lies when you have other conditions which cause other problems possibly limiting your ability to do gentle exercise, pacing etc

I personally feel any management courses are beneficial even if you take one thing away from it that helps! I wonder what others will say about there experiences? Also if you go and find it isn't for you, you can leave they cannot force you to stay!

Please let us know how you get on

Best Wishes

Emma

FibroAction Administrator

[HB1968 in reply to Mdaisy]

Emma, thanks for your reply. I have had fibro all the stuff that goes with that and arthritis most of my life now have osteoporosis. Interestingly it got really bad after my hysterectomy at 35- i think hormones play a big part. I get incredibly depressed when my flares and pain overwhelm me and the reality is im much better from being bed ridden. I was interested in this hospital because i didnt know there was an inpatient program for pain. I was referred to another hospital ( will not name it) 6 months wait to be assessed told i needed to come off all my meds and another 4 months for a taster day of there 6 week morning group therapy after which 4 month wait. Clearly a lot of people with pain which is very sad. Nobody understands what thats like unless they are experiencing it. If i go i will let you know!

[Mdaisy in reply to HB1968]

OK, Thanks

Have you visited our website to read evidence based info all about Fibro? You can download the information factsheets and print them to take with you to discuss treatments with your Healthcare Professionals.

fibroaction.org/Pages/About...

Hope this helps

Emma

[TheAuthor]

Hi HB1968

I sincerely hope that you are feeling as well as you possibly can be today? I have not been to anything like this, and I too, would jump at the chance. When I was first diagnosed with Fibro I was seen by a private consultant and if I am honest, they did not do anything more than what my NHS consultant did? Both were exceptionally good and efficient which is what I would have expected. So, I have regularly experienced both sides of this coin, so to speak.

Interestingly, it was my chiropractor that wrote to both my consultants with his diagnosis of Fibro that both consultants agreed with, and so did my GP!

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[HB1968 in reply to TheAuthor]

Thank you, im glad you had a good experience but once i got a diagnosis of depression at 21 every consultant would immediately say every symptom was due to that. It took me nearly 25 yrs to get a diagnosis. A long frustrating journey. I would jump at anything too but dont want to get my hopes up if it has been a bad experience like mine was at certain pain units at certain hospitals that i wont name! If i go i will let you know. Thanks for replying.

[hamble99b]

is it for a pain clinic or pain management programme (PMP) ?

I've just been on a PMP course and will be writing about it soon.

just to add that I found it very beneficial and an experience I wouldn't want to have missed.

It was at Walton Hospital, Liverpool.

[HB1968 in reply to hamble99b]

Its both i think. Glad you got good help in liverpool, thats great, anything that makes life better is a huge bonus.