Hi Every one Hope your not suffering to much today ,mind you the weather is not helping .

[freespirite]

I dont write a lot of posts but i do read them which answers a lot of questions i might have . Im sure like everyone else there sick of takng medication and having to remember what you take and when . A pain clinic has popped up in my next town . Thought i might try it have a appointment in a couple of weeks ,not knowing anything about it ,( thats how helpful my doctor is NOT) he thinks fibro is in our heads .I was wandering if any of you lovely people have tried going to a pain clinic ,what was it like ,envolving what and did they change your meds ? would be glad to hear your opinions on the matter . Pat x

[tweety]

Hi freespirite

I've been to a pain clinic at my local hospital and found it to be very helpful, after seeing the pain specialist we spoke about my medication and she came up with a few changes in my tablets, she then put me onto a course which was over 4wks to learn new ways of coping with my pain and how to pace myself at everything I do, instead of going like a bull in a China shop as they say lol also learnt a lot of new ways to do things differently and easier.

I found it very useful and am still using their ways 5 years on although a lot slower lol x

[bluebell99 in reply to tweety]

My GP referred me to the local pain clinic last November. To date I have had three appointments and although there has been talk of changing my medication it hasn't happened yet!

I have been given a cd and booklet about pain and ways to cope, just common sense stuff really. They do not promote physio or hydrotherapy and although they said hydro might be a good idea, I was unable to find out where to go as they didn't know.

Apart from being pretty useless, the nurse takes down everything I say. She sends me a copy of the letter she sends to the GP and it is pretty embarrassing to bear your soul and have it written down for anyone working in the GP surgery to see, and for it to be kept in your notes.

My GP was sceptical when I asked him about the referral in the first place, obviously he has had other patients who have gone through the same process. My next appointment is next month and I'm not sure if it worth while continuing.

I feel frustrated when I read other posts from members whose health services offer so much more.

Hopefully my health authority is the only one like this and you get much more out of yours.

Good luck!

[clare_hart in reply to bluebell99]

So experiences are a mixed bag? More people will offer theirs I know. I am sorry that you have had such negative experience with yours bluebell. Would you be able to change your GP? Maybe you can check up front and find a doctor more sympathetic and understanding of FM.

[bluebell99]

Hi Clare

Sorry for any confusion, my doctor is not the problem, he has been great. He has a good understanding of fibro and is open to any suggestions about my care. He did warn me about the pain clinic but I insisted he refer me. Unfortunately he was right, it's the pain clinic which is worse than useless, even more so as it raises your hopes up until you experience the appointments. Just having three in twelve months speaks volumes!

[TheAuthor]

Hi freespirite

I just wanted to wish you all the best of luck if you go ahead with an appointment. I genuinely hope that if goes really well for you?

Take care

Ken x

[beckyglen]

Hi Pat,

I have been to my local pain clinic. They were very kind and understanding. They really listened to me. They changed some of my medications, offered to refer me to a weight management programme to try and ease some of my symptoms and they also referred me to a 10 week pain management programme. This was really helpful and taught me lots about myself and new ways of managing the pain better.

I hope you have a good experience and that they are helpful to you.

Gentle hugs

Becky xxx