Doctor wants to stop pain killers totally....I am in so much pain!!!

[LadyColtie]

I have been diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, Ehlers Danlos Syndrome(Hypermobility), Vasovagal syncope and most recently Functional Neurological Disorder.

Since the diagnosis of FND, my GP has said that I must come off my pain meds completely. I was prescribed Tramadol 300mg daily which did not take all the pain away, but was a great improvement to the now 50mg. I have to take the 50mg for the next month, then totally stop.

I saw my GP yesterday and explained that I am not coping. I am in so much pain, and getting very very irritable and really suffering. She said she can't give me anything else as I can't be dependent on pain meds. I explained that I have not had withdrawal symptoms so cannot see why she thinks this.

She says that the neurologist has advised this, but I told her he had only said to me to perhaps try other medication if it agreed with me, just to make sure the tramadol wasn't making any of my symptoms worse. He never said to totally stop all pain meds forever!!!

I am a mother of four children, one who is disabled, and I feel so hopeless and sad. My GP has made me feel like some drug addict whose pain is "all in the head".

I would be so thankful for any advise, as I am finding this very hard to cope with.

[orchidcass77]

Oh bless you hun. I'm disgusted by your doctors dangerous and insensitive behaviour. Even if the pain were (and I am in no way insinuating it is!) "All in your head" withdrawing you so drastically from an opiate like this would leave you in pain, on edge, irritable and having flu like symptoms. Its should have been withdrawn very slowly. Anyone would feel this way withdrawing from an opiate. Doctors know this. Lately they are all going crazy about drug misuse, but to withdraw patients like this is just risky and unkind. Especially as its the doctors that prescribed them initially! Good luck x

[TheAuthor]

Hi LadyColtie

I am so very sorry to read this and I genuinely hope that you can find the answers that you so desperately desire and deserve. I would go back and ask to see a different GP and see if they will reinstate some kind of pain management for you.

I know this may sound drastic (and many members would not approve) but if things become totally unbearable I would go to your local walk-in centre or A&E and seek help and assistance.

I want to genuinely and sincerely wish you all the very best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[Betty67]

While we all agree (I think) that too many painkillers are dangerous and addictive you deserve and need better treatment than this. Sorry no additional advise just a gentle hug.

[teddybear7]

You are entitled to a second opinion ask for one once you've asked they have to do it or change to another gp. X

[LadyColtie]

Thank you all so much for your replies. It is very encouraging to have support from others. The GP is going to refer me to the Pain Clinic, so I really hope something can be done to reduce the pain. I would love it if I didn't need any pain relief, but I can have no quality of life when suffering, so something needs to be done.

[SuzanneM]

Before doctors became funny over tramadol my rumatologist told me to come off tramadol and try the new drugs like gabapentin etc. I did come off tram fairly slowly and tried the others but they did nothing for my pain and made me aggressive! 😳 spoke to my dr and he agreed to putting me back on tram 100mg slow release 2x daily, it doesn't cover all my pain but I mostly can manage. I feel for you and think perhaps you need to get a second opinion. I have recently been referred to the spinal assessment clinic and am going through their processes.

Suzanne x

[Heathkir]

My dr gave me the antidepressant duloxetine (I also suffer anxiety and depression). This drug is also known to help Fibromyalga, I am on the top dose and can't believe the difference to my pain it is an excellent drug. Try asking your Dr if they think it might help. Good luck H xxxx

[EquineArcher77]

Hi - are you being referred for physio, an exercise plan or pain management for your EDS specifically? It's worth pushing for it as once the hypermobility is "in check" (to whatever extent that may be) you may find that your pain levels improve.

[LadyColtie]

Thank you all for your advice. I am trying out different methods of pain relief at the moment - actipatch and tens but with limited success, but I will keep going and hopefully find some relief eventually.