I NEED ADVICE!

[BW574]

Hi!

Does anybody know a professional I can talk to via email, text or phone regarding the following?.

My doctor is refusing to give me Co-Codamol 30/500!.

I moved address late August this year and Doctors etc...

I was receiving repeat prescriptions for various medicines, including Co-Codamol 30/500, but my new doctor has diagnosed me with Fibromyalgia and changed my medication accordingly to their perception of what I should take, including refusing to prescribe me the Co-Codol today!.

I’m in so much more pain with Arthritis, slipped disc pressing on a nerve at the top of my spine, Fibromyalgia, struggling not to drink alcohol, (Teetotal for 14 months), low self worth, low motivation, sleeplessness worse than ever and feeling like I’m moving backwards not forwards.

I so want to do the right thing, but my doctors right thing, with all due respect, is most definitely not!.

Please, please help!

Thank you

BW574

[Tiger56]

Hi Perhaps you could see a different doctor at the practice or even ask to speak with the practice manager about your situation.

🤗 hugs 🤗

[BW574 in reply to Tiger56]

Thank you Tiger56!

[FRreedman]

Have you spoken to your new GP about your prescriptions, including letting him know about tour specific problems, with regard to alcohol and the amount of pain you suffer with? Has he offered you an alternative pain killer? Have you spoken to the practice manager? Is there another GP practice nearby? Is there another GP in the same practice you could talk to, to try to change their mind? Is it a practice rule, to reduce Co-codamol?

It shouldn't take long to get answers to the above questions, but it will enable you to start on a route to quell your pain and fears.

[BW574 in reply to FRreedman]

Thank you FRreedman!

[rosewine]

I know that many doctors are very wary of prescribing anything now that is an opiate apart for short term relief after say an operation. All the doctors I have seen in the last few years (I had to change GP's practice after 38 years when we moved and had had to see another doctor at the previous one when my doctor retired) have been dead against opiates for fibromyalgia. I too have osteoarthritis and costochondritis and have been prescribed CoCodamal 30/500mg for this and also Ibuprophen, I get Pregablin for fibromyalgia and Lidocaine patches for what was diagnosed as persistent post shingles pain. I know if I had just fibro (I say the just in a sarcastic way as we know there is no Just to do with fibro) my GP would be very wary of giving me Opiad pain killers.

Opiads can be extremely addictive and CoCodamal can be because of the Codeine in it although it doesn't affect every person like that. If he wishes to stop your CoCodamal he should be supporting you in a gradual reduction of the tablets rather than just stopping them.

Have you asked for a referral to see a physio or for an appointment at a Pain Clinic? I know through seeing a physio I got access to 6 sessions of hydrotheraphy which was fantastic, acupuncture and also saw a Occupational Therapist.

Sometimes (of course if you can afford it) seeing a specialist who prescibes drugs can make a GP look at a medication in a different light. Good luck.x

[BW574 in reply to rosewine]

Thank you rosewine!

[BW574]

Thank you Ajay575!

[LoneEra]

Whatever you do, stopping the co-codamol outright will be tough. You could consider buying some of the regular stuff 8/500 from your pharmacy to help you through the transition period.

I was on Co-codamol for ages. Now on Tramadol. All terribly addictive unfortunately, but I can’t deal with the pain otherwise. So I do completely understand where you are coming from.

Definitely speak to your practice manager and explain the situation. And try to get referred to a specialist for a formal fibro diagnosis - you might then get more effective treatment and the GP will have to comply!

One other suggestion is to try a TENS machine if you don’t already have one. And maybe even an acupressure mat (look on Amazon) if your back allows you to lie down?

Don’t despair. Stay calm. You will get through this. And we are all here to support you xx

[BW574 in reply to LoneEra]

Thank you LoneEra!

[Redkite12]

Hi, after taking short-term Naproxen for fibro. and degenerative spine problems, I was prescribed paracetamol (2 x four times daily) and amitriptyline (2x10mg), or co-codamol 8/500 if necessary. I was highly sceptical about the paracetamol and amitriptyline, but they seem to help - the amitriptyline has helped HUGELY with sleeping problems, and 3 doctors have confirmed that I can stay on it indefinitely. I self-referred for Physio, which has helped, and have been on a Pain Management Programme too (via GP's referral to the Chronic Pain Service). I do hope you find the right combinations for you - nothing cures it, but keep searching !