Painful joints and sciatica

[Kitty_74]

I was prescribed codeine and paracetamol 30/500mg in 2019. I am now fully addicted. I am also taking Gabapentin 3 times a day 9 a day and anti depressants. My doctor is uncaring, no patient/doctor relationship atall. He's very detached and I hate seeing him! Looking to move surgeries soon

[LisaSnow FMA UK Volunteer]

What would you like to see changed about your care? I agree if you don't hit it off with your doctor finding a new one may give you a better experience. As far as pain control is concerned the medications you are on aren't far out from the norm. Are you happy with the pain control?

[trudym]

Hi Kitty, with 2 bulging discs, degenerative discs whole spine, permanent nerve damage down one side & sciatica down the other I too got addicted to codeine & was taking 12-15 a day (along with 300mg gabapentin x9, 60mg Fluoxetine, as well as anti nausea/anti reflux/anti anxiety/anti vertigo meds since 2013). It got to the stage where many weren’t working & I came off gabapentin gradually over several months, cut down to 3 codeine daily (they just give me a warm fuzzy feeling rather than kill pain), I’m on oral morphine when needed too. My doctor agreed my body has got used to many meds & has referred me to the chronic pain clinic to see what they suggest. I’ve also tried physio, acupuncture, reiki all to no avail too... If you aren’t happy with your doctor maybe see another & ask for a pain clinic referral. All the best x

[Maud-ie]

Pretty normal party bag of meds for fibromyalgia! I stopped taking Gabapentin as they stopped working. Cut down very gradually to nothing. (1800mg a day at first). Now only take cocodamol when I really need to. Diagnosed now with Ankylosing Spondylitis and awaiting anti-TNF's and didn't want my battered body full to the brim with meds! Good luck

[Midori]

Is there another GP whom you could see? GPs are like Fibro; all different in their approaches.

Is your GP over around 40? If so, he is probably of the impression that it is all in your mind. Fortunately, most younger GPs are more enlightened.

You could always write to the Practice Manager to complain about your GPs attitude towards you and your Fibro.