I have an appointment at the Pain Clinic on Wednesday morning. I have been waiting 6 months for it. Whilst I'm glad its arrived I am feeling quite anxious.
I have had a bad few days with pain, the worst yet, so it is also good timing.
I am just wondering if anyone could tell me what to expect? Do you have to undress for this?
I live in Northern Ireland but would be obliged if any one could advise me on what to expect etc.
Thank you.
Luv & hugs
Jackie
hi iv been waiting months as well so when you go i will be interested in what happens all the best
hi i was going to the pain clinic and the only thing i got out of it was a tens machine lol, all we did was just talk, they cuddnt answer why i couldnt sleep or on the other hand slept a lot or my i sweated a lot on my face, i really hope you have better luck than i did . good luck paula x
Hi Sanevans01
I will put a blog on to say how it went.
Thanks for your reply.
Jackie
Hi Jackie
I went to a pain clinic years ago in N.I at the City Hosp, from what i can remember I had to fill out a questionaire on how i was feeling etc that day and then had to do a few simple tests ie like walking fast between some cones in certain times. at the time my fm was bad but wasnt really effecting my walking etc.
Let me know how you get on.
Take Care
Jo xx
Hi Jo, thanks for replying.
I was referred to BCH & they are sending me to a Clinic at Knocbreda.
I will let you know how I get on.
Jackie
Hopefully you will get on better than what i did. But it was quite a few years ago since i was there.
Can you message me when you have been incase i am not on when you let everyone know how you on.
Jo x
i cant specifically comment on N.I. but in england they give you a pain chart to fill in discribing your pain levels in the last week, and how the pain affects your daily life. i saw the consultant and physio was refered to pain phycologist and was given the usual blood pressure test asked the same questions by all of them what meds on ect. hope it goes well for you.
Hi Taff
Thanks for your reply.
If its based on my last weeks pain I should be good. As I have been of my feet with lower back, groin, hip & leg pain which I am still having. I can barely move.
Tramadol & Paracetamol are not doing much for it.
I will let you know how it goes.
Thank you.
Jackie
Hi Nadine
I will put on a blog as to how it goes.
Thank you
Jackie
i had my 1st one 4 weeks ago yes i had to get undressed and had to bear her pushing and touching all my points. if i wasnt in so much pain i might have decked her lol... i go again on the 25th but good luck
Hi Ziggy
Jeez thats not what I wanted to hear. Was that appointment to diagnose you had Fibro?
I have had that done twice.
Last time I was told I would go to Pain Clinic for an Anaesthitis to discuss pain relief. Was this discussed with you?
Thank you
Jackie
When referred to a Pain Clinic there is usually a period spent discussing medical history, medications, there may be a questionnaire. Physiotherapy and maybe Counselling might be discussed too. Hydrotherapy may be suggested if not tried before for pain management. An examination may be done to determine where the pain is felt regarding tender points etc. Sometimes you may be asked to measure your pain on a scale of 1 - 10 and this may be monitored each visit. A TENS machine may be suggested.
Most Pain Clinics are in hospitals and have teams of staff from different medical areas, including occupational therapists, psychologists, doctors, nurses and physiotherapists. They all work together to help people with their pain.
Pain clinics vary but usually offer a variety of treatments aimed at relieving long term pain, such as painkilling drugs; injections; hypnotherapy and acupuncture. You may also be put on a Pain Management Programme with regular sessions.
Hope this helps. Pain Clinics do vary, but the info above generalises what could happen and be offered. 
Thank you so much Libbydee
You've been very helpful. I've been worried as I feel like I have a constant battle with my GP Surgery as I never get to see the same one. I have only had one GP who listened & she herself is now of ill. The rest make me feel like its Fibro you just have to get on with it and I feel like a drug addict begging for drugs.
I've been for Physio on 2 seperate occassions & took a 6 week course of muscle strengthening classes. I also purchased a Tens Machine. I find if the pain is moderate ut helps but when it gets severe it does'nt. Also since them I am having problems that I did'nt have before.
Anyway thank you again fod your advice. I do suffer Anxiety & feel myself getting worked ul about Wednesday. Stupid I knos but thats just how I am.
Once its all over I will be on to let you how I got on.
To everyone jn the group I think you are all amazing & so supportive.
Luv & hugs
Jackie xx
My pleasure Jackie! Try not to worry too much, I know it feels like an uphill struggle sometimes, we've all been through that many times. Keep gently pushing for the help that you need. I know what you mean about the TENS machine, I have a Circulation Booster machine which has stick on pads which I put on my painful knees and ankles, it helps no end when the pain is moderate but if it's anything more than that, it doesn't touch the surface of my pain.
The medical profession are slowly waking up to the fact that Fibromyalgia is real, it's not just in our heads. One day I am sure it will be recognised entirely. Unfortunately in the mean time we have to fight our way through endless GPs and Consultants who are unaccepting of the condition.
It's not at all stupid to be anxious about Wednesday, it's understandable as you don't know what to expect. I am sure you will feel better afterwards and relieved that you went! We are all here for you and wish you all the best! Take a deep breath and you will be fine, I am sure of that!
Thank you all for your responses & yes Jo I will mail you.
I am really in a bad way at the moment. I can barely move, its bad for me but hopefully good for the Pain Clinic to see me at my worst. Its goin to be another long day & night but this time tomorrow I will be there.
I'm going to have to get my Mum to come help me with showering & washing my hair todah. My Dad is comming to the clinic with me. Its awful how this Fibro ca. make you feel like a child at times, I am 49. This is the worst flare I have had.
Thank you all again. I will let you know how it goes.
Luv
Jackie
Hi hun i went 2 pain clinic yesterday she asked me what health problems i have what meds im on where the pain is how bad it gets how it affects me how it makes me feel what it stops me from doing. I had 2 bend forwards back wards side ways lye on bed & lift each leg as hi as i cud. She went & spoke 2 another DR shes going 2 write 2 my GP 2 change my tabs shes putting me on Pregablin & some anti depressents 4 my depression. Ive also got 2c pain siciatrist ( i no ive spelt that wrong but dont no how 2 spell it ) & ive got 2 go bk & c her @ pain clinic in 3 months hope this helps u hun x Gentle hugs & big :)s 2u all x
Thank you Loobie,
That puts my mind at ease. I'm at my worst at the moment so they'll be able to see how I am. I have had depression for 19 yrs & been under a Physciatric Cons 3 times.
Did you have to strip off, I am really worried about that!! Cos of weight & scars.
I will let you know how it goes.
Thanks a lot
Luv & hugs
Jackie
Hi Jackie, i only had 2 take my jeans off but i was given a gown 2 put on. i was really worried about going & although i was hurting after & had a bad night cus of pain not 2 bad @ the mo i feel it was worth it. it prop sounds daft but just talking 2 her helped the fact that shes trying me on new tabs & i'll b on anti depressents has made me feel abit better. Hope ur app goes well hun x Gentle hugs & big :)s x
Hi Loobie
Thanks so much, the fact that you have been as recently as yesterday really puts my mind at ease. It would help by speaking to someone who believes in this horrible invisible illnezs. One of my GPs told me they find it hard to prescribe pain relief as fibro is such a complex illness. I also had a Locum Dr refuse me pain relief, he told md to take up yoga, swimming & walking, it would keep my mind busy instead of sitting wallowing in my own pain. I was so angry but I reported him. I cant even bend down to cut my toe nails never mind do yoga. While if I was'nt in pain yes I would love to go out for a nice walk but can walk no distance till my legs are like jelly & feel they're gonna go from beneath me.
My appt is for 9am tomorrow so I'll post in the afternoon how it goes.
As for your depression hun once you get onto anti depressant & they kick in you'll feel so much better in your mind & if you have counseling to go with it thats great also. I find its somegimes easier to talk to strangers than my own family or friends.
Thanks again, youve been a great help.
Luv & hugs
Jackie xx
Hi Loobie
I posted about Pain Clinic if you want to go in & read it.
Not good!
Luv
Jackie xx
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