what happens at a pain clinic? and what do they do for us?

[bellablot]

doc was supposed to refer me last year? im seeing him on wed so ill ask him again to refer me.

[Hidden]

It depends on what you need .... I see the part of the pain clinic where I go every three months and have trigger point injections in my neck and shoulders... There is another part that offers physio and OT other clinics run pain management courses that teach relaxation and gentle exercises... It all depends on what suits your needs

VGx

[suffolklass in reply to Hidden]

Hello. I've read a few people have these trigger point injections in the neck and shoulders, are these the lidocaine injections which Prof Davies gives? I had a few private appointments with him in support of a work occupational health referral, but couldn't afford to keep going. I am also on a very long waiting list for an appointment with my local pain clinic.

[Spirit]

My first appointment was a long one whereby I was assessed by Clin Psych Nurse (frame of mind), Medical Clinician (Drugs) and Physio. From that I was given appointments with all of them at varying intervals.

Hope this puts your mind at rest. Don't expect your GP to have a clear view of these clinics - they've probably never been told.

Spirit x x x

[Mdaisy]

Hello Bellablot,

Here is a recent blog about pain clinics that may be of interest,

fibroaction.healthunlocked....

Hope it helps

Emma

[Hidden]

Hi, I went for my first pain clinics appointment last Monday. It took me several attempts with my GP to get the referral, and then a wait of about 3 months for the appointment. I was seen by a dr, who talked with me for about an hour. He prescribed duloxetine, which I tried but didn't agree with me. He has referred me to the multi disciplinary team, a waiting time of about 5 months. The team includes physio, psych, and I'm not sure what else. So it is not a quick process, and so far has not been of much help. I shall wait and see about the next step!

[Libbyloo2005]

My pain clinic were brilliant. They made suggestions re my medication that my GP hadn't even mentioned! I was also offered 12 sessions of acupuncture - not a cure by any means but made me feel bit better for the two days after it. They really understand chronic pain and fibro and are better placed to recommend drugs than anybody (in my opinion and experience). Definitely worth chasing referral up and getting an appointment.

[sauceysue]

Hi Bellablot, I have my first appt tomorrow at the pain clinic. I don't know what to expect, I will let you know how I get on.

[bellablot in reply to sauceysue]

hi sue how did you get on?

x

[vetnurselise]

Hi

I initially had trigger point injections & an occipital nerve block. worked at the start then tailed off (which i gather is normal). he then referred me to the INPUT Pain Clinic at St Thomas. Cannot recommend this enough. 1 month live in course (at the hosp) & even if being around other people with varying degrees of chronic pain is all you take away - is worth it)!

[Fourboys in reply to vetnurselise]

Hi, could you let us know who referred you to St.Thomas's a brilliant hospital. Was it a doctor or consultant, also what area do you live. This sounds really interesting and seems great that they only work with a few people at a time so you feel that at last someone is treating you seriously. Would you say you have learnt to manage the pain now. Thank you so much for sharing this, hugs x

[vetnurselise]

Hi there I am in NW London & was referred by my Pain Consultant Dr Damien Smith (who was brilliant but only interested in injecting me). He had been to the INPUT course (as professionals are invited to attend on Thursdays).

I was assessed last year & put on waiting list - there are 3 courses going at any one time & live in is mandatory. I gather there is also a 2 week intensive course & something similar in Bristol & also a childrens one at GOSH. The website is fairly helpful but ultimately being around other people & not even talking about pain was brilliant. I have learnt some tools to help me & would recommend it to anyone x

[sauceysue]

Hi Bellablot and everyone, my appointment at the pain clinic yesterday turned out to be an assessment on how they can best help me. It lasted an hour and the doctor was very friendly and just talking to her helped me a lot. She is going to put me into a group session, I have to be there for a whole morning and its an 8 week course. At the moment she doesn't think i'm ready for that, so she has recommended physio and CBT. She is also going to lend me a Tenn's machine. I do feel as though I have a life-line now and recognize the fact that I haven't been coping both psychically and mentally. X

[lady]

I went to a pain clinic 5yrs ago and was going to start an intense course of exersise and classroom, but , my husband died so I didn't go on that course, also the doctor said because I had differrent types of pain it was difficult to give me the right treatment.

The Rheumatologist said I should go back to the Pain clinic, so my GP says she will look into it for me.