Aches and pains

[StephWx]

Since my Nan’s diagnosis back 8 or 9 years ago, she’s never really complained of pain, but only recently since she’s been spending more time in bed, she’s been complaining of a painful back, bottom and hands, she’s no longer comfortable in her chair in the lounge and wheelchair which she usually liked sitting in. We’ve been told she could start pain patches (morphine?) instead of taking paracetamol as she hates the taste of it (she’s now on liquid paracetamol). Is pain and aches common in MSA patients towards the end? We’ve been told my Nan is at the late stages and is classed as palliative. Thanks x

[FredaE]

has she the right sort of bed/

[StephWx in reply to FredaE]

Yes she was provided a specialist bed quite a while ago now, she’s not in much pain when in bed but when in her wheelchair she’s becoming more uncomfortable.

[Hidden]

Hello, my dad has advancing MSA (P variant) and is just as you describe. Recently bed is the most comfy place. Even with a bespoke bed system of support pillows/padded brackets, he still can get achy, and has the occasional day when it's worse. (The local authority provided a postural specialist to make sure everything is is set up to prevent unnecessary postural strain.)The palliative team started us with liquid morphine drops, but we have found a pain patch gives more even coverage. But we can still use additional small liquid morphine top-ups for any bad days.

Dad has generally been very determined to get up out of bed. He's a fighter..but there comes a point where it just seems not worth it because of the level of discomfort. You could ask for a wheelchair assessment to check if there's anything specific that could be adjusted but it may be that it's just general discomfort. Love to you and your Nan. Kx

[Helenhooter]

I feel for you but you seeing your Nan probably helps her forget her aches and pains xxx