PAIN

[Marm]

Cannot get my pain under control. It's all at the base of the spine. Dr prescribed Paracetamol, TRAMADOL, and latest DIAZEPAM but no change. Any suggestions please.

[Hidden]

It is complicated! We have a good website here: painbc.ca Neil Pearson has some very good webinars on this addressing pain management from the patient and health provider perspectives. A combination is a good idea apparently. good luck! Doreen

[medway-lady]

I'll be honest as my experience is ok but my mum had oestoporsis and several fractures in her spine. She had morphine patches which were great she said, at first a bit sleepy but that righted itself. She lived for a long time with her pain controlled able to walk and enjoy life, I don't know if that helps but it might be worth asking about.

[pip12]

I have been having awful pain in my lower spine, even down into my groin on the right side. I too suffer with RA and Osteoporosis and have a couple of fractures in the spine. Like you, given Tramadol, Paracetamol and Diazepan. Also given Liquid Morphine, tried the Morphine patches but had too many side effects. Nightimes where horrendous, just couldn't get comfy in bed, found putting warmwheat bags on it helped as did having my legs raised on pillows. I was taking Paracetamol with the Tramadol which did take the edge of the pain but not stopping it completely. If it became unbearable I would have the liquid Morphine as well. I only took the Diazapan at night before going to bed. This has been going on for about 10 months now and am pleased to say at last it is easing off. The pain is nothing like as bad as it was and have managed to cut down on a lot of the medication. Legs are very weak now though and have to walk with a stick.

I think (and hope) that the worst is over, but sorry to say there has been nothing that gets rid of the pain instantly, but just trying to say that I know how frustrating it is and I hope like me there will be some light at the end of the tunnel.

[Moxierae]

It sounds like you have a pain doctor. So with that being said talk to your doctor about a pain patch 24 hr, and then break through pain meds. I k,ow for me living cronically pain the last 4 years ago I was on pills and pills, andvmore. I couldn't understand. A young girl was doing one of my scans for me and told me about her mother and pain she said she has passed since but when the doctor started her on a pain patch that is called fentanyl, she had such a better quality of life with her pain, she still had alot of pain but was alot better.

So i was put on the patch, at first I was like i should have stayed on my normal regimen, but as the medicine was going into my body, wit also having increased mg, i was so thankful for the young girl telling me!!! I have so much pain, but it takes the edge off, and my breakthrough, meds work better also as long as I take Tylenol with it. When trying to do things in our every day of life, we still need to remember to take it slow and easy, instead of making us,worse.... I hope this helps you, and that your doctor is,open to try other things! I'll keep you in my thoughts.

[Susiebee31]

It's well documented that paracetamol does nothing for back pain, why they get you to take it beats me. Everyone's trying to take less drugs but at least they should be given appropriate and effective ones.

[Lorraine_NRAS]

HI Just wondered if you have contacted Back Care painuk.org/members/charitie... or possibly Pain Concern

painuk.org/members/charitie... . I have also found that the information provided by The Pain Society to be very helpful

britishpainsociety.org/brit...

[Marm]

Thank you everyone. I've tried morphine patches - BU TRANS - but had to stop because of side effects. At the moment on Oro morph as well. Couldn't make it to see the consultant as even with ambulance service unable to get up. Will try again in New Year. Thank you again for all your replies they've given me hope for the future. Merry Christmas everyone and a painless New Year. Marie

[nomoreheels]

I'm late to your post Marie, I've only just seen it. I'm sorry you couldn't tolerate the BuTrans, I remember discussing it with you a while ago. It's a shame not everyone get on with them, as I said they've been helpful for me but not everyone does. I hope there's something suggested which you'll manage with well.

Have you asked about being referred to a pain clinic? My h is sensitive to strong pain relief, in fact managed to get through two ops this year on regular paracetamol but before those he attended a pain clinic. Unfortunately none of the options worked but as a final try he attended mindfulness & meditation classes which have helped to some degree. Just thinking anything's worth a try if you feel you'd like to ask about it.

Hoping you can enjoy your Christmas as much as your pain will allow.