Pain management

[Charlottewileyy]

Hello everyone,

I’m currently undiagnosed and are not sure what causes my pain currently however arthritis has been mentioned but I wanted to ask for any advice on back pain and how I can reduce it without strong medications, I do swimming and work currently but am struggling to deal with the pain or work as much as I need to. With the new guidelines on chronic pain stating that medications such as morphine/ codeine aren’t recommended I’m unsure where to go and wanted to see if there is anything anyone can recommend that has worked for them?

[AgedCrone]

You should make an appointment to see your GP and discuss with her/ him if it is necessary to order some blood tests to see if you should be referred to a rheumatologist, or maybe a physiotherapist.

Not every back pain is Osteo or rheumatoid arthritis ...but if you do have either you need specialist advice.

We can’t advise on any medication....even once you have a diagnosis.....prescribing medication can only be done by a doctor.

In the interim before you get an appointment with your GP, you could ask your local pharmacist - they are now well trained in offering advice.

Hope you get something sorted soon.

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

I have been referred to rheumatology and have seen a clinic but we are still unsure if it’s rheumatoid arthritis or something else but I’m looking for ways other than medications to help ease pain and seeing what’s worked for people x

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Are you in the UK? What exactly did your doctors tell you when they said they are “not sure“ if you have a rheumatic condition? What are you waiting for now ? If you have had blood tests that will usually guide a rheumatologist to making a decision/diagnosis.Have you had x-rays or scans? You don’t say how many investigations you have had.

Until you are told by your doctor you do not have rheumatoid arthritis you may need referring to a pain clinic ? But if you do have rheumatoid arthritis I’m afraid the only path is medication with disease modifying anti rheumatic drugs...& possibly a short course of steroids to help the inflammation. Have you been given any pain medication...or prescribed any exercises for your back?

Sorry for all the questions but as I said before we can’t prescribe anything ....you need a diagnosis and a Doctor’s prescription for any possible medication.

Don’t take too much notice of the articles in the press re morphine and codeine....you have to read those in conjunction with the studies that were done & on which diseases.....and just because rheumatoid arthritis was mentioned in some of those articles that does not mean you would be prescribed either.

I have Just glanced down and seen your reply to HH-and I see that you have been having these back pains for 6 years.....so I guess during that time you have had all the tests that show you do not have rheumatoid arthritis?

So I expect all the above has been dealt with..... maybe the pain clinic is your next step? I must say you have much more tolerance than I would have had....I would not have waited in pain for 6 years.....please go back to your doctor & get some help.

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Hi yeah I’m in the UK, I have had blood tests which have come back negative but they have looked into sero-negative arthritis and I have had scans still waiting for the results. I have been to the pain clinic about 2 years ago but am trying to get a referral as the pains got a lot worse recently and I have been given codeine and naproxen to take together atm and I have to take it every 4 hours currently. They did mention starting morphine but now due to the new guide lines they are trying not to prescribe strong medications so I’m feeling abit lost on what I can do. I do stretches everyday to try and help but haven’t noticed too much difference. They often tell me that because of my age they don’t want to do much which feels unfair a lot of the time because I don’t feel my age should matter and honestly I feel like giving up a lot of the time because of how long it’s been going on as it’s got to the point where I can’t get dressed without help currently and am unable to go out so I’m desperate for answers but feel I’m never heard when I talk to my doctor.

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Do you mean you are “getting on a bit”...like me?

Have you been given any diagnosis at all?

Being given strong drugs often affect you in unintentional ways as you get older....so be guided by your doctors.

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Yeah I suppose as I’m getting older I’m getting more frustrated that we haven’t found a way to control it as at the moment I have been unable to work due to the amount of pain and that’s my worst fear not being able to do what other 19 year olds do, and I’ve had no diagnosis apart from chronic pain

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Do you mean you are only 19?

Have you been on this site before re under another name?

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes I was previously on here but my account got locked and I had to change things when I managed to get back in, I’ve just turned 19 when I was first on here I was 18 but have now turned 19

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Have you done what I think somebody might have advised you to do previously taken your mother or father or both along to your doctor and explained how you have deteriorated over the last few months? I believe last time you said they didn’t have much sympathy with you – maybe you should sit them down and explain really how much pain you are in?

You are certainly taking far too much medication for somebody of your age who is undiagnosed.

It’s definitely not normal for a 19-year-old to be in so much pain she can’t dress herself and certainly not to have to stay at home all the time.

Have you tried calling the NRAS helpline? They have people there who might be able to advise you who to contact to get some help.....so that you can move forward with your life.

I hope you do get help soon.

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Yeah recently it’s been better with them and I think we’ve come along way in understanding, due to COVID I haven’t seen a doctor face to face yet but have had some phone calls, I’m hoping to try see someone soon and I think that’s what worries me is how much medications I am taking at my age I don’t want to be on them for so long as I’ve been on codeine for a year and a half now and I think I may call them today and have a chat with them, thank you so much for your help I really appreciate it xx

[Hidden in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Yoga with Adrian on YouTube for back pain

[Charlottewileyy in reply to Hidden]

Thank you! I’ll definitely give it a go x

[KittyJ in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Please be very careful and don’t just do what people on here tell you to do, if you do not have a diagnosis yet you could do more harm than good. We aren’t qualified to give that kind of advice, always check with your doctors first 😊

[Charlottewileyy in reply to KittyJ]

Definitely I always check with them just helps to hear what may of worked for others so I can have a look into it as my medications are starting to have bad side affects x

[KittyJ in reply to Charlottewileyy]

But if you don’t have RA or even if you do then what works for people here may not be good for you. Have you seen a physio? x

[Charlottewileyy in reply to KittyJ]

Yes I did a few years ago and hoping to go back soon, I try to do a few exercises everyday. And of course I’m very aware of it that’s why I check with my GP before trying anything x

[KittyJ in reply to Charlottewileyy]

That’s good, I hope it’s not too long to wait as you need some relief x

[Charlottewileyy in reply to KittyJ]

Thank you! I appreciate all the help I have managed to change my attitude recently and am a lot more positive with it and I think I understand more that we may never know the cause but am taking one step at a time x

[KittyJ in reply to Charlottewileyy]

How long ago were the scans? I would chase them up unless they are recent. They might show something which will help you get the correct treatment. Is it only your back pain that is the problem? ( sorry if you’ve answered this all before in your other incarnation)

[Charlottewileyy in reply to KittyJ]

I have had the results today and it’s good and bad I suppose that nothings been found but on the other side I feel even more frustrated because again it means we haven’t found an answer. And I have to continue with no treatment for now as I can’t afford any private treatments currently x

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

I agree with KittyJ.

How do your doctors explain why are you are in so much pain and all they can do is give you painkillers? I am not surprised you’re taking so much is starting to have side-effects......6 years is a very long time never to have received a diagnosis. I really do think you should take your parents to speak to your doctors.

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes I definitely agree I need to get it sorted, when I ask they tell me that we may never know what’s causing it and it’s about managing it but I feel that it’s not being managed as I’m jusy being given pain killers. I do also take antidepressants which are used as nerve blockers but have not noticed any difference.

[helixhelix]

I have chronic back pain from damaged discs - or rather I don't as with the help of a physio and trial and error I have worked out a stretching routine that keeps the pain under control. In some areas you can self refer to a physio, if not ask to be referred.

Good that you swim, but hope you are not doing breast stroke? Puts lower back under a lot of pressure.

[silentpool in reply to helixhelix]

I have had bouts of severe back pain for many years. I find gentle mobilisation stretches every morning help and I have spiky balls (hedgehogs) that I bought from my pilates teacher which are great for a gentle massage. Since I have been on RA medication my back gives me less trouble, but maybe that's because I have had to give up tennis - boo-hoo!

[Charlottewileyy in reply to helixhelix]

I make sure not to do breast stroke as I noticed it made my back worse, I’m in contact with my GP regularly but we’re are unsure what’s causing it still after 6 years and I’ve accepted that we may never find out but just looking for ways to cope with it and make it easier x

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Have you been advised at the pain clinic to have any counselling to help you to cope?

Maybe you could ask them next time you go?

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

I have spoke about that and have been referred but have been told that there is a long wait atm which I understand so am going to wait and see x

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Call NRAS ....they will maybe able to offer moe informed sdvice.

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

I will do thank you x

[AgedCrone]

Ajay please don’t suggest any more drugs ...Wildflower wants to get off drugs...not add more! She is already taking far too many!

At 19 the poor girl needs to be able to dress herself, work,& get out and enjoy yourself not just continue taking drugs....6 years is a long time with no diagnosis!

I do hope NRAS can point her in the right direction .

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Hello just to answer I have had a call with my GP today and they’ve decided because of the side affects I am not longer allowed to take codeine and am only allowed to take paracetamol and ibuprofen which I’m unsure how I will cope atm as I’m working in a nursery and have a shift next week. But am going to continue trying I am trying my best to not rely on tablets and work up to no medications x

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

Good on you.....Try to be relaxed WF.....codeine can have some very nasty effects on your bowels,& at your age that is the last thing you need....especially when you are running around after children.

Have you thought of having a good think & setting out in a letter to your GP that you think your condition has been going on for so long that you really need a face-to-face consultation, to discuss the best way to get off as much medication as possible.

It sounds as if you are really in a better mindset now...you have a job you like,& you want to do what other 19 year olds do. I’m so old I can’t remember.....but I’m sure I enjoyed being 19!

So think about it & write the letter.....

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Yes I am definitely in a better mind frame I think it finally clicked that I’ve got to understand that I don’t know what it is and unlikely it will be rheumatoid arthritis and I will continue to try find an answer but also focus on managing it as best I can without taking strong tablets, I have another call tomorrow and am going to ask for a face to face consultation with them as soon as they are free too x

[AgedCrone in reply to Charlottewileyy]

I you can’t get a f2f...don’t despair.

There are a lot of people who are back where you were six years ago who may need it more than you. So if you can only get a phone consult....make a few notes saying you understand that ....& ask If there is anything your doctor can suggest to calm things down, so that you can work comfortably.

You seem to be moving on WF.....making a good effort.....I’m sure you are on the right path ....keep us up to date.....it’s a xxxxx we are stuck in this Pandemic so that medical appointments are scarce...but they say the harder it is to achieve....the more satisfying it is...so you go for it!

[Charlottewileyy in reply to AgedCrone]

Thank you! Xxx

[Charlottewileyy]

Hello just to answer I have had a call with my GP today and they’ve decided because of the side affects I am not longer allowed to take codeine and am only allowed to take paracetamol and ibuprofen which I’m unsure how I will cope atm as I’m working in a nursery and have a shift next week. But am going to continue trying I am trying my best to not rely on tablets and work up to no medications x