maths solution according to the chemist.

[superannie]

The chemist told me that the difference with separating the drugs into their own tablets is that I can control what I am taking according to the pain. She said she thinks the GP is trying to get me off the codeine. I am baffled as the pain level has increased and the co codamol are not working and between us ( the GP and I ) are trying to avoid going on to opiates. Not sure if that is the right word. Think it will be morphine based and the GP said my condition is only going to get worse and strong drugs should be my last option. In his own words " What am I going to prescribe in five years time?). I don't really know but the pain levels and lack of mobility right now are doing my head in! Anyway thanks everyone for your input, upwards and onwards, as they say. I have had my second MRI and am now waiting to see the surgeon who wants to operate, I have loads of questions before I take that step, so will keep you updated. Ann

[Hidden]

Hello Ann

Many GPs prefer to avoid morphene like the plague, strong medications should only be prescribed as and when required So in some regions they are not until there is no other choice. If you are going in for an operation the GP may feel that holding back the horses is the best way to treat you at this time, It will give something in reserve that they can use when and were required. Personally I can see the point here,when I went into hospital to have my gallbladder removed they had to give morphine,it never touched the sides and they had to double the dose. This was caused by the Opiates that I had been taking for years

After the operation the ward give Codeine Phosphate instead of the Tramadol I was used to, this ( less) strong medication seemed to work for a time,although when I went home I returned to the less efficient Tramadol that seemed to work better for my chronic condition. The Codeine( P) was a terror for constipation. The actual week of being of the Opiate seemed to be a good call in that instant and had given my body a chance to withdraw from the Tramadol for a few days , This had given me breathing space and the Gp then gave me Paracetamol, with the Tramadol to get me through the last few days before the stitches were removed.

What I am trying to say here medications by strength sometimes is not productive,it is there to assist you in the suppression of pain. In my nearest NHS hospitals one in Northumberland the other in Newcastle the use of Morphene is tolerated far earlier in a persons pain. While in Northumberland the use of Morphene is used less often and its use is more selective. Sometimes now when in hospital I can understand better than before that bog standard Paracetamol may be the better call when patients are cowering in pain. As Paracetamol is helping in a different way.and will supplement the stronger medications

Many patients may look on this as not having a pain medication that is (strong) This seems wrong as what seems weaker is actually working in a different manner

All the best

BOB

[superannie in reply to Hidden]

Hi Bob, thanks so much for your reply. You certainly have made sense of a lot of issues regarding the medication. The gp has offered me Tramadol but I tried it about eight years ago and wasn't at all happy with the effects of it. I must say I was working very hard as a care assistant at the time and working nights and only getting about four hours a day sleep at the time. I was diagnosed with sciatica at that time and of course it was not that at all.

I am very much learning day by day on how to deal with this pain, trying to keep the depression at bay, which seems to always be lurking in the background waiting to pounce! But every day is a new day and I am ever thankful that I am here to make the best of it. My husband has some medical issues of his own, so we are muddling on together.

Our 40th wedding anniversary in February next year. Think a long weekend away where there is a hot tub is looking inviting!!!

Thanks again and I will stay in touch, Ann

[Hidden in reply to superannie]

Hello Ann

Always like the chat,you know were everyone is

BOB

[nedd]

Keep on knitting.

Hope you find some relief from your pain.

I find Some days seem to be more bearable than others although the pain remains at a constant temperature.

One stitch at a time.

X

[superannie in reply to nedd]

Thanks Nedd, through it all I seem to manage to pick up the needles every day!

[Pheonixalight]

I was admitted into hosPITAL about 3 weeks ago in agonizing persistant pain, in my foot ankle. Pain then went up my leg and into groin and hip. I also suffer with nerve pain in hand, which then goes up my arm and into shoulder and neck. While in hospital I ended up feeling absolutely amazing, I felt happy, chatty, loved everyone, I wonder what it was that I was on? I did have injections that were said to be circulation boosters - any idea's?