What can I hope to get from the Pain Management Program at The Walton Centre?

[purpledm10]

I have recently been diagnosed with CRPS. I have no idea what to expect so was wondering if anyone has attended on this program and what your thoughts of it are? Thanks

[earthwitch]

There are different types of pain management programmes. Some of them take a broad view of pain and help you deal with it on several different levels, including medications, physical techniques (TENS, acupuncture, etc) and psychological methods. Others focus pretty much solely on the psychological stuff. I have a vague feeling that the Walton clinic one is more psych based, but I could be wrong. Did they give you any information about what would happen or whether it was a group programme rather than individual consultation?

[probe]

And I found out from the Consultant today, that the Walton Pain Clinic, is the only one Merseyside, that is licensed to prescribe medicinal cannabis. Finally, after nearly 12 months of chronic pain, I seem to be getting somewhere. It's the only thing that reduces the pain to bearable, but it's costing me a fortune.

[badbackjonny]

I am in the same boat as yourself. I have been told that I need to attend the 6 week intense coarse (4 dayse for 2 weeks then 2 days for 4 weeks). This is so I can get a neuro stimulator. I too asked that question bit it doesn't look like anyone on here has been on it. Have you any of the multi disciplinary teams yet? The first one try and explain it and 'big it up' but its hard to believe. I am going to see the second MDT soon then my pain specialist to talk about options. The main thing I have brought away from the meetings so far is that it is elective. So even if you start it or are halfway through it you can still decide to stop if you feel it isn't for you and it won't effect any future treatment from the Walton centre.

If you don't mind me asking where is your CRPS? And when was it diagnosed?

Best of luck! I hope you manage to to find a better answer then me rambling on.

Jonny.

[badbackjonny in reply to badbackjonny]

Even though I left a massive answer I forgot to say, if I was you I would go to the MDT meetings as they give you a lot of info.

It is in groups. It does do a lot of psych. But it also does a lot of other stuff as well. There is no harm in talking to them.

Again. Best of luck!

[purpledm10 in reply to badbackjonny]

Hi Jonny

CRPS is in my lower left leg. I was diagnosed at the Walton centre on 18 October, my original Trauma was Cellulitis that didn't respond to medication. It started on 3 August 2012 and I've been in pain since. DR is keen for me to have Spinal Cord Stimulator Treatment but wants me to do the Pain Management course first. When was you diagnosed & where do you have it?

[badbackjonny in reply to purpledm10]

Hi there.

I was diagnosed with syringomyelia about 7 years ago. It took nearly 6 years to find a hospital that could/would treat me. They have told me that I am on the list for the stimulator and like your self they said i had to go to the multi disciplinary team for the pain clinic before they would do it. But saying that, if I decide not to do the program then they wont hold that against me and will still go ahead with the implant.

The thinking behind this is that the program 'could' help and it would save mager surgery and the riskc that go with it if it does work.

I am very sceptical about the program and not sure yet if I am going to go through with it. I have to talk with my consultant after my second MDT meating.

I hope that this has been helpful. I dont really know what more to say other then look at their website. they have a good description on there of what the program entails.

good luck and keep me up to date if you decide to go a head with it. I too am trying to find someone who has been on this program.

Thanks.

[purpledm10 in reply to badbackjonny]

Hi,

I haven't had an MDT meeting yet and it's not been mentioned to me yet

[Myfoo in reply to badbackjonny]

Hi...my daughter is 12 months into her syringomyelia diagnosis...she to has been referred to the Walton pain clinic and has been told she has to go to the 16 day sessions...my question is how did you go on? Did you get help for your pain? Her pain doctor has told her she needs to come off most of her medication which worries me as she is in so much pain now...can't imagine how much pain she is going to be in when they start reducing them...sorry for all the questions desperate mum here x