Working with chronic pain and heavy medication.

[badbackjonny]

I know this isn't about my pain, but it is related so please stay with me.

Before I hurt my back I did a job that involved heavy lifting and constant use of ladders. My accident put a Holt to that. I have been trying different jobs, telle-sales, data input and other desk jobs but I can't do them because of my meds. I kept making simple mistakes and had serious problems remembering basic information.

I am desperate to get in work as my partner and I really want kids but we don't want them being paid for by everyone else. We like to pay our own way. Please don't be offended by that, it's just how we are.

I am just looking for a bit of support, to hear someone else has done it. Got work and kept it despite chronic pain, heavy medication and a wheelchair.

If I lived in a city it would (presumably) be easier, but I live in a small town.

Just indulge me if you can.

Thanks.

J.

[earthwitch]

I admire your determination. Keep pushing for what you want, but if it doesn't all work out that way, don't feel a failure because you will have tried.

If the medication really is impacting on your ability to work, it might be worth while asking for a referral to a pain management specialist to see if they can tweak it a bit so it isn't affecting your thinking so much. They may also be able to give you other ways of relieving pain that might help reduce your need for heavy medications.

Also, it might sound a bit odd, but if you could find a good clinical psychologist they can be really useful at testing your cognitive (thinking) abilities and then giving you strategies for working around the specific problems you have with concentration/memory, etc. I've known a number of people who had similar problems to you (but caused by brain injury) who managed to deal with it well through working with a psychologist.

[badbackjonny in reply to earthwitch]

Thank you. I will definitely look in to it and talk to my GP as well.

It's good to know it can be done.

J.

[Hidden]

This is difficult

I do not know your situation or what is causing your complaint.

Possibly I would suggest you ask the GP to send you to a Pain Clinic and they will assist in the management of your Pain

Many people on these sights are suffering from conditions that may cause them not too work and possibly do voluntary work so they can manage their conditions. Some will work full time and many will still work full time, with varying hours although they may not be in the work they had undertaken before becoming restricted, disabled.

You will need to understand that many people will go to the Job Centre and see an Occupational Therapist, who will assist in making your work area fit for you to work in. Sometimes may in some way in place the sufferer in a job they can do

Wit regards to medications we most times may have problems with contraindications and many will learn how to manage this through the Pain Clinic. Much will depend on if your pains or chronic or acute.

You also need to understand that some patients will suffer for the rest of their lives, therefore it is an uncomfortable fact many will possibly not work again and find a critic of disability is very unhelpful and can cause worry and hurt. We are all different here an approach to wider disability conditions would be more helpful

BOB

[coolpolitealex]

Look if your in that much pain your obviously disabled so go and tell the authorities, IE the WORK AND PENSIONS , and if you tell them your difficulties (and I know all about the prejudices involved when your back goes) but let them know and get help from them, as there must be someone at the dole where they can send you and if your back is fUC..D then there are specialist's who know , no matter what those' who will never believe you, think, I know from experience as living with my back after breaking it has ruined my life, and it's no use telling you it will easy, but it is a disability and sitting down too long only adds to the pain, so get help ,professional help , all the best Alex

[Hidden in reply to coolpolitealex]

Take advice from your medical team and they will recommend the best way forward. When in pain it is a good idea and try and maximize the treatments and medications if possible before a pain clinic will help with pacing etc going back to work as your employer may become jaded if you need to take time of on a regular basis. You can however contact the Job Centre and they will send you to their Occupational Therapist. If you are under the Pain Clinic or Specialist they can refer you to the hospital OT and they may help you with ways of managing daily chores at home. There are allowances that the state have to allow for getting around etc. The GP and Specialist then will then be approached for their advice on your condition.

Good Luck

BOB

[allowishis21]

Hi,

I want to let you know that there is hope. My situation is different but after a car crash I lost sensation and movement in my right arm and developed chronic regional pain syndrome. As a result I am on high doses of opiates and neuropathic medication daily but I work full time as an OT. It took time and lots of tinkering from my GP and pain team but we eventually got to a level where I was able to think , work and cope with the pain. Yes, some days are harder than others. Yes,there are days I come home and all I do is sleep, but the feeling of self worth I get from working is what keeps me sane.

When it first happened I was encouraged to leave work and sign on to benefits but I refused as I know that if I didn't work I would suffer psychologically; that was the right choice for me. To this day I still get asked about stopping or reducing my hours as they feel my pain control would be better. I live with pain to allow me to work which supports me to live and I can cope with that.

When things are bad all I do is work and sleep but for the days I'm like that there will be another day that I'mme not and I'm happy with that.

I'm not saying what I do is right or possible for everyone but it works for me. I would encourage you to contact your local pain team to get your meds reviewed and a plan to support you with your goal. Work out what you can live and cope with.

Wishing you all the very best in your endeavour.

Allowishis

[badbackjonny]

Thank you all for your input. It has given me quite a lot to think about. I have been to my local pain team and gp but they are no help. I have had to go two hours away. They are great but the distance means I can't see them much.

I want to drop my meds but to be honest, it scares the crap out of me. I get bad withdrawal symptoms if I am an hour late with my meds.

I really want to cut down though.

It's a pretty messed up situation.

Again, thank you.

And please keep your fingers crossed for me.

J.

[Calceolaria]

I don't know your condition but I'm wondering why you have not had any localised solutions, like injections to the area. These would obviate the need for oral meds which affect your whole system.

[johnsmith]

question. Is it the meds or is it the lack of sleep? Pain and meds can interfere with sleep. Lack of sleep can interfere with the ability to remember things. It is also very easy to make silly mistakes when tired.

When you had your accident and entered the realm of chronic pain did you try and increase your sleep hours or did you keep them the same?

Hope the questions were useful?

[angelrobert]

You should contact the Job Centre and they will send you to their Occupational Therapist. If you are under the Pain Clinic or Specialist they can refer you to the hospital, I think so that now its not too late just try to do something to reduce your pain. orthopedicsurgerysandiego.com/