Pain clinic first appointment

[Ktchard]

I have my first pain clinic appointment this Friday afternoon iv been waiting over 2 years for this I do hope I don't get fobbed off or Dr don't understand my pain & issues if it's anything like my gp appoints Im probably going to be going around in circles. Anyone had good pain consultant??

[Bananas5]

Yes the best. And he brought me flowers during carers week!!

Remember your GP is not the pain expert but works under guidance from the pain consultant.

Don't forget go armed with your list and take a friend with you if you can.

Pat x

[Ktchard in reply to Bananas5]

Hi pat what list should I bring? Il take a list of my medication but what else should I do I don't have anyone to take with me as my partner will be looking after my youngest, I don't have many people I know here in Abergavenny south Wales, should I write a diary of my last few days ? Xxx

[Ktchard in reply to Ktchard]

The pain is relentless I hope I'm not going to be like this forever x sorry iv had enough & I also struggle in ghe farmhouse we bought 2 years ago still haven't got hot running water and heating upstairs we have a wood burner in the living room and one in dining room but the only source of heat upstairs is a calor gas fire I push around so bloody heavy, I think that's contributing to my stress levels and therefore increases pain thanks for listening xx

[lana59 in reply to Ktchard]

Hi Ktchard. On a practical level regarding pushing calor gas fire around I would like to say had same prob. I remembered I had bought a set of moving discs when moved to gnd flr flat. Four discs with a separate lever handle. Made moving fridge/freezer, sofa, stove etc MUCH easier to SLIDE around. You can get them in DIY stores (I got mine from Lidl!). It was much better than "walking" furniture around and into place. Just use lever to lift one corner up and pop disc under it then do same with other 3 and heater should move fairly easily. Hope this is useful.

[Ktchard in reply to lana59]

Thank you Il have to look for those x

[Bananas5 in reply to Ktchard]

Yes copy of your script. Think Lou has given a good guide to the list. Pain diary always good idea. Pushing gas fire around doesn't help you but some times needs must. But write down qhwn you feel your worse.

I only suggested a friend as 4 ears listening a better than 2 and you are bound to miss something.

Go with an open mind and be prepared to accept any treatment or therapies he suggest. Pain clinic is regarded by its lifelong members as last chance saloon.

x

[Ktchard in reply to Bananas5]

Thank you at the moment I just feel exhausted couldn't imagine writing about my day but tomorrow is another day Il start then x

[Lou_inpain]

Hi

I typed up a full list of symptoms - dates of my accident - previous treatments etc and laid it out in a time line. I also listed my pain triggers etc and the consultant was delighted and put it in my hospital file. He sometimes refers back to it rather than digging through notes looking for the various drugs etc that I have been on. You only have a limited time and I think it's good to try and describe as best you can in writing what has led to you being a pain patient. The more information the better. I hate that feeling when you walk out a room and forgot to mention something.

But then again I'm a complete control freak and had diagrams and everything - even recorded the week prior to my visit.

It's your time so make the most of it.

Best of luck and keep us all updated with how you get on.

Lou xx

[Ktchard in reply to Lou_inpain]

Thanks lou I'll try my best x

[Sazntef]

The pain clinic in Edinburgh is great. Pacing guides, talk to you to help you really understand why the pain is happening, pain reduction techniques, relaxation techniques, support groups, advice and so much more. It really isn't like you're gp appointments as they are specialists in chronic pain and have spent years developing ways to help people.

Let us know how you get on

Xx

[Ktchard]

Yes I will thanks 😊 also I phoned the hospital that are doing injections in my neck it's called a static cervical nerve block do you know anything about these I will be having two next month one in c4 & one at c7 I'm a bit scared to say the least but gotta try them it hurts so much just to flex and turn my neck hurts so much.

[jaffa7]

The first thing I would say is to go in with an open mind - don't assume you will be fobbed off. I dont know what your pain and issues are, but is this a pain management clinic where they teach you how to live with your pain, or a specialist who will tell you the cause of your pain and what treatment is available? Sometimes there is no cure for pain. Thats really hard to get your head around, I know, but in some cases its true. Anyway let us know how you get on

[Lou_inpain]

Well how did it go??

[Ktchard]

Hey lou the pain Dr's discovered that I have a weakness on the right side of my body arm & leg my reflexes were a little off too I knew I had a weakness but now they want me to get my spinal injections done before they draw up a pain management programme for me which will include input from a phycologist, physiotherapists & my gp with regards to pain meds. The pain doctor will ask my gp to keep me on dihydrocodine as my gp has been lowering my dosage every month so that's reassuring to know i wont get taken off the painkillers. Once iv finished my management plan then they will be referring me to a neurologist because of the weakness. Apparently I have quite a few trigger points in my neck / back maybe physio can help with those. Thanks for all your advice guys 😊do you know what to expect at a neurology appointment?