Hello everyone, I'm new to this forum but not new to pain. Almost 20 years ago I had decompression surgery as I had 2 severely prolapsed discs. Once I had recovered there was a period when I was able to get on with my life fairly well. I was not free from pain but it was manageable for the most part. But this didn't last and 12 years ago I needed more surgery- this time a 4 level lumbar fusion. I was warned that I would still be in pain but mobility would improve. Fast forward. The pain has continued to worsen and my mobility has decreased to the point where I am dependent on a mobility scooter when outside the home. I am also unable to cope with various day to day activities. I also have other health problems. I take a ridiculous amount of analgesics, including Gabapentin (which I am currently aiming to cut right down) and morphine, as well as medication for other things. Unfortunately, having fairly recently moved to a bungalow to make life easier, I now have a GP practice which is either unable or unwilling to provide the support I need. The pain, meanwhile, is getting worse and more widespread and I frequently feel at the end of my tether.
I apologise for the length of this post but being new to this site I thought I might as well explain as much as possible
Hi there Jenles,
I'm so sorry you're in so much pain, I know what it's like and you sound right at the end of your tether.
The gabapentin is actually a really great drug, as mixed with opiates it magnifies their effect.
You say you're taking morphine, is this MST or a different preparation?
My pain is managed by mixing pregabalin (gabapentins big brother) with oxycodone. Both of these drugs are a improved version on the one's u mentioned in your op. Tell me, have u tried these or been offered them?
I paid to see my pain specialist so as to jump the queue, but you can also pick and choose your doctor and find one that'll be open to suggestions (if medically appropriate of course). It only cost me £100 and I'm on the south Coast so things are usually as expensive as they'll get in the UK. It's worth the investment as being in the amount of pain you describe is the pits.
If u you need me to clarify anything just give me an '@ mention' and I'll try to reply promptly.
Best wishes.
Hi Jenles. I don't mean to intrude on your post here, but I also live on the south coast and would happily pay £100 to see a real 'pain specialist'. Have just got home today from the NHS 'Pain Specialist' who just told me to stop taking all pain killers and muscle relanants and antidepressants plus to stop using my TENS and EMS machines. This after 21 years of serious pain. Usual disc probs and now severe constant pain (or agonising pain) releived not much at all with a frightening dose of various pain killers from Morphine & many more drugs.
I would give almost all I had to be reived of this pain, I really would. Can you recommend me a good pain specialist somewhere down this way?
many, many thanks in advance.
Simon.