20 years of chronic pain

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

11 Replies

oldest • newest

gindy

a year ago

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.

Jenles

in reply to gindy

I used to have a very good pain consultant at a London hospital but when she retired I was told that there was nothing more that they could do for me. I later saw someone locally who basically said the same thing. If applying all the pain management techniques were working for me it would be fine but they aren't. I also have 'new' pain and am awaiting an appointment at the national orthopaedic hospital but, 4 months after the referral I still haven't heard anything. I usually cope quite well but am tired of no-one appearing to take my concerns seriously. One of the GPS at the new practice told me that 'no-one needs to tak all this medication ' despite knowing nothing about me or my medical history.The one I am now seeing seems more supportive but has reccommended that I stop the Gabapentin...

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