How do people keep their spirits up and stay positive while they are on waiting lists?
I am struggling with pain and lack of sleep and it's taking over my life but I have been told that I am on the NHS waiting list for facet joint injections and have to wait until at least May 2020 until I can expect to have the procedure done. At this moment it feels like it's such a long time away and I dont know how I am going to keep going and fight through this until then!! I do have a good and bad days just wondered if anyone had any tips of how they cope and get through the tough times?
Thank you so much for taking the time to read/reply.
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Leelee16661
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11 Replies
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Hi
Yes, it's really hard. Have you tried hot water bottle, electric blanket. I'm due some injections soon, will let you know how they go. I do try and stay positive but it's hard as I have so many conditions battling each other. Please take care of yourself Lynne xxxx
Hi I have had the facet joint injections on three separate occasions, they work great for some people not for others! Unfortunately I am one of the one's they don't work for. I found when I was waiting if I used a hot water bottle the pain increased, same as when I tried a cold pack. I did get relief using a wide belt made from a fleece, I don't know if it will help you or not? Yes the waiting can be traumatic yet I found thinking of the people who won't ever get help or any medical attention whatsoever ,made me realise how lucky I am to have the NHS to fall back on! That might sound stupid or patronising it's not meant that way it's just that is what helped me be patient even though I was and still am in so much pain even the morphine's not taking all the pain away!
There's no secret. There's no magic formula. There's no magic potion.
Sorry.
I've had 16 injections into my facet joints about 8 or so yrs ago, and from the pain clinic saying yes to getting, was several months, but not sure as long as your wait.
For me, the extreme pain of having the injections, was not worth it. I had no extra relief.... That's me. Not everyone gets extra relief, and you got to be aware of that.
Remember, they're going to inject into a very sore area, and they hurt, my god it hurts.
As for keeping chipper, it's got to be in you! There are days n weeks, I wish I wasn't here having this daily pain.... It's been just.over thirty years since the initial injurys. The first decade was ok, the second had bad spells, and now the third has been downhill all the way.
The fourth, may end with me in a wheelchair, but I had a good run, if.i do.
We all cope in our own way, and so long as you accept that you got pain, and change.your life around that and stop doing things that hurt... Long walks, exercise, sitting for hours at a desk, whatever aggravates stop it! lol not everything can be changed or stopped, so you learn to adapt.
As the pain.clinic will have.told you about pacing. It's so important, and most of us here, ignore it, and then suffer. Adapting helps also.
Don't.let the down days ruine the good days, but don't ruine the good days not pacing n adapting or you make them a regret, and that makes the down days worse.... Oh god I shouldn't have done that etc.
Ask whoever is down to do your injections, if you can get them brought forward, but please don't put all your hope into them.
Sinicism is now a big part of your life, but don't be.like me, where it's a bit part of daily life!
It would be a good idea to go back to your GP and explain that you are not coping with the amount of pain you are in and he could try and get you in sooner with the hospital. It is worth a try as six months is a long time to suffer with this amount of pain. Good luck xx
I know this is going to sound like a right pain in the arse BUT 😉 go back to your Doc's, phone the hospital back up and tell them you can't wait that long! KEEP telling them your not coping with the pain and sleepless nights. Trust in what you know works for you! Don't be afraid to try a few more cushion's on your bed,sofa,chair. It drives me 🥜's 😜 . People have to understand that your sent an appointment ok, they (NHS) will keep you waiting and waiting and basically leave you as long as they want too, UNTIL you pick up that phone and tell them it's too long! People wait for over 9 months for a physio? If you don't contact them, they hell as won't contact you !
At times it's difficult to stay positive, I know 😉. Keep your chin up and take it easy ok . There's plenty of us back cracks to keep you company 🤟🤣
It's really hard lee, waiting for treatment in pain and the waits seem to get longer and longer!. Ring the hospital and ask to go on cancellation list as May is such a long time to wait!. Good luck, hope they help when you get them. I've had them in the past and they helped me. X
I live in the US and have always wondered which was worse. Waiting months for a procedure or having to save money for the procedure. I'm not happy with the health care here but can see problems with yours as well. I have no good answers for you but you might consider counseling. It won't help the pain but the therapist might give you some coping techniques. I find that diversion works best for me. I do all kinds of things like watching TV, playing games on my tablet, listening to music, talking to friends /family (about anything other then the pain). Good luck, I hope the injection works.
I’d go back to the doctor and ask for a sleeping pill and a pain pill. You need sleep or you’ll lose cognitive function and pain is NOT healthy for the brain.
Have you tried Advil or over the counter Tylenol?
Get on a cancellation list.
Passionflower pills relax the nervous system. I use Pascoflaire.
Turmeric is good for pain as is Epsom salt baths. Good luck. Despair is overwhelming. I was left like that for 3.5 years.
I saw my GP the other day who has given me co codamol on top of the rest of the tablets I am taking to see if that helps to control my pain a bit better. She also sent through a urgent note to the hospital to say I couldn't wait until May. I have also been put on the cancellation list.
I also had a second MRI scan and some blood tests last week so awaiting the results of them.
I really am so grateful for your suggestions and I will be giving some of your tips a go while I carry on waiting.
I am so relieved that I can talk to people in similar situations as me and knowing that you understand what i am going through really helps me.
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