Chronic back pain help.

[Ashley321]

Hi everyone. I’m looking for advise on back pain flare ups. I’m taking a lot of morphine and it seems not to be working. I am struggling now. I have a herniated disk and require surgery bur everything is taking longer in these current times. I am self employed and have a young energetic family. It’s getting me down a lot. This is the second flare up I have had this year with the first lasting nearly a month. I feel myself thinking of silly things but then looking at how much I have and how lucky I am. It feels like my options are running out. I’m getting through this by telling myself “I will get better” but the road at the moment is very dark. I can’t be the only person with this pain and in this sort of mood so that’s why I’m reaching out. Who knows maybe I could be helping someone else by letting them know they are not alone. Being bed bound and not being able to be the dad and husband I I used to be breaks me. Hiding it from them is the hardest part. I love seeing them laugh and joke and even getting on each others nerves from time to time and just being a normal family. I love it. But I fell so detached from it all when I’m in so much pain. I’m playing out in my head over and over again what I’m going to tell my customers and how I’m going to have to let them down. It’s not just me this pain is affecting. It’s everyone. Please help. Thank you.

[Hidden]

U just described my life EXCEPT Ive got 26 years like this n after a bit u learn..ur only human..n u cant be everything for everyone n u learn to use a straw to keep ur head above the water on most days.

BTW I did the morphine also n when ur really bad sometimes all these meds start to get used to ur system n stop working.

That's why I went a different route to save myself n others around me.

Sending a hug ur way..i totally get it.

[ladyl3577]

god i really know how your feeling iam in so much pain .and i will be honest not even morphine will touch my pain i have suffered since i was 18 now 42. for 10 years i was housebound bedbound wheelchair bound life was a total mess . was on every pain killer you can think off i swear nothing touched this pain. then in 2017 i decided to have injections into my spine they said it wouldnt hurt . but trust me i screamed that hospital down . i felt the worst pain of my life in that 1st few moments but 10 mins after i felt nothing no pain whats so ever it was the best thing i ever done was get that injection . i went to work after 10 years been there a year now life has been bloody brilliant .i have loved being at work even passed my driving test 2 months ago .but last month as i was walking the dog my leg went my back went into the most horrendous spasam it was so painful and since them iam back to sqaure one . took morphine ect again but have decided no point as if its not even touching the pain whats the point of putting this drug into my body .i attened the pain clinic last month and he said hes booked me into have the injection again as an emergency but not heard anything some emergancy but this is pandemic so an emergancy could be more months . i also found out as well has disc disease and spondaitis and other disk problems i have the problems with my si joint . but pain is so so bad i cant cope but taking nothing as nothing will work even gave the anastectic patches a go but so many side effects so now i sit here unable to stand up because of the pain waiting for this emergancy injection about to lose my job during a time we cant afford to lose our jobs so iam also asking doctors can i be give ifuse surgery its all the talk this new thing maybe you should all enquire about it. but trust me i know you all feel . i know we are in a pandemic but come on someone help me iam screaming inside i cant cope . i told the doctor at the pain clinic it was getting to much if i had the money i would visit swedens assisted clinics i swear thats how bad the pain is . he replyed so do you have any other health probs other than depression , i was so angry i said i dont have depression iam trying to figure away out of this pain .i sit here not knowing when this pain will go . or when something will be done to take a bit of it away . if anyone knows something i could try that really will work please i beg you tell me .until then iam sorry to hear your all suffering trust me if its anything like this i feel it and iam sorry you feel this too . but for me iam a strong person but this pain has taken my quality of life away and due to a pandemic we are left in this pain i need a way outr from it and i pray the letyter for that injection will be in my post box this week because . another week i cant handle

[Ricardo70]

Firstly may I ask what amount and type of morphine are you taking?How often do you take it on a daily basis?

It sounds like you're tolerance has increased so what you used to take hardly works anymore.

You need to speak to your doctor straight away with regards to your predicament. Being in constant pain and stress can lead to severe depression, so be honest with your GP and tell them everything and don't hold back. Even if you're taking more than you should be to take the pain away BE HONEST with them.

What's important is you and your family, if you're customers don't understand then let's face it there's nothing you can do so again look after yourself.

Talk to your partner and tell them how your REALLY FEELING, if they love you they will understand and help you.

Finally, I'm ex British military and been in conflicts where the shit really was hitting the fan, I was scared, we all were, we cried, we lost people and now I'm disabled and can't do anything near what I used to. BUT being in pain, feeling low, unable to work and do the things I used to do as a young man does not mean that you or me are not man enough or a good father's to our children.

I can't afford pride and neither can you at the present time so take it from an old but experienced chap and talk to your partner, talk to your doctor and definitely talk to a men's support organisations/charities, they really helped me and will be able to help you, what have you got to loose. It will get better believe me I've been there.

[Camallison]

If you are taking oramorph, then any relief is very short term. Dosing often only serves to get you used to it and reduces its effectiveness. Go and see your GP and tell them of your black thoughts and that you need an alternative to morphine. I have an injury from my military service that will be painful for ever. My doctor has been wonderful and, with the help of a pain management specialist, they have made things bearable.

You have taken the first important step and shared your concerns with us. Now go back to your GP and push for better continuous pain relief. You deserve it.

[Nita1980]

Hi I'm new. I've just found out I have a prolapsed s1 which is compressing nerves causing bowel and bladder issues as well as weakness in my left leg. I've just been urgently referred to the neurologist because the pain I in is unbearable at times and I also find myself thinking in the same way you do. I have flare ups also but mine seem to come on a monthly basis lasting for a few days up to a week. I can't sleep the pain meds I take make me feel sick so I can't eat everything is hard attm so I understand your struggles that's all I wanted to say tc

[MSTKing]

It is so difficult, and I'm sure your post resonates with a lot of people here, it certainly did with me. You might need your morphine increased, as you will get used to your current dose and then it won't work as well as it did before. So see your doctor and try to be brave and mention how you are feeling as well. There could be help they can arrange for you. Take care, and keep reaching out, friends - virtual or otherwise help so much. x