Two pain clinics, but they aren’t the same.

[MSTKing]

I moved home last year. Where I lived before the catchment area meant the pain team I was under was connected to a regional neurological hospital. At this clinic they used full resources - meds but also psychological treatment and things like hydrotherapy. It would be a long wait to see anyone but when you did you got really good treatment.

Now, I’ve moved 20 miles down the main road, I’m under a different pain team. It’s not connected to a hospitable but it’s part of a large mental health trust. The only thing they provide is psychological treatment but that is basically a brief version of CBT. They don’t use medications- and if someone is on meds they try and get them off them.

The two clinics are not that far apart in terms of miles but in terms of approach the difference is massive.

Has anyone else had experience if these new ‘pain clinics’ in your area - that won’t offer meds even when indicated?

[cyberbarn]

It sounds like the new clinic is dealing with chronic pain only, which is believed by some to be psychologically caused. The first clinic is what a good pain clinic should look like.

It is sometimes possible to get permission from the ICB to be treated outside the area if the ICB hasn't commissioned the service in their own area. After all, this is the age of NHS patient choice!

Have you talked to PALS. They should be able to help you navigate through this. I hope you can get back to the pain clinic that makes a difference!

[MSTKing in reply to cyberbarn]

Luckily at the moment my pain is managed ok with meds - but I do wonder if folks living in my new area know there is an excellent pain clinic that’s with the neuro hospital

[Crystalbowl]

In nearly 5 years, I have never been offered a referral to any pain clinic, good or not so good. When I asked to be referred, the GP I saw said they would only offer medication and I don’t want that. I think the NHS is way behind in terms of current thinking on pain management. There are good books and websites, videos on You Tube, etc. which are far more use.

[Scotsman53 in reply to Crystalbowl]

The NHS is not all the same, see the post above. My local pain service arranged for me to see a physio specialising in chronic pain and prescribed meds (which I no longer need). I think you should insist on being referred.

[Crystalbowl in reply to Scotsman53]

I know they are not all the same as you have already described differences in two nearby services. It does, however, seem to be a post code lottery as to what is available where.

[Judo1010]

I suffer from the Same predicament, I moved so 3.5 miles to where I live now, but it puts me half a mile outside of the catchment area. I live in a village which is semi rural. Meaning I have a choice of two GPs surgeries but unfortunately both are not much good, and you have to wait at least four to six weeks just to see a GP. the next village to where I live is half a mile from me. Yet they are entitled to the same GPs as myself and another surgery that is around 1.5 miles from them, leaving them within the catchment area. I spoke with someone yesterday who is in this surgery. He told me that they have no problem with a GP appointment, and can usually get them on the same day. He also said that the appointment is always with a GP, and he has never seen a nurse practitioner. Whereas in my surgery, if it wasn’t for the fact that you could get an appointment with a nurse practitioner or a nurse, you wouldn’t see anyone at all.

[MSTKing]

it really is in a mess and directly impacting those in the most need.

[Enzo777]

I'm sorry that you are not still getting the treatments that you had in the past that seemed to help. I see a Neurologist who is also board certified in pain management. The Neurology practice where he works is adjacent to an excellent hospital on the campus of an excellent university medical school. My Dr worked with me to find out what the best care and pain reduction that would help me the most. It did take a few months of trying several treatments and medications to finally reduce my pain tremendously. My treatment plan consists of acupuncture, physical therapy, seeing a psychologist opiod pain medication and muscle relaxers. All of these services are offered at the same university medical school and hospital. Since all of my treatments & other doctors are at the same hospital campus they work together and I meet with all of my providers together every six months to discuss how my treatments are working and discuss any other possible care I may benefit from. They all consult with eachother every 6 months when we all meet or any time when needed. I believe that having such a diverse group of these specialists have improved my health, my pain, my mood and most importantly my life. Before I went for my very first visit there were many days I hurt so badly I could not get out of bed. Now I have a life that I'm very happy with. Nothing can take all my pain away but with the different treatments and medications I am able to exercise again, to travel and live a productive life. I believe everyone should have a "team" of diverse Dr's and practicianers. I hope you will find a hospital campus with all the help you need in one place who work together to help you. I wish you the best and hope you get the life you deserve back.