An update

[DollyDutchGirl]

Several months ago, I wrote on here ‘A while back, I was seen by a lady at the pain clinic, who said that I have ‘Scoliosis convex to the right with minor anterior vertebral body height loss at T12, L3 and L4. Disc space narrowing at the lumbosacral level with hypertrophy of the lower lumbar facet joints’. The pain is really intense, to the point that I am unable to stand for more than a few minutes, nor walk, even with the aid of a wheeled walker (that has a little seat), for more than a few minutes. My pain meds include 70mg Amitriptyline , taken at 6pm plus, Dihydrocodeine, taken together with 2 Paracetamol - 4 times a day. Last week, I had another appointment, where I questioned other possibilities of pain relief, including facet joint nerve blocks, injections, patches - anything that could help. Unfortunately, the reply was ‘No, I’m afraid not’. Apparently, due of the damage to my spine and facet joints means that they aren’t suitable for injections - my bi lateral hip replacements plus, numerous medical conditions also bring their problems to the table. It seems that my asthma plus, CKD means that a lot of pain relief is unsuitable. So, it’s a case of suck it up and adjust my life accordingly’.

Since then, I have been helped to adjust to my ‘new way’ of life by my incredible husband and our family. I have an indoor walker plus, an outdoor walker with a seat for short distances - together with a small mobility scooter for longer distances - which enables me to continue a fairly active life. I have progressed so far in accepting my situation, that I have undertaken a pain clinic peer support program to hopefully, enable me to help others coping with severe chronic pain. To find a way forward in their lives. I just wanted to let those of you enduring severe chronic pain - that although there may not be a pain free future ahead, it doesn’t mean that the future is only a dark place. If I’ve managed to refind light and joy, I’m certain that you can as well….😊

[Smilesalot]

Hi sweetie 😀🤗,You are an inspiration sweetie !!!!!

You have succeeded where I have failed. I feel ashamed of myself🙁.

Good luck with your being a peer support😃

Hugs Dawn 🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗🤗

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Smilesalot]

hi Dawn, thank you for your kind words, they truly are appreciated. Please, please don’t feel ashamed of your self - because you are strong and, the way you write indicates that. Pain is so different for everyone and, often it’s getting the right balance of medication, coupled with a GP who understands and listens. I was fortunate inasmuch as my GP was upfront with me by saying that he couldn’t help any more. I’d had MRI’s scans etc., and the next stage was that he’d refer me to a pain clinic. Unfortunately, they could only confirmed that there is nothing that they can do for my pain apart from medication. So, when I was told that I wasn’t a suitable candidate for surgery or injections - I decided there and then, that this was just another hurdle to jump over (if only 😂🤣). The pain clinic are very helpful but, say my attitude to life is what helping me cope (I find something to chuckle about in practically everything). However, we are extremely fortunate in having a wonderful daughter and son-in-law, who also have two incredible children - well an adult daughter of nearly 25 (who lives with her partner) and, a son of nearly sixteen - AND they all live around 10 minutes from us so, we see each other on a regular basis. All things considered - if 24/7 pain is my only big problem in life, I think my life is fantastic….😊

[Smilesalot in reply to DollyDutchGirl]

What an outlook.So special sweetie 🙂🤗.I too laugh a lot due to my friend and carers.

You won't believe it but my friend Jon out out old white goods- washing machine and fridge for council to collect tomorrow but the washer is gone lol.

Home made pizza for tea 😋

You take care of yourself sweetie 🤗🤗🤗🙃Dawn

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Smilesalot]

Hope that enjoyed your pizza - and thank you for the chuckles re; your ‘white goods’. Don’t be surprised if you see it for sale on FB marketplace 😂🤣😂.

[Smilesalot in reply to DollyDutchGirl]

😂😂😂😂 we have Travellers at the top of the road so maybe it already has a good home lol.The pizza was delicious 😋. I'd missed the home made one's. Now you've done it, I'm hungry lol

Hugs sweetie Dawn 🤗🤗🤗🙃🤗🤗

[Mistygreyhound]

Well well done you for doing the best you can under the circumstances and trying to help other people in the process,I myself have resigned myself to although its sometimes a hard road to be in constant pain, some days better than others, to remain having a positive attitude and am sure it helps.

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Mistygreyhound]

Thank you Mistygreyhound, for taking time to reply to my comment, it’s truly appreciated. I do believe that ‘acceptance’ is part of the battle against pain….and, agree that at times, the road is more difficult than others. However, as you say, having a positive attitude towards life in general certainly helps. Having a good supportive network is also a good thing. I am very fortunate in having an incredible supportive husband and an amazingly supportive family - with the later living around just 10 minutes away from us. In fact, we are all meeting up this evening at a village pub, to have a meal - to celebrate my 78th birthday 🎂. 😊. I’m currently taking 31 tablets a day plus, three assorted inhalers - obviously not all for pain - although a good number of the tablets are for pain…but, if that all keeps me ticking along - I’ll keep on taking them…😂🤣😂

[Fenric71]

Hi. Have they said anything about increasing the Amitriptyline? It has a lot more scope. After 75mg it also is an anti-depressant, a very old trycilic It has always my go to. I however am on 200mg the highest dose, bit having chronic pain and Bipolar it's a good drug to have. But you cannot take SSRI with them. I am also on patches, Why are they dissmises you a morphine patches? I have those to?

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to Fenric71]

Thank you for your kind response to my post, it is appreciated. Because, as well as having Chronic Pain, I also have Severe Asthma- and CKD stage 3, high blood pressure and high cholesterol so, I am already taking 31 pills a day plus, inhalers several times a day. For the pain I take Dihydrocodeine together with 1000mg of Paracetamol 4 times each day plus, 70 mg of Amitriptyline at 6pm each evening. The doctors are playing very careful with the meds - particularly because of the damage they can do to my already damaged kidneys. I am due another appointment at the pain clinic in late May/early June…so we’ll see what happens then…😊. I’m thinking of you and sending you all the best possible good wishes re; both your chronic pain and in coping with your bi-polar. I appreciate that it’s not easy…😵‍💫😵‍💫🫤

[SouthernSally]

Happy belated birthday! Has anyone mentioned a spinal cord stimulator? Would you consider one? Sometimes they help, sometimes they don’t, sometimes they make things worse. It’s a gamble for sure.

[DollyDutchGirl in reply to SouthernSally]

Thank you for your kind response SouthernSally - and for your question re; the spinal cord stimulator. Unfortunately, the Pain Clinic have ruled out the option - as I have bilateral hip replacements, also CKD stage 3 and Fact Joint Hypertrophy - making me an unsuitable candidate. ☹️. I do know a couple of people who have had the implant - and are happy with it. 😊