My story (edited version) Medication and Pain Injections

[17firefly]

I started having pain problems after an operation to the main vein in my right leg, I was warned that there was a risk of possible nerve damage as they would have to cut so far into my leg. I stated having pain straight after and was put on severadol twice a day 20mg to help. I had to go back in a few days later and the gave me MST slow release morphine as well. I was later sent to the pain clinic and started a course of acupuncture as well as switching to Oxycontin, Oxynorm and taking Pregabalin. After side effect and taking medication for these that put me up to 10 different medications. I was then given pain injections which for the first few started to help but by the third injection a year later didn't seem to help. The pain clinic tried another injection to see if this would help but to little effect. By this time I had go off from work sick after my boss advised me he thought I wasn't fit enough this was 8 months ago, I had a nerve block injection 6 months ago and was put back on to MST and severadol. I'm at the QMC in Nottingham for my second Nerve block injection today. The staff there are always great, happy and helpful. My wife is always asking what else can be done so I have posted this question up on the board. So all suggestions taken into account as who wants this kind on misery everyday......

[teadrinker]

I hope the injection went OK. I am also in Nottingham and have had nerve blocks at the big treatment centre at QMC - can't say I enjoyed the experience of being shunted through like a cattle market although the nurses were really nice.

I was under QMC pain management but got discharged when they decided they couldn't do any more. My GP referred me to City hospital and things have worked out much better. I think it was probably a case of having a different consultant look at me with a fresh perspective. Not sure what I would have done had the treatment not been successful because I don't think there were many more consultants left for me to see!

I didn't get any relief from nerve blocks and am on botox now. I was on various medications for a while & got referred to the pain clinic pharmacist. He was quite honest & said I'd tried most of them, but he did give me some good advice about not taking them if the side-effects outweighed the benefits. I admired his honesty. I don't need much medication at the moment unless things flare up.

I think that having a break from the pain has helped me to find my own way through it. When you're stuck in the middle of it all it's relentless, so I understand where you're coming from. Sorry I can't be of more help.

[superannie in reply to teadrinker]

I am also having a break from the pain and it gives me time to reflect on the past year. It has been a time of such intensity of pain it is unbelievable. Pain dictates evrything in life. How you are going to manage, from the smallest things, shopping, washing my hair, getting to the doctor,standing in the kitchen waiting for the kettle to boil and being in tears. It is giving me time to realise that I am totally on my own in the pain, no one close to me can see any different now there is no pain, to how I was when all consumed by it. I am realising it is a journey I have to walk alone, I am relishing every moment of every day. I don,t know when it will be back, I just know it will.I am grateful for this time and I hope everyone who suffers has relief at some time, even for a day,