When will doctors start to believe the amount of pain I am in? And not see me as a drug-seeking winging attention-seeker.

[Lunafair]

I am unable to work, unable to study, I can not go out clubbing with my friends nor can I go and wander round art galleries. I can't play sports, even things as simple as writing become so frustrating due to the pain that I feel unable to write a page without my muscles feeling like they want to vibrate/melt off my bones. I can hardly even eat and sleep coherently, and I feel as though the threads I am desperately trying to hold together are slipping one by one out of my grasp - and Im not sure how much longer I can hold on for.

[Hidden]

Hello

Are you suffering from problems while taking street drugs. Sorry for asking

BOB

[Hidden]

Your doc is more likely to listen to you if you a) show that you are trying things for yourself b) are able to make comparisons and c) ask about other treatments.

Eg, get a massage, is your pain better or worse and for how long? Did you feel relaxed? would you do it again?

Your doc needs info before he can give out meds. Just whining about pain won't get you very far.

Most meds don't help chronic pain as they are designed to sort acute pain.

[Hidden]

Hello

Your doctor is in partnership three way Him, you and your condition.

You really need to talk to him about your chronic pain control.

One thing you need to understand with chronic pain patients, many who understand their medications become alarmed and question the strength of those medications that they need to take. Many on these would prefer not to be on them, this is why when we give ourselves a rest from them it takes a while to withdraw from them, we not like a street user understand what we are doing to well so actual addiction is not so well pronounced, I have been on these meds now for thirty years and understand what I need to do when taking these heavy drugs These medications are not toys and we need to respect their contraindications

All the best

BOB

[L5S1_FUBAR]

I totally understand your situation. I'm 46 and have ruptured L5S1 disc and whilst I wait for surgery I am in agony. I WAS very active, cycling, running, socialising etc but now really struggle. In my 20’s I had an addiction problem which is documented on my medical notes, my GP is great and never makes reference to it in relation to my pain meds, HOWEVER if he is on leave and I need to see one of his partners or a locum I get the full run down. I’ve worked in the mental health and addiction field and am very aware the stigma patients like this get, but to experience it is a whole different ball game. My only advice is to try and be as business like as possible, I role play in my head what I am going to say and establish a couple of goals I want to get out of the consultation beforehand and try not to get emotional, which is difficult when you are in agony I know.

BOB is right about establishing a partnership with your GP, give it some time with him/her, they need to build up trust the same as you. If, however, you cannot build a therapeutic rapport with him/her I would consider changing my GP.