Chronic Pain/Mental Health

[LurkerDaysAreOver]

I'll try and not have this go on and on forever for the sake of anyone reading.

I'm feeling very stuck and think that maybe an outsiders perspective would help right now. So I'll just tell the full thing and hopefully it makes sense.

Around 6 or so years ago the skin on my upper left thigh went numb, I assumed I had slept funny or whatever. Over the weeks it began to burn and any clothing touching it was very painful. Eventually I had shooting nerve pain in the thigh whenever I was upright/walking and this has worsened steadily over the past 6 years and is giving no signs of slowing down. I have seen several doctors, was tested for athritis, sciatica etc. X-Rays, MRI's all showed nothing. I was put on numerous pain medications, physiotherapy and medication targeted directly at nerve pain/issues, all with no results.

The gradual loss of my mobility because of the pain has led to me now being agoraphobic for the past 2 years or so and have not left the house. GP's aren't helping and I have no idea what to do and what to start with as it's a pretty vicious cycle.

Anyway I've rambled, unsure what I'm even asking if i'm honest, but it helps to just get it out of my system. Sorry for any spelling mistakes etc.

[Greyponcho]

Hi, I have a chronic pain condition too.
If they can't (or won't) investigate the cause of the pain then the gp needs to take you down the route of managing the pain. They should refer you to a pain management clinic as it is clearly impacting your life quite significantly. They may approach it from a neurological point of view, which is to change the brains interpretation of the pain signals - sounds like you're an ideal candidate for that if every sensation on that area is interpreted as pain. They may start you on amitriptyline or similar - it works for many people, you may be one of them. Alternatives such as pregabalin may be suitable for you, but I'm no expert. There are side effects of course but sounds like even if you did get them your overall quality of life would improve (plus the side effects do wear off as you get used to the drugs).
Please do follow it up with your GP!

[QueenofWhatever]

Have you been investigated for Chronic Regional Pain Syndrome? It can't be cured, but a diagnosis can help with treatment. I have chronic pain and know how debilitating it can be, so you have my sympathy.

[QueenofWhatever]

Sorry, forgot to add this link:
www.nhs.uk/Conditions/Complex-Regional-Pain-Syndrome/Pages/Introduction.aspx