Chrnic pain and out of options.

[OpiesOldLady]

I live with constant chronic pain that controls my life completely.

I have osteoarthritis in my arms, wrists, hands and knees. I have permanent nerve damage in my legs from a herniated disc that was eventually operated on twenty years ago, constant sciatica in my right leg and intermittent sciatica in my left leg running right down into my feet and toes.I also have two more slipped discs at the bottom of my spine.

I am an insulin dependant diabetic and i suffer from anxiety, depression and panic attacks.

Daily i take the highest dosage of Co-codamol, naproxin, Gabapentin and Morphine for pain relief, plus meds for my other conditions too.

On good days i can manage to get around the house with a stick but on bad days i can't walk at all and i need someone to help dress me and hold a cup for me.

I have had physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, acupuncture, lazer treatments, lidocaine patches and a tens machine to try and help control the pain alongside the meds and nothing works. I take my morphine 12 hourly and can usually expect to get a good eight hours before i start to feel the pain come back. Lately though I'm only managing four 6 hours almost painfree, so went along to GP who has said that because I'm on the highest dosage of everything then there's nothing more he can do for me.

He will however refer me to the pain clinic. There's a 23 month waiting list.

So... this is my life now i guess. I can't believe there's nothing more that can be done. I'm just so tired of the soul destroying constant bloody pain. I barely sleep. I don't think I can cope much longer like this.

[TottieandMarchpane]

Oh you poor thing. That’s sounds horrendous.

I have diabetes and arthritis, (and disc issues) but not as severe. Not being able to get on top of that gnawing pain must be misery.

Is there such thing as private pain consultants? Could you pay to jump the queue? Have you tried cannabis? What kind of support do you have?

[bumbleboots]

It sounds silly but I think the addition of mindfulness and meditation can help you cope with it. I have fibromyalgia and chronic fatigue with pain. I find a peaceful happy space can help. I don't think it's the best solution but I didn't want to read and run. Being stressed out with it makes it more uncomfortable. I'm sorry you are in a difficult position.

[OpiesOldLady]

I can't afford to go private I'm afraid, and i really struggle with mindfulness - i can't get my mind to quieten down enough to be able to concentrate. I've been through quite a traumatic period and because of that i just can't relax. I am having therapy for that, but there's still a way to go yet. I have tried cannabis oil but it reacted badly with the meds I'm already on and made me even more unwell.

[TottieandMarchpane]

23 months wait seems inhumane. Is your GP aware how long the list is?

[OpiesOldLady]

Support wise, I'm very lucky in that i have an amazing partner that understands my limitations and is a huge help to me. I also have a cleaner now too who has taken the stress off me having to deal with things i just can't do. She's amazing.

[OpiesOldLady]

Yes, he told me how long it is.

[TottieandMarchpane]

I don’t know what to suggest Opie. You’re being let down.

[OpiesOldLady]

Bumping to see if the day crowd have any ideas.