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Pregnancy

Was in car crash told only paracetamol

18 replies

Bloopbleep · 03/02/2017 14:36

I was in a car crash last night and was lucky to come away with whiplash but it's very painful. The midwife at the MAU said I needed stronger painkillers from my GP but the GP is refusing saying I can only take OTC painkillers which aren't touching the pain. She said to call the midwife again who says as it's not a pregnancy related pain they can't do anything to help but that there are lots of stronger painkillers I can take.

I have a condition like rheumatoid arthritis so am already in constant pain from that with only paracetamol to help and this is worse again.

What can I do to ease the pain?

OP posts:

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Mehfruittea · 03/02/2017 14:47

Speak to a pharmacist as there is OTC drugs that have other ingredients in. They can recommend drugs that have been proven safe in pregnancy. Other than that, a walk in centre or a different GP.

I hope you feel better soon

Whatthefreakinwhatnow · 03/02/2017 14:48

I had cluster headaches in two pregnancies, sodding awful. Was prescribed codeine and this helped, no effect on the babies

Bloopbleep · 03/02/2017 14:53

mehfruittea my pharmacist won't sell me anything other than paracetamol. I can't drive to the next nearest town for another pharmacy

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Katiepotato · 03/02/2017 14:54

I've been taking codeine throughout my pregnancy for back pain (mixture of prescribed 30mg prescribed and OTC 8/500 cocodamol depending on how bad the pain is) and my GP and midwife have been fine about it. I'd see a different GP cos there shouldn't be a reason why you can't be taking it.

Bloopbleep · 03/02/2017 14:55

whatthefreak in my last pregnancy I was given cocodamol and codydramol (different times obv) without problems. My GP is just a twat.

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Whatthefreakinwhatnow · 03/02/2017 14:56

Definitely go back and see a different GP or a nurse practitioner, as they can prescribe too.

Olswitcharoo · 03/02/2017 15:03

I had Codydramol while pregnant. Is there any history which may cause the doctor to withhold painkillers? I.e. Previous drug dependency?
The doc is ridiculous, of course stronger painkillers are available to you!

Bloopbleep · 03/02/2017 15:31

No there's no drug history. I don't even drink caffeine.

I can't get any appointment with another GP until out of hours opens up tonight or wait until next week :(

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Bloopbleep · 03/02/2017 16:15

My GP is refusing to phone the maternity unit for advice and is saying paracetamol and a heat pack are sufficient. I'm so angry and pain. Apparently the midwives at the maternity unit who say as the matter isn't maternity related can't do anything are to phone the GP to say what I can have but they're too busy to get involved with something they say the GP should know about. I'm in agony and sitting in tears with the pain and humiliation of begging for relief.

I can't sit comfortably or stand comfortably and lying down is too painful and I've to suffer this.

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Mehfruittea · 03/02/2017 22:27

Hey Bloop how are you feeling now? Did you manage to get another Dr appointment?

If you get the same shit excuse again, tell your GP to pick up the rather large book they keep on their desk with the letters BNF on it. If they have the most up to date one, it will be yellow. Flick through to co-codamol and read the fucking text. Sorry but that kind of fob-off-erry really pisses me off.

Of course you can take co codamol, if the pain is that bad that you need it. Send someone else to the chemist for you to get some OTC Solpadeine until you can get a prescription for something stronger.

Have you bought a TENs machine for labour? If not, now would be a good time. Whack it on and give that a whirl too.

Try to get some sleep too, it will be tough but will help. Best of luck.

RedBugMug · 03/02/2017 22:35

how many weeks pregnant are you?
close to birth codein is not advisable as it can cause breathing problems in newborns.
call ooh, there are pain relief options that can be prescribed.

phoebe2016 · 04/02/2017 07:28

Your Dr sounds like a complete twat! I have SPD and am taking Co-codamol and was previously taking Dihydrocodeine. Both can be safely taken during pregnancy. I would make an appointment to see another Dr or go to a walk-in clinic and explain the situation. Hope you get sorted out soon x

whateverandever · 04/02/2017 07:34

As others have said cocodamol is the go to next step up for pain relief in pregnancy.

I would have said just wear a big coat and go to pharmacy but if they already know you and no other one, then get someone else to go for you. And get the next possibly drs appt for a second opinion to discuss.

Bloopbleep · 04/02/2017 09:41

Thanks all. Went to ooh who reluctantly gave me 2 days worth but it took a full on hormonal meltdown and my oh going a bit mental. It didn't take pain completely away but it took the edge off enough for me to sleep. I'm only 19weeks so it's too early for it to cause breathing problems.

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Mehfruittea · 04/02/2017 09:53

Glad you're a bit more comfortable Bloop. I have had whiplash in the past and also suffer from a lifelong pain condition (not related).

After your 2 day supply runs out, you will probably want to step down to solpadein, it's the same drug but with less codein in it. Also get that TENs machine, it will really help to take the edge off.

Bloopbleep · 05/02/2017 11:42

I was advised against using the tens in pregnancy unless I was in labour.

It's bearable but I think I'm just used to it now. Still angry when I think about them being happy to leave me in such pain

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SussexTeacher · 05/02/2017 11:52

I'm taking cocodamol 4 times a day and I'm 34 weeks pregnant. GP and midwife are fine with it. They are talking out of their arses if they say you can't take anything else. You can get a low dose of cocodamol over the counter, but I'm on a higher dose which has to be GP prescribed x

Mehfruittea · 05/02/2017 12:55

Oh shit you're right! I forgot about that bit! I have kept my TENs and use it all the time now. I never got to use it in labour though!

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