I have just had a GP referral letter written for me to have a private MRI Scan on my neck. I have downloaded it, and for some reason have been a little upset about it. It reports that I have had "caudal epidural and lumbar facet blocks" done by a particular surgeon. I have actually had this procedure done multiple times by multiple surgeons after an epically failed spinal surgery. I think the fact it has been done multiple times is relevant to my current issue as it shows a possible degeneration which I was always aware was a possibility.
It also states "requesting Diazepam increased today as well as a new script for Co Codamol and Naproxen". I have had Diazepam, Naproxen and Dihydrocodeine prescribed for me for the past 15 years, as between these meds I am able to carefully manage my back injury with minimal GP input. For context I am an Advanced Nurse Practioner in an acute setting and an Independent Nurse Prescriber, so kind of know what I am doing with meds. Also, the locum GP a few months ago took me OFF Naproxen and reduced my Diazepam to 7 tablets every 4 months without my knowledge, as she was concerned about the medication I was on. I personally requested to come off the Dihydrocodeine for a "lesser" analgesia of Co Codamol, so seeing it written down that I have requested it, just seems a little unnecessary, as it is out of context.
For clarification, I do not take these drugs regularly and can often go weeks without requiring pain relief as my pain tolerance is quite high, but, through trial and error of many meds and therapies, when I do need to take them they are the only combination of meds that manage my pain. There was no mention that I was approved for a small trial surgery by a specialist neurological team, which would be relevant in my opinion due to the possible progression of the nerve damage ( I eventually declined due to the risk of paralysis), and then the letter says "has history of PTSD". This was very briefly, over 15 years ago which was successfully treated and which I had completely forgotten about. I feel the inclusion of this statement has no bearing whatsoever on neck and arm pain but everything combined seems to read to me like I'm some sort of drug addled crack ho!! Please tell me I am being over dramatic and should be grateful she has written a letter!! At the moment I'm feeling a bit cross about it!!