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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To wonder how to get prescribed painkillers

78 replies

Jellyjumpers · 18/10/2018 19:41

I have been in pain for months with what the gp thinks is ibs and I think is a return of endometriosis. While a&e gave me cocodamol when I was previously sent by the ooh I have not been able to get painkillers from my gp. The gp is arguing I should take antispasmodics and herbal tea. However, I am struggling to sleep with pain can not get an emergency gp appointment and have fainted and been sick with pain.

Wondering how people have managed to get pain reliefc and if this is acceptable.

OP posts:

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 08:01

@zebraowl have no clue what is happening regarding pain relief. I find the approach to period pain awful to be honest. When for to be referred to a gynae regarding an ovarian cyst I was telling a gp that periods had become a lot more painful, from not needing to take anything to feeling awful with cocodamol and ibuprofen and was told that it's normal for periods to cause and it is something all women deal with.

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HelmetHair1 · 19/10/2018 08:06

Is your doctor afraid to prescribe NSAIDS in case they aggravate your IBS? I have really struggled with this as well because most of the drugs that help my period pain inflame my IBS. That said it doesn't sound like your doctor is remotely trying to find a decent solution which is totally unacceptable. So many women suffer with ridiculously severe pain because it isn't taken seriously!

Have you tried a TENS machine? I find it helps with my cramps. Keep seeing one called Livia advertised but it's very expensive. I got a regular TENS machine on Amazon for about £20 and it's helped a lot.

smurfy2015 · 19/10/2018 09:34

My pain clinic has rejected 5/6 referrals for me as they saw they cant help as Im outside what services they have but GP cant refer outside area as its an adequate service - who wont see me!!!

So I understand your pain, I too have endo.

TENs machine has helped when needed, I attach placement charts.

Instead of buscopan, Spasmonal has helped me. Its available on prescription and lets the GP see you are woeking with them

Heat packs - strapped to tummy if needed - microwave type

Thermocare back pads - sat on the area they have a "belt" that will hold them around the waist.

Peppermints - so any wind can be freed

To wonder how to get prescribed painkillers

hunibuni · 19/10/2018 09:54

I would push for a referral to gynae if you've had endo on your bowel. I had such bad endo that I looked 6 months pregnant and walked like John Wayne. The GP kept on fobbing me off with IBS, but I was so anaemic and bleeding for 2-3weeks at a time. I had to really push for a referral and my gynae Dr told me that it was the endo that was causing the bowel symptoms. I was prescribed Spasomonal, Diclofenac, Cocodamol and Diazepam at various stages. I ended up on morphine in A&E several times, and I was finally prescribed liquid codine by a locum GP after nearly 3 years of attending the GP and hospital. I could have kissed that man because he put me through for an urgent referral, the small dose of codine helped enough with the pain that I could function and it stopped the diarrhoea that I always had while bleeding. New gynae Dr agreed with me that a hysterectomy was the best option and touch wood I haven't had any more endo or IBS symptoms since.(coming up to 10yrs now)

Eliza9917 · 19/10/2018 10:27

Insist to the Dr that you need them?

I was ill last year with a sore throat - really really bad, couldn't swallow as it hurt so much. I'm rarely ill but went to the GP and they were basically like well what do you want me to do about it? So I asked for painkillers as otc ones didn't touch it. I don't know if they thought I was a 'vulnerable' skaggy junkie person (there are a lot around here) as she asked me what I wanted. I just said I don't know, anything that will work. And she gave me a prescription. Job done.

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 10:47

I wonder why so many of us are being fobbed off with endo symptoms. I suppose it is hard for gps that it looks like other things.

I have managed to get a call with my gp for this afternoon. I am going to push for a gynae referral as I think they will be able to reassure about if it could be endo and if so what are the pros and cons of surgery and hormonal treatments. I will also ask about managing pain at night as I feel I am in a vitious cycle of pain stopping sleep and tiredness making pain worse. Any tips for the appointment?

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Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 20:14

I had a j really good call this afternoon been prescribed amitriptiline been referred to an nhs gynae and I felt listened to.

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BippityBoppity87 · 19/10/2018 20:56

I know how you feel.

I have chronic knee pain, have done for the past 3 years. Came to ahead 2 weeks ago when I managed to tear a couple of ligaments in my knee, very painful! Still in pain, wakes me up at night, so I don't get a decent sleep. Paracetamol and ibruprophen didn't touch it. Went to the GP today and I've been prescribed 8/500 co codemal (the lowest dose) I've already taken two and it still hasn't helped.

That's good that you have been given something for it.

BippityBoppity87 · 19/10/2018 21:04

Oh gosh @Eliza9917

I had a similar experience when I was at University. Although, not as great as an outcome. I got a bad bout of tonsillitis, I knew it was tonsillitis as I'd had it a few times before. My flat mate had to literally carry me to the GP as I was so unwell, to only be told, can you not just take paracetamol? Fast forward a couple of weeks, where I had managed to eat half a bowl of rice and punnet of strawberries, lost a stone in weight and went into a walk in centre where I was given anti biotics straight away.

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 21:44

So sorry others are struggling to get listened to by medics. While I appreciate a different gp then I have previously spoken to the gp seemed pleased I had suggested amitriptiline particularly as it treats both ibs and endo. Maybe they are happier if people do not want opiatesk

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Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 21:47

BippityBoppity87 have you tried a pharmacist? I understand paramol is stronger than your cocodamol. Is there any support you can have from physieo or scans etc.?

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lpchill · 19/10/2018 21:56

I had horrific pain on the right side of my groin. Went through loads of testing and codamol. Eventually went in again and my doctor said Ibs and nerve damage from c section. Gave me amatriptaline (mild antidepressant normally but searching online helps with these other issues) and I'm out of pain! My point is try the stuff the doctor is saying then go back again. I know your in a lot of pain and I was there too but my pain would not have been solved with more pain killers

BippityBoppity87 · 19/10/2018 21:59

@Jellyjumpers I tried the pharmacy first, and was told to make an appointment with the gp. I'm soon to start physio, but until the pain has subsided from the torn ligaments, (had been to a minor injuries clinic prior to this) it was advised to rest my knee for a couple of weeks and given crutches. That was it.

Problem is, my work isn't one were I can work from home or sit behind a desk. I'm mostly on my feet for about 10 hours a day, including stairs, which I have difficulty with

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 22:45

BippityBoppity87 the pharmacist was probably concerned that you needed stronger painkillers or would need them for more than the three days they could give you them for. My experience has shown that it is worth pushing if you are in pain.

Is there anything that can be done to make your work easier? If it is causing problems could you have time off for rest and recovery?

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JessieLemon · 19/10/2018 22:50

You need a referral to the pain clinic OP.

It took me about five years to finally be taken seriously and referred to the pain clinic. And about another three years there working up the ladder of options before I finally got to something that worked. Now I’m on morphine daily and it has almost literally saved my life.

You have to really really push for a long time. Don’t get your hopes up for a speedy resolution to your pain.

Amani · 19/10/2018 23:17

Another endo sufferer here and the waiting list to get seen by a gyne consultant following a referral by the gp is ridiculously long .....

BippityBoppity87 · 19/10/2018 23:26

Jellyjumpers I can't unfortunately. If I take anymore time off this year, I'll be up for an attendance review ( the first one that I would have had in 10 years working for the company)

I also suffer from anxiety and depression, which only came to ahead in the past few months, which I also had to take time off for. So coupled with that, and my knee, taking time off isn't really an option for me.

BippityBoppity87 · 19/10/2018 23:28

Also if I'm not at work, I don't get paid.

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 23:37

Anyone who has taken Amitriptyline how long does it take to reduce pain and when does the wading throgh treackle feeling stop. Trying to decide if i am happy to have eight am meetings after half term so a week after starting Amitriptyline 10 mg.

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Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 19/10/2018 23:39

While i am less bothered if sleeping how long do gynae referrals take?

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FrustratedBeyond · 19/10/2018 23:40

It sounds like you need a new GP... I have many many conditions and my doc basically leads from what I say... I don't abuse it but if I say I think I need 'x' they will let me try it

FrustratedBeyond · 19/10/2018 23:41

amitryptaline made me put on a stone in 3 weeks and did nothing for me

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 20/10/2018 00:07

Frustrated to he honest I think I just had a really bad run with gps and locums. I think it must be difficult to be a gp as sometimes being good is given giving a patient what they want, other times it is giving what they need.

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Ffiffime · 20/10/2018 00:25

I’d push to see a different GP!
I’ve had various painkillers over the years. I suffer terribly from arthritis in my shoulder and back which causes awful spasms now and again.
One doctor refuses to prescribe diazepam as “there’s no proof they work” but most of the others will if I’m having a particular bad episode.
I get cocodomol and naproxen but I hate the naproxen.
I’m waiting to see a consultant now so hopefully he can help as at the moment I’m really struggling 😔
Hope you’re ok op xx

Original poster

Jellyjumpers · 20/10/2018 11:23

Thanks all. What happens at a pain clinic?

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