Chronic Pain, Long Term Medication

[TheFuzz]

Been having pain issues last two years, had surgery that was just a 50% success rate.

Likely to be put on long term pain meds. Currently taking lots of codeine, paracetamol and ibuprofen as directed by GP. I don't get on with tramadol and end up like a zombie.

I work full time in a mentally taxing job, and do a load of sport. I don't get on with the antidepressant or anti seizure drugs (ami, GABA. Etc due to the fuzzy head and inability to concentrate).

Really stuck as what I can take and be physically active and hold down a mentally taxing job. Doctors don't seem to give a stuff and are happy to prescribe anything.

It's really affecting my sleep, hence being up at this stupid time. Daft thing the pain is severe and from a small area, and isn't joint related or back related. The pain is however very severe.

Any good and bad experiences on long term medication ?

I take ibruprofen and codine in a regular basis. I have an appointment tomorrow to ask about going on amitripyline or similar. I can't say its what I want but I can't carry on like this.

I work as well but have applied to go part time to see if the rest inbetween helps.

Would something like a tens machine help you?

I have two tens machines, but they won't work where the pain is !!

Oh no
I'm nervous about going on anything mainly because, I'm worried about being sleepy. But I'm off most of the sumner holidays so thought I could try it then. I'm taking waaay to much time off work.

Is the pain a nerve type? If so it might be worth trying the (more expensive) newer versions such as pregablin. I do take gabapentin and amytriptiline and have done for some time. The side effects do honestly wear off and the doses can be titrated up very slowly. If it is nerve pain then the codeine/ tramadols are never going to be great.

Also, have you been seen in a proper pain clinic? Worth (and you've probably done this) finding out about one that has an interest in your condition. My experiences haven't been great because on the whole they seem to like offering injections etc whereas, like you, I would like to optimise my meds but finding someone interested in that seems harder.

Hypnotherapy can help some people - the only people I know who used it had to pay for their sessions, but they both think it helped.

There is some nerve damage, but it's not in a large area like the back or arm. I'd rather not have a drug that blocks nerve signals in the brain as it affects the 'whole' body, rather than a specific area.

As said I don't get on with Ami, gaba and pregablin, the side effects are as bad as the pain itself.

Awaiting Pain Clinic referral.

I have fibro and CFS,s o have an intimate knowledge of pain meds unfortunately. The thing is none of them really work, especially not long term and they aren't great for your body.

I'm at the end of the pain pathway in primary care and have been waiting since early February to be seen by the pain clinic. I'm currently taking dihydrocodeine (formulated differently to normal codeine, so slow release and doesn't make you drowsy), Zopiclone and sumatriptan.

However I only take them as required, rather than regularly as they stop working for me and I get lots of side effects. It's hard to advise without knowing more about your condition. Would you be willing to tell us?

I have had more success with changing my diet and lifestyle. I've been following the Wahls protocol (sorry, can't do the link right now but google it). She halted her progressive MS through diet. I've also switched my mentally taxing job to something easier - unfortunately you will probably have to make some of these big, difficult decisions.