Fucking chronic pain.:( how to get on top of?

[Orangeanddemons]

I'm in constant chronic pain. Neck, back arm, knees. Had a million tests but no conclusive answers.

The problem is all medicines send me weird. Tramadol works, but makes me feel very low, after an initial euphoria rush. Naproxyn was the best, but it made me very depressed. I'm not making this up, I seem to be ultra sensitive to side effects. Am currently on a low dose of amitriptyline, which seems to be doing nothing. Gabapentin made me eat and eat, and pregabalin did the same.

I know reading this , it all sounds made up, but it isn't, I can take so few medications due to side effects. I'm waiting for a pain clinic referral, but am struggling on trying to hold down a very stressful job at the same time.

Have you tried co-codamol/codeine? Ibuprofen/Diclofenac?

Also, supplements like magnesium, rosehip, 5-htp, vit b12

Is the GP suspecting fibromyalgia?

Can you tolerate regular paracetamol? Taking meds regularly rather than when the pain gets really bad helps to smooth the pain profile. Can you tolerate any codeine? There is lower strength 8mg/500 cocodamol if 30/500 is too much for you. Side effects like dizziness and sleepiness do wear off after a while.

Otherwise I find heat helpful plus gentle exercises, a decent chair, Mindfulness, Alexander Technique and regular rest. A pain clinic will be able to advise on all of this.

You mention a stressful job. Is there any way you can reduce the stress and also do you have any workplace adjustments in place? You can ask for an assessment.

I'm going to try cocodamol today. I've had a workplace assessment on Wednesday. Can you buy diclofenic over the counter?