GP initially refused to give me painkillers as she wanted me to use the pain as an incentive

[OvO]

to sort out my diabetes.

I have Type 2 diabetes, I know I need to do better and eat better etc. My last GP was really helping and I lost 2.5 stone so it’s not like I’m not trying. But still loads of room for improvement, I know that.

So I have had nerve damage pain in my foot for a few years (caused by poorly controlled diabetes) and I finally decided to see my new doctor (have moved house) to get painkillers.

The pains so bad I can’t sleep, I already have high dose co-codamol for back pain but it doesn’t do a thing for the pain in my foot.

But the GP said over and over again that she didn’t want to give me anything for the pain as it would just mask it and I needed to understand that it was a symptom I needed to pay attention to and I should use the pain as an incentive to get my diabetes under better control.

Then followed the Type 2 Diabetes Is Curable If You Try Lecture which is fair enough, it’s her job. But am I wrong to think that leaving me in pain is a pretty shitty way to try to force me to make the changes?

I honestly had to beg her before she’d prescribe gabapentin (so?). I explained over and over I was in agony and unable to sleep but she just kept saying to use it as an incentive.

I’m not sure if I’m being too sensitive. I’m pretty anxious about doctors and will go to great lengths to avoid them so can look for any excuse to not go back. I WILL go back as I know I need help with my diabetes but I’m NOT going back to see her.

So am I being too sensitive? Is she right and I should stay in pain as a way to incentivise myself? I can’t see how that works. I’m in agony and exhausted so hows that going to translate to making good choices?

This is my longest post ever, bloody hell. I’ll inderstand if you just skimmed it!

I don't think it's women's pain that is dismissed - I think it is any chronic pain that is dismissed.

I understand the issues of using opiates long term and they aren't great at treating pain anyway, but where are the alternatives?

There has been a push towards psychological therapies which may well support someone with chronic pain but come on, they are not a treatment for someone with a physical cause for their pain.

I need a knee replacement now, and other joints in the future, but I am deemed too young so we are trying to keep my knee for as long as possible. But every step is painful. Stairs are becoming impossible. I still exercise. I go to the gym. But it hurts.

Being given mindfulness exercises doesn't help. It seems like it's a way of making pain the patient's fault - if it doesn't work it's because you haven't tried hard enough.

I take pregabalin OP, which does help but the side effects are not pleasant. I would rather the side effects though than the pain. I tried duloxetine which worked really well for the pain but they took me off of it because of the side effects. By far the best treatment for the damaged nerves in my back has been a spinal cord stimulator. I have no nerve pain now with that plus lyrica.

OP, I think some of the responses you've had on this thread are fucking disgusting. Diabetes blame at its worst. As for your GP....

I'm hearing that you have a disability which limits your mobility, but have managed to lose 20% of your body weight and are at a weight which suggests that your BMI is not in the obese range. Instead of giving you support, your GP is content to leave you in pain - despite the fact that the pain will further limit your ability to exercise and disrupts your sleep - in itself an independent risk factor for weight gain/type two diabetes.

Did she attempt to refer you for medication adjustment? What are you taking at the moment? How is your HBA1C?

I'm pleased to hear you are getting a monitor - is it the Libre or just a blood glucose (finger prick) monitor?

I really, really hope you can get better support.

In the meantime, sending you huge, huge hugs.

There has been a lot of criticism recently about the fact that womens pain is more often dismissed than mens.

There is no good reason on earth for allowing a woman with nerve damage to be in such pain that she cannot sleep
You need proper pain management AND support to manage your diabetes.

Do you mean you can’t lose more than 10.5 stone or you actually weigh 10.5 stone, OP?

Don’t rush on to gabapentin. It’s got loads of awful side effects. I was glad of it when I needed it (post-op) but some of the side effects have been permanent.

Jesus wept! Poor woman has fucking spina bifida and people are piling in here scolding her for having diabetes.

A fitbit massively helped me OP. I thought I was active until I started using mine . I've also got a cocker spaniel that stares at me until he's had 2 good walks a day and makes me go out in the rain.

I use the Ordnance Survey website alot for finding local footpaths we've not done before, and google local walks too. You could try "accessible walks" for your area to see if any come up.

This thread is full of some real cruelty, dressed up as caring.

Pain is not good for people. It is not a good motivator. Uncontrolled pain leads people to self medicate, and the pain the OP describes will only get in the way of exercise.

I actually disagree with most of the above posters.
I believe OP has been trying, but is struggling right now because she is in pain. She should be referred straight away to diabetic clinic for them to assess the extent of the nerve damage and access the pain in the foot.

They will also look at ways of making her diabetes better short term and long term.

And or GP surgery diabetic nurse for support.

I view it differently because I am a T1 for 45 years since birth, no complications.

Hey T1, how are you? 
I agree with T1, some of the responses on here are fucking disgraceful.
Shame on you.

OP I am gobsmacked by the responses. I am assuming you have LOST 10.5 stone and now stalled. ? (Because 10.5st weight is not over weight unless you are under 5ft ?)

If this is the case the STANDARD treatment is Bariatric surgery which puts type2 diabetes into remission and absolutely should be offered to you !

If it's not then change GPS. ! and get a referral..

If your bmi is over 35 then your chance if dieting back to healthy is 1:322... of those tiny percentage 73% put it all back on. Gastric bypass is the ONLY scientifically evaluated, sustainable weight loss method over a 5 yr period. - not wooo science. Statistics from imperial college centre for obesity research.

There is help out there. Living with pain until you see the error of your ways is bollocks .

She's right as harsh as it sounds. Masking the pain will be worse and won't push u to control your condition

Since when has severe pain and sleep deprivation ever inspired anyone to make positive, healthy lifestyle choices?! How the hell is the OP supposed to battle against her disability to make the changes when she’s in lying awake all night in agony?! What a ridiculous suggestion.
I completely understand that masking the pain is not ideal, but if it isn’t masked to some degree then she’s never going to be able to make any changes.

I'd say your GP was a nasty little shit. I hope you find someone better.

I’m really really shattered so I’m sorry for not replying to all the posts since last night, I’ve read them all and appreciate you all posting so much, I just don’t have the energy right now.

A few replies about my weight though as I can see I’ve confused everyone. I’m now 10.5 stone. I’m short so very definitely still fat but at least I’m not obese anymore!

I did my walk today - more of a shuffle but it’s something.
I saw the nurse but turns out it wasn’t the nurse I need to speak to, today’s one was just taking the bloods for my diabetic tests but isn’t the expert. But now have an appointment to see the diabetes nurse next Thursday.

I’m still really unsure about the gabapentin now. I didn’t specifically insist on it - just wanted something, didn’t need to be pills if there’s other things that can help. I'll research a bit but also speak to the nurse next week.

If I don’t reply again tonight I’m hopefully asleep. Hahahahahaaa.

Honestly OP try the gabapentin. Build up slowly if you can, depending on what dose you are on. If you want to stop taking it withdraw slowly.

When I started pregabalin I was scared by the side effects but my dr was very sensible and gave me the freedom to increase or decrease depending on the side effects. Initially I felt a bit sick and a bit "spacey" but I increased slowly and these feelings didn't last long. I've had no other side effects. At one point I was on maximum 300mg twice a day but following surgery I slowly reduced to only 100mg twice a day now which is the lowest I can get to without pain coming back.

It is a balancing act for me. I weigh up being in pain or lessening the pain but taking drugs that aren't pleasant. I wish you luck. Chronic pain is debilitating and just sucks enjoyment out of life.

I would try the gabapentin, I had it for nerve pain (which is probably what the pain is in your foot) and it can work well. Yes, it can leave you drowsy and a bit spaced out but that may improve over time.

Assuming your foot pain is nerve pain, then the usual over-the-counter painkillers often don't work that well on nerve pain hence the gabapentin instead (it may well work better).

My DH has just been diagnosed with T2D (also weight related) and he's had a foot check, also just got an appointment through for an eye test. Have you had a foot check in the last 12 months?

I think you need to take painkillers to get a few good nights sleep and then when in a routine cut them back slowly whilst changing diet and adding exercise.

I would suggest swimming as it's not a weight bearing activity so won't aggravate your foot and should be easier with your SB than impact type sports such as running/walking.

Is there a SW near you? Lots of leisure centre also have a monthly swim pass you can buy and also tracking devices so you can see what your doing.

It's horrid when you get stuck in a rut. I've been there. Working on my MH and positive mindset was the best thing for me. Until I wasn't ridiculously tired I couldn't even begin to tackle the rest.

sleep deprivation makes me overeat so no painkillers sounds counter-productive.

Agree with others that it's very important you do whatever you can about the T2DM. It's very dangerous disease.

Ok OP - at 10.5 and 'short' you are NOT obese. Therefore this nurse is talking out of her arse.

One of the most common links with obesity is poor sleep. Your lack of sleep will not help you control weight. It's a very simple correlation. People who are tired eat more sugary stuff. It gives you the energy hit to keep going. It's a ever increasing spiral.
You need pain management to sleep. Then you will be in a position to make good food choices.

Go and see a diabetes 'expert ' in the shape of a diabetic nurse.
Get the pain under control then the sleep will happen and you will be able to look after yourself 10x better.

Some absolute tossers on this thread. Maybe they should try on a disability and see how they like it?

I think she’s wrong

Yes the pain is caused by badly managed diabetes but how are you supposed to change anything if you’re in too much pain to sleep.

I hope with good sleep you will be able to get your diet under control. Ask foer all the help you need to continue to look after yourself.

'I'd say your GP was a nasty little shit. I hope you find someone better.'

Agree, she is there to treat and advise not to withhold medication so you'll have 'an incentive'. What next refusing analgesia for overweight people with back pain because they have no incentive to lose weight.

See a different gp, ask for a referral to a pain clinic. Well done on your weight loss and hope you get the right support and advice.

I can't believe some of the responses on here which are devoid of any compassion or empathy. OP, congratulations on starting your road to recovery and losing 2.5st which is a massive achievement!

It is barbaric to withhold pain medication with the intention of using pain as an incentive. Your GP should be supporting you with strategies to continue your weight loss. How are you supposed to make positive changes to your lifestyle when in that much distress from pain and sleep deprivation.

I'm sorry I don't have any advice re your medical situation but I would certainly see a different GP and even consider a complaint to the practice manager about your current one. Don't listen to some of the posters on here. You are doing incredibly well! Seek out support from wherever you can.

On the women/man pain thing- the same doctor that wouldn't give me more than ONE co-codamol (that you can buy otc in the UK) for my broken foot and ligament tears (that hurt WAY more than childbirth and I had a completely drug free birth with not even has and air), gave DH a week's worth of opiate painkillers for a twisted fucking ankle.