Chronic pain, change in medication

[IamEarthymama]

I have severe osteoarthritis and a year long knee injury that isn't healing.i am constantly in pain, and very fatigued and down-hearted by it and the limitations it puts in my life.
I have taken dihydracodeine, paracetamol and Naproxen for several years. Until I sustained the knee injury last year these meds were effective. Recently though they don't touch it, to the point where I felt suicidal last week.
I contacted my GP and she changed my meds to Tramadol and Amitriptyline, and a cream time run into affected areas.
The first two days were amazing, I slept for the first time in ages and had pain free time in the day.
A week later and I am now in agony constantly again. Across my bank In Particularl gives me no respite.
What should I do?
I really can't go on like this!

(I am having a CT scan to look for neurological problems next week)

Have you seen a physio?

Pain relief from amitriptyline can take a couple of weeks or so to happen, so it may yet help. Are you on a small dose? It’s often increased until the right dose for the individual is found. Maybe call your gp to discuss if that would be appropriate for you. I hope you can get some relief soon.

Yes, sorry I should have included that information
I had physiotherapy for meniscus tear last year, in September, carried on until February. I saw the Osteoarthritis Knee physiotherapy specialist and was going to have more sessions before Covid19. My knee was loads better by then.

Recently my knee has swollen up to twice it's size, it is hot and tender. I have bed. Have physio appointments by phone.
Sadly he can only deal with the one issue of my knee, when the pain is excruciating in my other ankle, across my lower back and often flares in every joint in my body.

I am returning to work after lockdown and don't know if I can cope with this level of pain. It's steals all my energy and brainpower.

Montybojangles,
I can take 2-3 10 mg amitriptylene each night

M*ontybojangles
chacha2012 *
Thank you for replying

Does anyone have experience of pain management other than through GP?

(Though GP has been lovely)

Do you take paracetamol with your tramadol? Dr at the pain clinic advised I take 2 with my tramadol dose as it helps activate the tramadol.

Yes, sorry just read your last post. I asked my GP for a referral to the pain clinic a few years ago. I've had 2 referrals now. They are great and go really in depth with what type of pain you have, where, how often and how it impacts your life. And they run through all sorts of treatment options (one of which my GP couldn't offer). I highly recommend asking for a referral. There are some pain relief options that are still being tested so much more options being presented.

BuffytheBufferSlayer (great name btw)
Thank you so much

The Tramadol has helped and I am sleeping more easily
I had a CT scan on Monday so when I go for follow up appointment I will ask for a referral to pain clinic
Sadly we are in temporary lockdown here so I am not sure if pain clinics run in our borough (county boundaries don't align with the Health Board)