Can't take any more.

[Shehasadiamondinthesky]

I'm on strong opioids for a lifelong back problem. Aged 60 and work full time in the NHS. GP agrees no point coming off them until I retire in 7 years because no operation will correct it.
Because everyone is constantly off sick with covid or whatever my prescription has constantly been a week or more late every single 2 weeks. I have to order these fortnightly. So I don't get my painkillers and immediately go into withdrawal until they turn up a week later. Its agony I sweat, shiver, have diarrhoea, the pain racks up to the max. It's like torture every fortnight and I cant go off sick.
I cried when my prescription didn't turn up on Friday as I knew I'd be in agony all weekend. Its like coming off heroin cold turkey.
They don't listen, I can't get through to the surgery, nobody answers my emails.
I'm actually feeling suicidal.
No idea what to do any more.

This is awful, surely you'd have a case for nhs early retirement due to ill health if not tier 2 then certainly tier 1? Regardless of the pain taking opoids must impact your ability?

Regarding the prescription though it just isn't acceptable for you to be without so liaise with the practice and order well in advace. Obviously you'll have tried this but I wonder why they aren't actually helping. Or, ask for referral to a pain clinic and see if they can prescribe long term meds. Ring 111 if out of hours and you need a prescription for pain.

I'd seriously consider the early retirement due to ill health though. Good luck. Please ring family or friends if you're feeling suicidal .

That sounds horrendous OP. Is there a reason why they won't give you a monthly prescription rather than just a fortnightly one?

Also just to add OP, use econsult which is an online service. I phoned my GP surgery last Wednesday for an appointment and was told that the earliest available one was in 4 weeks time! I told her I couldn't wait that long so did the econsult and had an email to say I would be contacted within 24 hours. On Thursday I received an email to say that an appointment had been made for me at my GP surgery for the next day (Friday).

Will Solpadine Max help at all? You can get it at the chemist.

I've done all those things. Nothing over the counter is strong enough. I'm so used to them they don't affect my work at all. Unfortunately I can't retire for another 7 years as I have divorce debts. Currently wondering how I'm going to get up for work tomorrow. I can manage work fine on my meds but the withdrawal is horrific and I can barely move.

'Unfortunately I can't retire for another 7 years as I have divorce debts'

Yes but early retirement due to ill health is topped up so you don't lose out. It isn't a quick process but as you have a chronic condition it would be a possibility. You need to see occupational health and your manager to discuss options.

In the meantime ring 111 and get a prescription or ring in sick if you are incapacitated.

Your GP will have been told (repeatedly) not to prescribe opioids for chronic pain: www.ukat.co.uk/prescription-drug-addiction/. He/she should also be getting you support for your opioid dependence, as this needs to be managed carefully.

See section 1.2.10 onwards of www.nice.org.uk/guidance/ng193/chapter/Recommendations#managing-chronic-primary-pain

Its like coming off heroin cold turkey.

It's exactly the same thing. You need to be getting help with this. Your GP is not treating you correctly.

Hello Shehasadiamondinthesky,

We are really sorry to hear what a tough time you're having right now. When any of our users are struggling we usually add a link to our Mental Health resources. You can also go to the Samaritans website or email them on [email protected]. Support from other Mumsnetters is great and we really hope you will be able to take some comfort from your fellow posters, but as other MNers will tell you, it's really a good idea to seek real-life help and support as well.

Some further support links:
NHS: Where to get urgent help for mental health
NHS: Looking after your mental health
MIND: Coping with mental health problems during coronavirus

CALM: The Campaign Against Living Miserably
NHS: Help for suicidal thoughts

We hope things look a lot brighter for you very soon

Order px online and get it fulfilled from an e pharmacy. It will arrive on your doorstep.

Thanks for the support everyone. Still not got my prescription but have passed through the withdrawal and come out the other side - we'll see how I get on at work now. It was agony.
No reply from anyone at GP surgery so I've put in a formal complaint.
Physios at work said they'll help me get my muscle strength back enough that I shouldn't need them any more.
If this has happened to me I dread to think what others are going through seriously.

What opioids are you on?

I ask because I am on Cocodamol 30/500 and Tramadol (one type during the day and one at night) and I get given monthly supplies of both - I always have a surplus as I never take the maximum dose of either. So to only give you 2 weeks at a time seems incredibly unfair and odd. I think you need to email your Gp practice manager and complain.

I would actually ring 111 if you find yourself short again and they have the ability to send a prescription through to a local open pharmacy for you to collect. Don’t suffer like this.

I’m sorry I’ve just re read your last post and see you’ve formally complained. Good.