pain Clinic Appointment BCH

[AliQ]

Hi Folks
Just wondering if anybody can advise me what to expect at my initial pain clinic appointment at BCH (nurse led).  I had asked my GP for a referral which he was happy to do and I'm due to go on the 24th July.

I'm on tramadol, lyrica, 50/300 co-codomol, robaxin and sertraline and I rattle like a marracas when shaken!!!  I tried Trans Tec patches (twice) which made me feel considerably worse and I was still taking 50/300 co-codomol for the breakthrough pain!!!

Nothing really helps the pain as my GP and my work occupational doctor are quick to remind me but this constant pain just wears me down - like a constant dripping of water on a stone, no matter how hard your resolve to be positive, no matter how many times you tell yourself 'I'm gonna have a good day today' it still grinds you down.
Very negative attitude I know, but after returning to work for all of about 7 weeks (mostly part-time) I'm back on the sick again and hating it. 

My occupational doc said that those who accept the illness and it's effects recover and cope far better than those who get frustrated and angered by it (me!!).  I find it difficult to adopt the 'lie down and accept the rest of your life will be pain filled and shitty' attitude that he seems to think will help!!  Ooooo - maybe my anger issues go deeper than I thought!!! 

I'm looking forward to this appointment but would like to have a bit of a 'heads up' on what to expect.

I'll keep hanging on even though the constancy and depth of the pain is never ending.

Many thanks in anticipation 


Ali

[FMSNI]

Hi Ali
If you do a search on the Forum for BCH pain clinic or similar you'll find some others on here who've put up similar notes but also if you head over to the main website and check out the Pain Management link, you'll find an article in there that our Shell wrote a few years ago about her experiences with the PMP.  Some aspects of it may differ, but the general gist should most likely still be the same.   And if anyone else has gone through the scheme in more recent years, please let us know, as we'd like to update that info if possible.

[Shell]

Hi Ali,

Do have a look on previous posts as we did have a discussion on this a short while ago.

To give you the shortened answer, basically the doctor will look at your current medication and see if there is anything they can suggest that might work better for your type of pain. You are taking a lot of medication which in itself is not rare for us, BUT if it aint working is it really worth taking? Hopefully they will be able to suggest other alternatives.

My occupational doc said that those who accept the illness and it's effects recover and cope far better than those who get frustrated and angered by it (me!!).  I find it difficult to adopt the 'lie down and accept the rest of your life will be pain filled and shitty' attitude that he seems to think will help!!  Ooooo - maybe my anger issues go deeper than I thought!!! 

In some respects I agree with the doctor here. I take it you haven't been dealing with the illness for long and it shows that you are still very angry. I was like that for years and searched everywhere for a 'cure'. Unfortunately we all have to come to the point where we realise that there is no magical cure. You are so right not to lie down and take it - but first you must accept it. There are lots of things that you can do to help yourself maintain a standard of life that you are happy with despite the illness. But give yourself time - you are just at the start of your journey and it will take a while for you to learn to cope and to find mechanisms (including pain relief) that will help you have a life. Believe me it is possible - I have a life despite this horrible illness. I know you are still angry but that is power for he course. It will take time but you will get there


 

[AliQ]

Thank you for your kind words of support.  I know this journey is just beginning but I'm just impatient.  I've always been a doer - had to be as a single parent after my divorce so all this restriction on my being able to do things myself is a bit difficult to get my head around.

I know it'll take time.  I thought about journalling this experience to see if that would help me get my head around the stuff that's going on.  Being a very private person I have found over the years that writing about my feelings can help - I know sharing helps too, keeps things in perspective and makes you realise you're not alone which is why I'm here using this forum and supporting FMSNI.

I'll post after my appointment at the clinic and let you all know what went down.

Hugs to everybody, even though it hurts a bit!!!

Ali

[alxxandra]

Hi Ali,

I like Shell attended the pain management programme in the BCH.I had read Shells diary of her time at the clinic before i went so i knew what to expect. It has not really changed much ,I attended about 11/2 yrs ago and found it really good.I went the two mornings a week for 6 weeks and felt very positive while i was there.
There were I think about 9 of us there  with three of us being fibro sufferers,by the end of the time we all knew each other pretty well.One of my best friends now is a girl i met from my town who attended the same time as me.I would say just go  along as you have nothing to lose and a lot to gain.
I only wish they would run a follow up course but understand its not possible due to the waiting list and funds.I hope you learn something from the course and hopefully learn a few techniques to help you deal with your pain issues.
We do find it very hard to live with this illness hanging over us but acceptance has a lot to do with how you feel and cope with it.I am on some of the same meds as yourself but can wear the duragesic patches to help with the pain,I recently had an injection in my back when I went to see a dr from the pain clinic,this has helped a little so hopefully they will discuss your meds with you and try to find something that may make a bit of a difference for you.

                                                    Goodluck,let us know how you get on.

                                                       take care,

                                                            Sandra xx 

[AliQ]

Hi Folks

Well, I survived the appointment.  Arrived way early which is always a good thing.  The nurse, Hilary, was really lovely and went through all my symptoms and meds and we had a great chat about FMS.  I'm to be offered a place on the course  but it probably won't be until next year  because of the waiting list and a change of personnel on the course team.

It all sounds really positive and a lot of hard work so it's definately something to focus on for the future.

I'm still off work at the moment which is a bummer.  Miss my workmates and all the lovely readers we have in Carrick library.

Also heard on Radio Ulster about FMS and the report they're doing on the BBC new tonight at 6:30.  Should be interesting.  Anything that brings awareness to and about FMS patients and the need for research can only be a good thing.

Best wishes everybody and thank you for all your 'good vibes'.
Love and hugs

Ali