Pain

I think pessimistically I suppose, that changing GPs is fruitless. There are moves afoot in my area, and I suspect many, for surgeries to join together in big hubs, which are run by private companies. No such thing as a “family doctor” of old.
The epidemic has hastened a change that was coming anyway, where traditional GP roles are changing and HCAs, nurse practitioners, and para medics are now carrying out tasks previously done by a doctor. I bet nobody’s had a GP home visit lately?

I was horrified when the GP made the comment that old people should expect to be in pain! I was about 65 at the time and told her that surely it was important to help people to keep active and make the most of their retirement years! Went down like a lead balloon ?. Up until then I liked and respected her.

She later insisted that a recurrence of the skin cancer I’ve been plagued with for twenty years was inflammation! I had to argue with her for a referral back to my oncology dermatologist. Unfortunately I was right!

Unfortunately changing surgeries is not so easy as three of the larger surgeries locally went into total lockdown and mine is only partly out now. The receptionists now practice triage, after a two week course, and an email was sent out saying we have to accept their decision.

So many people are trying to change surgeries that it’s quite chaotic. Ours went rapidly downhill when they employed a ruthless finance manager unfortunately.

I go in tomorrow to have my gall bladder removed with keyhole surgery, as a day case. Hopefully once I’ve recovered I’ll get my oomph back and will look into changing GPS.

Shame as initially it was in a converted rather ramshackle detached house, and seemed to function ok. It’s all gone downhill since they moved into a purpose built surgery with all the bells and whistles.

I was referred to our NHS Pain Clinic by my GP because I didn't want to follow his suggestion of patches because they are addictive and similar to Morphine.
There was a 12 week waiting list.
Then I had to have another xray, although I'd only just had one, which involved more waiting for the results. Then I was offered patches and a top-up bottle of liquid morphine. I was refused an MRI scan and discharged.
I am in my 80s so assume it doesn't matter if I get addicted as I won't be taking the medication for long.
I told my GP he obviously thought I was 'too old to save' and was sent a very strong letter from the surgery manager rebuking me for aggressive behaviour.

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Paddyanne, so sorry to read about your daughter. I’m sure you’ve all tried everything but - has she been assessed by a consultant rheumatologist? I started with pain, exhaustion, stiffness, swollen joints etc at 25. Was finally referred almost 20 years later. Got a proper diagnosis and treatment. You’ve probably done all this x

Not lick me up!!!!!! .....pick!

Can't put my shoes and socks on this morning because of pain - supposed to be going to the theatre later. Hope painkillers will have kicked in before SIL comes to lick me up - otherwise he will finish up having to do it!

I read The Guardian article, obviously written by someone with no understanding of living with pain. I also note no alternative treatment offered, hot baths ( and there can be a difficulty getting in/out of baths for many) and stretching exercises don't cut it for people in agony.

Im quite shocked by what Kamiso said regarding the GP, would this be said to a younger person? I think Id be changing my GP. No one should expect to be in pain all the time.

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I had Bowen therapy for very acute piriformis syndrome - much the same as sciatica. This therapy uses quite gentle pressure on points throughout the body. I don't know how or why it works but for me it did. Within a couple of days, I was walking without a stick. If you Google Bowen Technique, you will find a list of therapists near you.

Sago

I thought I had sciatica but a Physio diagnosed GTPS.
Once I started the exercises and rested the Naproxen worked and my recovery was about a month.

Oh this post about pain has been so helpful Sago,it describes perfectly the pain in my hips that I think is GPTS. X-rays I had didn’t show up any arthritis or dodgy hips , my GP did mention Bursitis and gave me painkillers that just made me feel awful,
Now I know what it is I will do the exercises advised and hope it goes away so I can go for a walk without having to stop every few yards when the pain starts.

paddyann54, I have just ordered an Actipatch after reading about your daughter’s experience with it, and all the reviews, most of which are very favourable.
I suffer with hip pain, that extends to my legs, and it was particularly bad yesterday, prompting my purchase from Amazon. It should arrive in a day or two, and I’m hoping it will give some relief, so thank you for the recommendation.

Luckygirl3 the acti patch doesn't involve drugs its like a small tens machine patch thats worn 24/7 .
My lovely girl has seen pain clinics and she has also been told she just has to learn to live with it,difficult when you have a home a husband and children.So we keep looking for anything that might be useful even short term ,She has morphine at home when it gets unbearable .

Whiff - I am so sorry that your life has been plagued with pain.

I suppose my concern is that there seems to be a bland acceptance that being older means that you will be in pain - maybe that is true. But I would like to feel that any possibility of dealing with the source of the pain might not be rejected just because age brings pain.

I realise and accept that I may just have to find ways of living with it - and I am grateful for the suggestions that people have made - but I would like the option of stopping it to be explored first!

I hesitate to butt in as I have no experience or special knowledge. I just wondered if regular acupuncture might help.

Luckygirl3. I have been in constant pain with my left arm and left leg since I was 29. Next month will be 34 years since it started. It's linked to a neurological condition. I taken pain killers and Amitriptyline for nerve pain only 10mg twice a day. When I have what I call a pain flare I can take an extra one until the pain drops to it normal level. Then back down to normal dose. I tolerate the pain and I suppose over the years the pain has gotten worse but my body is used to pain.

My late husband was brilliant and said we would live our lives to what you can do. Our children were 4 years old and 6 months. So we could go out as family I used a wheelchair. Hated it but it was very important that our children had as normal a childhood as their friends. And they did. I couldn't do some things so my husband and my parents did those things I couldn't do with them. Things like walking them to school ,playing on the floor, going on fun fair rides. But I did everything else a mom does.

Pain can stop you doing some things but it doesn't have to control your life. Took me the first year to realise that.

I hope your pain can be if not cured, controlled . But you can have a good life even with constant pain you have to work out how to do things differently. I learnt the hard way pain will not stop me doing what I want. Unfortunately had to cope on my own for nearly 18 years as my darling husband died aged 47. But because of him I can cope.

paddyann54 - I am so sorry to hear about your poor DD - her life must be very difficult.

I am already on a small dose of an opiate in the form of a patch that needs changing every week. It takes the edge off a bit but that is all. I have bee topping up with paracetamol to avoid taking a bigger opiate dose. I try to keep the paracetamol to 3 2 doses a day.

My GP told me that old people should expect to be in pain. Hmm .......

I am trying to leave the idea of a pain clinic until all options have been tried for getting to the root of the pain and hopefully making it go away so I do not need a pain clinic - perhaps a bit optimistic.

Sago I had to Google GTPS and am glad I did. It explained perfectly a horrible pain I've been experiencing. Not like the wear and tear pain I was used to before my other hip was replaced. I'm glad to say that it's much better now. I must have damaged the tendon in some way.
Also Kamiso I'm shocked at your GP saying old people should expect to be in pain
Luckygirl I'm so sorry you're having such a bad time. I hope things improve soon. Nag your GP? Cry while you're there?

I thought I had sciatica but a Physio diagnosed GTPS.
Once I started the exercises and rested the Naproxen worked and my recovery was about a month.

I'm sorry you are struggling and I hope you get help soon.

I have chronic pain but it often doesn't bother me too much as its just always there.

The problem I have is I can't take anything more on top. A cold, a headache or an injury and I suddenly feel all of it.

I take amytriptyline at a low dose for nerve pain. I keep myself active because otherwise my joints stiffen and I'm starting to show signs of arthritis. I use an electric blanket and that's been an absolute life saver because sleep is so important.

Keep fighting for treatment

I would caution against the regular use of maximum allowed dose of paracetamol every day, it really is not a nice drug. I have attended conferences where research has flagged up the dangers to the liver, and the Guardian picked this up over six years ago, yet it is still taken in huge quantities. See
www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/may/25/does-paracetamol-do-you-more-harm-than-good

I was taking Palexia for nerve pain for about eight years then they stopped working. My GP told me that old people should expect to be in pain. She didn’t appreciate me suggesting that older people should be kept as pain free as possible so that they can keep busy and keep moving.

I now use lidocaine patches, paracetamol, Actipatch, ibugel and various other things on a sort of ad hoc basis depending upon what I am doing, or not doing, each day.

I also use relaxation or hypnotherapy videos from you tube that help with pain.

I’ve attended four different pain clinics and they say they’ll get back to me but never have done.

Luckygirl3, have you considered having a private MRI scan? I did that with the last major back pain incident, from pure desperation.

I then had the results for my physiotherapist (again, paid for) and my GP, who referred me to the consultant. I had severe, unbearable pain (not the usual, chronic kind) so I had to do something.

It was deemed 'just (???) wear and tear', bulging disks - but no operation needed - although I was offered steroid injections. When, eventually, NHS physio was available, I found it useless. A heat pad, Tens machine and regular painkillers helped. I still have a lifetime supply of Zapain and Tramadol!

I’m in pain every day. I am resigned to it. My mobility is restricted but I just tell myself it’s “mind over matter.” I take Paracetamol & Naproxin & use ice packs but like the OP my horizons have drawn in. There are exercises on the internet to help Sciatica so Google for them and do them. Also, how about seeing a private spinal practitioner? Chiropractor or similar?
Not much to say that’s helpful I’m afraid but GP is a good starting point for Pain Clinic referral. Push for it!