Paracetamol

I think Paracetamol are fairly weak for treating back pain.

You might be better off trying Ibuprofen.
Or co-codamol from your doctor.

Interesting thing on the radio last week about whether there is any difference between cheap supermarket analgesics and the posher brands. I’ll see if I can find it.
I can’t take NSAIDs because of my stomach so rely on the occasional paracetamol, but apparently they are not always the best depending on the type of pain.

Greciangirl

I think Paracetamol are fairly weak for treating back pain.

You might be better off trying Ibuprofen.
Or co-codamol from your doctor.

They only jut touch it don't they!

However, the GP says an absolute no to any anti-inflammatories and I don't get on with co-codamol.

I'm allergic to NSAIDS, including Ibuprofen - I come out in a rash. I tried amitriptyline, but I didn't get on with it and it's not really recommended for people for people who have had a heart attack anyway. I'm prescribed co-dydramol, which has slightly more codeine than can be bought over the counter. I'm not super-happy about taking so many painkillers, but there are times when my neuropathy in my feet and hands affects my sleep or I've overdone the walking and the tablets definitely take the edge of the pain. I have an annual medication review and nobody has ever suggested that I should buy my own. I couldn't anyway, but low strength co-codamol, which has nearly as much codeine, can be bought from a pharmacist.

It seems ridiculous that a doctor should recommend taking paracetamol long-term, but not prescribe it.

Just got back to this. calli my knee replacement was a total success not a twinge from there. The pain I referred to was immediately post surgery which to be fair I didn’t find at all bad. By 6 weeks I was walking easily with no support. Result.

The rest of me still hurts from a mix of conditions. I’m currently being treated for severe spinal degeneration and subsequent chronic pain via a branch of the pain clinic. Next appointment is to sever some nerves. Acupuncture really helped a while back, also arranged by the pain clinic. They usually have a variety of expertise available, definitely worth a try for chronic pain.

Thank you cornergran.
I'm a scaredy cat!! but hope they'll be done soon.

One of the best things I have ever had done calli. The pain from bone on bone disappeared immediately, all I experienced was the sort of discomfort to be expected after any surgery. PM me if I can help at all.

Hi, I need paracetamol daily due to arthritis in my knees. If you can get someone to go to a chemists they can give the maximum amount. Supermarkets are only able to sell them in small amounts.

I pay for them as they are very cheap and don't like to use prescriptions for every day medicines. Hope this is helpful.

Thank you cornergran.

My GP prescribes for me. I take as little as I can manage. IT's never been a problem to get it prescribed.

My GP prescribes for me and I get a monthly delivery. I dont feel at all guilty about getting them prescribed. I just think of all that money that I (as someone who is child free) have paid out to subsidise others.

I'm not enamoured with Pain Clinics.
I was referred to the pain clinic for back pain (had it most of my life but made worse by a wedge fracture) and was prescribed morphine patches, (which work - really well).
But I am now dependant on them and would like to be free. Tramadol makes me vomit so the only suggestion has been paracetamol which my gp is happy to prescribe in boxes of 100. But paracetamol is not strong enough.
I am not happy that I've become hooked on morphine and I wouldn't recommend Pain clinics for that reason - yes, the pain level is managed efficiently, though you do get break-through pain, but the cost of being addicted to morphine is too high in my opinion.
And I have never seen anyone face to face, I was diagnosed from xrays.
I am now discharged, and not inclined to go back.

Id ask about getting on proscription! It's bonkers that I can buy a couple of gallons of 60% alcohol booze that would definitely
see me off within an afternoon.... should I wish, no questions, but need a spotty Herbert at the supermarket to quiz me if I want 2 packs of paracetamol and a pack of ibuprofen for him indoors!!!

I have a feeling that there is a pharmacy assistant newly appointed at our surgery so that might be a way forward. Also asking at the chemists when picking up a scrip. If they don’t prescribe I will try the online way suggested earlier except how to you guarantee the quality of on line medication? Rhetorical question really.

I have bad reactions to anti inflammatories so I'm prescribed
Pregabalin for nerve pain and nerve damage, coproxamol and oramorph. These just deaden the pain in my neck, shoulders and left arm and knee but doesn't stop the pain which wakens me up during the night. The combination of these and other medications for PMR and other problems make me tired and drowsy. I sometimes fall asleep in my recliner chair.
Never mind, it's better than the alternative! 😉

Hi cornergran!
I was so pleased to read about your knee operation. My GP referred me in May but I've not received an appointment date yet. The GP says he's sure that I'll need the op.
We always hear that knee ops are worse than hip ops. My husband had a hip op about 5 years ago and has been fine.
I really need to grasp the nettle if offered a knee op as I'm becoming progressively less mobile and I'm only 73.
I had an accident in 2010 and since then I've had increasing levels of pain.
Your words have given me a light at the end of the tunnel! Thank you! 💐

Stansgran

I have a feeling that there is a pharmacy assistant newly appointed at our surgery so that might be a way forward. Also asking at the chemists when picking up a scrip. If they don’t prescribe I will try the online way suggested earlier except how to you guarantee the quality of on line medication? Rhetorical question really.

Order online from boots Lloyds etc click and collect?

dutchdoll may I suggest you take a look at the hip and knee replacement thread. Currently #3. In the health section. You’ll find lots of experiences discussed there. Could be reassuring.