Pain management courses

[Kiki-frog]

I have an annoying combination of sciatic nerve damage and arthritis in my spine, which means that I am in constant pain, although some days are better than others.

The consultant I have been seeing is referring me to a pain management course. I have tried googling this to find out what is involved, but I can only find vague references to meditation and breathing techniques. I'm happy to give it a go and see if it works, but I'm wondering if anyone has been on such a course and could tell me (a) what happens, and (b) whether they got any benefit from it.

Thanks.

[tinkerbell23]

Kiki- i visted a particular patient once who had the worst leg ulcers ive ever seen- this patient was referred to pain clinic and loved it..was really keen to go back asap...this person was in massive massive amounts of pain ....so i really hope you have the same outcome and find the clinic helpfull xxx

[Kiki-frog]

Thanks, Tink, that's really cheered me up to know that. Leg ulcers must be horrendous. If the pain clinic helped them then it's definitely worth a go.

[arwyn]

A pain management course is run by nurses and its all people in the same boat as you talking about what helps them and sharing tips. Its ran by the pain management clinic.

A pain management clinic do all sorts to help you = operations - tens machines = higher doses of drugs that G.P's cannot give you, they are great for me, I hope they are for you too.

[tinkerbell23]

Well best of luck Kiki....i really sympathise with you- keep us posted xxxx

[Kiki-frog]

Thanks, Arwyn & Tink, you've both been really encouraging. I am a bit nervous about it, so your support is much appreciated. x

[arwyn]

Kiki have you been yet?

[tinkerbell23]

Glad u asked arwyn i wondered too! Hope ur doing good kiki xx

[LoftyLottie]

Would be interested too as I have the same problems as Kiki and at the moment am finding it really difficult to cope with the pain. Have a doctors appointment soon and going to talk about the whole isssue with him in advance of my next rheumatology appt. Am also suffering extreme pain in my feet at the moment.

Apart from that I am fine!!

Hope Kiki sees this.

[Eve]

I'd be interested to know too as I've looked into courses before but never took it further with work.

I spoke to a rhumatology nurse the other day about a patient education morning they run for inflammatory arthritis patients, saw it a while back at an appointment but not got round to making further enquiries. It sounds great and am waiting to hear back when the next one is.

[arwyn]

She was on the cats question and I remembered her.

Lofty you should ask to be sent, I refused for years as I was told they just gave you whale music to listen to. ha ha how ignorant was I?

[LoftyLottie]

Jenna, does your arthritis flare up after you have had a cold or any other bug. This seems to be a problem with me. This time the the flare up has become extended. I am battling with it at the moment.

[arwyn]

You to jenna.

[LoftyLottie]

I shall add it to the list of things to talk about when I see my GP Arwyn. There are lots!!!

[Eve]

I just saw her post so popped a little note on to see if she sees this.

Could it have a reactive element to it Lottie? I tend to pick all kinds of things up so can be hard to tell as been one thing after another lately. I've been getting a red rash on my face flare up when ill lately - dr said malar rash - look like a bloody alcoholic with it down my nose too! Also got symptoms of possible Sjorgens with really dry eyes and mouth (opticians said my tears are evaporating almost immediately) and not sure if Raynaulds like but fingers really suffering in the cold and burning under hot water. Think I'm going a bit autoimmune crazy!

Going to be an interesting rhumo appointment next month!

[LoftyLottie]

I think you are right about the reactive element. I have a rash on my back and mouth ulcers too at the moment!! I was actually going through a good patch before that damn cold virus thing. Now I am feeling about 90 and so, so tired.

[woofgang]

I used to work with an Occupational Therapist who was also part of a pain management team. Basically they have access to anything and everything that can help with pain, complemetary stuff, daily living advice and suggestions, meds, nerve division and injections, the lot. They will work with you to sort out what will work for you and will change it as often as needed.

[LoftyLottie]

There have been days this week that I have thought the best pain management would be for someone to knock me out!!

[woofgang]

well they won't go quite that far........

[arwyn]

lofty I can understand that as I often uplift my pills and knock myself out.

[LoftyLottie]

I must admit I have taken a mixture today - I will sleep well tonight. I can't hit the bottle as that triggers all my aches and pains off.