What to expect from a Pain Clinic....

[Greedyfly]

I had my last surgeons appointment recently and he has finally given up trying to fix what is never going to be a normal ankle again.The only option he gave me was to fuse the ankle which we both agreed to be ridiculous and too drastic whilst I am so young. My chronic pain has been around for nearly two years now and I am currently free of painkillers due to dependency issues. My surgeon has managed to refer me to a pain clinic (which is no easy feat where I live due to budget cuts).

What can I expect form the pain clinic with regards to treatment/support?
How often do you usually/on average see the clinic and for how long?

I fear I may be asking how long is a piece of string but my appointment isn't for a few months and I don't want to start paying for alternative treatments such as acupuncture if it will hinder rather than help the treatment I may receive.

Thanks for your reply/ies

GF x

[ladyalex]

I have no idea what your particular pain clinic will be like, but , in general you should expect to have your physical condition assessed by a team, usually headed by an anaesthetist. You may not actually see the anaesthetist, but she/he will be in charge of your care. The team is likely to include specialist pain nurses, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and clinical psychologists, though not all pain clinics have all of these professionals.
Again, in general, they will assess what interventions can be done to help you with your pain ranging from medication, specialist physio, special aids for walking etc and psychological help to cope with your pain.
Most people attending pain clinics find the experience very positive. Even if they do not manage to reduce your pain, they give a lot of help in terms of coping strategies and skills.
Some have clinicians trained in acupuncture , but by no means all of them.
Google your local NHS services and see if they have a web-site. Some places do. This will give you a better idea. You could also give the Clinic a ring and ask them if they have any literature about themselves that they could send you.

Good luck.

[Greedyfly]

Thank you for your reply. I am feeling quite positive about seeing the pain clinic finally and hope they an help.

[ladyalex]

I would be very surprised if they don't help. As I said, even if they cannot do much for your pain, they are jolly good at giving you strategies for coping with it better....it's still as sore, but you don't focus on it/notice it so much.
I do hope all goes well for you. (And am sorry that you had to go to the pain clinic in the first place. :-(( )

[Scarlett]

Steroid injections. That's what they give me and it seems, everyone else who goes there. You can have an injection into the bit of your ankle which hurts, and it may or may not help.

[Zeuhl]

Hi Greedy

sorry to see you are still having problems.

i'm still working hard at the physio and i'm swimming again but the muscles and ligaments in my lower leg, ankle and foot are reluctant to fire up properly so there may be nerve damage.

Stay positive, remember 'your body believes every word you say' ...
.