Pain clinic visit

woodbon
woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
edited 3. Nov 2009, 17:54 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello, I've just got back from seeing the nurse practioner at the pain clinic. She was a very nice, kind person. She looked at the medicaion I'm on and asked me what I thought and did it help enough. I said yes and explained that I don't want more at the moment, but said all I have to do is ask my GP, if I feel in need of more as shes writting to her.

She asked if I would like to go on a Managing Pain course that they do their. It takes 2 days and the groups are about 4-6 people at a time. You talk to a physio who also talks about what exercises are good for you. The next day is spent with the nurse and doctor, explaining what medicaions there are and when is the right time to change. I said I would love to go as it sounds interesting and informative. So I have to wait for a place on the next course.

She also said that my GPs practice has an accupuntureist visit and would I like to try that, so I said yes. Nothing ventured, nothing gained! :lol:

I will see her again in about 3 to4 months, when the clinics are over and we can talk about how I felt about it and answer any questions. She has given me a booklet to show were to put the pads for the TENs machine and said people should try to use them for 4 times a day"! :shock:

The pain is caused by arthritic neuropathy. Where the arthritis pinches nerves, I think, and they need to stop that from continuing if possible. That feels a bit scary, as i've seen enough really very bad cases of neuropathy, caused by diabetes. She thinks last weekillness could have been to a sort of flare of the nerves, I think she ment!
My head is spinning with information and I am having a job to keep my eyes open, so I will have a rest now. Just thought I'd let you know how things went. Although I feel worn out physically, I feel better mentally, much more positive about things. Seems that you can help control this bu#####r and help yourself quite a bit. :lol:

Love Sue

Comments

  • kathbee
    kathbee Member Posts: 934
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HI Sue

    Not surprised you feel worn out with all thats
    going on.

    The pain clinic sounds thorough so thats a good
    sign. Hope everything offered to you works well.

    Keep us up to date wont you.

    Love Kath x
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,883
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    Well that sounds exhausting!!!! I would be worn out and head spinny too.
    Sounds as though you have food for thought there and a couple of things to do and try.
    I hope you will feel better after a good rest Sue
    Love
    Toni x
  • joyful164
    joyful164 Member Posts: 2,401
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue
    Well done, No wonder you feel worn out with all that information. I must admist, your pain clinic is very informative. I was interested about the TENs machine. I only use mine whenthe pain is bad.

    The Arthritis course at Corby has been cancelled. I was unable to go anyway, because they were not allowing carers to go along with you.

    It's nice to know that you are able to get on top of the pain and not let it completely rule your life. Hope the course goes well and let us know how you get on.
    bye for now
    joy
  • debatat
    debatat Member Posts: 659
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Sue, that sounds like an extremely productive visit. I hope it helps you.

    Debx
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello,
    Thank you all, it was informative and much more worthwhile than I thought it would be! I dozed this afternoon and seem to have given myself a bit of a headache! But it seems I'm far from being cast on the scrap heap, which is what it feels like sometimes, even when you know its not really true. I think that talking things over with the nurse has given me a bit of a boost!

    Love Sue
  • ritwren
    ritwren Member Posts: 928
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Glad to hear it went so well for you hope the following sessions are as good. I too think the TENS machine helps at times. Best of luck.
    rita
  • minky67
    minky67 Member Posts: 2,328
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Sue,It sounds like you got some very good information.
    I was told its all about managing the pain,not it managing you.
    As we all know the pain is real & i was so relieved when i attended my pain clinic & got some proper help.

    change in medication,DX of fibro(ontop of the OA)lucky me ah!
    I brought(as advised )a Tens machine & have been doing strecthing excercises everyday.slowly its helping.
    Ive also been offered the Acupuncture.
    I will be watching for your posts as it all helps.
    Thanks
    luv debs
  • nearlybionic
    nearlybionic Member Posts: 1,899
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    hi Sue
    It sounds like the appointment has been very informative. I hope the advice and information are helpful for you and improve things for you. The course sounds good.
    NB
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi I was pleased with the advice and the attitude was so much more friendly and relaxed. She, (the practice nurse) really seemed to listen and have an answer, even is just to agree that its hard to cope with some daily activities. Also, she said that their are lots of meds left to try if things get worse and she had a positive attitude. When she was reading from my notes she was holding the folder so that I could see and pointing out some or the words used to discribe things and explaining what they meant.

    I don't know how long I will have to wait, but she said the pain course shouldn't be too long. :wink: Lots of love Sue xxx