Help

jenzie06

I'm currently having a flare. But I have loads of other things going on at the same time. I saw my consultant on Monday and we have decided for me to go for a second opinion on the basis that I've been seeing him for over ten years and I don't feel like we are getting anywhere. I think he's become quite tunnelled visioned over the years so another assessment might be helpful. Not sure if I will get anywhere but its worth a shot.

The one major change was they want me to take antidepressants. I don't feel particularly depressed but fed up with the constant pain and no one taking me seriously and having to fight for every little thing. I have other worries like everyone else. I had looked at a bungalow last week but it was let before we could make a decision. We could afford it but it would wipe us out completely but it would be massively helpful for me as stairs are becoming really difficult. I want to work to get some money but don't feel like I would be able to manage much and that the council would take my care package away and I still rely on it a lot. Plus my DLA is up for renewal soon and I'm so scared that they will take it away. I've had it for 10 years and completely rely on my motability car as I can't do public transport and can't afford taxis (plus not practical with a small child). I'm worried they will refused the DLA and then we either lose the car or become financially burdened by it (which we can't afford). We have just lost our child tax credit too. I don't qualify for any other benefits as I became ill before I could pay into the system and my husband works.

The nurse manager at the hospital was brilliant and came in especially to see me on her day off. She spent an hour talking with me and my husband (and listening to me cry). I will be sending a message of thanks.

Sorry for the mammoth post.

Annah

My doctor tells me that constant pain can actually physically affect your brain, leading to lowered seratonin (the 'happiness chemical'), depression and increased sensation of pain. Hence, they like most people with chronic pain conditions to be on antidepressants.

Also, many antidepressants have the 'side-effect' of reducing awareness of pain. Maybe they damp down over-active nerves, or maybe they just make you feel better so you don't notice the pain so much, but either way, they have been shown to be quite effective.

I foolishly came off mine recently because I was convinced they were making me fat. But then my mood has become so down, I'm comfort eating anyway! Also, my pain has increased, so I'm going back on them.

I'd give them a go - if it doesn't work out, you can always stop taking them (but do tail them off if you do and tell your doctor). But they really do help most of us. You might need to wait a few weeks for the maximum effect, however.

frogmorton

Hi jen

I am not surprised you were tearful You have had such a lot on and such a lot you are worrying about.

Home, car and money. They are BIGGIES aren't they?

I am glad you are getting to see someone else - fresh eyes and all that. Maybe he/she will have some new ideas.

As for the DLA and care package etc. Worrying now doesn't change the outcome :? . That was easy for me to say sorry :oops: But you have plenty of evidence to support your case and if needs be will utilise CAB. All things being as they should be you wont need to.

As for the anti-depressants - my ex MIL was on them for her fibro and swore by them. She is an independent person and was told that they really can help. they did too - no idea why. The problem is really our perception of them as being a negative thing.

On the house front - do you have a stairlift Jen l can't remember :oops: Just an idea in the short term.

Anyway much use was l there But I send you love and HUGS

Toni xxx

jenzie06

Thanks for the replies.

Toni - no stairlift. We rent and our landlords and letting agents are rubbish at fixing the things that are broken never mind installing something 'not essential' (it took them 6 months to change the boiler).

Annah - thanks for the opinion, nice to know they might work!

tjt6768

Just wanted to wish you good luck with everything and I hope that the flare buggers off soon.

bubbadog

Hope everything goes alright and that the flare up is a short one for you. Take care!