Successful pain management asssessment!

frogmella
frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
edited 15. Nov 2012, 16:24 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hi,

Just to let you know that my pain management assessment went really well today. It was with a physio and an OT and they were sooo nice and understanding. They didn't think I was faking or pathetic and say that I am a good candidate for the course.

They have refered me to the psychotherapist as there is a waiting list for her and will book me onto the introduction day that should be in January.

I have decided to up my gabapentin in the mean time because my pain is quite bad at the moment and I can't see what else to do. GP has OKed it so have started the new dose today.

So, all in all a good day today. (except the pain!!

Helen
:D

Comments

  • barbara12
    barbara12 Member Posts: 21,281
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Good for you Helen,I do hope its a big help to you and will be interested to see how you get on....I do hope the gabapentin helps, its the best thing I have had prescribed.x
    Love
    Barbara
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    That's the first hurdle cleared so well done to you. I hope the increase in gab helps matters without making you feel too weird or spaced-out. Let us know how you get on with it, yes? DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    thats great helen hope you get lots from the pain management, was going to say keeping fingers crossed gabapentin works, but a wee bit impossible at the mo :lol: hope you get some relief........mariexx
    Smile a while and while you smile
    smile another smile and soon there
    will be miles and miles of smiles
    just because you smiled I wish your
    day is full of Smiles
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,763
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    The asessment sounds good and I hope the increased gabapentin helps.
    If at first you don't succeed, then skydiving definitely isn't for you.
    Steven Wright
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Thanks for the replies.

    Increased gaba has made me a bit "off" but if it does the trick I will ride the storm for now!

    I am really pleased that the appt went so well. I am sure you know that I spend a lot of time worrying that people think I am a fraud. I wonder if I have always been so paranoid?!!

    I will certainly keep you all posted as the course unfolds.

    Off to see the surgeon today - only a follow up and I'm not sure there is much point, but you never know. Maybe he has been imbued with magical powers over the last three months and he will be able to wave his wand and I will be back! LOL!

    Anyway, have a nice day if you can,

    Villier - don't even try to cross those fingers! Hope you are doing ok.

    Helen
    x
  • suzygirl
    suzygirl Member Posts: 2,005
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I am so glad you had such a good appt. You are not a 'fraud', I am amazed you could think that. I hope you manage on the gabapentin, are you on 3 x 300mg daily now? I am on that now and it helps some what with the pain..

    I am waiting to go on the pain management course hopefully.
  • bubbadog
    bubbadog Member Posts: 5,544
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Helen, Glad the appt went well today and you are going to be going on the pain management course in January. And hope the increaded Gabapentin will help the pain.
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi Suzy,

    I am only on 600mg three times a day at the moment but I know that I can go as high as 1200mg three times a day, so working up slowly! Not feeling as "off" today so that is good! I think I am quite hard on myself and so often worry that I am a fraud etc! Hence the desire for this psychotherapy really!

    Hi Bubba,

    I am really glad to get to go on this course - I think it could be the best thing for me.

    The surgeon wants me to have another MRI to see if anything has changed to cause this recent pain. He says it could be another disc herniation or worsening of arthritis. Or, just the same old same old! So off for my seventh scan in two weeks. I reckon I could work the machine now.

    He said that the "good" patch was the oddity and that pain is my new "normal". At least I know now so am happier about boosting my gaba dose.

    I can see me opting for a second fusion eventually as a last ditch attempt to get more life back. We'll see I guess!

    Helen
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    Glad you had such a good appointment.
    Of course they wont think you're a fake.....I think we all think that at some time or other :lol:

    Love
    Hileena