Pain Management sessions/ classes

crookedlobster
crookedlobster Member Posts: 14
edited 11. Feb 2013, 06:34 in Living with Arthritis archive
Hello all.

My most recent physio has written to my GP recommending me for this. She says that she is really there to get people moving, something i am already doing, in abundance. I have remained and hopefully will remain as slim and fit as possible.

She says my problem is pain.

I am 38, and she says she is keen to avoid too much dependancy on drugs (which I try not to take as the pain is often preferable to the 'come-down' from tramadol...)


Has anyone undertaken such classes?

What should I expect? Are they going to get inside my head?



CL (one goose flew east, one flew west, one flew over the cuckoo's nest.)

Comments

  • Numptydumpty
    Numptydumpty Member Posts: 6,417
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi CL, I have no experience of this, but I think others on the forum have had some success with pain management courses.
    Get inside your head? Heaven help them :lol:
    Good luck, I hope it helps you,
    Numpty
  • frogmorton
    frogmorton Member Posts: 29,901
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi CreekyL

    I went on an A/C course 'challenge your long-term condition'

    Take a look at this

    http://www.arthritiscare.org.uk/PublicationsandResources/Selfmanagement/Workshopscourses/Courselist

    I waited a while for a place, but it taught me a thing or two.

    Any specific questions ask away :)

    Love

    Toni xx
  • dreamdaisy
    dreamdaisy Member Posts: 31,520
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello. I have been on an AC course about dealing with pain and found it very helpful - it taught me strategies that I still use today in conjunction with the ones I developed myself. I think that one has to learn to live with pain because nothing removes it to a suitable extent (the stronger the pain med the more you are removed from the pain, not vice-versa). I would urge you to attend because surely one can only learn - but even better they may learn from you.

    I reckon you are already doing the right things for yourself and hopefully this course will add another string or two to your bow. I can't see that you have anything to lose. DD
    Have you got the despatches? No, I always walk like this. Eddie Braben
  • Airwave!
    Airwave! Member Posts: 2,469
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Classes by AC, NHS and others are all worthwhile going to. Do they get into your head, yes, hopefully! Dealing with arther on a day to day basis is a mind game and they equip you for it.
  • stickywicket
    stickywicket Member Posts: 27,764
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I've not done them but I think most of those who have find them very worthwhile.

    (My head is a murky, no-go area :wink:)
    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
    Hi,

    I went on the intro morning to our local NHS pain mgt course and even that short bit was useful. I intend to go on the full 7 weeks once I have got my op out of the way. They go into much better detail about pacing and building up activities. I had thought I did pacing, but apparently not! It was also amazing to sit in a room with all these other people that understand where you are coming from.
  • crookedlobster
    crookedlobster Member Posts: 14
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Oh good, I am pleased there have been many positives from this stuff.

    @frogmella: I would be very grateful if you were to give me feedback on what happens, and if it is helping you, but feel free not to also...



    CL (turns up, gets all demanding, like some sort of upstart)
  • villier
    villier Member Posts: 4,426
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi CL, I went to one a few years ago through the NHS albeit mine was for neuropathic pain, although there were people there with Arthur, fibro etc, it was very helpful, this one was run by physcologists, physio's,nurse and doctor, the object is to help manage your pain and come to terms with things lots of tips and exercises, personally worth while giving it a go...........Marie xx
    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
  • blueknees
    blueknees Member Posts: 90
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    I have an appointment at the pain management clinic on 14th Feb. I'll let you all know what happens.

    My Consultant has written that I have chronic pain and depression. My GP thinks the pain causes the depression and depression increases my awareness of the pain, so sort out one sorts out the other???????
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi
    I've been to 2 arthritis courses.....1 6 week one and one 2 week one.
    Yes they helped.
    I've just had an appointment with the pain clinic and he is recommending a "pain association meeting" Havent been yet. The first one is the end of this month.
    Arthritis care are set courses.
    This one is apparently at a certain time on a certain date. You can go as often as you like, go and never go back again or go and then go when you feel like it.
    You can keep going as long as you like. Arthritis one is 6 weeks long and you are supposed to only do the one course.
    Thats all I know at the moment
    Let us know what happens
    Love
    Hileena
  • daffy2
    daffy2 Member Posts: 1,636
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hello CL
    I did the Challenging Arthritis 6 week course last autumn and found it very useful. Being with people who are actually living the problems rather than just knowing about them in theory is such a relief, and also makes you more willing to try the things suggested. They might get into your mind - if you let them- but they won't mess with it.
    For me it was doubly useful as I had a diagnosis of severe lumbar osteoporosis part way through the course, and a few days after that my mother died. The support of the group, the techniques I was acquiring, and the greater understanding of the condition, enabled me to get through rather than go under. The book that comes with the course is helpful(despite being American) and useful to refer to. You may also find that the group wants to stay together in some form once the course is finished, or link into an existing group, which you might find useful.
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    HiDaffy
    That book is great isnt it? Its about 3 years since I did the course but I still refer back to the book for reminders :wink: {even if it is americanised}
    I've stayed in touch with 3 of the people in the group. Got other emails if necessary.

    Love
    Hileena
  • woodbon
    woodbon Member Posts: 4,969
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Hi,
    Although I think its right not to get to reliant on pain killers they do have their place in treatment of pain. I have tramadol and lke you, didn't like the ups and downs, a doctor at the pain clinic gave me the slow release tablets. I take them morning and night and they don't give the highs and lows.
    Hope you find some help quickly, I found Cognitive Therapy helped, but its not a 100% effective/
    Good luck and keep on to your GP/hospital, they may need a bit of reminding your still there!!! :wink:
    Love Suex
  • hileena111
    hileena111 Member Posts: 7,099
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Morning Sue
    How are you? It seems a ewhile since I've seen you.
    I agree that meds do have their place. I'm on naproxen and paracetamol and codeine when needed but if anything else can help as well {not instead}.......I'll go for it.
    Take care
    Love
    Hileena
  • frogmella
    frogmella Member Posts: 1,111
    edited 30. Nov -1, 00:00
    Yes, CL, of course I will let you know what happens! :D