MORE ABOUT PAIN CLINIC

hileena111

Hi,
I got a letter this morning about "Pain Psychology" {????} they want to make a telephone appointment to start with {about 30 mins long}
They then say they have a range of options that may be helpful.
Including a small group offering advice on managing and planning activity levels, communicating others and developing skills such as relaxation and mindfulness or meditation.
Altertantively it may be helpful to attend individual sessions with a clinical psychologist to help deal with mood problems which can be linked to long term pain.
I got a letter asking me to fill in dates I would be available for a telephone call and a booklet was sent as well.
A lot of it will be much the same as arthritis care courses I suppose but it wont do any harm to be reminded

Love
Hileena

barbara12

blimey Hileena ...I say it again you have a good NHS trust there...hopefully you will get lots of help from these courses, I will be interest to know how you get on.....good Luck xx

hileena111

Hi
I'll keep you up to date Barbara....I know you are in muh the same position....back/hips....hips/back

Love
Hileena

stickywicket

I'm not in the same position but it does sound interesting, Hileena. I'll look forward to further updates.

villier

Sounds good Hileena it was the NHS one I was on and it was the Physcologist I first saw in a one to one, also a pyhsio on a one to one, after that it was groups with, physcologists, physio's,nurse and doctor, very wothwhile and also meeting other people with chronic pain helps as well, hope you get a lot out of it..........Marie xx

hileena111

Thanks Sticky and Marie
I think one of the first things will be a meeting with other people
wiith chronic pain....meetings you can come and go as you please. Doesnt
have to be every week. Its towards the end of Feb...cant remember the exact date.
The TENS is to be done after my acupuncture.....I have an acupuncture appt a week tomorrow then one more the following Wed. So I assume the TENs appt will be after that.
Not sure when this telephone call will be {from psychologist} I'll not be sitting doing nothing by the sound of things You seem to have got a lot out of it.
Love
Hileena

frogmella

It does all sound really good. I hope it proves useful. At least you won't be bored!

tjt6768

not my cup of tea hun but if it helps. .

I get rather anoyed myself. . The specialists concentrate soooo much on the psychological side of things. . Wish they were as keen when it comes to the physical side.
Too many times in the past I've been told it's in mi head :x
Sorry hun, ranting on your thread lol

Xxx

stickywicket

Don’t knock it, Tony. The pain may be in our bodies but our heads play a big part.

I can tell you exactly where I’m hurting today but I couldn’t 15 minutes ago cos I was so engrossed in what I was doing. I know sometimes the pain doesn’t let us get engrossed but every bit helps and, if we rule out all psychology, we rule out a lot of stuff that can ease the pain.

It’s been proven that laughter reduces pain. I’m not saying ditch the pain meds but, if they can be kept lower by a few episodes of I’m Sorry I Haven’t a Clue or a few phone calls to someone who makes me laugh, I’ll buy into that every time.

hileena111

Hi Tony....you rant away.....as long as you are in my pocket if I need you
Everyone to their own.
I agree with Sticky.....a lot of things {apart from meds} reduce our pain.
Think back to when DD did the arthritis care course....she raved about the relaxation methods. Personally I didnt get the hang of that but would like to have another bash.
I dont for one minute think I'll be able to give up pain killers :shock: but if it stops me taking any more than I do or reduces the pain in between the meds I'll give it a try.
I've no idea what will work and what wont but am willing to give everything a try. You know as well as I do that things that work for some people dont work for others
Sorry I'm ranting now
Love
Hileena

tjt6768

lol
I suppose I was a tad overboard haha....
I just get annoyed at the silliest things lately, not like me at all...
I blame the vitamin B12 deficiency myself, lol

Xxxx

constable

Lets be honest, we all have days when we just cant seem to find any relief. And yes, we do get annoyed and irratable. I know I certainly do. I'm like a bear some days. I feel sorry for my family.

But all avenues should be looked at. I know you will keep us informed Hileena. It does sound interesting. And yes, you're NHS does sound really on the ball.

frogmorton

Hi Hileena

I got so much from my A/C course too (and the book I STILL refer to )

My eldest saw a psych to help her avoid (hemiplegic),migraines stress-triggers you know - brave at 16 (at the time) it helped really helped her....same psych saw the youngest to help her accept her epilepsy.

The label psych can make some of us think 'it's in our heads', but they just have the skills to help us deal with a long-term condition like arthritis.

I am so pleased you are getting the chance and reckon your attitude is spot-on

love

Toni xxx

stickywicket

I've been thinking about this and all the things you say are on offer in your first post, Hileena.

'advice on managing and planning activity levels, communicating others and developing skills such as relaxation and mindfulness or meditation.'

I took years to accept that I had to 'manage and plan activity levels' rather than just ploughing on regardless. I think it's probably all part of acceptance. 'Communicating'? - yup, I was rubbish at that, too. People knew things were tough when I snapped at them for minor offences. (Mind you, I can still do that, pain or not-much-pain I'm still rubbish at relaxation and meditation but I know when to do stuff - any stuff - that'll distract me from pain and I'm excellent at watching cricket

The value of distraction was hammered home to me after my knee revision. I discovered that by playing computer games (Only when in pain I could delay my next round of pain relief sometimes by hours.

I shall follow your progress with interest.

hileena111

Hi Toni and Sticky
Thanks for your comments.
I've just been going over yours again Sticky.
Management....I did an arthritis course on management {6 weeks} This was a long time ago and i got a lot out of it and like we all say still refer to our books. This might not be much diffferent but so what.....wont do any harm to remind me of things.
I am rubbish at the relaxation thingey as well I'm hoping that I can get the hang of it this time. :roll:
I will keep you up to date on anything that happens.
Love
Hileena

frogmorton

Please do Hileena

I must admit that when I did the imigiary stuff they only had to say the word lemons and my mouth watered!!! So I am easily lead

Love

Toni xxx