I am quite newly diagnosed and have an appointment at a pain managementclinic coming up. At the moment i just takeduloxetine. What might they be able to offer
Hi Helen,
I’m at the pain clinic at the moment. They have offered therapy with a psychologist, physio in the form of stretches and yoga, a 3 session mindfulness course and i’m booked in with a clinician to review pain meds (waiting list for this is 6+ months). There was also a 12 week course offered on learning to cope with pain but it isnt running until next year sometime. The pitch they gave me was its about holistically treating the pain and setting up self management strategies. Meds are not the main focus in my particular clinic - hope that helps
I was prescribed Low Dose Naltrexone from my pain management dr and it worked wonders for me. So many doctors haven't even heard of it.
Pain Management if your primary refuse to give you anything .what have you asked her for?mine gives me buspirone for anxiety .Now my pm won't.but gives me tramadol and cymbalta.I do get epidural injections.
@A MyFibroTeam Member
I found the Pain clinic I went to really helpful. I agree with @A MyFibroTeam Member. Write yourself a list, of everything that hurts/bothers you, causes you difficulties.
They understand chronic pain, and also the stress and depression that may come with it. They look at your meds, check if anything has bad interaction. Offer advice, will probably suggest some sort of physical therapy. At first I thought "are you crazy??
But once I got on a regular dose of tramadol, found that I could go swimming. A year ago I could barely move. They may suggest articles, diet, councelling.
I still have tough days and the occasional flare (cos of doing too much) but overall things have improved.
@A MyFibroTeam Member - literally keep going back to see them.
Mine told me I was going through the menopause, then stress from work. Only when I went to see her, looking terrible, not washed, exhausted, at the end of my tether, did she refer me to a rheumatologist, who confirmed Fibromyalgia.
(They have a pressure point test they can do)
And tell your doctor that your pain is destroying your quality of life. By law, they have to act and either refer you to a specialist or pain clinic. It's really really tough at first. But you are strong and you'll do it!
Please let us know how you all get on. We're here to support one another. ((( Gentle hugs ))) 🌸
I have been given gabapentin to go alongside the duloxetine as they work on different pain receptors. Mindfulness and gentle exercise such as walking has been suggested. I should pace myself.