Chronic knee pain.

happy91

Hi Claire,

Have you explored any non-drug related chronic pain relief and found it helpful?

I have taken mostly coedine for pain relief since getting chronic pain for the past few years. I tried amitryptyline once and found it no good. Exercise helps me but it's getting to the swimming pool in the first place that's difficult for me!

I am looking at changing my accomodation to get more support with daily needs. Besides this, is there anything else I can do or explore of my own volition that may help besides going back and forward to the GP?

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @happy91, 

Thank you for sharing this with us, how are you doing today?

Hopefully @ClaireSaul or @Jean_OT and our members may have some suggestions for you soon. 

Sam_Alumni

Hi @happy91

If you have been struggling with pain for more than 12 weeks, there are many services that can help.

Long-term pain has many causes, such as arthritis, back problems, an old injury, illness or nerve damage.

Contact your GP

Your first stop should be your GP so you can discuss your pain in all its forms.

Read some advice from Pain Support on preparing for your GP appointment.

Your GP may:

• carry out a physical examination
• discuss your pain history
• identify where the pain is coming from
• record your level of pain
• check for signs of any illness that could be causing your pain or making it worse
• ask how your pain is affecting your life

Your GP may suggest trying some painkillers for short-term pain relief. However, painkillers are generally not considered a primary way to manage long-term pain.

If appropriate, your GP may suggest ways for you to stay active, which can help ease pain and improve your general wellbeing.

You may also be referred for complementary therapy to see if that helps with the pain.

You should be offered advice on how to better manage your pain on a day-to-day basis, such as by using self-help techniques.

Support groups

There's lots of self-help advice available from a variety of organisations supporting people living with long-term pain, such as:

• A Way With Pain
• Action on Pain
• British Pain Society
• Pain Concern
• Pain Support

Charities specialising in specific conditions, such as arthritis or fibromyalgia, may also offer more targeted pain-management advice.

Some of these organisations run helplines and self-help groups, where you can talk to and meet other people with long-term pain.

Pain clinics

If you find you're having difficulty managing your pain, ask your GP for a referral to a specialist pain clinic.

Pain clinics offer a wide range of treatments and support. They aim to support you in developing self-help skills to control and relieve your pain.

Treatments may include:

• medication
• pain-relief injections
• manual therapy
• exercise
• TENS machines
• complementary therapy
• psychological therapy

Pain-management programmes

Some people receiving treatment at a pain clinic may be offered a pain-management programme (PMP).

The aim of a PMP is to improve your quality of life, despite your pain, rather than reducing your pain.

PMPs are usually delivered through a series of group sessions with other people with persistent pain, in a friendly environment.

The sessions may include:

• gentle exercise
• relaxation and mindfulness
• how to manage emotions related to long-term pain
• group discussion
• learning to pace yourself  to avoid pain flare-ups

Sam_Alumni

Personally I have recently started using a TENS machine, which is giving some pain relief. I am also trying relaxation techniques, breathing techniques etc.  I understand how tough it is dealing with chronic pain and it can be very frustrating!

happy91

@Antonia_Scope I'm ok, had some big news from the consultant at orthopedics today so spending time processing that. How are you today Antonia? Thanks for your post.

@Sam_Scope Thanks for your response and all the info as well as your personal experience of managing pain. I have been thinking to try acupuncture and basically any other method besides the meds! Think I need to go back to gp as have been taking opiods and only that for some time.

Antonia_Alumni

Hi @happy91 that's good to hear. I'm ok, thanks for asking. I hope it went well, do let us know if you need support.

Sam_Alumni

No problem @happy91
I would say don't be afraid to keep going back to your GP, it is an ongoing chronic condition and so it will need ongoing support and treatment. Good luck!

happy91

@Sam_Scope thanks, I know sometimes it gets tiresome having to see them particuarly when have mobility issues. Think I need to go back to discuss pain management beyond meds.