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Chronic knee pain.
happy91
Member Posts: 101 Pioneering
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?
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?
Replies
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.
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:
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:
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:
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:
Senior online community officer
Senior online community officer
@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.
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!
Senior online community officer