Chronic Pain Medications & Treatment Options- On the NHS & not, UK and across the world....

LindsayBrianna_20

Hi guys, 

I’m 19 years old and have a chronic pain condition called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS) and have had it for 8-9 years. I have tried endless medications to help to relieve the pain but haven’t been successful. I used to be able to try and manage it myself, day by day but since November last year, I have had a deterioration in my condition and has meant that I have gone from being able to walk confidently to being in a wheelchair every time I go out of the house and at home, hobbling round using my crutches to balance but is limited. 

I am trying to look at all different medications, treatments etc that might be available and be able to help me more longer term. I am looking at treatments that are both on the NHS and also some that I might need to fundraise and pay for. I also don’t mind if the treatments would be done in the UK or across the world. 

I hope this all makes sense... I would just like to help control my pain and to try to get back to my normal walking again. If anyone has any ideas, things that have worked for them etc then please feel free to let me know!! 

Thanks, stay safe
Lindsay xx 

woodbine

Hi and welcome @LindsayBrianna_20, how are you today? I wouldn't pretend to know enough about medicine to be of much help, have you ever been refered to your local hospital pain clinic by your GP? My OH found them extremely useful.

LindsayBrianna_20

Hi @woodbine
Thank you, I hope you are doing okay. I have been referred to my local hospital, been to a specialist hospital and 2 different pain management services but still not finding anything to help with my pain. 

Thanks again, 
Lindsay x

Ess

Hi, I’m in similar circumstances, chronic pain head to toe and pain medication doesn’t work. I get a tiny bit of relief for around 30 minutes. Have you heard of low dose naltrexone? I tried it last year and, although it only worked for a short while for me, many people have successfully treated pain with it. I had to pay privately for it as it’s hard to get a GP to prescribe it. There’s lots of info on the LDN research trusts website, and Dicksons chemist in Glasgow have a website where you can request a consultation with a prescriber if you think it’s something that might help you.

Chloe_Scope

Hi @LindsayBrianna_20 and a very warm welcome to the community. I'm sorry to hear you have found it difficult to manage your pain levels. We are not medical professionals but I really hope the support from others is useful.

Have you every tried a TENS machine? Granted it doesn't fix pain, but I've found it does take the edge off and can help to distract your brain.

Please do let us know how you get on.