I'm worried about not being taken seriously because I might have a high pain threshold

tootlesweetie

Hi I have a spinal cyst.

I'm uncertain about whether I have a high pain threshold or not. And it scares me when doctors don't take me seriously with stating it's in my head. Having been extremely Ill because of this. 

chiarieds

Hi @tootlesweetie - & welcome to the community. I'm sorry you're in pain, & not being taken seriously. I think it's very difficult to know whether we have a high pain threshold or not, but reported pain, is pain full stop.

Presumably your spinal cyst was found with an MRI. Sometimes they don't cause any problems, & sometimes they do. Is there another GP at your local surgery that you might contact? I would suggest this first to see what advice they can offer. All pain should be looked into, & the patient helped as much as possible, & many are helped by pain clinics as mentioned above.

tootlesweetie

Thank you. For such a warm welcome. I have been going in circles from gp, to specialist, to out of hours. I have a bag logged of issues. Now had a new gp who literally said it's in my head again. Giving me a link to excepting my pain. I am not getting things explained to me. And I am traumatised by the length of time it has taken me to be heard. Including a bowel perforation. And delayed operations taking years even when they show I have extremely large gallstones. They literally are repeatedly nonchalant about me asking. Things did go wrong.

janer1967

Hi and welcome from me too 

Sorry you are not being taken seriously by your gp and health services 

Have you thought of looking into alternative therapies like acupuncture or hypnosis just a thought 

tootlesweetie

Janer1967 hi,

I have used hypnotherapy in the past which helped with neck problems and stiffness. I would definitely recommend it. Plus you can self hypnotised.

Sparklebright63

Hi to all

I have a High pain threshold I get servre paid level 10 when I have lots of problems I've been to the pain clinic and they discharged me as they said they couldn't do anything else for me.
I am now under phyiso and will be having walking sticks and and increased medication.


Spsrklenright63.

OverlyAnxious

Isn't that a low pain threshold?  As in, it doesn't take much pain to pass your 'acceptable' threshold?

I'm extremely sensitive to touch & pain and is one of the reasons that I'm unable to have any physical treatment.  But I've been calling that a 'low' pain threshold.  Have I been asking for more pain? 

tootlesweetie

I think it's high tolerance to pain for me. I do feel pain. What I experience with gallbladder pain I was walking around when I have known others with same condition were floored by it. Even perforated my bowel. I literally wasn't in enough pain to get taken seriously. My pain was partly displayed by other symptoms such as sweating. Losing control of bladder. And distress at not being taken seriously has put me through the mill and turn my world upside down. And I'm still dealing with the repercussions every time I seek medical help.

Thank you for your understanding:-)

OverlyAnxious said:

Isn't that a low pain threshold?  As in, it doesn't take much pain to pass your 'acceptable' threshold?

I'm extremely sensitive to touch & pain and is one of the reasons that I'm unable to have any physical treatment.  But I've been calling that a 'low' pain threshold.  Have I been asking for more pain? 

Wini1960

Hi tootlesweetie its not helpful when your GP doesn't care about your medical needs. They are their to serve you, its their job. If people were not sick they would not have a job. I would say ask to be referred to a pain clinic but be aware the list is long. I have degenerative lumbar spine and sacrilitus and before our present circumstances i had one lesson with a private physiotherapist. Not that the NHS is no good, but even the NHS is six weeks between appointments. I do wish you well in getting the help you need??

tootlesweetie

Thank you everyone   sorry I hadn't responded sooner. My services have been very slow since xmas. 

I will try all your suggestions.. this doctor just triggered and brought back everything I have had to fight for. I'm really struggling with the fear of not being heard. I'm also struggling to breath which I need to get to the bottom of. It could all be down to the cyst pressing on spine. I suppose it's a process. Just scary not to feel acute pain like I should when it comes to my digestive system. 

Wini1960

Hi tootlesweetie you are more than welcome??

tootlesweetie

I disagree. It is not correct to state GPs care. It's naive to believe that. They are health professionals. And they are the gateway to care.