Coping with pain

54 with bilateral hip arthritis, also in spine ( diagnosed) and I'm sure it's now in my knees and fingers. I have an allergy to anti inflammatory medication so I take 8 co drydamol 30/500 a day which I think doesn't help. Tried a larger morphine based painkiller and it knocked me off my feet. Any helpful tips to ease the pain please? I'm currently studying for a degree and can't be doing with feeling dopey and tired. In advance thank you

It's never even been suggested. Changed pain relief to tramadol to see how that is and she's then thinking liquid morphine which sound frightening. I know anti inflammatory's would help but I asked if we could try a different Karen no but was told no. 
Teally am struggling these days and trying so hard to complete my degree so I need to be awake, alert and focused . But I'm just feeling sorry for myself

Hiya! I have chronic pain and recognise what you're saying.

Do ask your gp about a pain clinic. Pain management is such a big spectrum of techniques and medications it's good to have a consultant look into it. 

In terms of medication, it took me a good 4 years to find the right balance for me. It was hard but in the long term very worth it. 

Sounds like you've tried a few opiates... I know what you mean about liquid morphine. I only started using that in the last year but actually  out of all the drugs I use, I love the oramorph. Less side effects and some really effective main relief that has allowed me to be active and therefore strengthen my pain areas more than if I was in pain and less mobile. 

But there are two other types of pain killers you've not tried yet. There are 'nerve pwin' drugs and others that were initially used as antidepressants but we're found to be good long term pain killers. 

It all sounds scary and like you'll rattle like a tablet tin I know... But but gosh! The change and improvement in life quality is worth it. 

Basically, and I say this to hopefully give you hope! There's loads and loads of options for you, not just the ones that haven't been so good. Do keep on at ypur gp as they will only change things if they know its not working for you. 

It may be worth contacting where you are studying about it too. They will have support in place there for those facing extra challenges and this is your challenge. 

It's a multifaceted approach is sucesful pain management. Stuff like  pacing, using medication, using heat and cold, using rest and exercise to strengthen the tissue around the pain, physiological help is available too... Which I though was total bull till I actually got a lot from it.

And if you haven't already, apply for Payment Independence Payment of you find you have extra costs relating to your body changes. E. G. Taxis to class as walking is harder, having groceries delivered, buying a stick, buying a trolley for shopping etc.