Consistent pain management issues

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by Guest Posts on Mon Oct 09, 2017 3:19 pm

Consistent pain management issues

On behalf of Mark:
Pain management, after 14 yrs, 3 accidents, 1st was worst, unconscious later realised, head/neck/chest/sacrum injuries still lots problems tried all! Epidural last year made head/neck, worse & lower back bowel/bladder, legs, I think, vertebral/ internal carotid artery damage, atypical trigeminal neuralgia, with Cauda Equina. Thoughts greatly appreciated.
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Arthritis Action
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by Arthritis Action on Tue Oct 10, 2017 6:25 am

Re: Consistent pain management issues

Hello Mark,
You say you have tried all. Does that include a pain management programme? Caudal epidurals are usually performed by pain specialists, spinal surgeons or rheumatologists but it sounds as though you need a more holistic approach with input from several specialists to deal with all of the different issues that arise from living with chronic pain including information about pain mechanisms and the meaning of pain, help with how to manage the emotional aspects and ways to improve your function and quality of life. A caudal epidural is extremely unlikely to be the cause of your increased pain but it sounds as though that may be a concern for you that needs discussion with your specialist. There are inpatient pain management programmes available on the NHS and it would be definitely worth asking for a referral to one of these. If you have already attended one, are you using all the strategies discussed including pacing your activities and exercise? Perhaps you need some additional help with your mood or advice on relaxation or distraction techniques for better coping with your pain? It's not easy at all living with pain but help is out there.

Wendy

Dr Wendy Holden
Medical Advisor to Arthritis Action and Consultant Rheumatologist
Arthritis Action
56 Buckingham Gate London SW1E 6AE

020 3781 7120 http://www.arthritisaction.org.uk

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