Should I worry that I'm taking so many Painkiller pills?

jenniewb

I have quite a few medical (diagnosed or on waiting list to be diagnosed) conditions at the moment which cause me pain. I have to take painkillers daily now to get through without the pain and its worrying me.

I know others probably take much more then me and more frequently on me, I know I am not as bad (unwell) as others for sure but its all quite new to me: this time last year I wasn't taking anywhere near as much as I do now and it freaks me out!

I'm worried: is it safe to take so many things and is there anything I can do to not take so much ie alternative therapies which are proven to work? Does anyone have any links to places with help I can follow/do myself or find myself (or even make myself!)

Its mainly pain relief I'm after as the issues tend to be as a result of wear and tear, injuries and previously weakened areas which themselves will never be fixed.

Armchair23

You don't say whether they're prescribed painkillers or not, both can be problematic at certain dosages or in certain combinations.

My first port of a call would be to have a chat with a pharmacist about the meds you are taking. You can do that today and at least make sure you're not taking an unsafe quantity or combination.

As you're receiving treatment from your doctor by the sounds of it make sure they have a meds review at your next appointment.

Good luck and a pain free day !

peachyprice

How many is 'so many' and what type?

If the ones you are taking are not working speak to your pharmacist or GP, they may suggest an alternative, there are so many different combinations out there, not all will suit all people/types of pain.

Dizzy_Ditzy

i have had acupuncture for neck pain and headache that pk's wouldnt touch.

A headache that I had for 9 days was gone within 2 hours.

It can leave you feeling physically drained afterwards but it well worth it.

My gp does it, so its possible that someone at your practice does- always well worth asking- if you dont ask, you dont get!

ellay864

Have you considered buying/hiring a TENS machine? You can control if as you need it and even if it helps you cut down on some of your drugs it'll probably make you feel better.
I'd also suggest speaking to your doctor or pharmacist again. If it's not prescription meds you're on they might be able to suggest something different, even something relatively simple like swapping a simple analgesic for an anti-inflammatory

jenniewb

ellay864 wrote: »

Have you considered buying/hiring a TENS machine? You can control if as you need it and even if it helps you cut down on some of your drugs it'll probably make you feel better.
I'd also suggest speaking to your doctor or pharmacist again. If it's not prescription meds you're on they might be able to suggest something different, even something relatively simple like swapping a simple analgesic for an anti-inflammatory

I'd LOVE a tens machine...unfortunetly buying food and rent tends to swallow most of my income leaving not enough for a tens machine unless I start saving now....and manage to never buy anything extra again for about a year :rotfl:(as good an idea as this sounds I don't think I have the ability to do this!:o) But would be great, have seen these and they do get good reviews. I wish I had the cash!!

jenniewb

queen_of_cheap wrote: »

i have had acupuncture for neck pain and headache that pk's wouldnt touch.

A headache that I had for 9 days was gone within 2 hours.

It can leave you feeling physically drained afterwards but it well worth it.

My gp does it, so its possible that someone at your practice does- always well worth asking- if you dont ask, you dont get!

I never knew accupuncture was available via the GP! I had imagined they were all anti-alternative therapy. Had another thought I may look into which was seeing if there were any student clinics for alternative therapy but also wary its a medical treatment so to be careful. Also that just because its a student clinic (if I do find one) wont mean its free and in some cases even reduced costs can be too high for me. I will ask my GP though, thanks!

jenniewb

peachyprice wrote: »

How many is 'so many' and what type?

If the ones you are taking are not working speak to your pharmacist or GP, they may suggest an alternative, there are so many different combinations out there, not all will suit all people/types of pain.

I know its not loads compared to other people who have worser conditions, but coming from my point of view, this time last year I was not taking anything bar mefenamic acid pills when I got my period.

This year I seem to have aquired so many (diagnosed) conditions and take pills for most, I've never been a fan of taking pills and was OK with taking them once a month or so (don't get period every month for reasons unknown) but to take them every day... just worries me.

I take ibuprofen- occasionally mefenamic acid pills and diclofenac pills (not at same time!) know mefenamic acid pills are meant for only periods but I also take them for back pain and joint pain when things get bad (which seems on the incline).
Also take codine and paracetamol
Am taking pills to help with anxiety (having issues with depression and axiety at the moment and prior to this month had gone for months on 2-3 nights of full blown insomnia). Not an anti-depressant (have my own reasons for this) but prescribed.
Buscopan (prescribed).
Also take calcium suppliments with vitamin D for weakened bones, omega 3 and glycosamine (sp!)

These (above) I take daily, often more then once a day.

At the moment being referred (on waiting list) to see professionals who will hopefully tell me whats what.

Hope that all makes sense. Have conditions to go with the above btw!! But wont go into them here as its probably meaningless reading to anyone else.

I am awaiting an appointment with both a physio and a rhymatiod (sp!) doctor to see if I have Hyper Mobile Syndrome or something else as I have had bad back pain for over a year now and its progressivly getting worse along with other joint pain.
I still feel pain alot! I don't even think the pills work very well but they are better then not taking anything.

It worries me that the above is for life, not just for a few weeks. I am only 30 and I feel like I'm much older - this time last year I wasn't taking anywhere near as much if anything at all!

busiscoming2

Two things spring to mind, but I don't know how useful they will prove to be. Firstly you could try asking on Freecycle for a TENS machine, there has been the occasional one on my local page. Secondly how about asking for a referral from your GP/Consultant to the Pain clinic in the hospital?

chocdonuty

How much codine do you take and how often?
(I presume you mean a pack of co-codamol?)
These pills although good at pain relief can be addictive and are generally only meant to be used for 3 days at a time, unless prescribed.
You do need to speak to a gp or a pharmacist who will be able to advise what meds are best for you and hopefully make you feel at lot better

Katiehound

I was also going to say ask for referral to a Pain Clinic plus in some areas acupuncture is available on NHS (not round here!) Very many GPs are happy to let their patients try alternative therapies because it frees up time/expense for NHS! or maybe that's a cynical way of looking at things!