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I feel I am stuck in a never ending cycle

Posted By nitratezw89

"I feel I am stuck in a never ending cycle"

About: General practices in Fife

(as the patient),

I am experiencing ongoing back and neck pain due to my Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. Unfortunately the pain relief I am currently receiving and have done for at least 5 years now, isn't working. When I visited two different GPs at my local practice I am informed that pain patches don't exist, despite the fact that people with my condition are able to access them in different areas of Scotland. 

I am then told to continue to take ibuprofen. Due to my Ehlers-Danlos, I am unable to take ibuprofen or any anti-inflammatory tablets/pills as my stomach is impacted. Anti-inflammatory tablets cause constant burning, stomach pain, nausea and acid reflux. Also, if the pain was controlled by this, I wouldn't have been visiting my GP. 

Physio has been suggested but no one has checked my back or neck for damage which can also be an issue with Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome. I have tried physio in the past and also exercise when the pain isn't unbearable. I am unable to access the pain clinic as they reject every referral. 

I feel I am stuck in a never ending cycle without help. I am in constant pain, unable to function properly. I am in my 30s and in agony daily - this isn't right. I've been in pain since childhood.

I am also Autistic so it's really difficult for me to even go to the GP.


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Responses

Response from Shelley McBain, Interim Service Manager, Primary & Preventative Care, Fife Health & Social Care Partnership 2 weeks ago
Shelley McBain
Interim Service Manager, Primary & Preventative Care,
Fife Health & Social Care Partnership

Submitted on 29/05/2024 at 09:00
Published on Care Opinion at 09:00

Hello nitratezw89

My name is Shelley McBain and I am the Interim Service Manager for Primary Care. I am sorry to hear you are experiencing this pain. I would like to thank you for providing this feedback and apologies for the delay in my responding.

I would like to take the opportunity to investigate this further, and would be grateful if you could please email me (shelley.mcbain2@nhs.scot).

Thank you again, and take care

Shelley

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