"Pain management clinic"

I visited the Pain Management Clinic this week. Usual stressful battle to park. This was my third visit to the clinic. Different Dr and my notes were not there. No attempt was made to locate them. I have a chronic pain condition which has left me in constant and unbearable pain. The Dr asked some brief questions about my history,"did I have a traumatic childhood?" "Do I have financial worries?"The Dr informed me that I was typical of a type. "Did I use alcohol or misuse drugs?","what is my husbands occupation?" They did not ask me about my pain levels at all. I was informed that the condition would be with me for life. That there are few effective treatments. They suggested that I use "mindfulness techniques". I explained that I do this already. They then stated that," it won't help your pain, but you will be a happier person".Wow. Never met many happy people with chronic pain. Mindfulness is helpful, but not that good. I explained that a recent infusion had had some limited benefits but that had now worn off and that I was struggling day to day. The treatment could be repeated, there is a waiting list and it can only be offered twice a year. Great, better dig deep with mindfulness!!! Not convinced that the scrap of paper that was being used as my temporary notes will make it to the relevant waiting list. So left feeling both insulted and hopeless. Two years ago I was employed, physically active with goals and dreams. Today I am unemployed, struggle to do most things and marginalised by those that whose job it is help people in pain. I have fibromyalgia plus an injury to my hip and lower back. As a combination it is leaves me in constant pain. It is real pain that dominates my life. I am an individual not "type". If you have fibromyalgia think carefully before you attend this clinic.