"Understanding my pain"

Due to previous complications from prior surgery I have been on strong opioid based painkillers for last year. I. recently had a routine open hernia repair at cramlington hospital.

Due to nature of operation the anaesthetist informed me they intending to do a spinal block prior to surgery and would also prescribe a PCA post op. initial post op I was concerned I seemed to use the PCA a lot. I then started waiting till I was in agony before pressing the PCA button.

The pain nurse specialist visited me and explained why my body was requiring so much pain relief. It was due to my body already being used to opiates. This was helpful as no one had ever explained this to me and explained the importance of using the PCA regularly. the dose was increased in the Driver and this helped.

Later that day I was transferred to North tyneside hospital. The Fenteynal pump was stopped the following day and my usual meds were re commenced with the addition of oxycodone when required. I did need oxycodone initially but felt each time I asked for it my need was questioned.

I was reviewed by anaesthetic nurse who told me not to be worried about asking for oxycodone And again reiterated why I required these strong pain killers.

Later that day I asked for oxycodone and the nurse said " I've just gave u your meds an hour ago which yes I understand but it wasn't working. I said my pain score was 6-7/10 they left the bay and stood at the desk outside the bay stating there's no way her pain score is that high she is probably a smack head or something"

I found this quite disrespectful and I didn't want to ask for the oxycodone as it made me sick but I needed it for pain.

I feel the pain team need complemented as they were so helpful. I only wish the nurse in question had been as understandable about my pain.