I'm really stuck with finding decent pain relief.

I have kidney disease (also auto immune) which means I can't take any NSAIDS - which rules out aspirin and all ibuprofen based tablets and topical gels/creams.

I found I couldn't take codeine a few years ago after an operation, it just leaves me feeling dizzy and spaced with no effect on the pain at all. I've recently tried Tramadol but had a violent reaction to it with vomiting for 48 hours

So that leaves me with paracetamol which, frankly, doesn't cut the mustard. I take it occasionally and hope the placebo effect might help but at best it takes the edge off the pain, if I'm lucky.

Is there anything else I could try. I'm actually considering asking my GP for oral morphine, just for the very worst days when I can't move for pain. Has anyone tried this? I know morphine's ok for my kidneys as I've had it several times in hospital but, of course, it's really potent stuff so I'm unsure if it would be an extreme solution to bad days...

I hope someone knows of something I haven't tried!

Vicky xx

Hi Vicky

I am sorry that you have been having such a difficult time, I have struggled with finding the right pain killers especially at night when the pain is so bad. I asked my doctor for a morphine based one and he gave me Oramorph which I found lasted about four hours but the pain was excruciating ( haven t got it that bad now thank goodness ).

Hope you have some success with your GP, please let us know how things go.

Julia xx

Vicky

I am sorry you are in pain and hope that you get something sorted soon.

In the meantime whilst you are waiting to speak to your Rheumy team can I suggest that you persevere with the Paracetemol. Take the full 8 tablets over the 24 hour period and keep taking them. My GP said they are totally underestimated as a painkiller because people do not take the prescribed dose and stop taking it after a day or so because they do not think it is working. Once it builds up in your system, my GP said it is a very good painkiller. I followed his advice and it definitely works far better than I had previously experienced when dipping in and out taking it. O.k. it does not work so well when I am having a really bad flare but I can definitely tell the difference if I forget to take even one dose now.

Take care

Jackie

Thanks everyone, I knew you'd all have some good advice!
I'm not sure if I can take that much paracetamol - I'm usually advised to take as little as possible and only when needed - but I shall find out and try if I can! I've booked in with the GP, but of course it's not for a couple of weeks as not only was she booked up but then on annual leave! I just can't find the energy to see someone different and spend the first five minutes spelling out and then explaining my kidney disease to them. I'm clinging to the hope that I haven't yet exhausted all options - I've been trying guided meditations and gently seated yoga too and can recommend them.
Vicky xx