Pain relief help

User

Posted 19 May 2020 at 18:02

Hi guys I have advanced cancer and I am in a lot of pain in my back, I am on zapain for pain relief, but it is not touching it, my GP has said this is all I can have as I have other health issues eg heart failure and diabetes, so I am not suitable for other pain relief. I am really struggling at the moment, as due to the pain I cannot sleep in bed, as the pain is worse when I lay down. I would be grateful for any advice thank you.

User

Posted 19 May 2020 at 18:56

Sorry to hear this. I am new here and very inexperienced regarding prostate cancer but I believe zapain is cocodamol 30/500 (ie each tablet contains 30mgs of codeine and 500mg paracetamol). Do you take on regular basis rather than as required? Codeine is very constipating so beware.

Has your GP said you are not suitable for an anti inflammatory painkiller? (brufen, naproxen, diclofenac).
You could enquire about Oramorph or Tramadol to trial. Perhaps Lidocaine patches? Also try a hot pack or hot water bottle. Diabetes and heart disease isn’t a reason to be left in pain.

Edited by member 19 May 2020 at 19:05 | Reason: To add extra

User

Posted 19 May 2020 at 19:12

Thank you replying, the GP say I am not suitable for diclofenic due to it may make my stomach bleed. My consultant does not want to see my for a year, or if my PSA goes above 30,, as my chemotherapy and radiotherapy courses have finished jan 20, I don’t know who to contact regarding the pain other than my GP ?

User

Posted 19 May 2020 at 19:21

Would you be suitable for an anti inflammatory with Omeprazole to cover your stomach? You could ask Gp for a referral to pain team at your local hospital, however due to CV19 I doubt this would be any time soon. Have you spoken to your Urology CNS or even phone the help line on this forum?
I would make an appointment with Gp and let him/her know your symptoms are poorly controlled 🌹

User

Posted 19 May 2020 at 20:28

If your GP is at a loss, ask for a referral to either the pain clinic at the hospital or your local hospice; generally speaking, hospice staff are the experts at adjusting pain meds to get the balance right - hospices are not just for end of life care.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 27 May 2020 at 12:28

Originally Posted by: Online Community Member

I would have a chat with your Oncologist's secretary if it were me. You have my most sincere regards, pain is not funny - especially in the current circumstances. Some Radio therapy in the area of the pain, might help.

Bob

User

Posted 28 May 2020 at 11:44

I'm sorry for your situation. I have metastatic prostate cancer and I had also dull pain which didn't let me sleep. I tried plenty of painkillers with no success. Eventually, my GP prescribed fentanyl skin patchs (the lowest dosage) and it worked out.

Now, fentanyl is an opioid and may cause addiction and additional problems, therefore doctors are very reluctant to prescribe it. My concern here is to what point one must suffer before getting this kind of relief. What is worst in the balance: to avoid eventual addiction or to gain a little QOL. In certain conditions as ours I'm clearly for the second option.

In your case I would follow LynEyre advise and try to contact a pain management unit.

I'm from Spain. I don't know the health policies in UK regarding fentanyl administration.

Good luck

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