I’ve been referred to a pain management course, what can I expect?

*so have I but still waiting for an appt after 5 months

*I've only been to a pain clinic at the hospital, I had about an hour with a pain consultant who explained to me in layman's terms what Fibro was, where it came from (as much as docs know right now anyway) and all of that business. Then I got a short physical examination, prodding my pain points and that was it. So as for this pain management thing tons of Fibro folk have been put on, I know nothing of it.

*I have my appointment in a couple of weeks, I am told the idea is to find out what you can and cant do and try to show you other ways to do things to make it easier for yourself, as to whether this is true watch this space, I will let you know when I get back, when is your appointment ?

*Oh and I was told I needed a shrink too, the psychology approach paid off way better than pills, which I agree with. This was all June last year and I'm still waiting.

*Guy I saw was really nice went through medical history and then my options and even too me off meds that made me put on weight, was examined so was painful but no more than usual prodding and poking.

*I done one of them last year. We had a physiotherapist and a physiologist running it. I really enjoyed the course, but admit I was very overwhelmed on the first session as I we discussed our day to day problems. It was only then I realised I wasn't alone. They gave loads of help on pacing and exercise. Well worth the weekly trip out if you can make it.

*I'm on a 8wk pain management course at the minute been to 5 up to now, as its been stated it is how to manage your pain and ways of limiting yourself to what you can and cant do.how to get others to understand what you are going through,it is very interesting and you get to know others who know what you are going through.

*I'm still waiting for my appointment to come through, also been referred to cog behaviour specialist. Again still waiting for that appointment. seems all we do is wait!

*I was denied a pain management course and CBT is non existent on the NHS in Wales!

*Well my experience was, first appointment doc says I'll see you in 3 months and see how you are. Second appointment Three months later doc says well there's nothing we can do, didn't try anything or even suggest anything.

*In the US (at least with my PM doc) we started with low dosage pain meds, physical therapy and exercise. We have tried many different approaches and medications. Now I'm on meds for sleep, Savella and several pain meds.

*I got "we can only really teach you an attitude and how to pace yourself. Your already doing both so there's nothing we can do for you, bye." On the other hand my dad went and they did a lot of group psychological stuff, taught him how to pace himself and gave him some exercises to do. Also taught him some relaxation techniques. He found it really helpful and is a totally different person to prior the treatment (wasn't treated for FM though)

*I was also turned down for a pain management course, however they did offer a place on there FM course instead. Pretty much the same thing just based more around FM. Helped in some ways, not in others, I think if you have access to the internet and love to surf, you could learn most of it on the web. Quick chat with a physiotherapist and then the course leader and that was that, I took the course Last sept/oct, 2 days a week for 6 weeks, went on a downward slide towards the end of the course and had a big old flare up. Would I go on one again? Nah

*I've only ever really had the pacing/exercise/diet stuff from doctors. In other words, all the stuff I could have worked out by myself. Oh, and Lodine, but that has it's limits.

*They did nothing for me. They won't even prescribe anything that will kill the pain. No heavy duty stuff.

*I went on one at a pain management clinic for 3 weeks residential course, and I have to admit it was great the 3 weeks I was there as I had no one else to look after except myself, but boy did reality hit hard when you get home and back into the real world. Whilst I was there they taught us how to meditate, we done exercises every morning and basically talked about our condition and medication. Not sure if this is going to help at all, so sending you gentle hugs.

*The only experience with a pain management doc was more with the office and paperwork. I had to sign a paper that said that this doc was the only doc I could get any pain scripts from and list all pharmacies I deal with. other than having a rude office staff, running at least 2 hours behind (the day of my 1st appointment) I didn't stay for the appointment because of the paper that said he was the only one that could give me pain meds.

*My Rhunny told me that "A pain management doctor would be a good idea" when I asked her about going to one. That was in January of this year. I only knew of one and he was close to home so I wanted to go to him. Well here it is almost April and I am still trying to get in. My rheuma's office finally faxed my records the end of February. So
the pain management doctor needs stuff from my PCP's office. My PCP also suggested I see a psychiatrist. I had an appointment on March 10th but I cancelled it and rescheduled it for April 6th. I just feel like going to a psychiatrist is admitting it is "ALL in my head". Am I depressed OH YES!!! But we live with pain on a daily basis. And all kinds of other strange symptoms our friends and family just don't understand. So between the pain and frustration is it any wonder we are depressed???

From what I have read what they do ranges from medication to meditation, acupuncture, massage, water therapy. Hopefully I will get in soon too. Until then gentle hugs and prayers of good wishes, whichever you believe in.

*I believe it depends on the clinic. The first one I went to was unhelpful sand insisted I came off my meds in order to go ahead with the alternative treatments. I have eventually got referred to a different clinic and they have been very understanding, I have had a referral for acupuncture (nhs) counselling and hydrotherapy They also offered me a ketamin infusion for the pain which according to my GP is "lucky," hope that helps

*The one I went to was very good,they do a short exercise session,gave coping strategies, pacing yourself talks,they had a session with close family and friends to help them understand the condition and what they could do to help you. Self help, physiotherapy etc. over at 2.5 hour session. It helped me a lot I made friends too.

*I cant help, I am still waiting for my pain management appointment 2 years later!

*Hi, the one I went to was and is fantastic. They put me on their pain management course which was one day a week for 8 weeks. During the sessions we had help, talks, coping strategies including the above mentioned pacing. All given by a psychologist, pain nurse who did relaxation techniques and a physiotherapist. I now know how to get in and out of a chair properly without hurting myself further, how to sort stuff in my home around to help myself, which little exercises I can do to strengthen muscles and how far to go, very important lol and various relaxation methods.
I still see the pain consultant who didn't take me off my meds but suggested changes such as tramadol to slow release tramadol etc. Meds are so much better now. Also have a TENS machine and instructions on how to use it on the points that are used in acupuncture and how it helps. I found and still find the pain clinic essential to me and very helpful. However, I do believe it's different all round the country.
Good luck!

*If you are in Southampton. bugger all! I went, had a talk about the importance of taking your mind of pain blah blah blah, did try some counselling there for a bit, but basically FMS is something my lot didn't agree to being physical really. I really do hope you have a better experience, but do expect to be patronized again!