Tramadol is Next.

Many of my friends and family know that I have been in pain for years with problems that arisen with a dislocated foot years ago.

I have had physiotherapy for this in the past and it seemed to get better but the pain never really gets much worse than a dull ache most of the time. But in March last year while working I had a small accident in my work. It was in fact on a building site and I simply tripped up on a piece of steel support that is generally concreted into buildings floors. It was a strange pain when it happened as I could walk ok and I did not feel as if I was in too much discomfort.

Fast forward on a few weeks and the pain is worse and to the point I am limping and a very bad limp at that. I consult my doctor to be given a week off work (That I did not use) and physio for the problem.

At the time I did tell my doctor that the pain was not like I have had before and I feel it is something out with the muscle or bone type of pain. As a rather stupid and young kid I was out on my BMX bike all the time and after riding down steps, walls and well just about anything I could cycle on with my bike had many falls. I know what the pain is like and I felt that it was not worth using physio.

The physiotherapy people are pretty good in the hospital I used and friendly so I tell them my story to be told they can only do as instructed. The pain is worse after six visits and I am then given a Podiatrist to see. Podiatry is something I know nothing about and on the first visit am told I have damaged my foot before and I also have a short leg. Both true. I am advised to use inserts in my shoes to cope with the height change and given painkillers.

This is where I get uneasy as I have never been a tablet person. When I have a sore head I don’t even take aspirin or Paracetamol. Don’t get me wrong I have tried some recreational drugs (but found them to be crap) and I like alcohol but I am allergic to many tablets and even tablet coatings. It is more of a stomach problem than an allergy but it is something I have found just too nasty to warrant taking tablets for a simple sore head.

I kindly take the prescription but do not get the medication like I have done for years. Weeks go by and I find myself on a few days away in Blackpool for a weekend. The pain has increased so much when I am sore I start to sweat very bad and also feel sick (This is a big sign of chronic pain when sweating and feeling nauseous).

The pain is so bad I can't sleep and I am getting increasingly depressed. All the time waiting for the next investigation on my foot to be done. I am told a wait of four weeks for the next part which is a consult on a possible surgical procedure. I see my doctor who gives me Amitriptyline. This is a wonder drug as it is used for Pain, depression and for insomnia. One big area is that it can be addictive. I wonder why? First week is great, amazing sleeps and some of the pain is away. I can work without snapping at people and shouting at strangers on the bus for “looking at me funny”. A few weeks later I am struggling to get out of bed. This is a sign of depression and I know due to having problems in the past. I see my doctor who increases my Amitriptyline prescription. And back to feeling better again, no more shouting at my family when they ask me if I would like a cup of tea. But again a while later I start to feel really depressed and I MEAN really bad. I miss work a few days and end up going in to fall asleep at my computer at random times. My foot is killing me and this is what is causing the problems. It is well known that chronic pain causes depression. My doctor gives me Dihydrocodeine as well as Amitriptyline.

I have heard of this drug before as it is used by people as a recreational drug and is very strong. I decide not to take any till the pain is really bad. About two hours later I take some and feel the effects, a great pain killer but it really does make you light headed. It is like a real buzz you get more like cannabis but it does relax you to the point I don't move from my seat in four hours.

I am now taking two pretty strong drugs and both are very addictive. Dihydrocodeine is taken by drug addicts and I mean heroin addicts. It can be that addictive the way to get people off the drug is to give them methadone. I will not bore you with what methadone is and what it is used for as we all have seen Trainspotting and like me do have eyes and see what it does and how bad it can be.

I now see why my dose went up on the Amitriptyline I was getting used to it and my body needs a higher dosage to make it work again. The Dihydrocodeine makes me so dizzy I can’t do my job and I have been signed off work for five weeks. During this I see a specialist who x rays my foot and shows me it (I did ask for a print out for my fridge door but I was told no way). No sign of damage to my bone or muscle. The evidence may point to nerve damage. I am now getting a scan on my foot to try pinpoint a nerve that is causing this.

And around all this I have to endure pain or take the pills that could lead onto other problems if you are not careful. I can see how someone can be hooked on drugs and a simple search on Google shows many people who are addicted looking for help.

My point is surely this can all be missed out if diagnosed quicker. In the long run it could be cheaper as I have missed tax payments due to not getting paid by my work and the pills alone could cost hundreds and all the time in physio/podiatry include all the office time for appointments… the list is endless for costs. Just think if someone is then addicted to painkillers after this, is the NHS to blame in the long run? It makes me look at a junkie in the street with a bit of sympathy.