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Back Pain, Alcohol And Major Panic

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Campaigner8
Campaigner8

My back pain and related muscle spasms have accelerated to the point that it's literally driving me insane. Like a lot of pain sufferers, I've turned to alcohol. I've been drinking every second night to the tune of about fifteen to eighteen beers. The drinking has been going on every second night for about three weeks. I am a fairly big guy so I never get really drunk. It just helps to relieve the major pain. I'm 54 and weigh about two hundred pounds. 

?I wake up now longing for the relief that beer brings. I've been feeling weird, almost like a seizure is coming on in my brain. Although, I've never suffered any sort of seizure. I've been to my GP at least a dozen times over six months. To the emergency department,  about eight times in fourteen months. They dismiss me saying I have to wait for a Neurologtist appointment. None forthcoming since requested ny my GP about five months ago. I'm afraid that stopping drinking will cause seizures or even worse. I was having no problem stopping drinking until my pain and muscle spasms had become unmanageable. My blood pressure and my heart rate returns to normal about eight to ten hours after my last drink...., but the pain and panic remains. Should I be concerned about potential seizures or am I just stressed out over the major pain I am experiencing? Thanks for your help. Btw, oxycodone given to me for the pain is completely ineffective. I can take 20 mg's at once and no pain relief at all. Not taking it at all as it is completely useless in my situation.

1 like, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Campaigner8
    Campaigner8

    Posted

    Further information in regards to my back pain: No one was doing anyting for me in Canada's socialized medical system. So, I took it upon myself to pay for an MRI  that showed major spinal stenosis primarily but not limited to my lumbar and cervical spine. Also, major bone spurring, disc bulging and general degenerative spine problems. Muscle relaxants trialed and zero relief. My Dad had advancing supranuclear palsy which eventually was his demise. I'm not scared of any diagnosis, just want some or any answers. In the meanwhile, I don't want to turn inro a alcohol addict. Just trying to do my best with no medical help in sight.

  • Aspinan
    Aspinan Campaigner8

    Posted

    I there, I think your going to have to seriously cut back on the alcohol I'm afraid before it becomes another major problem, I wouldn't just stop cold turkey but start to ease back on it over a number of nights and keep the alcohol free night going, what you actually need is an effective pain reliever. Waiting for a neurologist appointment for over 5 months is unacceptable. I've suffered from cluster headaches in the past abd that is the worst pain imaginable and when I felt I wasn't being taken care of properly I wrote a letter of complaint to my GP and things got moving, may be that is your first step, you just need to write to the practice manager. Explain how it is affecting you and that you are turning to alcohol and that 5 months is unacceptable to see a neurologist, threaten to take it higher to your NHS Trust or local MP if things don't get sorted.

    You have to be quite assertive I'm afraid and make a nuisance of yourself but you will get heard and they will start to take you more seriously.

    Good luck, keep us posted and cut back on the booze! 

    Neil 

    • Campaigner8
      Campaigner8 Aspinan

      Posted

      Thanks Aspinan: i had three beers when I woke up at six (mst) but they have long worn off and the major pain has set in once again. When my GP requested a Neurologist appointment over four months ago, she sent it as "urgent". The powers that be in the Neurologist community changed it to "non-urgent" for whatever reason. I get very rigid and am in pain around the clock and can barely walk at times. I think I may have my Dad's muscle disease. Not scared of that in itself but am afraid of suffering, therefore the beer consumption. I need help but seemingly have nowhere to turn. I wrote a detailed leter to The College Of Physicians And Surgeons and they immediately dismissed my concerns. I will try my MP and the ombudsman hoping to get something going. Thank for your comments and concerns - Campaigner8

  • Robin2015
    Robin2015 Campaigner8

    Posted

    A lot to deal with and I have never taken medicines and cannot really guide. Other member of this Forum are better at giving advice. Sorry. Robin
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