Menopause Matters Forum
Menopause Discussion => Other Health Discussion => Topic started by: Joyce on December 22, 2012, 08:19:40 PM
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As many of you know I have lumps in my back which are likely to be neuro fibromas. However, I have been in so much pain of late in my spine from shoulder blade level up through my neck. I went for a massage the other day, but she reckons the pain is not muscular. I was crying with the pain last night and today. I eventually used a hot water bottle on the area which has helped. The pain is so severe at times I actually feel like I'm going to throw up.
Anyway, this pain gets worse & worse, despite pain relief, then it's almost as if something has burst and the relief is immediate. Then it builds up again over a few days. It feels like it's swollen but I can't see anything.
Anyone got any ideas? So fed up with this and I have little faith in GP. When this pain first happened about 18 months ago, he just said I'd popped a rib and that was that, no x-ray, nothing. I've been trying to cope with this, but last night and earlier today was the worst ever. Hubby went and got me some co-codamol to take, but am trying not to use them until bedtime.
Sorry for the moan. Maybe should have a few stiff drinks. ;)
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3 co-Codamol and I'm sick :-X so does nothing for long-term pain.
You may have a popped rib but that doesn't mean the pain shouldn't be treated. Do you need a different pillow or new mattress? Have a word with a pharamacist to see what the safer level of pain relief actually is. I found when I had toothache that I had to take 'extra' than recommended and it did bother me, but it was that or bang my head on a brick wall :-\ ..........
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Sorry to hear your in pain similiar myself been to GP for the last 6 years thought it was IBS gave me all the rubbish under the sun didn't work after seeing new Consultant biggest laugh of all now saying its coming from my back (nerve endings) where I smashed my pelvis in RTA, could you have a problem with your back?. How can mine affect my lower abdomen/pelvis I limp on 1 leg foot goes dead and knee aches go figure, if anyone can enlighten me i would be grateful as you all have more knowledge than me?. Have to laugh or I will scream. 1 good thing that came out of it they awarded me my ESA back but hate having to take it feel like I am begging broke down and cried as in so much pain sitting through the flaming interview.
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Oh CG have a :hug:
You are going to have to go and get this sorted. Is there a walk in clinic that you can go to today or even A&E. You simply should not be in such pain for so long. If you go to A&E for an X ray then you will be able to get straight into the system.
Pain killers are all very well but you need to find out what the route cause is.
Hope it is a little easier today.
Honeyb
x
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I would go to A and E as honeybun says no X Rays nothing thats disgusting it only takes a few minutes and they may be able to give you something stronger as she says you shouldn't have to live like that and you may find out more and get a proper refferal.
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Last night was really bad again, but much better after I got up. Pain not gone completely, just a general ache. It's so much worse if I end up lying on my back during the night. I was up at 3 this morning propping myself up on the sofa with my V pillow. This is what happens, it gets really bad then the pain dulls to a bearable ache then builds up again. If I have another bad night, I will phone GP first thing.
Apparently I can take co-codamol, with ibuprofen in between times. I've got myself a heat pack which I can heat in the microwave.
Leony I have had lower back pain since car crash in Florida in the mid 90's. But this pain is much higher up.
I'm now wondering if it's adhesions or similar. The pain is around an area where a previous neuro fibroma was removed 10 years ago. This area has a lot of deep scar tissue or so I'm told by girl who does my massages.
It never used to be this bad. Odd spells of pain and then nothing for ages, but now it's much more frequent. :( :( :(
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Dont put things off......call your GP in the morning or go to A&E.
You really cant go on with things the way they are. You have family coming and your little grand daughter will want you up and going.
Why is it we are so good in telling others to seek help and so bad at doing it ourselves ;)
Honeyb
x
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I've promised hubby if it's bad again tonight I'll see GP tomorrow. Problem is it's usually ok during the day when I'm up and about. Not sure it would warrant a visit to A&E, unless I was in severe pain at that time.
You're right though we're good at looking after others but not ourselves.
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Are there any other GPs in the practice you could see?A fresh pair of eyes and all that.
Whatever happens you need to get help with the pain as soon as you can, life is too short.
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Car accidents have a lot to answer for Cubagirl no one told me it would come back years later to haunt me, told me at the time i had a curved spine to late to do anything about it i didnt know until then i was 39 at the time it now seems my hips out out of alignment as well oh well the joys of getting old. Seem to think this is what is causing bowel problems sometimes think doctors just tell you anything to fobb you off.
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Been thinking about you CG
How is it today?
Honeyb
x
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Wasn't so bad last night thanks. I'd set my alarm so that I'd be up in plenty time to phone surgery, but decided not to as it wouldn't be classed as an emergency. I'll cope. Will get hubby to rub in some tiger balm tonight.
Heat pack was a total waste of money! Hardly any heat from it, so went back to my old faithful hot water bottle.
Why is it these things happen at this time of year? I've kept myself busy today, cooking, cleaning, baking and not a single twinge. Mind you it never does hurt much during the day. Have tried different pillows, different bed. Hey ho.
Merry Christmas to you all and hope we are all bug, pain, cold & flu free! :)
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Glad to hear its not too bad today. If only you could sleep comfortably it would make such a difference.
The surgeries are only closed for two days so not long to wait if you need an appointment.
Honeyb
x
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Glad to read that you feel a bit better today.
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So pleased to hear you feel a bit better. Pain is always worse at night :(
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Hi CB, I've been reading this thread daily and feeling completely useless as to help. So will just send good wishes for relief and a good Christmas for you. It figures that Your auto accident would be in Florida. Half the old ladies driving can't see over the dashboard. Retirees are dangerous!!
Take care you. :)
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Headed for doctors this morning and have been given Amitryptiline as gp thinks it's nerve pain from a previous surgery on my back 10 years ago. There is a lot of scar tissue in that area.
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Sorry to hear about scar tissue cubagirl its a real pain to deal with they gave me Amitrypline as well but didn't agree me so only on cocodamol 15/500 useless but anything stronger gives me severe C, hope you get some relief soon and have a better New Year. :foryou:
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I have just been using cocodamol 8/500 from chemist. Gp said they could give stronger if necessary. Not keen on that as don't want to end up relying on pain relief. Gp also suggested physiotherapy which I may look into come the new year.
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Now on about sending me for therapy so its official i am nuts having to live with someone who has PTSD doesn't help but what can i do can't run away or can i ?. :cuss:
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Hi Cubagirl. Have you tried or considered myofascial release or deep tissue massage for the scar tissue?
I think you live in the North East of Scotland, so I am not sure who might offer that specialist massage technique there, however, here is a link to another practitioner in Edinburgh - just so you can read about the techniques and perhaps do some research in your area. I have just located a physiotherapist who does this specialist massage in Central Scotland so will be using her in the new year.
[urlhttp://www.massagetherapies.co.uk/massage-treatments/][/url]
Fx
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I have relatives in Scotland cubagirl and they tell there is a place in Edinburgh that does deep tissue massage don't know if its expensive but worth a try if it works if your anywhere near there. Happy Hogmanay ;D
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Will check into that, thanks FW & Leony.
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Hi Cuba girl, just a thought, but you might want to think about what was going on in your life when the pain started. Often there's a pointer there, as shoulder and upper back pain can point to feeling like you are carrying too much of a load or responsibility, or just plain old stress and strain from being under too much pressure (I carry all my stress in this area). Pain is often the body's way of getting a message across and getting us to take notice, once and for all. Then if you can pinpoint something you can try to address it and see if this helps.
Billie Blaster
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Hi Cuba girl, just a thought, but you might want to think about what was going on in your life when the pain started. Often there's a pointer there, as shoulder and upper back pain can point to feeling like you are carrying too much of a load or responsibility, or just plain old stress and strain from being under too much pressure (I carry all my stress in this area). Pain is often the body's way of getting a message across and getting us to take notice, once and for all. Then if you can pinpoint something you can try to address it and see if this helps.
Billie Blaster
I echo what Billy Blaster has said. My chiropractor deals with emotional releases as well as physical problems and has been a life saver. My back went out just before my holiday and I could hardly walk/get in and out of the car. I just wanted to lie down and not move (not advised). Went to the chiropractor who checked me for physical and emotional. On this occasion it was emotional through worry about my mum. She helped me to release that, adjusted me, gave me counter-strategy and said it would be unlikely I would need to go back (she does not milk her clients!). Heyho, 48 hours later it was sorted. We cope with our heads and our body takes the strain, so to speak - it is called a physiological reaction to an emotional situation/event.
Fx
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Hi Leony
I don't think anyone responded to your own issues listed in this thread. That sometimes happens when focus is on the person who started the subject.
I, too, had a car accident. It was in 1985. I had three broken ribs and broken T12 vertebrae. I attended a Chartered Physiotherapist about 2 years ago. He is a specialist in myofascial release and 'shorter leg syndrome' caused by out of alignment pelvis; easily caused by accidents when we are children, the muscles adjust and slowly our skeletal alignment adjusts to the new out of alignment position. He told me that he knows of some women who have had hysterectomies trying to eliminate discomfort and pain - when it is the skeletal alignment.
This particular physio travels to various countries and he treats people with PTSD. I think he is based in Troon when in Scotland, and Calgary, Canada. I do think he may be semi-retired and does the travelling work as part of his retirement. His specialism is myofascial release.
From what he said, the IBS could indeed be caused by skeletal alignment. I had one version of it for years until I had chiropractic treatment. My chiro also identified one version as caffeine triggered (not just coffee).
I notice you mentioned that there is a group in Edinburgh offers myofascial. I think that may be the same link I also sent to CG, so that is interesting.
I hope your pain has been less over the festive period.
Fx
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I've just self-referred myself for Physiotherapy. I've upped my Amytriptiline to 2 tablets, but I'm still getting a lot of discomfort at night. I've been getting tingling in that area too, which I've mentioned on my form. Appointment not for 6 weeks though. Grrr.
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Thanks Firewalker50 just about given up on the old NHS beginning to think they couldn't find a bad smell in a loo, did have Physio 2 sessions after broken pelvis was told i had a trapped nerve and he couldn't do anything for me good of him this was 20 years ago, retrained as a special needs classroom assistant pushing and lifting wheelchairs, played basketball, running and badminton fell on same hip a few times just got up and hobbled off felt stupid in front of pupils they laughed can't blame them must have looked a sight grown woman lying sprawled on the floor just come back to haunt me now i guess. :-[
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Well I've now seen physio and she spotted problem straight away. I've got a pronounced curve in my spine at point of pain. It's not noticeable to most people. She took one look, pressed and hey presto OUCH! Got exercises to do and need a lumber posture cushion, to ease the problem. Hopefully this will help. If no improvement in about 4 weeks I've to phone her direct for another consultation.
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Hi Cubagirl sounds like you have the same as me, mine is in my lower back, I went for massage and spinal manipulation last Friday, it has eased it, at least I can get comfortable in bed now, but yesterday I did some hoovering through the house and today I feel the discomfort again in my lower back.
I have two very sore points where she pressed and I nearly jumped out of my skin.
I must admit I had stopped doing the exercises that I was given by the physio (different lady) so I will have to start them again.
I already sit on a leather lumbar posture cushion (It has a hole in it) when at the computer and I put a pillow over it for more comfort.
Hope the discomfort eases for you.
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Well today I was washing some dishes, nothing exceptional, when wham I got horrendous stabbing pain in my back. Thought I was going to pass out. Went to sofa to find a comfortable position - none found. I didn't shout out, I never do. So hubby found this bubbling wreck on the sofa and said right "enough's enough" and tried to phone GP. Useless as on their lunch break. Anyway I breathed through the pain until it was more bearable. Tried phoning surgery after their lunch break, recorded message stated they would answer phones at 1.30. Did they heck! 2pm and I went and told them I'd been phoning for 30 minutes! Is it an emergency? they asked. Told them that 90 minutes ago it was! So they've given me emergency appointment for later this afternoon. I can't keep going on with this flaring up. First time it has been so bad during the day, so obviously nothing to do with lying in awkward position. I've taken some pain relief in the meantime. Wish me luck that GP does something useful this time!
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Hope it goes well
:hug:
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cubagirl you should have gone to A&E as soon as you felt the horrendous pain.x
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Cuba hope you get a refferal to someone who can help.. :-*
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did they give you something to help CG?
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Got sent away like a silly little schoolgirl! I was in & out in 5 minutes. Can't get them to understand that pain is not on the surface, so no amount of prodding is going to hurt! Basically told it was a spasm. I sat there and said that it kept happening and what should I do? To which end I was prescribed gel and told to take cocodamol. That's all very well and good but no sodding use for sudden pain! Basically tough luck!
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>:( very cross on your behalf CG
How is it atm?
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Sore, but bearable thanks. This has been ongoing for around 2 years. Today GP said I had been rather a lot recently. He wasn't best pleased that I had refused to take prescribed anti-inflamatory from last visit. I told him I'd read the leaflet which emphasised possible stomach bleeding, let alone they contained lactose which messes up my stomach anyway without the added bonus of stomach bleeding. I took them back to pharmacy. Hubby had offered to go with me today, but I refused, wish I had now, as he saw how much pain I was in.
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So sorry to read of your back pain and unhelpful GP visit. This may not apply in your particular case but last month there was a news report that said 40% of chronic back pain could be cured by antibiotics. Did anyone else read or hear that?
ariadne xx
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No, didnt see that.
CG is this a one doctor practice or could you see somebody else?
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We have 2 GP's i always find out when the one i like is taking surgery and go that day..hope you can try another GP Cuba, its horrible being pushed away like that.. >:( xx
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Here's an article about antibiotics curing some back pain - hope it's OK to post it.
http://www.naturalnews.com/040354_chronic_back_pain_antibiotics_spinal_injury.html
ariadne xx
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I've seen 3 doctors. First said nerve pain. According to DD who is a nurse that's equivalent to saying it's a virus! Second said pulled muscle, but really wasn't sure. Referred to physio, which has made no difference. Third, which was yesterday, pulled my right arm in various directions and basically said he thought it was a spasm. I feel like I've been fobbed off. Fair enough if it's a spasm, but I'm not convinced.
First time I had pain about 2 years ago, girl who does my back massages found something "boney" at point of pain, which wasn't ribs. Recommended visit to GP. She even drew picture for him. That was poo-poohed. I told him that I have been having this for best part of 2 years and that it is excruciating at times. What more can I do? I came home and blubbed yesterday, I'm getting so frustrated with it. I don't know when it's going to happen, it just does, like someone flicking a switch.
Interesting article though Ariadne.
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CG sorry the GP was useless.
Next time take hubby with you.
I know we shouldn't have to do this, but if it's the only way to get listened to.........
Also, speak to your back massage girl and get something written down in medical speak, to go with the pictures.
Agree with you about anti-inflamatories, they ;
1 Ruin your stomach, pharmacists say so
2 Don't do your heart any good (report out this week)
3 Don't seem to reduce significant pain - personal opiniion
Hope you get some relief soon
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Well I have now made an appointment to see an osteopath who I used to go to several years ago. It's not cheap, but need to get someone who knows more about backs. He will be able to feel for any skeletal problems. I may still not be any better off, and it will have cost me, but if it works it will be worth it.
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CG.....if it happens again please please go to A&E.
Your doctor's are fobbing you off and you are getting no where. If you turn up at the hospital they are obliged to investigate your pain.
I'm afraid it's this or go privately. It must just be worth the money to gat an answer to this. It's been going on far too long and seems to be getting worse.
Honeyb
X
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Hubby was annoyed that he had to go to see asthma nurse, he only has very mild asthma, yet same surgery can't take me seriously. Up until yesterday, pain has been at night, so he's never seen how much pain I've been in. I've just struggled through at night, and by morning I've not necessarily been ok , but much better than during the night.
I'm going to explain all this to osteopath tomorrow and hope he can find a cause? I'm worried it might be something a tad more serious than a muscle spasm. Pain starts in my back and then spreads to whole of right side of ribcage before slowly calming down.
Not liking this ageing malarkey!
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Even if the osteopath doesn't find the cause of the pain, chances are he will do something to help stop it. ;)
Re your hubbies asthma nurse. Is the nurse based at the surgery, or just paying flying visits?
Might explain the difference in approaches ???
Hope things settle down
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Sure hope so Limpy. I can actually find point of pain with one finger. Though it does spread out a bit. Just so blooming fed up trying to get to bottom of this.
Asthma nurse is based at surgery.
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At my surgery you aren't allocated a particular GP, which has it's disadvantages. But the upside is that you can ask to see a different GP without causing a furore. Recently I was spectacularly (and possibly dangerously) misdiagnosed by one GP who fobbed me off with some antibiotics. Fortunately the second was a lot more on the ball.
Patients eventually get to know who is worth seeing - you can tell by the queues for particular doctors and the absence of queues for others. Unfortunately, in an emergency. it's often the latter who can fit you in.
Whatever - I would definitely get another opinion. I know of one person who was even accused of 'making it up'. He assked for another opinion and was straightaway sent to hospital. As they say in the States - go figure.
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Notpastit, know where you are coming from. Our surgery spectacularly "missed" my son's condition, despite me voicing concerns. Possibly thought I was an over-anxious mum. Anyway 6 months on and son was getting worse. We'd noticed his knees and elbows had gone grey after returning from holiday and told him to take a bath! Blood tests showed he was slightly anaemic. He returned to college after Christmas and I got a phone call to pick him up from town as he'd been violently sick. I made urgent appointment with GP and insisted in going in with him even though he was 18! She said virus, then looked at his notes and spotted something. She explained she needed a specialist to confirm but suspected Addison's. Over the phone consultant agreed, son put on medication and 6 hours later he was like a new man! Hospital hadn't red-marked a particular result therefore GP didn't follow up. To say there was some brown nosing done by GP is an understatement!
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Cubagirl could you see this GP?
She may be more helpful than the last one.
Hope the osteo helps
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If only Limpy, she retired 3 years ago. Then there was another one and she retired too. Only one I had any faith in, left to have children. Sods blooming law. There have been lots of comings & goings, all barring one have now left. The one who's left is the one who fobbed me off the other day. It's his practice.
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Cubagirl as you say Sods law.
It must be awkward if there's only 1 GP there.
Look on the bright side, he may retire soon and his place will be taken by somebody nice with a brain.
We can but hope
How's your back?
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Not long back from osteopath. He was really lovely. Problem lies with spine. One section had basically seized up and is extra sensitive to particular movements. It's just one of those things. So I have been manipulated and had deep muscle massage. He discovered that shoulders had stiffened up too, probably as a result of me trying to save my back. Technically it is a spasm, but caused by my spine resulting in muscles going into spasm. No amount of physio would have helped as my spine was seized. Painkillers only work on pain, not the cause. I go back again in two weeks to see how I'm doing. Will be sore for a couple of days, but if it works, CG will be one happy bunny! :)
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That's my next step, an Osteopath, I am not having any joy with physio on NHS, just given exercises, I am waiting to see a consultant, but it will more then likely involve a wait, so looking up Osteopaths in my area.
Looking forward to hearing how it goes cubagirl.
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Osteopath said nothing wrong with the exercises pyhsio gave me, but no point doing exercises with something which isn't working properly in the first place.
I'm glad I went. £50 well spent. Cheaper next time though. He told me swimming was good but as I already had problem before I started swimming, I had in effect been aggravating the problem. Any problems in the meantime, I've to phone them up and they will fit me in somehow. Just a pity that osteopathy is seldom available on the NHS.
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Glad it helped
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So pleased to hear the Osteo has helped so much CG.
I can explain the whole asthma nurse thing though. It's all about points, and as we know - points win prizes.
Surgeries have to prove to the govt that they are meeting certain targets: cervical smears, immunisation and asthma management among others. Getting your husband to attend a yearly appt with the asthma nurse will get them some precious points. Never mind your agonising pain, no points for that I'm afraid.