• Clip
• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP36 >> Was suspicious of pain management because it involved psychology and she was concerned that the doctors thought the pain was in her head.

Back pain since 1989 (in remission at time of interview). Treatment: Physiotherapy, ultrasound, mobilisation. Pain management: Outpatient NHS Pain management programme. Current medication: None. Past medication: ibuprofen, co-proxamol, diazepam.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP38 >> Went to an Expert Patient Programme self management course for people with any chronic illness.

Pain since 1979, Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia 1996, Treatment: Hydrotherapy. Pain Clinic advice and medication. Pain management: Expert patient programme. Current medication: tramadol, morphine patches. Past medication: co-proxomal, co-dydramol.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP11 >> Was advised to take bed rest but found it made the pain worse and that gentle exercise helped.

Back pain since motorbike accident in 1994. Pain management: Out patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: Occasionally uses anti-inflammatory drugs.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP29 >> Recognises that medical understanding has moved on and that prolonged bed rest is no longer recommended.

Back pain since, 1990. Surgery: Discectomy 1990, Discectomy 1991, Spinal stabilisation 1997, Bone fusion 2003. Treatment: Epidural steroid injections. TENS. Pain management: Going on Expert Patient Programme. Current medication: morphine, codeine, tramadol. Past Medication: fentanyl.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP42 >> When she has a flare up she contacts people to let them know why she might not be in touch.

Spinal pain. Pain started 1997. Pain management: Advice about pain management from complementary therapist. Current medication: co-dydramol. Past medication: co-codamol.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP42 >> Explains that her GP encouraged her to use a wheelchair to help her get on with life.

Spinal pain. Pain started 1997. Pain management: Advice about pain management from complementary therapist. Current medication: co-dydramol. Past medication: co-codamol.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP04 >> Advises people to tell their GP about side effects and emphasises that side effects can vary from person to person.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Treatment: Physiotherapy Pain management: Pain Association Scotland Living with Pain course. Current medication: amitriptyline, quinine sulphate, diclofenac sodium (Arthrotec), co-codamol (Kapake), omeprazole (Losec).

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP39 >> Was disappointed that his GP did not explain that the antidepressant was to treat his nerve pain, not depression.

Neck and arm pain since 2003 aggravated by working at computer workstation. Treatment: Physiotherapy, NHS and police convalescent home. Current medication: tramadol slow release, tramadol, amitriptyline.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP31 >> Thinks she would have come to terms with pain sooner if she had been told that she had to live with pain.

Low back pain following injury at work, 1991. Current medication: celocoxib (Celebrex) Past medication: other anti-inflammatory.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP23 >> Finds the pain clinic very helpful with her medication but would prefer to see the same doctor every time.

Pain due to damage to spinal cord from Chiari I Malformation and syringomyelia. Pain started 1997. Surgery: Essential cranial cervical decompression and laminectomy, 1999. Treatment: Pain Clinic for medication. Current medication: gabapentin (Neurontin), dothiepin, tramadol.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP29 >> Was frustrated that the pain clinic seemed to follow a protocol for backs and didn't listen to him.

Back pain since, 1990. Surgery: Discectomy 1990, Discectomy 1991, Spinal stabilisation 1997, Bone fusion 2003. Treatment: Epidural steroid injections. TENS. Pain management: Going on Expert Patient Programme. Current medication: morphine, codeine, tramadol. Past Medication: fentanyl.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 61-80 >> Interview CP13 >> Explains that her friends are very accommodating when she visits and are always offering to help.

Osteoarthritis. Pain in shoulders since 1980s and lower back pain since 2002. Treatment: Hydrotherapy, Cortisone injections in shoulders. Surgery: Planned shoulder replacement in the future. Current medication: Cox 2 inhibitor. Past Medication: Ibrufen.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP15 >> Found it hard to admit that she was depressed and was annoyed that her GP suggested antidepressants but another GP put her at ease.

Pins and needle, numbness and neck pain since 1996. Surgery: Neck surgery for cervical mylenopathy. Treatment: Physiotherapy before and after surgery. Pain Clinic given oral steroids. Pain management: NHS outpatient pain management programme. Current medication: gabapentin, amitriptyline.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP02 >> Advises people to communicate with other people.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, 1996. Pain management: In-patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: tramadol, amitriptyline, sertraline. Past medication: ibuprofen, paracetamol, diazepam

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP14 >> Her doctor was not helpful when she was having problems gripping her walking stick but the nurse was more help.

Back pain following injury at work 1994. Myofascial pain syndrome. Treatments: Hydrotherapy and Biofeedback. Current medication: None.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP04 >> Explained to her family that she will ask for help but wants to try to do as much as she can.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Treatment: Physiotherapy Pain management: Pain Association Scotland Living with Pain course. Current medication: amitriptyline, quinine sulphate, diclofenac sodium (Arthrotec), co-codamol (Kapake), omeprazole (Losec).

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP20 >> Feels it is important to explain things to children when they ask.

Abdominal/ Pelvic pain since 1992, Back pain since 1991. Surgery: Laparoscopy followed by Hysterectomy. Treatment: Epidural injection for sciatica. Facet joint injections. Pain management: Exercise classes for back pain. Medication: imipramine for pelvic pain, co-codamol for back pain.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP07 >> Was concerned that she didn't explain enough to her children but on the positive side they are now very understanding of people with disabilities.

Back pain since 1981. Failed back surgery syndrome. Diagnosed with Arachnoiditis, 2001. Surgery: laminectomy, correction of laminectomy and spinal fusion. Pain management: Learnt through support group and books. Current medication: distalgesic, co-proxamol, maprotoline, oxycodone (Oxycontin) during recent flare-up.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP28 >> Enjoys looking after her grandson after school. When she can't manage she drops him off at a friends.

Neck injury during surgery (hysterectomy), 1993. Surgery: Cervical discectomy followed by microsurgery to release trapped nerves. Pain managment: Out-patient pain management clinic. Medication: morphine, co-codamol (Tylex), diclofenac.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP06 >> Realised that all the quality time she spent with her husband she was moaning about pain and now tries to keep it to herself.

Back injury/pain following car accident, 1993. Fusion stabilisation surgery 1993, Repair to broken pin, 1994, Removal of stabilisation rods and pins 2001. Pain management: Learnt through physiotherapy and Back Care charity. Current medication: Herbal anti-inflammatory.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP24 >> Her husband sometimes tells her she is being ratty and now she apologises and explains that she is in pain.

Back pain following injury at work, 1994. Treatments: Epidural steroid injections. TENS. Pain management: Graded exercise programme. Outpatient NHS Pain management programme. Current medication: Occasional use of co-proxamol.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 61-80 >> Interview CP13 >> Feels that sometimes health professionals only see her as a shoulder problem not a whole person.

Osteoarthritis. Pain in shoulders since 1980s and lower back pain since 2002. Treatment: Hydrotherapy, Cortisone injections in shoulders. Surgery: Planned shoulder replacement in the future. Current medication: Cox 2 inhibitor. Past Medication: Ibrufen.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP21 >> Finds it difficult to form relationships because it is hard to find someone who will accept her limitations.

Back pain came on after injury at work, 1993. Surgery: Discectomy. Treatments: Pain clinic. Epidural steroid injections. Pain management: NHS outpatient pain management course. Current medication: dihydrocodeine, tramadol (slow release), amitriptyline, gabapentin.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP46 >> Explains that making love takes planning and that good communication is important.

Low back pain since 1993. Pain management: In patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: None

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 61-80 >> Interview CP30 >> Explains that he no longer goes to the doctor about his pain.

Back pain since 1970s. Surgery: Removal of benign tumor 1983. Treatments: Spinal injections. Pain management: Out-patient NHS patient pain management programme. Current medication: None.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP02 >> Feels that communication is vital in relationships where one person has pain and that having someone outside to talk to is important.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, 1996. Pain management: In-patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: tramadol, amitriptyline, sertraline. Past medication: ibuprofen, paracetamol, diazepam

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP02 >> Feels that communication is important in planning the best time of day for sexual relationships.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, 1996. Pain management: In-patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: tramadol, amitriptyline, sertraline. Past medication: ibuprofen, paracetamol, diazepam

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP16 >> Doesn't mind that some friends ask about her pain and others don't because it is nice not to talk about it all the time.

Abdominal/pelvic pain following appendectomy, 2001. Treatment: Steroid/anaesthetic nerve block. Physiotherapy. Current medication: None. Past medication: gabapentin, amitriptyline, morphine (Oromorph).

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP21 >> Feels that friends should ask her whether she wants to talk about the pain rather than avoiding the subject.

Back pain came on after injury at work, 1993. Surgery: Discectomy. Treatments: Pain clinic. Epidural steroid injections. Pain management: NHS outpatient pain management course. Current medication: dihydrocodeine, tramadol (slow release), amitriptyline, gabapentin.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP36 >> Feels that when she puts her make up on she looks healthy and people don't appreciate that she has chronic pain.

Back pain since 1989 (in remission at time of interview). Treatment: Physiotherapy, ultrasound, mobilisation. Pain management: Outpatient NHS Pain management programme. Current medication: None. Past medication: ibuprofen, co-proxamol, diazepam.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP45 >> Feels that chronic pain is a hidden disability and recalls his daughter saying he needed a 'P' for pain stamped on his forehead.

Back and ankle pain following accident, 1990. Surgery: Surgery for back and ankle injuries. Treatment: Intensive rehabilitation, TENS. Pain management: One-to-one counselling psychology. Current medication: Morphine (MST Continus), anti inflammatory drugs.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP33 >> Feels that while people can understand a broken leg they don't understand chronic pain and how it affects his life.

Back, leg and shoulder pain following road traffic accident 1986. Treatments: Nurse led pain clinic for advice and medication. Current medication: amitriptyline, co-codomal. Past medication: opioid (Diconal), diazepam, temazepam.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP36 >> Found socialising difficult because she had often been lying on the floor all day and had nothing to talk about.

Back pain since 1989 (in remission at time of interview). Treatment: Physiotherapy, ultrasound, mobilisation. Pain management: Outpatient NHS Pain management programme. Current medication: None. Past medication: ibuprofen, co-proxamol, diazepam.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 20-30 >> Interview CP02 >> Her GP is willing to discuss new treatments and she thinks it is important to keep him informed about complementary approaches she uses.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia, 1996. Pain management: In-patient NHS pain management programme. Current medication: tramadol, amitriptyline, sertraline. Past medication: ibuprofen, paracetamol, diazepam

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP14 >> Advises people to make notes and book a double appointment with their GP if they have a lot to discuss.

Back pain following injury at work 1994. Myofascial pain syndrome. Treatments: Hydrotherapy and Biofeedback. Current medication: None.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP18 >> Used to get upset with her doctor's but now makes an effort to explain how pain is affecting her life.

Back pain since car accident, 1978. Treatments: Facet joint injections, TENS. Current Medication: dihydrocodeine, co-proxomol, buprenorphine (Temgesic) for flare-up, diazepam for muscle spasms. Past medication: Diclofenac.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 61-80 >> Interview CP41 >> Feels that people from her generation are over tolerant and need to learn to ask for help.

Back and shoulder pain following fall at home in 1999. Spinal osteoarthritis. Treatments: Epidural steroid injections. TENS. Physiotherapy. Current medication: oxycodone (Oxycontin) Past medication: gabapentin.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP04 >> Thinks that doctors forget that people might not understand what they are saying and sometimes asks for and explanation in plain language.

Multiple tests all negative. Diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. Treatment: Physiotherapy Pain management: Pain Association Scotland Living with Pain course. Current medication: amitriptyline, quinine sulphate, diclofenac sodium (Arthrotec), co-codamol (Kapake), omeprazole (Losec).

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP36 >> Saw two different consultants one who said nothing could be done and another with a more holistic approach who referred her to pain management.

Back pain since 1989 (in remission at time of interview). Treatment: Physiotherapy, ultrasound, mobilisation. Pain management: Outpatient NHS Pain management programme. Current medication: None. Past medication: ibuprofen, co-proxamol, diazepam.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 41-60 >> Interview CP07 >> Was referred to a psychiatrist and felt disbelieved but now realises that counselling can help.

Back pain since 1981. Failed back surgery syndrome. Diagnosed with Arachnoiditis, 2001. Surgery: laminectomy, correction of laminectomy and spinal fusion. Pain management: Learnt through support group and books. Current medication: distalgesic, co-proxamol, maprotoline, oxycodone (Oxycontin) during recent flare-up.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP21 >> When she went to a pain management clinic she was a relieved to be told that they believed her pain.

Back pain came on after injury at work, 1993. Surgery: Discectomy. Treatments: Pain clinic. Epidural steroid injections. Pain management: NHS outpatient pain management course. Current medication: dihydrocodeine, tramadol (slow release), amitriptyline, gabapentin.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 61-80 >> Interview CP13 >> Tried to get information about her shoulder operation from the internet but would have liked more information from the hospital.

Osteoarthritis. Pain in shoulders since 1980s and lower back pain since 2002. Treatment: Hydrotherapy, Cortisone injections in shoulders. Surgery: Planned shoulder replacement in the future. Current medication: Cox 2 inhibitor. Past Medication: Ibrufen.

• Chronic health issues >> Chronic Pain >> Age 31-40 >> Interview CP39 >> Searched the internet to find out what 'chronic pain' meant after seeing a poster in the surgery waiting room.

Neck and arm pain since 2003 aggravated by working at computer workstation. Treatment: Physiotherapy, NHS and police convalescent home. Current medication: tramadol slow release, tramadol, amitriptyline.