Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 10/23/2009

Question
Dear Dr Jackson,

I would like some advice not sure who to talk to tried to talk to my GP but they said it is not their problem why no idea. My question is can they give me anything stronger then colofac that I am on for my belly button as I had laproscopic surgery which has gone ever so slightly pear shaped considering it was my appendix which they removed but I am now in constant pain. The pain is 10 on a scale one to ten and getting worst they said that they cannot give me stronger painkillers because it is up to the surgeon to do that although not seeing him for while well a weeks time, I am not sleeping over night at all I have had to try to sleep sitting up but it has done my back in I also asked my GP to give me something to stop me from feeling sick and actually being sick I have been sick a couple off times now it’s affected my ability to work. Can the pain be causing me to be sick???? Also I’m not eating, as I should be which is causing me to feel faint and light headed. Although my general practioner has said that it is not his problem and I need to deal with it. Which is hard when I am being threatened with the sack.
Any help and information greatly appreciated.
I feel like no one is actually listening to me please help.

Answer
Hi there Donna
I am sorry to hear about your problems. You don't mention how long ago your op was but there are all sorts of reasons for pain but it is unusual for it to be a major problem following laparoscopic surgery. You need to consider carefully the issues you are having and be realistic about the severity. Is the pain truly constant and at a 10 on a 0-10 scale? A score of 10 has to be the worst pain you can possibly imagine and you cannot then say it is getting worse. To put in perspective that type of score is not compatible with moving around,working or even visiting your GP. Perhaps this is contributing to the attitude of your GP.
Having said the above I do not doubt that you are experiencing severe pain and the question you must ask yourself is can I wait to my outpatient appointment to see the surgeon? If not then you either have to persuade your GP (or one of the others in the practice)to refer you urgently to the hospital or simply attend the A&E department to be seen.

Pain can indeed make you feel sick but it is also possible that the sickness is linked to the cause of the pain.

Once again I am sorry you are experiencing problems.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson