Expert: Dr Ian Jackson - please note UK based - 2/27/2010

Question
Hello.
I live in the UK I had my appendix out almost a year ago now and I'm still in a alot off pain and no one seem to be sure as to what is going on and how best to resolve the situaction. I'm wondering if there is such a thing as a pain management doctor or specialist and if so would it be advisable to go to my GP and ask for a refferal to one. As i'm only 18 years old and on a scale one to ten for pain its normally around a 7 possible 7 and a half most days although it can get partically bad in which it can go up to a 9 and when it does i am physically sick I cannot walk doing simplist off things i need help my Gp has tried Amtriplyine 10mg and now has tried me on Gabepentin 300MG once aday then up it to 2 day and then 3aday i have reached two aday and still feel it is not doing anything I have been on them for just a little over a week now. Would it be worth seeing a pain management specialist. Or is it someone else i could see???

Answer
Hi there Donna
I'm sorry to hear about your problem. It sounds like your GP is trying a good approach to manage your pain. Ifthe gabapentin 3 a day doesn't work then there are chronic pain specialists around the country who might be able to help you further. Availability of these services is also a bit variable and so it will depend on where you live. I would ask your GP to give it a try - I would certainly try and avoid further surgery to cure the problem if at all possible.
Kind regards
Dr Ian Jackson