Hi Everyone.

Well after seven months of tests, x-rays & MRI scans my Consultant
has diagnosed me with chronic pain and referred me to a specialist
Pain Management Clinic at Frenchay Hospital in Bristol.

I've had a bit of a nightmare over the last four weeks or so. The
Benefits Agency have refused me Incapacity Benefit despite the fact
my employer dismissed me due to ill health and I have no other
income. Their superb system failed my application due to £36 in
unpaid NI contributions!!!! I paid the outstanding amount and now
they say I have to wait six weeks before I get any money!!

I've applied for Disability also - as regular readers will remember
that I suffer with pain in my back and legs making it impossible for
me to walk without assistance - the Doctor came out to assess me and
I have to wait another six weeks for that decision also!

My regular medication has been changed recently also and that played
havoc with me too! My wife will tell you, I was a pleasure to live
with for three or four days until I settled down and got used to it.

My daily concoction is:

3 x 50mg diclofenac
8 x 50mg tramadol
6 x 300mg gabapentin
1 x 200mg omeprazole

Anyway - it's Easter and I hope you all have a pain-free time and get
lots of Easter Eggs.

Take Care

Stu