Will this be your first trip to the pain clinic Davey?
I work with pain clinics and they can really help.
They are totally used to seeing people self medicate with drink or drugs because of pain, so I would be to totally up front with them about that. They will appreciate it and you will get a better treatment plan.
There are lots of different things they can do, that are not just about drugs.
Ways that can help you self manage your pain.
There are some new pain drugs coming through too and you might be eligible to join a trial for them.
Have you looked on the internet to see if there are any patient led support groups that you could join?
Patient groups and patient experience are a massive part of the NHS today.
And remember the NHS's mantra.....
'No decision to be made about me without me'
I wish you the best.