Hello Anxiousallthetime, 

I am so sorry to hear you are experiencing so much pain. I know you mentioned you are not a tablets person and that you rarely took pain relief before being diagnosed but it might be worth getting in touch with your GP to discuss your options especially as the pain is so excruciating that you mentioned it was making you feel suicidal. I think it's important in that case to find adequate pain relief that will ensure that you do not feel this way. There is information on our website on treating cancer pain including an interesting section on worries about taking pain killers. Do talk to your doctor about any worries or concerns you have and be honest about how much pain you are experiencing so that they can get to the bottom of it and help you get it all under control. 

You definitely shouldn't have to suffer like this and I hope that you manage to talk to someone soon about the TENS machines you are considering trying but also about other options that may be available to you. If you find all this is affecting you a lot and you are feeling really low, Samaritans is also always there to listen and you can get in touch with them on 116 123 every day of the week and 24 hours a day. 

Our nurses are also available on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm if you have any questions about pain relief for example or anything else that springs to your mind. 

Other members of our community may have tried TENS machines before or have experienced something similar managing intense pain due to cancer and I hope they will be along shortly to share their thoughts and experiences with you. 

Keep strong - I hope that you find the right type of pain relief soon and that you get to talk to your GP about it.

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Anxiousallthetime, 

Poor you - that's an awfully long time if your pain has not been fully managed since February. It sounds like this recent fall made things worse for you and that these melancholic feelings are strongly linked to the intensity of the pain. This means that if you can find the right pain relief, hopefully you will feel better emotionally too. So it's really important that you speak to someone about this if you feel your care team is not managing your pain relief properly.  Could you perhaps bring it up with your consultant/specialist? Do mention as well that things got worse after that fall. They may be in the best position to advise you as they will know your medical condition best and they will hopefully be able to liaise with your care team and make suggestions to them. 

I would also suggest you give our nurses a call on this free number 0808 800 4040 - their helpline is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 5pm and they may have some good tips for you to point you in the right direction. Don't give up though - getting this pain relief sorted once and for all will make a huge difference in your wellbeing and quality of life!  

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator 

Hi there , sorry to read your post . I would advise contacting your pain team again and tell them you are not pain controlled on your current regime . Pain killers can be in the form of patches so they could look into that for you x 

I think TENS machines are contra indicated for cancer , but I’m not sure xx