I’ve tried to avoid writing this thread all day but as I lie here in pain trying to get to sleep I feel compelled to add my voice to the many Disabled People speaking out about NICE’s proposed new guidelines on opiate medications 1/6

Over the last 4 years I’ve experienced constant pain, I’ve had to adapt to the unpredictablity of pain & get over my own reluctance to take pain medications when required. So much so I made myself this flow chart: https://www.touretteshero.com/2018/01/04/medications-what-i-need/">https://www.touretteshero.com/2018/01/0... 2/6

I’m always in pain but the quality & intensity of this changes as does the impact it has on my day. I’m extremely conscientious about taking pain medications, fundamentally because I need them to keep working so am careful about not building up a tollerence 3/6

The new guidelines seem built on mistrust of patients & GPs. In my experience these drugs are prescribed with great care & their use monitored. The idea that other methods are not already being prescribed & utilised is rubbish 4/6

#ChronicPain management is about more than just reliving discomfort it’s about giving space to live - sleep, work, parent, focus & feel slightly more resilient. My GP’s support & pragmatic approach has enabled me to keep going. 5/6

Access to pain management & investment in research are #SocialModel issues. Ongoing pain’s not a personal failing it’s a fact of life for many. We need access to holistic, well resourced, person centred management, I’m not convinced limiting Drs options will achieve this. 6/6