Those with mental health issue, can you relate?
I have bipolar disorder, I was diagnosed at 21, I'm now 37.
Over the years, medical treatment towards me goes well, until my medical history of bipolar is known. From that moment, I'm treated differently, like I'm some sort of drug addict looking for a hit.
1 year, I broke my hand, and went to emergency... I was given nothing but panadol until my drug test come back clear. I was accused of breaking my hand for drugs.
I went in for chronic back pain, again, nothing more then panadol, and pushed out the door. Turned out I have inflammatory arthritis. Many GP'S ignored my inflammation that I get throughout my entire body, saying its all in my head, iv suffered since a child.
I have a wonderful GP. She has gone far and beyond in terms of medical treatment, getting my diagnosis of inflammatory arthritis, she Has never treated me like some addict out for a hit, or a hypochondriac, but I still stay quiet about any pain I have, out of fear of accusations. I have Severe shoulder pain... it's been like this for well over a year. I know deep down what the issue is, as I had the same pain in my Achilles, that had 100's of Micro tears, due to my inflammatory arthritis. It took 2 years to heal. I know my ability to open up about my pain is hulted due to so many accusations.... how can I stop the anxiety that prevented me from seeking help.
7 Replies
My mum has bi-polar and she has been diagnosed with physical afflictions and given pain meds, this has not been her experience at all.
I will add she's respectful of medical staff, speaks nicely, no swearing, name calling etc.
Iv never yelled at any of the Drs....
Speak to your GP!! She lnows your history & knows you're not a drug seeker. Also, surely tears like that would be visible on ultrasound or imaging? Therefore proving you're not lying about it.
Honestly, the mental health system in Australia is so broken.
Generally tears would show up on imaging however there isn’t always a causative relationship between a tear on imaging and pain. Same deal with arthritic changes - no evidence to support it causes or is responsible for pain. Many people are riddle with arthritis and report having zero pain.
I would suggest you see a physiotherapist or Osteopath - people qualified in the science of pain and rehab.
Possible the reason your denied stronger pain meds is more to do with a possible poor interaction with your bipolar meds and nothing to do with assuming your an addict.
Further some mental health based meds are also used for chronic pain patients with successful outcomes. Another reason you may not get heavier meds.
No iv been outright accused of seeking drugs. I avoid dre and hospitals because of this.
They're ruling out you being manic. In manic episodes, drug abuse is one of many very common scenarios and they're not you're usual health professionals. They're not discriminating against you. They're ensuring they don't potentially kill you by unintentionally causing you to overdose. And they want test results because if you were manic, you might not have the insight to tell the truth if asked directly.
Also, depending on how severe your bipolar manic episodes are, it can be challenging to know whether someone is stabilised or not when they don't know how you present.
I'm sorry you feel discriminated against. But you are being cared for responsibility. That's something for everyone to be grateful for.