My Dad has suffered from Parkinson’s for around 15 years. He does not suffer tremors but his main issue is chronic pain linked to both Parkinson’s and problems following a Girdlestone operation (removal of hip joint) around 5 years ago. The pain is not linked to infection.

He can only lie on his left side or back, due to the painful condition of his right hip area. He cannot put any weight on his right leg without severe pain, and can only walk with either crutches or a walking frame.

He suffers 24/7 chronic pain focused on his right hip, right knee, and the intervening muscles, Similar pain radiates up his right side and into the base of his neck. and across his lower back.

Separate pain, which he ascribes to Parkinson’s, focuses on his right shoulder, and down to and beyond his elbow joint. This arrived in the last 18 months or so, and seems irrespective of use, or rest or application of heat.

He is currently taking no pain medication whatsoever, neither analgesic nor NSAID, and has not done so for many months, due to inability to find an effective medicine or one which did not cause fluid retention.

He has tried Morphine but this was found to give early undesirable side effects and little relief. Tramadol was taken intermittently for perhaps 3 years and gave no relief. Fentanyl was administered via spinal infusion during distraction of femur & pelvis but gave no relief. Paracetamol
at below maximum dose gave no relief but resulted in fluid retention.

Pregabalin and Gabapentin have also resulted in fluid retention. As have the following NSAID’s: Diclofenac, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Piroxicam and Rofecoxib

Have we run out of options or is there anything out there which anyone can suggest as the situation is desperate and we would appreciate any help anyone can provide.

Many thanks

Ettie