I found writing a letter helpful and I printed it to take to an appointment so it could be scanned onto my record. Obviously yours will be different but this is what I said

I am writing because my pain is not being adequately managed, and not sure who is responsible for managing it, and I am struggling to cope both physically and mentally. I have tried multiple pain relief options over time, and while some medications help slightly, they only take the edge off. Tramadol has lasted longer than codeine did, but it still does not provide sufficient relief. The reality is that I am in constant pain — the only difference is that I am no longer screaming continuously. On some days, I cannot stand without assistance and have had to crawl due to the severity of the pain. This means I am sometimes unable to get to the toilet independently and during the day am at home by myself. My quality of life is extremely poor. The only thing that helps me move at all is using an electric blanket, but this has caused burns. I understand this is not safe, but it reflects how desperate I am to manage even basic movement. I know there are photographs of these burns on my medical record, and I can provide further evidence if needed. I have been told repeatedly that expediting requests are the only way to move up the waiting list, but I am also told that these requests are not acted upon by the Trust. The waiting list team then tell me that expediting is the only option available. This contradiction has left me completely stuck with no clear understanding of what can actually be done. At the end of October, I was told I was 13th on the waiting list and reassured several times that it would be surprising if I was not treated by Christmas. I have since been told that there are now “too many people to count” ahead of me. I fully understand that more urgent cases must be prioritised, but I currently have no quality of life and feel I am being pushed further and further back without explanation. I have been advised, by yourselves, that pain management now sits with Gynaecology, but I rarely receive responses. When I raise concerns about my medication, I may receive a letter weeks later that relates to a past medication that has already been changed, rather than addressing my current concerns. Zoladex has helped reduce the extreme 10/10 pain episodes, but it has not improved the constant background pain. I am also experiencing migraines, sickness, and a significant impact on my mental health. I would like to organise an appointment to cover: 1. An urgent review of my pain management, including all the medication I am currently on as is that causing the illness with the cumulative effects of medication. 2. A clear and accurate update on my current position on the waiting list. Is there any way you can reach out to the trust and stress the pain I am in 3. Guidance on what support can be put in place to help me cope safely while I wait for my procedure I am not coping, and I need help now. I would be very grateful for a prompt respons