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What are your experiences with tramadol ?
I have been taking tramadol for over 20 years. It was first prescribed for knee pain. This was the era when they did meniscus surgery. I'm sure the medication is not effective for me now, but it continues to be prescribed. Any other thoughts or experiences?
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Good though - but I think age may also make a difference. I've heard people say - well it use to work for me, but not now. That sort of thing.
Like bobweller, after my hysterectomy including prolapse tie up, Tramadol did nothing to manage my pain. What helped tremedously was Oxycodone/Acetaminophen 5-325mg for pain management and even after using it for 3 weeks I had zero withdrawal symtoms. The day I felt I could cope I simply stopped taking Oxycodone. That was in 2014 and I still have about half of an original bottle of 30 left. I saved that bottle and in the last 10 years a few were used when family members or I had severe pain from back injuries or other issues.
Like bobweller mentioned, we're all different.
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2 ReactionsVery true ! you must be happy to have that surgery behind you - ten years !
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1 ReactionI took tramadol for pain and it was not effective. I had recent DNA testing completed that showed I do not metabolize tramadol. The Pharm-D who reviewed my results with me recommended taking these test results with me if I am ever in need of pain relief again so a different pain med could be prescribed. Best of luck to you.
I've found tramadol to be next to useless. Of course that was after years of using oxy-10 when docs were strongly encouraged to stop prescribing opiates. If the tramadol doesn't work and your regular doc won't prescribe stronger meds, go to a pain clinic. Your doc will be happy you're getting the treatment you need - and it's not his\her signature on the Rx you're getting.
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1 ReactionI'm not sure why Tramadol is still prescribed for many people since it's a very weak painkiller. If you are a "virgin" to pain meds, it may be variably helpful, but as a non-opioid, synthetic narcotic, it's practically useless, esp if it's a cheap generic.
Indeed we are all different. I have always found acetaminophen to be worthless and the only thing oxy did for me was to give me constipation. Hated that stuff.
Best always,
s!
How were you able to get the DNA testing ? Was it through Mayo?
No, I paid for the DNA testing out of pocket. There are many companies doing it now. It was about $400, but I think many insurances cover some version of DNA testing. There are focal tests for certain medication groups, but mine was general and covered all types of medication. The test I used was called ClarityX and it just required a mouth swab.
All the best.
I have been taking Oxy only 2.5 mg at night otherwise I can't sleep. I went to a new pain management doctor (my surgeon gave me the Oxy) who told me to get off of the Oxy, but is only offering me treatments that didn't work before my surgery for lumbar stenosis. So how many years were you on it and so if you were addicted what are you doing now ? I don't know what to do except I don't want to stay up every night !
Actually the Oxy does hurt my stomach, or something is hurting my stomach.