@laughlin1947 et al
I have Degenerative Disc Disease the full length of my spine and Osteoarthritis in my hip, ankle, and fingers on my dominant hand. I take Tramadol 100mg, 3X day, plus one regular dose Acetaminophen with my morning dose of Tramadol. I take Tizanidine, a muscle relaxant at night, which helps me sleep. Prior to taking Tramadol I took Ibuprofen, and was inching close to 2,200 Mg/day. Taking that dosage of Ibuprofen gave me more pain relief than Tramadol does. However, as a result of long-term use of all that Ibuprofen, I have to be monitored by a Nephrologist to avoid adding chronic kidney disease to my medical record.

I’m aware that Tramadol is a scheduled drug, but taking it as directed isn’t causing me to be addicted to an opioid. It gives me moderate relief so I can function somewhat normally. I’m 78 years old. If I wasn’t taking it, I wouldn’t be able to stand up straight. My primary physician made me sign a pain contract, which I absolutely resented since I was religiously following dosage instructions. I don’t experience any effects with Tramadol that I’d expect if I was taking Hydrocodone or another strong opioid or narcotic. I would take Ibuprofen instead, but I want to preserve my kidneys.

I feel badly for anyone experiencing chronic pain with minimal relief. It’s a lousy way to live. But taking large doses of NSAIDs long term is not good for kidney function, and has to take place under a physician’s supervision. Large doses of acetaminophen can also be hard on one’s liver.