Doctor, this is a very comprehensive and astutely written article on pain control. I’m on and have been a vigilant user of tramadol. One is overlooking ongoing situations such as lyme disease (yes, a very debatable disease ) but one which I have dealt with for over 30 years. Having been bitten by s lyme tick in Scarsdale. NY in 1979 and going undiagnosed by over 20 some doctors, I have been left with an ongoing case of systemic or intracellular Lyme disease and approximately 3/4 coninfections. This had been s nightmare for my family to live with, child rearing and working to my full capacity. I take various herbal supplements, a varying degree of antibiotics according to what my latest bloods show and at the moment and for the past 5 yrs, a timed and conscientious regimen of Klonopin and tramadol to calm down the neurological problems of my own case of LD. I would be huddled in a cold shivering trembling mass in my bed if I did not have these controlled substances. My visits to my pain control specialist is vital to control intake and symptoms.
I urge most friends and even doctors to open up and look outside the box at TBDiseases. It will and should astonish not only the medical profession but should give some answers to the still sick and suffering in their homes with families at their wit’s end on what to do next. Pain control meds have a purpose for those of us plagued by ongoing incurable disease. It’s not to be confused only to post operative discussions.