Tramadol

I would be “lost” without Tramadol. My pain is simply off the charts. My PCP writes the prescription for Tramadol and always makes it NO REFILLS. I must go to the health system’s website and request a refill each time. I believe that is one way that health providers can ensure that no patient is becoming “addicted” to an opioid. But let’s e honest here. Tramadol is an extremely low opioid. It’s just the climate today which has health providers frightened of regulatory kickbacks. Those of us living with chronic pain are between a rock and a hard place.

@carolesg I agree. Tramadol does nothing for me. I was on Oxycodone for years but now it’s not working much. I’ve grown immune to it. I’m sorry that at your young age you’re having so many problems.

@barbarav1 I am sorry pain meds are not working for you anymore. This is a terrible time in history to be dealing with any cancer and/or chronic pain. I have no idea when this will end or how it will end. Surely the medical profession will eventually accept the reality that people dealing with chronic pain need help and relief. BTW, I a not young—early 80’s. 😉

I would be “lost” without Tramadol. My pain is simply off the charts. My PCP writes the prescription for Tramadol and always makes it NO REFILLS. I must go to the health system’s website and request a refill each time. I believe that is one way that health providers can ensure that no patient is becoming “addicted” to an opioid. But let’s e honest here. Tramadol is an extremely low opioid. It’s just the climate today which has health providers frightened of regulatory kickbacks. Those of us living with chronic pain are between a rock and a hard place.

@carolesg I agree. I have spondylolithsesis and radiculopathy. I have taken tramadol since I believe 2010. It worked for me then and still does. Irene5

I would be “lost” without Tramadol. My pain is simply off the charts. My PCP writes the prescription for Tramadol and always makes it NO REFILLS. I must go to the health system’s website and request a refill each time. I believe that is one way that health providers can ensure that no patient is becoming “addicted” to an opioid. But let’s e honest here. Tramadol is an extremely low opioid. It’s just the climate today which has health providers frightened of regulatory kickbacks. Those of us living with chronic pain are between a rock and a hard place.

@carolesg I have a problem, Mt doc says I need knee surgery. I have been on oxycodone for 5 years for joint pain. I am 78 years old. The oxy doesn’t work as well as it used to. I hear there is a lot of pain associated with knee surgery and the oxycodone won’t do much for the pain. Has anyone had this issue and what did you do?

Yes, there is pain associated with knee surgery. You don’t say what type of knee surgery. Generally doctors understand the need to manage post operative pain and willingly prescribe appropriate pain meds to last you through that period. If a knee surgeon is unwilling to do that, I personally would find another surgeon. It is also important to honestly share with the doctor any pain meds you have been on and the length of time. I have had two knee replacements with the second being far superior to the first in every way including pain management. When I went to rehab after only three hospital days, the pain was easily managed with two Extra Strength Tylenol 650mg every 8 hours. By contrast, the first knee replacement was still giving me problems and pain for 12 months. Does this information help?