Want Forum Advice RE:Pain Meds

Question

I have read a LOT on this forum over the last 1 1/2 years about pain killers and addiction.  You guys basically put the fear of God on me...lol

I have been prescribed vics for my condition:

Arthritis -

I'm HLA b27 positve, have chronic costocondritus,stiff /sore neck, and upper and lower back problems that mimic fibro, rare bouts or iritis, IBS, and most recently recovering from Frozen Shoulders (both shoulders).  I'm close to being an ankylosing spondylitis sufferer but my spine is not fusing and I only have one deteriorating SI joint.

In the 1 1/2 years that I was taking the vics I dont believe I EVER took more than 3 5/500 and often only took 1 to 1 1/2.  

I KNOW they dont kill the pain... they only take the edge off.

I stopped about 3 weeks ago and have been clean with the exception of 2 times when I've taken 1/2 a pill.

I am now dealing with just the raw pain of my condition and it sucks.  I get very stiff and I have read here that opiates cause you to feel pain to lure you back -- but in my case I dont think the lack of opiates is making my body ache - I think I just ache: period.

I have spoken with my rhuemy about other meds and he said that Tramadol/Ultram is a bit less addictive but I think he is aware of the potential for dependence/abuse of that drug as well.  We both know I become dependent on vics -- cuz I have around 5 really miserable days when I stop.

If my condition gets really bad there are biologics: Remicade, Enbrel, etc that seem to work for some - but they cost like $5,000 per month and I think I would only like to go there as a last resort.

Anyone here able to share with me their experience with Tramadol/ultram -- good or bad.

would also like to hear from anyone using biologics.

terry5357 · Answer

In 2004 I was diagnosed with herniated disc at L2,3, 4, degen disc at S1, 2, 3 and spinal stenosis. I had several injections and was on 10-325 Norco (90 a month) and hydromophone (90 a month).  after finally having enough LESI's to quell the pain I spent 2 years in a methadone program.  Now I have Frozen shoulder, I have a whole new respect for pain medications, so I take them as "prescribed".  THe only problem is that I have such a high tolerence to them that the only thing that will even touch the pain is is oxycodone. I feel like I am living in hell.  Its the pills or the excuciating pain..........any ideas

worried878 · Answer

Get a little shaky and antsy?  me too I took some for 4 days after a procedure but my tolerence is right where it was 2 months ago...cours my tolerence is probably higher than yours...would be nice to be able to pop 5 mg and go for a run...or to go out when i am dead tired...screwed it up for myself tho....i will miss the buzz...not the pills

VicodinHelp · Answer

jets - thanks for your concern.  I just read a little about endometriosis and doesnt sound good.  

worried - well, since I stopped I get buzzed out on 1/2 and feel like I'm going through mini-withdrawals when it wears off...lol

GoingToMakeIt · Answer

Some here have been helped with Neurontin for pain. As for the vics, you are not seeming to abuse them. I will say that after you get away from the opiates for several weeks, your pain level does level out. It doesn't go away but it gives you a better idea of the real pain you are in.

worried878 · Answer

I always like to take lortabs before I worked out and that has been one thing that has been slow to come back...I have not gotten back up to full steam in the gym yet after 2 months...but i cant be addicted to a medication just so i have the energy to go workout and go socialize...it had gotten to the point to where I thought I needed them to do anything....if your usage is not high and you can live without them...i would quit...it took me 3 years to get addicted....tolerence slowly creeping up...started at 5 mg here and there and would buzz for hours on it and completely relieve my pain...not so in the end....took alot of stress and "worrying" to get me to the point I am....and I still have to be soooooooooooo careful!

jetsetgrl · Answer

I am also a pain patient. I have stage 4 endometriosis, 2 compressed discs in my lower back, arthritis of the back and something else is wrong but I do not remember the name for it. LOL! I 

You very well could be dependent and not an addict. There is a HUGE difference. 

I am really happy to hear that you will not take Ultram. I was on that stuff and vics. Yuck- the withdrawals were horrible. 

I can't advise you because you and only you know yourself. You know if you need to take pain meds to have a better life. 

I am really sorry about the pain that you are in and can sympathize. It would be great if you could find something non narcotic and no addcitive to help you out. I know that there is not much out there by script and what is always seems to cause one side effect or another. Good luck!

VicodinHelp · Answer

Thanks for the offer.  I have fairly decent insurance but I would probably have to pay the first 5k or so Enbrel before they would start picking up the tab.

I dont think I want to consider Enbrel at this point in my life.  I am 55 and to be honest I would rather get by on vics than step up to the biologics.  If my body really locked up on me then I would probably go that route.

no vics today - no craving.  My body is really aching now - end of day - but I think I will manage today with tylenol and some zanaflex

I dont plan to take the Tramadol. 

If it werent for how crappy I know I will feel if I stop I would just take the vics in a heartbeat - but I really dont like going through the hell when I stop.

desperate1111 · Answer

i have all the contact info where you can get enbrel at no charge. and you don't have to be dirt poor to get it. you can take the info to your rhuemy. don't get started on tramadol. 
its evil! let me know if you are interested in the enbrel contacts.

VicodinHelp · Answer

I did take 1/2 a vic tonight and went to the gym and swam 1/2 mile. I dont think I would have been luck to do 1/2 that distance without taking anything. I'll see how it goes. I have an appointment with my rheumy on the 17th of this month. He gave me a script of 100 vics on Jan 11th with instructions to take up to 3 per day and I have around 15 left still -- so that gives you an idea of how I use.

worried878 · Answer

yey....seems like if it just peeps into your bloodstream it will cause you to crave, if u even look at one of those puppies..I will be anxious and feel kinda crappy
it sucks major hotdags!

VicodinHelp · Answer

thanks,

i am not going to fill the tramadol script.

VicodinHelp · Answer

no -- i dont think so. I know I become dependent.  I'm craving something right now -- but Im in a lot of pain.  I took 1/2 on Sat when my body was aching and it really helped.  I actually felt like I was having some withdrawls last nite when I was sleeping --- from the measly 1/2 the nite before.  

it sucks!

worried878 · Answer

I dont think u will get any positive info from here on tramadol...i have never taken it long term but have taken it...weak synthetic narcotic with a high addiction response...doubly whammy to get off of due to added antidepressent qualities the drug posesses...also has a long half life and WDs are longer than many others...my pain doc hates them...too much risk for too little relief he states

road2recovery · Answer

WOW--u have alot going on...SO sorry for your pain...sorry we scared you...But with the amount you are taking, u should not worry..
you may only be dependent and not addicted...DO you think you are addicted??

Stay away from the ultram.....That is just my opinon
r2r