ultram? Should I take it?

[DandMe]

I've been clean from percs for 11 days.  My doc gave me a script for ultrams to help with the withdraw and the REAL pain I have with my neck and shoulder. I filled the script, but didn't take it because it never helped in the past.  The last few days the pain has been so bad that I finally took 2 of the ultrams.  It really did help the pain. I don't want another addiction.   I've read so much about ultram addiction from others here.  Can I really trust myself not to get addicted? Should I continue to take it? or am I setting my self up? Help

[DandMe]

I was thinking the same thing.  This is the first time in years that my system is clean.  I was just so desperate for pain relief.  I hope I can stay strong.  
Thanks
Mary

[avisg]

NO!!!!! Its my drug of choice its addicting and the WD was far worse the either hydro or oxy .Please find an alternative. I have TMJ so I have major neck,shoulder ear and headaches. I take a muscle relaxer called zanaflex it works GREAT. I had never had a muscle relaxers that worked but this has helped me stay tramadol and other drugs free for over 2 years now .I want to see the same for you

[ImGettingClean]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!!! Same here, the WDs from Ultram was 100 times worse than Percs/Vics for me...

[DandMe]

Wow.... I didn't realize that ultram could have such bad WD since it's not a opiate.  I'm flushing them now.  I will be seeing a pain management doc tomorrow, I'm hoping for some help there.  I hope for the trigger point injections, I've had them in the past and gotten several days relief.  I have horrible pain in my neck and shoulder area.  I can't get the muscle to relax and I have MANY knots in my upper back and neck area.  I can't even get a DX so the treatment so far has been cortisone, trigger point, pain meds, steroids, antinfammatory and muscle relaxers.  NOTHING has helped.  I don't even know what else can be done............except live with it.  I'm so depressed over thinking that this may be my life.. I still want my perc 10's.  When will that go away?

[avisg]

The muscle relaxer I am talking about was first made for patients with MS its not like robaxin or any of the milder one its made for people with spastic muscles I was afraid at first but I am telling you it has been a life safer .Talk to your doctor the worst you if out is that it doesn't work for you . Its finding the right combo and it can be done without opiates many of us suffer chronic pain its not going to happen over night but it does get better .

[lovegm]

Good choice Dandme.  I admire your choosing wisely looking to a pain management clinic for help.  The urges will be there psychologically for awhile.  If I could recommend to you - maybe join a 12 step program.  That will help with your craving of the pain killers.  The physical crave will just simply go away after time.  Being you were on Percs, you shouldn't have a long period - such that of Ultram (so good idea to steer away from ultram).  What everyone has posted in this discussion is true - Tramadol/Ultram is highly addictive (physically and psychologically) and harder to come off of versus regular opiates.  If you want any further information concerning Tramadol/Ultram - please see my postings in "Vicodin/Tramadol withdrawals".  Good luck in your pain management.

[DandMe]

Thanks so much for the support.  Some days the pain is so bad, I can't function.   That is when I want my pain meds back.  But I know that I can't live my life  addicted.  Everyone has to withdraw, my time is now.  I want to stay strong, but I also want my life back.  I'm scared the PM doc will tell me there is nothing else for me to do.  My hubby is always telling me that I can't expect to feel like i did when I was 20.  I"m 38, I still should feel good.  I haven't had a good day in  so long.

[dominosarah]

You may also find that the longer you are clean the less pain you will have.  Not saying it all goes away but it may get better.  Hope that is the case for you         sara