PCP RX'd pain meds for headache

[dkdean]

Phew....I finally feel like the headache is subsiding...the pressure is still there, but not the pain.  NS said to get PCP to rx meds and I am so happy I have a PCP who is willing to call in on her day off and get something called in.  And, FWIW--it's ultram.  I didn't want to start pain meds and don't want to become dependent on them--but am thrilled that the head pain is better...


And,--getting numbness in right calf--more CM typical or complication (ie syrinx) typical??

[dkdean]

Funny tramadol story--DH ust brought the dog to the vet for hip problems she's been having...vet rx'd tramadol for her too!  So, we are both on ultram now.  Just makes me laugh!!

[dkdean]

Thanks!  I did stick it out and I think it is working!  Definitely less pressure and pain.  Woohoo!

Selma--Yes, I really like my PCP.  She didn't know much about CM, but she and I have been learning together.

[jpurple]

I am going to my pcp this morning.  Need a refill on the lortab i take.  I wish i didn't have to take it, will talk to him about the tramadol.  They didn't give me refills last time, not sure what they are thinking that this will go away?  so frustrating that i need to keep asking.  I wish the pain would go away.  

[n40066]

don't give up just yet....keep taking them.  you may just need to build it up in your system.  since it worked a little in the begining, give it a full chance.  hope it does work for you!  good luck!

[lu7997]

So so happy u are getting relief.   I love te tramadol it doesn't make u all groggy like most pain meds do.  Some days it isn't enough but even those days it still takes the edge off.


Good luck hope u continue to get relief

[selmaS]

Hi...so happy u r getting relief and that u r PCP is working with u. I have said this many times that even tho our PCP's do not know about chiari  we can have the best advocates in them as they learn about chiari....so do not write them off if they r not aware....share what u know and invite them on the journey with u.

"selma"

[dkdean]

Yeh--I think I spoke too soon or it was wishful thinking....or maybe I just loopy enough to think the pain was gone.  I woke up several times last night with the pressure and headache....it's a full head, HA now (at 8am)...plus my hands were numb all night and now I've got numbness in my right calf...just don't feel right.  Dizzy, more halos....it's disheartening.  Sorry--not trying to complain, just a little saddened that I am getting more symptoms and there is not much I can do about it.

Thanks for the other med ideas.  

[sleepypea]

I also was on Ultram (Tramadol) for a long time however even though it did seem to help after I was on it for awhile it started to cause HAs. It's a different type of headache. I hated it and had to quit taking it. The Tramadol HA was just as bad as the Chiari HA.
I now take Panlor. It is a narcodic, but it is a mild narcodic and it really seems to help. It doesn't work wonders but it does take the edge off. I am perscribed 2 a day, but I found if I cut them in half and take a half 4 xs a day it works better. I have to take something because this Chiari HA never leaves!! I hate it!!!! When it gets really bad and turns into a migraine then I have to take somethng stronger. Usually percocet. Most of the time that will knock it right out of there. as long as you take these meds as perscribed and you stay aware of the fact that they are addictive if misused then you probably will do fine. I always make sure to take the least amount necessary so i don't build up a tolerance and they will continue to work :)
You should not have to be in pain. These meds were created to ease pain and if you need them then take them!!! I know there is a lot of bad done with these medicines, but They also have a purpose. If I don't have to hurt then I'm not going to and as long as they are helping then I am going to take them. I have tried just about everything out there for pain and honestly for me anyway, the Panlor is the most effective for everyday use. Like I said before I still have days where nothing helps, but for the most part they do. And for the nausea my PCP just put me on Phenergan. It works but it will knock you out so unless you are able to relax after taking them then I wouldn't recommend it. There's no way I could drive or work or anything after taking it so I deal with the nausea until I get home then I take it. I also do the same with it and cut it in half as to try and only take the least amount that is effective :)
These are just my personal opinions as I understand everyone is different and how their body reacts to meds are different. Hope you find something that helps!!

[n40066]

so glad you are getting some relief from the ultram!  many of us do not, so you are very fortunate!  also fortunate with your pcp!!!  : )  as for the tingling/numbness, it can show up anywhere at anytime.  it really doesn't seem to have a pattern and is different with everyone, so it's very hard to say what is causing it directly.  could be the chiari, could be nerve compression from the cm, a spinal issue, a syrinx....your dr may be able to tell from an mri.  but again, so very much is subjective to who reads that film.  there are so very many unknows with chiari and it's related disorders, i'm sorry to say!  it could also be fibromyalgia, as that is one of the symptoms.  your dr would be the best judge of the root cause.  good luck!  and so glad the headache has eased up!!
elizabeth