I dont know what to do.

[Jonnyboy84]

Please can some one help me.
I broke my back about 18 months ago and have been on tramadol sinse then. I am now a true addict and dont like it. I want to get off of it but dont know what I could take instead. My GP is usless and asks me what i think i should take. He also thinks that the pain is in my head.

I would be graitfull for any advice and help I can get.

Thanks

Jonny

[BethAnna]

Hi, Jonny,
May I ask what you broke in your back and how?  That will make a huge difference in how quickly you heal.  If you 'traumatized' your spinal cord, you are looking at a good two years of healing time.  

I see you are in the UK.  . .getting another doc is going to be tough. . .ugh.  But that would be my first suggestion.  Physical therapy in the UK is very different from the US, as well. . .and that would be my next suggestion.  

You may think I'm insane, but walking is by far the best thing you can do to help yourself recover from your broken back. . .if you can walk.  It took me about a year to get strong enough and out of the wheel chair before I could walk. . but boy, after a few months, it really helped with the pain, and in the course, strengthened me.  

I am on Ultram for pain if my pain spikes (I have RSD) - but when my lower spine collapsed two years ago, I was on several very heavy narcotics for a year.  Yes, I was 'dependent' on them.  There is a huge difference from being dependent and being addicted.  Do you take more than you are prescribed for the 'feeling' of it?  If you are taking more than prescribed because you are in pain, then your PAIN is being mismanaged - and you need additional support.  If you are taking it to get high, or to do whatever other than deal with your pain, then yes, you have an addiction problem.
Please understand what being 'dependent' vs being 'addicted' is, if you have chronic pain, being 'dependent' may be a necessary element.  

I am from the US - but spent last year in the UK. . . I was really not very happy with the medical system there.   I hope sincerely you get the support you need.  You may need to opt for private insurance to supplement so that you can choose the doc you need.  

I hope this helps,
BethAnna

[extrmeski]

I've never found tramdol to even be that effective on pain.  I took it if I didn't have my oxycodone or fenanyl to stave off the w/d's.  What I've read about tramdol though seems that it is hard to get off of.  Tell your Doc that you want Oxycontin and percocet for breakthrough pain, that will work well for you.  And u wont go through any w/d's

[JSBM]

I can relate to how you feel I have been on Tramadol for 6years.I broke my back 12 years ago.I have a half assed Doctor afraid to prescribe anything that was really helpful.I came on this site a week ago and learned how addictive ,or bad Tramadol is to get away from.I have been taking half of what you have taken(because I figured they really didn't work for ****,why take more?) some times 400mg a day.I am on Vicodin7.5 at night and flexoril too.I was going Cold Turkey on the Tramadol, sunday,Monday and tuesday,I know what you are trying to do by cutting way down.I read the Forum and They know what they are talking about.Do a real Gradual taper,Your body can't take the huge drop.The reason I have done OK is that I still am taking other drugs,Tylenol PM at night,I tapered my Vicodin.I suggest you see a Good Doctor.All these people here have Good advice.I have suffered so long with pain that,it really has been unnecessary.Alot of times I couldn't afford Tramadol and went through withdrawls not knowing what was wrong.You can do this just go slow and seek a good Doctor and be honest wth them about what is going on.

[sandee1818]

To be honest your Dr needs to address what medications would be right for you. There are many long acting drugs now like oxycontin and opana and also the patches too so there are options available you just need to get a Dr who will treat you and offer his expertise instead of the Dr asking you what you suggest he do!  

[Mollyrae]

Hi Jonny: Welcome to the community. Sorry to hear that you broke your back. It is hard to believe that a Dr. would tell you that the pain is in your head. These Drs. have to start listening to patients. I can't recommend a drug, only a Dr. can do that. Take Sandee's advise and travel to another Dr. if you can. Set up a ride with a family member or a friend. Sometimes you can find ppl on the web who are going your way and back. Do some research. In your case I think it is worth it. Good luck and my thoughts are with you. Mollyrae

[Jonnyboy84]

Thank you for getting back to me. I have tried to change Dr's but cant get the other one as they are about 45 min away and I have to use taxi's so I am stuck with him. Grrrrrr. what pain killers are would you surgest instead, any ideas?
thanks again.
Jonny

[sandee1818]

Hi
I would suggest you get another Dr , one who will listen and treat you. Tramadol is difficult to get off of , we have a great substance abuse forum and the community leader there has dealt with this addiction personally so she will be able to help you a lot!
As for the pain, certainly you need some kind of pain control and if you don't have addiction issues beisde the ultram maybe a long lasting medication will work better. You should really try and find another Dr though. Breaking your back is I am sure very painful and is not in your head! You will most likely be on some kind of pain med for awhile and you need a Dr who will listen to you and offer you options instead of him asking you for options!
We are all here for you:)