Tramadol, the lie, "pain management" what to do?

[norcalpauly]

So I'm no naive, I know I'm a big boy and new about Methadone clinics, after 3+ years of being on 100 MGs Norco's, after 2 leg / knee surgery's, 3 Scopes.. ( Basal Tibia Fibula fracture with blown out cartilage and meniscus, my kindly orthopedic surgeon referred me to "pain Management" what a load that is, should be called pill dispensing. Before I knew it I was on 140 MGs of Methadone, and 80 MGs of Norco. Like I said, I allowed this to happen but after 6 years I had quite a tolerance, as well as could handle these and still "function".  well after Detox, and 30+ days of sobriety, I found that the closer I got to the real pain of the arthritic knee, and lack of cushion, a man of only 36 years, could not function, I looked and looked for a non narcotic alternative, and viola the introduced01 me to tramadol, 300MGs a day. not that I dug further, and am finding out more I'm pissed, the pain I made myself go through, now after being on it for a week and a half I feel screwed, what options do I have? Too young for a new knee, Aleve doesn't touch it, all I want is to function at 50%, my 9 year old daughter cant have two disabled parents.... Non narcotic, non opiate.. what a lie...

[norcalpauly]

Insurance says Im too young, 15 year life expectancy of the equipment x two in a lifetime = I'm screwed. Both my Dr.s continue to petition / request this with denial after denial. I guess its easier to just dispense incredibly addictive, self perpetuating narcotic medications. I dont know, I've already tapered myself to half the perscription of tramadol I was taking 3 50 mg tabs a day as opposed to 6 50 mg a day, I started this two days ago once I found more and more out about this "non narcotic" pain medication. My doctor did say it was not a long term solution, duh... I know the knee is, but why are norcos' so much easier for them to put you on and not bother to say this same thing?  oh yeah.... $$$

[norco687]

Yeah, been down that road.... With the Tramadols and the doctors saying that it is non addictive...Rather just go ahead and take the narcotics at least they work better....

[Kova]

what do you mean "too young for a new knee"?  says who?

Kova

[mjax024]

wannabefree is right...if you have that much damage, the pain and deteriotion of the knee structure is only gonna get worse. and more often than not pain mgmt doctors do just throw pills at the problem...but it's in the name, pain mgmt is only that...they never heal you...they just make it so you don't care so much that you're hurting. and the trams are as bad as any other addiction once it gets rolling....best of luck to you. keep posting here.
                     mjax024

[wannabefree330]

Tramadol is not indicated for chronic pain.  It is specifically used for acute (new/rapid onset) pain lasting 5 DAYS OR LESS!!!  Stop taking it now.  Its not going to do you a bit of good.  I would see if your ortho or pain specialist can give you an injection of marcaine or place an access drain into the knee where you can inject lidocaine or marcaine to numb the entire area every so many days?  You may be only in your 30s my friend, but.....sorry to say......you need a knew knee.  May as well look into getting it done now, or you'll have to deal with pain for years to come, or go back on the narcs till you get one.

[worried878]

true..not as innocent as portayed..trams..got a friend hooked on them bad,,she knew better but never the les..those things can grab hold...only thing u can do is taper off...200mg daily and 800 being the  max as a rule but not always...if u r at 6 50 mg trams a day..and did not abuse..u should be able to taper down ..taper 1 pill a week maybe   make a plan and stick to iy..pick a QUIT day and stick to it..hand ur pills over to dole out to u..whatever it takes..keep posting