Vicodin Usage.

[MomOfTwins112]

I have been taking Vicodin 7.5/325 for several years for disc herniatons, spinal arthritis, disc generation and on top of all of that I was born with venous capillary malformations in my right arm neck and shoulder.  These malformations show as bumps inside muscles, near nerves, etc and can be debilitating.  I am in a catch 22.  If I don't move the arm to get the circulation going, they take longer and longer to feel better.  So if I take a morning vicodin, it helps take the pain away when I move so I can get to the underlying problem of getting the circulation going.  I have only once ran out of my vicodin early because of a huge vcm bumb showing up in my right shoulder muscle.  When I recently saw my doctor and explained this to her she went nuts because I went over the 4 a day (for 2 weeks only).  My problem is that I don't want to stop taking these meds because otherwise I couldn't make it through the day and do what I need to do to care for my 4 year old twins.  I have never taken this medicine to get high only to relieve my substantial daily chronic pain.

She is suggesting other types of medications which I am totally open to IF THEY WORK.  Has anyone else had experience changing from Vicodin to Tramadol.  Did it work?  What are the side effects for the transition, if any.  Any other suggestions for pain medication for moderate to severe daily pain?  Are there bad reasons to continue to take pain medicine if they are helpful???

[aheart]

  I can see both sides of this, your Dr.'s concern for your not getting to the point of needing more and more because of tolerance. With two kids that need you so much. Now doctors are under so much pressure to get people off of opiates you should never give them an excuse to do it. When I first started Tramodol it was adequate for my moderate pain, but after a while it wasn't enough, it like any other opiate, the don't keep working the same because of tolerance. I don't believe Tramodol will cover your severe pain, no. The only way I have found to help with tolerance is to cut back on the meds, then when you start a regular schuedule again their effectiveness will be back again. If your Dr. continues to insist on Tramodol, ask her to refer you to a pain specialist. They will help you find other ways of coping with your pain, as well as give you adequate meds to cover it. Good Luck!

[vicki595]

Hi there-    This is curious: Switching from Vicodin to Tramadol?   What does she say about Tramadol?

In this situation, I can see the redeeming value of staying on Vicodin in this small amount. I think we always have to look at quality of life and physical comfort.  And that's what you need to look at because only YOU know your reasons for wanting to stay on this drug.

Keep posting!