Ultram (tramadol is the generic name)

[beeboppinalong]

I have been seeing this neruro dr for about 5 months now she did diagnoise me with fibromyalgia, cfs,  & neuropathy. We are trying to find ways to control the pain. When I take the Ultram, it makes my face break out with little bumps on my checks. Has this happenned to anyone else? My current meds are really not working, I have to go between Ultram & Vicodin, and Skelaxin for a muscle relaxer. I use Lyrica but is causes my ankles and hands to swell. She also gave me Lidoderm patches I think help me during the day at work. She has given me a series of Occipital nerve blocks help for 5 days at the most, and the injections are painfull, trigger point injections did not help made it worse then ever. I am going next tuesday 12-5-08 to see her again I would like some other suggestions. I am in so much pain nothing that has been prescribed is working anymore. Please could any of you share your thoughts & suggestions with me- thanks Lisa Anne (beeboppinalong)

[patsy10]

Many people are misdiagnosed with fibro when they really had lyme disease all along.  I did not misunderstand your question.  I just try to help make people aware of this.  Not saying you have it but it's good to rule in or out.  I got the fibro diagnosis when mine was probably really lyme all along.  I have far less pain since treatment.  My point was that if the cause is treated than the symptoms may resolve.

[VaBreeze]

The symptoms of Lyme's can mimic Fibromyalgia.

I feel for you LisaAnne.  I am dealing with neuropathy and RSD as well.  I've taken the nerve blocks and didn't find them to be helpful (they only lasted a few hrs.).  You said you had taken Lyrica and it caused swelling, but did it help the pain and are you still taking it?  I've found that to be helpful with the neuropathy, but it doesn't make it go away.  I haven't found anything that is very effective, just something that dulls it enough to half-way function.  My next choice is a spinal stimulator (because my RSD is in my leg).  

Have you ever had accupuncture done?  Many people don't believe in it, but I had it done before (not for pain though, rather for smoking cessitation) and it worked.  It was virtually painless and it may help you.  It sure couldn't hurt to try when all else has failed.  

I am so sorry because I do understand how painful it is...I too am looking for answers to pain relief and wish you the best of luck.  

[beeboppinalong]

OH I AM SORRY I DID MENTION THE BUMPS JUST A FEW LIKE TWO WELL POP UP ON MY CHEEKS, I DO FIND WHEN I TAKE THE ULTRAM IT MAY BE CAUSING IT. YES IT IS A COMMON SIDE AFFECT LIKE ALL MEDS. MY MOM HAS THE SAME PROBLEM. AGAIN I AM INTERESTED IN SOME OTHER MEDS AND ADVISE. REALLY THE UTLTAM DOES NOT TOUCH MY PAIN AT ALL. LISA ANNE

[beeboppinalong]

DEAR PATSY

I THINK MAYBE YOU MIS-UNDERSTOOD MY QUESTION...SEE THE VERY TOP OF THIS POST ON MY QUESTION REGARDING PAIN RELIEF. I DO NOT SUFFER WITH A RASH, JUST PAIN. I AM VERY AWARE OF ALOT OF CONTRAINDICATIONS WITH MEDICINE.

I AM A BOARD CERTIFIED PHARMACY TECHNICIAN FOR THE PAST 9 YEARS. I AM WELL UP TO DATE ON MEDICATIONS,AND HOW THEY WORK. I JUST WANTED TO KNOW WHAT ANYONE ELSE HAS TAKEN OR TAKING THAT WELL EASE MY FIBRO PAIN. I SUFFER TERRIBLY WITH SWELLING, BURNING & DULL ACHE ALL THE TIME.

MOSTLY ON MY LEFT SIDE BETWEEN MY NECK AND ACROSS MY SHOULDERS, ALSO ON MY RIB CAGE AREA. FEELS LIKE A BRA IS TO TIGHT IF I MOVE A CERTAIN WAY, WITH OUT ONE ON.. I AM GOING TO SEE MY NEURO DR ON TUESDAY. SHE HAS BEEN TREATING ME WITH INJECTIONS, P.T., & MEDS WE ARE TRYING DIFFFERNET ONES. BUT YOU KNOW AFTER A WHILE OF BEING ON THE SAME THING, THEY JUST DO NOT WORK AFTER A WHILE. FOR MY SWELLING I FIND A BAG OF PEAS WORKS REALLY WELL.

I AM CURIOUS HOW IS LYME DESEASE REALTED TO FIBRO????
OKAY WELL TAKE CARE THANKS FOR ANSWERING ME..LISA ANNE

[patsy10]

A rash from a medication is an allergic reaction.

Have you been tested for lyme disease?  FMS/CFS do not cause true neuropathy ( as diagnosed by EMG).  Have all other diseases been ruled out?

[VaBreeze]

The only time i've had skin reactions is when i've gotten too much in my system.  I'm surprised that your physician has prescribed you vicodin and ultram together as that is a high dosage of pain medications.  The bumps you are experiencing is likely an allergic reaction, so please be sure to mention this side-effect to your doctor.  

I hope she can work with you and find a combination that will relieve the pain.  I certainly can relate to feeling like a pin cushion.   Take care of yourself and keep us updated.

[beeboppinalong]

Thank you...I am going to ask her to increase my vicodin to higher dose right now she has me on 5/500 twice daily. I have to take two of them to get any relief, along with 2-ultram (tramadol 50 mg) four times daily with an extra strenght tylenol. That is the same as Ultracet. I will ask for 7.5/750 or another lortab or norco. There is another type of injection that requires her to put me out, I am just tired of being a pin cushion. However she did tell me we would have to try different meds to get it right. Okay thanks for answering me & listening to me. Take care-hugs back to you, Lisa Anne

[kiddthekatt]

Hi there;
   I have also been on different meds for the pain of fibro and my last trip to the internist finally got me some relief. I am taking Ultram ER 200mg a day, flexeril at night for my muscles, and I am now on norco 10.325 twice a day or as needed. I still take all of my vitamins faithfully.
   This is the first time in months that I have actually feel pretty good. Don't get me wrong, I still have some pain but it is manageable. I hope this helps you some.

gentle hugs
Angel