TRAMADOL

[jimgreg]

TRAMADOL  AS NEVER DONE THAT MUCH TOO ME...ITS A LOW  LOW OPIATE????????

[Toomanyadvil]

  
I'm glad you got to watch the videos.  Everyone should.
If someone doesnt know about the secret game we have to play they fall into the trap and are easily blacklisted. I'm sure there are DR's who would like to tell us what to say and how to say it but they basically have a gun to there heads dictating the amount they can give and at all times have to be prepared to prove why a patient is taking what there taking and how much there taking.  According the our law anyone with non-maliganant pain doesnt need narcotic medication for pain.  
Doesnt really easy the mind when a DR is sending you out of the office with no script in hand.  
Welcome to American Law, its ********

[wishforchange]

Don't know whether you watched the video, or even if you are from the US, but it is somewhat alarming.  Maybe a strategy for you would be not to say that the tramadol is too weak, but that it is causing you side effects?  Maybe that will get you prescribed something as strong but more suitable.  This whole concept of doctors prescribing in fear and patients being forced into game-playing when all they want is help is soul destroying.  Fact is though you have been prescribed what is generally pervceived to be a strong medication.  Hopefully this means your doctor is taking you seriously and will be prepared to consider taking you off it and offering you something else.  I am not from the US, we have our own problems here in the UK.  But thankfully doctors are not so policed from doing their job, although they are policed too much here too.  I always appreciate from my core the compassion shown by doctors who help me with my pain needs, knowing they are having to make difficult decisions every time.  I don't know, maybe there needs to be some public outcry in America about how bad things have got.  You can only imagine how many people are off sick or unable to work from pain who could be contributing to the workforce if they were given the help they needed.  I have to confess ignorance as to the extent of this problem of America, and am distraught to learn of it.

[Toomanyadvil]

Just to let you know wishforchange, depending on whether someone is from the US or not its not always that easy to talk to your doctor about stronger medication especially if you just started seeing them.   if you want to be aware of the problems facing americans when it comes to managiing pain go to you tube and search out Dr. Deluca's video page.  He is a DR that has stopped practicing and helps give insight into why DR's do what they do.  It may even help you as you take pain meds yourself.  
If your seeing a new DR and you've just been put onto meds like tramadol and you go back and ask for something stronger right away it could put a spotlight on you and make your DR concerned about your use.  Its a little game we all have to play. Even in the UK.
Check ot out

[wishforchange]

Tramadol does not work in the same way as conventional opioids and binds to the pain receptors slightlt differently.  Although it works well for many people, for some, like you and also myself, it does not address pain adequately.  I do take tramadol sometimes but only in conjuntion with other opiates, as on its own it does not work for me.  We all have different physiologies and responses to pain, and tramadol is not for everyone.  If you are taking it and still in severe pain, as happened to me when I tried it, you need to ask you doctor for other narcotic based drugs.  Tramadol does relax you somewhat, and it may be this relaxing effect which helps with pain in some conditions.  But if it is not working, then do not be fobbed off by being told it is a strong drug and it works for others, it is clearly not the right drug for you.  You need to be clear about why you are taking this medication (I am assuming it is for pain?) and explain clearly to your doctor that it is not addressing your problems. Aslo I am NOT advising combining drugs.  I have some pharmceutical and medical training and a very long history of using pain medications, and even I am cautious about what I combine.  Only combine medications after you have talked to your doctors, there are very many dangers in taking some drugs together, and a lot depends on your personal physical make-up and conditions.

[Toomanyadvil]

Tramadol(ultram)
is a narcotic-like medication. It works in a similiar way as opioid medications but is not considered a narcotic. It is still addictive so there still careful with prescribing it.  But it doesnt work for everyone.
Talk to your doc about your symptoms, maybe there willing to help you out with something a little stronger.  
But if its a pain management doc and you just started seeing them, tread lightly.