Pain Relief (Tramadol/Codeine/Diclofenac/Acetaminophen/Diazepam/Gabapentin/etc)

Hi golitho,

I'm going to request oxycodone or fentanyl patches straight up when I see my rheumy tomorrow. There aren't as many opioid treatments in England (Hydrocodone is not available, at all). Not sure what I'll do if I don't get them, my wrists are killing me, my back is killing me, my knees are killing me, my legs are killing me, and I have a headache, and I'm taking 3 tramadol at a time, and up to 6 before bed-time. Barely does a thing.

I use my arms to go up and down stairs, using biceps to lift my whole body. My elbows don't hurt quite so much as my knees!

P.S. about alcohol - I actively drink with Tramadol in order to potentiate it (I recently was able to stop this as I was Rxd some Hydroxyzine which does the same job) - respiratory depression is a real risk, but one I have to take, given my tolerance and level of pain. I medicinally drink 75ml of 40% Abv. Scotch (or Cognac VSOP) every night :)

Ciao, tc

Thanks Charteux, I appreciate the concern. I have written more in the other thread re doctors appointment.

Long story short, I've been referred to a pain specialist, and given a tricyclic anti-depressant to help with the pain. It was when I specifically said I wanted OxyContin or Fentanyl that he referred me, he look surprised, and said he would never give them to me as he felt they were just too potent/addictive (same reason I can't get Diazepam) - he's referred me to a Pain Doctor who he says is more qualified to decide what to give me... so hopefully this will be productive...

My doctor said he thinks I'll need professional help with Tramadol cessation as I've taken it for so long on such a high dose, I mean, I don't *feel* addicted, but we shall see. I can't stop taking Tram till I find something else that helps... maybe the Amitriptyline will do it?

tc all x

exitwound, thanks for the concern! I am well aware that 400mg is considered the maximum safe dose, however, Hydrocodone isn't available in England, period, and it is mostly very rare for doctors to prescribe Oxycodone or Fentanyl... I don't really have a choice but to take the Tramadol (without breaking the law, and illegal opiate possession carries a prison sentence!).

I have such a massive tolerance to it that many of the dose-dependent side effects are significantly reduced in me now - and I have my suspicions that the headache could be early onset of serotonin toxicity, but hey, with tramadol, there's a possibility of illness, without tramadol, there's sure fire agony - my cost/benefit analysis comes out in favour of Tramadol every time.

Edit - I should point out that I have monthly blood work, and I have never ever had an abnormal test result, all organ function is near perfect, and I have no stomach problems. Neurologically speaking I'm sound, and even inflammatory markers like CRP are only mildly elevated. I'm extremely healthy for someone so ill! ... the point I'm trying to make is that I'm under close medical supervision, so any problems with dosage would be made apparent..

Post Edited (JayBespoke) : 9/1/2010 1:51:45 AM (GMT-6)