I am open to anything to get my life back

Hi, Denim. I am so sorry that you are having these problems. I wouldn't suggest that you request any specific medication when you go to the doctor. I always try to be an informed patient and research potential options before seeing the doc so that I know what questions to ask, but the one time I asked about a particular med (this wasn't w/my regular doc) I was accused of "drug-seeking" behavior. I have learned from reading around this forum that many doctors take that stance - if a patient asks for a drug by name, they assume they must, by default, be drug seeking. Of course we all know that wouldn't happen to someone who asks about a new type of insulin or a specific antibiotic, but unfortunately as we all know there are serious inequities in the treatment of pain for most people.

I will say that Ultram is really a very mild pain-killer, so I'm not surprised it doesn't do much for you. I would just be honest with the doctor and tell him that it is not helping and why. Many of the people here keep pain journals as that is an excellent way to facilitate the discussion with the doctor. If they can see evidence of the negative impact the pain is having on your life, they may be more understanding and ready to help.

I also wanted to respond to your comment about anti-depressants. I am also a Christian, so I understand where you are coming from. The use of anti-depressants has been somewhat vilified by many churches. The more I learn about depression and pain, though, the more I feel open to using these medications. Depression is a very real thing, and there should be no shame in taking medication to treat it. Just as one wouldn't feel ashamed of taking insulin to treat diabetes. Also, science has shown that anti-depressants act upon the part of your brain that processes pain signals. Doctors now routinely prescribe these medications as part of a comprehensive pain management plan. And for many people, they really work! They didn't help with me, but they may for you. I would encourage you to at least try it. As you said, once you get to a point where the pain is taking over your life, there is nothing you wouldn't do to treat it.

Best of luck to you. I pray you will have a good visit tomorrow and the doctors will modify your treatment to better help you cope.
Ry

Thank you one and all for the time you gave me and compassion in answering my questions.

I greatly appreciate all your answers and your prayers.

God bless you all!

The problem is that my doctor and every site I have gone to says you can not mix ultram with any anti-depressant. I tried percocet a few years ago and it worked then made me so sick. I am definitely in a quandary. He did give me hydromorphine also. I didn't go in asking for anything by name. He knows I'd rather not take a thing and I know he would be willing to give me anything that he thought would help in careful amounts. Narcotics do make me sick. Ultram doesn't, it just isn't strong enough at times. Every test has not shown anything outstanding and that is the hard part to deal with, accepting it. I always feel there should be an explanation for the pain, but none has been found. So, I shall go on praying and try my hardest to be of good cheer, lol. Tough some days.

Again, thank you and God bless you all. This forum is the best!!

Thanks for your reply, Palady. I have researched it a long time ago, you are not suppose to take ultram with any antidepressants, there is a warning. It's not something I just heard, I read it and my doctor also looked it up and says there are warnings that it can cause seizures.

As far as being a Christian, I guess I didn't express myself well. I am not saying a Christian shouldn't take antidepressants. I actually was thinking of trying it but the harder narcotics don't agree with me, so I will continue with the Ultram.  I was just saying that I will continue in my faith for relief.

Thanks for your input.

God Bless.

Dear Palady, I know I was correct about the Ultram and antidepressants, I would never had said it if I didn't know it as a fact and I never said I was getting increasingly depressed. I just reread what I wrote. I don't think you undestood my post. Yes, it gets depressing being in pain but I never said I am getting "increasingly depressed" nor that as a christian, I shouldn't take anti-depressants. and I have spoke to my doctor. Thanks, it appears I am not being understood properly. This is not a new issue for me and I have researched much and have had many consultations. If you look at my original post, I only asked if you could have fibro from the waist down. But thanks for your time. 

Denim, the fine folks here were only reaching out to help you. Maybe there is a reason that you can't seem to find help on forums. Good luck and God bless.

Muzz said...
Denim, the fine folks here were only reaching out to help you. Maybe there is a reason that you can't seem to find help on forums. Good luck and God bless.

 Dear Muzz, I adore this forum and have always stated so. I have found help here on many occassions and would always advise anyone to come here. I apologize if I took a post in the wrong way, but I believe you are belittling me now. We are all here to encourage each other and I guess through my pain and frustration, took a post in the wrong way and felt misunderstood. 

Dear Gramps, I don't believe this, I wrote you a nice long reply and lost it, grrr--shoot. Thank you so much for taking the time to write me and care enough. Bottom line, I think it's a spine problem too, in your other letter you mentioned EMG, RSD and peripheral neuropathy. Do you know much about them, or should I google them? I was never tested for those and do you know if there is anything they could do about them? My pain did start RIGHT after I hurt my back and transferred to both legs. The mri's show bulging disks and stenosis but I'm told nothing to cause this much pain.

My doctor gave me another pill to take with the ultram that is stronger. Another problem, pain pills make me sick, that is coming down off of them. Only a few weeks ago I didn't feel as bad, I was walking and driving. It's been a nightmare of ups and downs for 3 years, but the pain is never gone, just the levels change.

I thank you so much for your time and concern. If I knew for a fact that an anti-depressant would help the pain, I'd take it, but honestly, when I don't feel bad, I'm not depressed and to take the anti-depressant I would have to get off ultram--it's semi complicated because of me. Thanks again for your kindness. I hope you are doing well. My very best to you.

Dear Gramps,

Thanks for all of your helpful advise. No, I have never had the EMG test, you would think a doctor would have ordered that.

I looked up RSD and it doesn't sound like I have that.

I will give everything more thought, though honestly I hate thinking about it. I tell you, just a few weeks ago, I had noticed a great improvement but it has changed course.

My husband thought about liquid meds, not sure what my insurance covers. Right now, do not know what is best. I imagine and hope it will become clear and appreciate all your input and prayers. God bless you, you have been so kind.