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Posted 8/28/2009 11:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi everyone:) Id like to share my experience and maybe get some suggestions.

I have Lyme Disease and have been in chronic pain for some time now. My doctor prescribed me Tramadol to take at 50mg 3x's a day. Some days, I take 4 when the pain is unbearable. Lately, Tramadol hasn't been doing much for my pain besides taking a little of the edge off. During the night and early mornings is when I am at my worst...like now. If I wait past 6-7 hours to take it again, I am bombarded with tripple the pain and the Tramadol takes longer to work.

I don't know what else to do. I am in tears every morning. I feel so helpless sometimes. The pain is constant, 24/7 and sometimes it gets so bad that I can barely move. I just stay in bed when this happens.

My problem is that Im so sensitive to medications. I cannot take anything too strong. It makes me feel weird in the head and knocks me out. I take half of an Advil for Christ sakes! I'm that sensitive.

Anyway, I'm wondering if anyone knows what else I could try that's maybe one step up from Tramadol? Or maybe even a time released med that will last all day/night?

I'm seeing a new Lyme doctor on the 8th but he doesn't prescribe anything strong. I think I may go to a pain specialist but I'd like to have some suggestions first from all of you knowledgeable people before I go.

Thanks so much for reading this. I appreciate any suggestion anyone can offer.

CajunGrl
Posted 8/28/2009 2:18 PM (GMT 0)
CajunGrl,

My mother is also sensitive in the stomach when taking pills and when she developed cancer she was in a lot of pain so the docs gave her percocet, she could not take it, so they cut it in half, still bugged her so they moved down to vicodin,and the same thing happened, what they found that worked was MS Contin, one pill in the morning and one pill at night because it is extended release, it didn't hurt her stomach like the rest did and the only set back was a headache whch was cured by Tylenol. Thats about all Ican offer you, so maybe check t out and I wish the best for you. I'll check back later and see how you are coming along, util then take care.

Kel
Posted 8/28/2009 2:26 PM (GMT 0)
CajunGirl, I am so sorry that you are dealing with this pain...and the problems with taking pain meds. They do have a new Ultram ER that lasts longer then the original. Ask your Dr. about it...Since the tramado works normally for you I think the extended release is just what you need...

Good Luck, and I hope you find some peace.

Me.
Posted 8/28/2009 3:31 PM (GMT 0)
Kel: Im truly sorry about your mom. I can only imagine the pain she is in. Thanks you so much for the suggestion. I've never heard of that drug, but it's worth a try. I will look it up on the web later. Thanks for your concern:)


Uniquelyme: Thank you:) I didn't know they made an extended release. That just may work!

Thanks so much you two for responding.
Posted 8/28/2009 3:56 PM (GMT 0)
Hey CG,

It is nice to see you here.  After all the amazing work you do on the lyme board supporting others, it is nice for us to be able to support you.  I hope you can get some good advice and support here.  This is a cool board.  We have great chat nights on Thursday.  Please come!

I don't have any real advice for you.  I just wanted to show my support.  You are a wonderful, kind, and compassionate, giving person and you so deserve to find relief and support. 

Posted 8/28/2009 4:05 PM (GMT 0)
Gretchen,

Can I hug you? You're so sweet. It's nice to hear that:) Thanks so much for your kind words.

I'd love to join all of you on thursday nights! Remind me when it's time because I have Lyme brain, lol.
Posted 8/28/2009 5:10 PM (GMT 0)
I know on the tramadol that the max dose per 24 hr period is 300mg. I was using 100mg 3Xdaily while using it. As Uniquelyme stated there is an extended release tramadol but it does not come in a generic and is quite expensive depending on your insurance. Possibly speak to your doctor about increasing your dosage or check with your pharmacy to see how much the extended release would be with your insurance coverage. I was seeing a rheumatologist that gave nothing stronger than tramadol for pain so I switched to a PM doctor and have good results. Kel suggested MS contin which is morphine base. I am using avinza which is a 24hr time release morphine and I am tolerating well. I hope you can work something out with your doctors help or if you decide to see another doctor.
Posted 8/28/2009 9:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi, Cajun,
Welcome to the CP forum. Glad you came over here to ask. My thoughts are along the lines of others here. You may want to try the ER tramadol if that medication is working for you. But seeing a pain management specialist even for a consult wouldn't hurt either. Might give you different options. The doctor treating you for the lyme might be able to recommend someone. But be sure the PM doc doesn't just do high tech procedures like injections and the like. Some PM docs are doing only that because it's easier and likely more lucrative. So be sure any PM doctor also prescribes medications for long term pain management.

Good luck!

PaLady
Posted 8/28/2009 10:44 PM (GMT 0)
hi cajungirl!!!

dont know if you remember me or not, but I have Lyme too. In my opinion you have to attack all the diff kinds of pain at the same time.

RIght now I am on a fentanyl patch. It may be worth asking about. It is a patch you put on your skin that releases meds 24/7. It doesnt have to go through your gi tract. but it is strong.

If you have nerve pain you should treat that too with an appropriate med.
an example neurontin, or cymbalta.

In addition to the patches I get an oral med oxycodone I can take up to 2x a day. I really only need it day 3 of the patch.

hope you feel better real soon hugs to a fellow lymie!|
melissa

hope you feel better soon
Posted 8/29/2009 1:48 AM (GMT 0)
CG,

Ew, ew, ew!!!  No hugs!  Keep those spirochetes to yourself!  Hehe......just kidding.  Thanks for the hug and hugs right back at you.  I will give you a cyber-whack on Thursday and remind you about chat.

Posted 8/29/2009 6:12 AM (GMT 0)
Hey everyone! Thank you all for the great suggestions. I didn't think I would get this many. I wish I had come to this forum first.

Merrygirl: Yes, I do remember you! How have you been?

Gretchen: Haha! You're crazy girl. Yes, please give me a whack to remind me, lol.
Posted 8/29/2009 2:30 PM (GMT 0)
Ok I have the low down on this med!!!! yeah    I even got my husband on it for his Fibro and Desert Storm illness.  Its so GREAT.

Ryzolt ER comes in three different dosing. 100, 200 and 300mg.  All doctors have a coupon that gives you 14 days free.  Inside the box they give you will be a phone number to call.  They will send you a card from the drug company that will give you a deal.

This is how it works for me and my insurance.

No generic so I pay $25.00.

The cards deal is it covers the first $35.00 of the medication.   If you don't have insurance even with the first $35.00 it will still be alot out of pocket.  I still havent called to get my card I will have to do this cuz if I read the information correctly then I shouldn't have to pay a copay either.  Hmmm I need to call them and ask.

I got to use three coupons for a free 1 1/2 month use.  More drug companies should use this game plan and most of us will be happy.

Cajungrl I have been on the Ryzolt 300mg ER for about three months now.  I noticed how much it acually worked when I forgot to take it one day.  Boy o Boy did I feel it the next day I even started a thread on the mistake of not taking it. 

Laurie

Posted 8/29/2009 3:51 PM (GMT 0)
Hey Laurie! How are you hun? Is Ryzolt for pain or depression.....or both?

Thanks for the info.
Posted 8/29/2009 4:14 PM (GMT 0)
I'm doing fine so far but lets see what tomorrow brings  tongue

Ryzolt is for pain.  But I also take celexa and trazodone for pain and sleep with my breakthrough meds.

Laurie

Posted 8/30/2009 8:00 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks hun. I will probably try Ultram ER first and if that doesn't work, I'll look into the things everyone suggested here.
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