My primary did bloodwork and switched my meds

I have been in excrutiating pain for over a year now. At first, I didn't want to get on pain medicine because I don't like the way it makes me feel and I was scared that my body may become addicted, so I took natural supplements for a few months. It didn't help. I finally got on Tramadol(Ultram) and have been on that for over a year now. All it did was BARELY take the edge off. I was still bombarded with pain when I woke up. It was horrible and I felt like I just could not take it anymore. I saw my primary two days ago and she switched my pain meds. She told me that it just wasn't worth me being in that much pain and that it was probably affecting my family......it was. I was always grouchy and groaning all the time. I was barely laughing or smiling anymore. She switched me to Vicoprofen. It has vicoden and Ibuprofen in it and let me tell you.........I feel better already. I am not groggy or "out of it" at all and that's what I was worried about. She also put me on a low dose of hydrocortisone(10mg), to see if it makes a difference. She thinks I have auto immune problems since my legs are so weak and wobbly and since I was in so much pain. I'm waiting on my bloodwork to come back for that. For the new members that have heard to stay away from steroids.....sometimes us Lyme patients need them when we are dealing with auto immune problems.

Anyway, what I'm trying to say is.....don't suffer. If you are scared to get on anything strong, let your doctor know. There are so many different pain meds out there. My doctor listened to me and I am so glad that she did. I feel so much better. I got out of bed for the first time and didn't need help. It actually felt really weird. I'm so used to being in pain that I don't know how to feel without it.

Talk to your doctor and be honest with them. It is best for you and your family in the end.

Hi CG,

I'm glad to hear that you're working well towards managing your chronic pain. It was not only affecting your family, but also probably affecting your mood and your ability to get restorative sleep. Chronic pain can also be very fatiguing. It wears down the psyche.

That's interesting that they make hydrocodone with ibuprofen ~ I wasn't aware of that. The anti-inflammatory properties of both ibuprofen and hydrocortisone should be helpful for you.

I found that once I was precribed a slow-release narcotic, it was much easier to manage my pain and therefore, my activities. (I'm unable to take anti-inflammatory Rx's.) The pain psychologist that the disability insurance company sent me to advised my GP to prescribe slow-release pain medication. Chronic pain is much more difficult to manage when you're taking medication on an "as needed" basis ~ I think of it as trying to chase away the wind.

Take good care.

Hi CG,

So glad you found some relief! Yiiippppeee!

Best wishes, bablymers mom