I saw a very long thread about not receiving Pain Meds that was started by Tailz (sp?) Maybe try asking for a specific medicine instead of a "pain med". They may be willing to prescribe something that isn't narcotic. I asked my doctor specifically for Tramadol (Ultram)
I just wanted to let Tailz know that Tramadol (Ultram is one of the commercial names) is the only medicine that has worked with me. It is specifically prescribed for long term chronic pain. When I first took it only the brand name Ultram was available and it was pretty expensive. But now the generic is available and is really inexpensive. I got 30 pills for under $7.00.
I haven't tried any of the narcotics for the Lyme pain and none of the anti inflammatory's worked for my joint pain and other pains that come along with my lyme. It reduces my pain which in turn gives me more energy.
This medication is an Opiod (sp?) it works with your brain and nerves to change the way your body feels pain.
Just thought I would share that.
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
gee, reading my tramadol prescription info that comes with it, it says it IS a narcotic and to be careful of dependency. Even says to ramp up slowly to see how body reacts.
Posted by Dizzyygirll (Member # 3576) on :
mine says you can become dependent but if you look up online it is an opioid and not a narcotic.
This is the medline link that explains it.
Posted by Aniek (Member # 5374) on :
Narcotics and opioids are the same things, just different terms. Tramadol is different than other narcotics in that it is not supposed to cause addiction.
Addiction and dependency are two very different things. Physical dependency means your body gets used to the medication, so you need a larger dose to have the same effect. I like to think of it as the pain signals figuring out how to get through the medication to the brain, so you need more medication.
Needing a higher dose or having withdrawl symptoms do not mean you are addicted. They are part of the imperfection of pain medications.
Addiction is needing the medication because it causes a euphoric feeling. People in chronic pain do not get the euphoric feeling unless their dose is too high.
Posted by Skyler (Member # 11549) on :
It can still lead to addiction. As long as anyone taking something for pain is aware of the symptoms of addiction and they keep a close eye out on their med use, everything should be ok. If you have tendancies to overdo stuff, drink too much, an all or nothing personality, you should be very careful! Also be very careful if addiction runs in your family!!!
As far as my experience with Tramadol, I hated it. It make me feel really weird, but I still had all the pain, which is kinda worse because I felt loopy and sick and on top of all that in pain. And I (before diagnosed with lyme) had 'arthritis pain' and my doctor treated that with Vicodin and that worked just fine for me.
It all depends on the person.
No matter what, be careful of addiction with any meds of that kind. Statistically, its actually something you do not have to worry about, but it does not hurt to take precausionary measures.
Posted by dmc (Member # 5102) on :
skler, I had just started it. Finding what you experienced is similar. Felt loopy, pain not gone but is tolerable.
A friend (who has no pain, nor ever did with lyme) is using it...help her with the MS symptom of feeling like her feet are glued to floor.
I have that too. She says her feet no-longer are "stuck". Haven't noticed dramatic relief of that but only been on the Tramadol 2 days.
Posted by Skyler (Member # 11549) on :
wow. That is very interesting. I am so glad it helps her in that way. How neat!
I really hope it helps you!!!!!!
Posted by tailz (Member # 10014) on :
I'm not sure now what to do. I really think I have malaria after californialyme's post.
And foggedup had a link up about how pain is necessary for survival. If I cover up these pains, my body won't know to fight the EMFs that are making these bugs attack me.
Yeah - I know I'm sounding crazy, but I can't even run my AC without pain. I don't know how to make everyone here listen.