Grandma very poorly

sorry she is so poorly

gilly How upset you must be feeling. I agree with janeainsworth. I don't think Tramadol is doing your grandma any good at all.

Gilly I am so sorry to read that about your Grandma.
I had Tramadol once 3 years ago, (aged 70) and hallucinated so I do know how strong it is and am not at all surprised that your beloved Grandma is out of it.
I do hope that you get a more helpful response from that doctor.
I think that JaneA has the right idea.
for you both.

Oh Gilly I'm feeling upset for you.
Did you speak to another doctor at the surgery when you went back last night, or a nurse or receptionist? They would not have had the authority to contradict what the doctor had prescribed.
I would be inclined to ring up and insist on speaking to a doctor, and if they say no, say you will take take your grandma to A&E. They won't like that.
I've looked up tramadol and can't see any use for it other than pain relief, so if your Grandma isn't in pain it doesn't make any sense to take it, to me.

I'm hoping that the doctor that came out said to contact him if her condition didn't improve or indicated that he would like to see her again in a couple of days but I think I know what the answer will be. We have an amzing health service but sometimes it lets people down really badly.

My apologies - I don't know why I thought you'd said your mother Gillybob

Gillybob You have spoken before about how fond you are of your Grandma.

I would be wondering wonder how much more she can take at her age? Would she want to go into hospital to get sorted out? Would she tell you if she did not?
Tramadol sound's a very strong pain killer for her age it is an opiate.

Is there a local pharmacist you could have a word with? They could be better on the drugs issue than GPs are.

That is so sad to read about gillybob. I have been taking Tramadol for about 3 years now (not the prescribed dose, I just take them when I feel I need them) and I haven't had any side-effects from them.

Can you ask for a second opinion? I can imagine that your mother's swollen legs would be very painful but surely there is another painkiller that would suit her better.

The Mayo Clinic gives some good advice on Tramadol if you're interested (and covers interactions with other medicines that your mother may be taking) www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/tramadol-oral-route/before-using/drg-20068050

I wish I had called for an ambulance yesterday instead of calling her surgery Tegan I really do. Her usual GP is away at the minute and the doctor that came yesterday does know her but doesn't have the patience that her usual doctor has (he is lovely and I couldn't praise him enough). I did go to the surgery last night just before it closed to ask again about the Tramadol and was told that the doctor prescribed it (60 tablets) and so she should take it ! I could cry. We always have a joke where my grandma says "oh don't get old Gilly" and I say "its better than the alternative" and she says "yes, i suppose it is" .. This morning she is just there, thats all. No talking and I was thinking.... is it really better than the alternative?

I have been reading up on it MiceElf and yes it would appear that the side effects are cognitive impairment along with just sleeping and halucinations too. Bless her she doesnt deserve this. Only last week she was doing bl**dy hard crosswords and playing along with the Chase and giving the Chaser a run for his money !

I wouldn't hesitate to question the prescription of Tramadol, gillybob. I was prescribed it for sciatica and like your grandmother was totally 'out of it' and struggled to wake up. I rang the surgery and was told to stop taking it.

Can she use incontinence pads during the night if she is finding it difficult to walk?

It sounds as though she needs to see a lymphedoema nurse. My niece is one and has told me that most people are not aware that they can be referred for treatment by their GP.

I know how you feel about your grandmother being abandoned to her fate but don't give up. My mother was given a few weeks to live a year ago last January and she's still alive and comfortable because she is now in a good nursing home.

I'm sure it's very worrying for you. I hope your grandmother improves soon.

Tremadol is a strong drug. In the elderly it can cause cognitive impairment. I would be onto the surgery to see another doctor or failing that seek advice from the hospital. You can't go on like this. I'm sure others will ave good advice very soon.

Have you thought about dialling 111 or whatever the number is now and asking for advice. At least that way your concerns will be recorded, although that doesn't really help you and your grandmother but might be an embarrassment for the Dr concerned. Also contact the surgery again and ask for another doctor to see her.