Osteoarthritis and Tramadol

Yes me.. Pre Hip replacement. Made me so sick, had terrible headache had no option but to take to my bed to sleep it off. Did give it a couple of tries but no.

My Dad had only died a few days before, I was awaiting my Hip replacement, in real pain. I needed to be able to help my Mum, my poor Dad had taken the lions share with her issues.
GP thought it might help.. Totally the opposite never again.

I too was prescribed it for Arthritis pain but after I took just one I slept for 15hrs and was then nauseous and sick. I never took another one and found Naproxen with a stomach protector worked well for me.

Tramadol is a very strong painkiller, which I woukd avoid.

My Mum was on tramadol for years for her arthritis and when she came off it the withdrawal was horrendous. Similarly when she was prescribed codeine and Fentanyl long term. All of the above needed help with antisickness pills until she got used to taking them. Now she takes Gabapentin and she has no problems.
It is far better to try to keep medicines to a minimum as whatever you take, your body will get used to so you don't get the benefits after a while. I know how hard that is with arthritis. I cannot take NSAIDs so find it really difficult when the pain is bad so use heat to try to assist.

It is a very strong opiate- so in my book to be avoided at all cost unless really truly desperate, in an emergency and short term only.

I have taken tramadol for a few years without any problems. I take them at least three times a day, two at a time together with two paracetamol. Without it, I would not be able to walk, even with them, I am still in pain but can at least still function. When I started taking them, I had no side effects luckily although I have reacted badly to other ones in the past, diclophenac (sp) made me very sick!

I was worried about getting addicted to them but my pharmacist has reassured me that I am not.

1. I sometimes forget to take them if I am sitting down and do not get agitated or shaky
2. I have stopped taking them twice to try other meds as suggested by my gp - did not help so went back on tramadol
3. I never take more than the prescribed dose and do not run out of tablets before I am allowed new ones
4. I have annual medication reviews with my gp

I am now planning knee replacement surgery in the new year when I have lost some weight so hopefully I can reduce my pain relief - will still need some until both my knees have been replaced.

I was shocked though when I went to the US and was told that tramadol is a major problem over there, addicts take out the powder from inside the capsules to inject themselves for an immediate hit! I was warned not to take them in public or tell people that I had them!

My prescription for Tramadol is eight every day!
This dosage would, admittedly, more or less stop my back pain, but I'd also be practically unconscious, so I take it only when I really need to!
It makes me go very light headed, and 'bungs me up' badly!
However, there are times when I just can't do anything without the painkilling strength of Tramadol!
I probably take, on average, 15-20 over the course of a month, with just paracetamol and 'gritting my teeth' the rest of the time.
Whilst we were recently away on holiday though, I took four capsules on a few days, and on two particularly bad days, took six!
I know my limitations when I've taken them though, I definitely go off 'away with the fairies', so wouldn't dream of driving, and make sure that I concentrate all the time in the kitchen!
Most of the time, I take them so rarely that I don't build up any kind of dependency on them, therefore, no withdrawal problems either!

Tramadol makes me sick too. Once was enough! My sister and my son have had the same experience. I react badly to opioids in general - or do I mean opiates? Not sure of the difference.

Teacheranne, that is a massive amount- is you doctor aware. It could seriously affect your kidneys and your head. Do you drive?

You could be arrested at many airports or countries for class 1 drugs.

Tramodol is widely prescribed here, I took a couple of tablets once and was in bed for 24 hours, never again. Similarly with Co-codamol.
Ask your pharmacist for advice susytish

Fleurpepper

Teacheranne, that is a massive amount- is you doctor aware. It could seriously affect your kidneys and your head. Do you drive?

My doctor is obviously aware as he prescribes them! I have tried different painkillers but they did not help. I have annual blood checks re kidney function.

I do drive and have never had a problem, my doctor is aware I drive and is not concerned.

I have traveled abroad with my meds in my hand luggage and have never been questioned although I also have a copy of my prescription with me..

I have needed knee replacement surgery for about five years but have resisted the operation as my father in law died as a result of knee replacement surgery. But I’ve had enough now so am seeing a consultant to get ready for the operation early next year.

I also drink alcohol occasionally while still taking tramadol which is not recommended so reckon my body is wrecked!

DH has used tramadol for extreme back pain. I was given it after surgery so that I was pain free overnight. Every time I closed my eyes I started to hallucinate. Really strange experience. A blood pressure monitor was taking readings every 15 mins too. The cuff was really tight so I got no sleep at all.

Not forgetting the real risk of severe constipation....we know someone who was in hospital fir a week with impacted bowels. Obviously if pain is so severe strong painkillers are the only option but I would avoid opioids if at all possible.

Fleurpepper

You could be arrested at many airports or countries for class 1 drugs.

Most countries are happy if you have it prescribed or a letter from your GP but always check it first. My friend works in Arabic countries and some of her ADHD medication which she can't be without has to be smuggled in!

Husband had bowel cancer operation and when in icu he was on oramorph without issue. When they stopped oramorph he was given 1 tramadol and he was hallucinating and felt very very I’ll. he refused to take tramadol again. (My old dog was given tramadol by vet and we found it didn’t help her).

Thank you everyone. So much information. So where from here. My physio has recommended a scheme at local health centre for people with arthritis, exercise, gym, pool. So hoping this will help

Worth giving it a try. Hope it does help Susy.

I was given Tramadol in hospital post hip replacement surgery. They made me nauseous and sick besides giving me recurring nightmares, even days after stopping them, not to mention the constipation!

Never again!

It's an opioid and addictive. It does work, but I am clean of it now after being dependent on it for a few years.

No criticism of anyone here, but it worries me hugely that people on high dose Tramadol are sharing the roads with me, and more importantly, my ACs and GCs.

I didn't drive when I was taking it because I didn't trust myself and still don't because I got out of the habit of wanting to.

Three or four years ago I fell and damaged my shoulder. OH was away but younger son had come home to help. One night the pain was so unbearable we got a taxi to A&E in Oxford. They gave me one solitary Tramadol and it worked quickly and beautifully. They wouldn’t let me take any home. The pain had started to ease the next day and I was given codeine, I think. I have read that Tramadol is incredibly addictive.

My gp absolutely refuses to prescribe it to anyone.