Gabapentin and Tramadol

[fraid]

Anyone on gabapentin for extreme pain in back re fractures, unbearable muscle and rib cage spasms? As gabapentin not working enough went from 3 x 300 mg to 6x ( max is 12 a day) still not enough so trying tramadol at same time now just morning to help me function a bit and evening so can get some sleep.

Told doc pharmacist was upping to 4 gaba but have usual trouble to speak to doc ie phone every day at 8 am, always busy, if get through appointments for week or so but I'm suffering now! Recep says phone 111 if that bad but can't travel as know they'll say go to hospital where I can sit in wheelchair or on trolley in corridor for hours, usual time in hosp 11 hours and just sent home with pain killers I already have. So hoping for some help from you knowledgable fellows re anything else that can help. Already use ibuleve, ice, heat, massage. Desperate. 😖Thanks.

[fraid]

Sun sea and sand put post on re same 5 yrs ago, maybe you could tell me how you are progressing and what worked? TIA.

[CinnamonRose]

I'm sorry that you are going though this, I know how you feel. I've had Gabapentine then Pregabaline but the game changer for me was the pain clinic changed it to Duloxetine.

I was getting searing pains down the front of my left leg it was ghastly but I've not had them since being on Duloxetine.

They also changed my meds to Oxycodone, a type of morphine, I have also got Oxycet which is a booster when needed

I do take 500 mg Naproxen and Paracetamol when it's really bad.

I've got 2 spinal fractures that I did just by turning round back in May and they've made no attempt to heal and are surrounded in fluid.

Yesterday I had injections into the fascette joints, 4 down each side so 8 in total

Last night was the first time I have lain in bed without it hurting for over 4 years, back when I first got spinal fractures!!

I did take my meds this morning but I got out of bed pain free and actually wanted to!!

So I'd suggest that you ask your Dr, it can be by phone consultation as you know what the problem is, to refer you to the pain clinic for extra help.

They're brilliant and know what will help.

They can also order scans etc if needed

Let us know how you get on

Xx

[fraid in reply to CinnamonRose]

Thanks so much for your reply, so glad you have found what helps you. Sadly, I cannot travel atall so no more xrays, scans which end up with same pain killers anyway and pain clinic just teaches you how to accept pain which I'm already well versed at. However, self medicating like I have to do, I have found that Gabapentin every four hours and with Tramadol most of those times, my pain is much better, been 6 weeks now so some healing must have taken place. 🤞

Problem is I have to use my arms, right esp. which every movement affects my shoulder blades and ribs, sitting still helps but I have to move. Ribs at front are the worst atm but easier to get to for massage, also have bad leg oedema and have put on 1/2 stone 😱 and painful bum sores but the screaming back rib spasms have almost stopped. 🤞

Hope improvement continues for both of us, pain is so exhausting.🥺

Have a lovely Xmas,🤗🧑‍🎄 it's my birthday on 8th Dec and friend bringing round my dins- sick of soup and sarnies! ☹️

[CinnamonRose]

Aww bless you, I hope you have some joy on your birthday. Life is hard when it's consumed in pain but it really does help if one can find a few joys and blessings every day, even as simple as a friend giving you dinner.

I try and write down something positive every day, even if I have to scratch around sometimes!!

I enjoy listening to Audible whist doing word games and André Reiu and his orchestra always lifts my spirits and gives some escapism!!

Sending you a hug🎁🎂💕

[fraid in reply to CinnamonRose]

Aw, thank you. Yes it's good to have a positive attitude. 👍 Now if I could just get rid of these pains! 😖 Have a great day. 🤔🧑‍🎄

[Charl36]

I’ve been in a similar situation, and I understand how frustrating and draining it can be to manage such severe pain. When I was dealing with unbearable nerve and muscle pain, I also needed to increase my gabapentin dosage significantly—up to the higher end of the limit—to get relief. It did eventually help, but only when I found the right dose for my body, which took some trial and error. Combining it with a medication like Tramadol, under guidance, provided additional relief by addressing both nerve and acute pain. I order Gabapentin from this pharmacy - topsup24.com/buy-neurontin-..., and I always get excellent results!

I’d suggest pushing for a follow-up with your doctor—try requesting a callback or leaving a detailed message about the urgency. If your current meds aren’t enough, you might need adjustments like extended-release gabapentin or a muscle relaxant (e.g., baclofen). In the meantime, keep alternating ice and heat, and try gentle stretches to manage spasms. Hang in there—you’re doing all the right things. xx

[fraid in reply to Charl36]

Thanks so much! But did you get major leg oedema with the Gabapentin? Which is why I want to get off it, so am slowly reducing it from 1800 mg to 1200 but then pain got worse so back up to 1500. My rib cramp pain has returned big time, esp. when I get up. Too cold for ice pax, have heat vest and hot bot on ribs. Better if I keep still but then oedema worse. I have phone appt with pharmacist on Thurs. will ask for different meds. Muscle relaxants don't work atall for some reason, had em all, inc. Baclofen- Methacarbamol made me so stoned couldn't think/ walk! Seems what had improved is back to square one. 🤷‍♀️

Just seen I asked similar Q 2 months ago, except now I have awful oedema!☹️

Hope you've managed your pain and you're much better now?🤗

[fraid]

Just looked up Duloxatine, seems it's used for anxiety depression etc + neuropathic pain, guess if you read side effects on all drugs you'd never take any!Shall ask pharmacist.Thank you. 🤗