Rheumatologist appointment today…

[Willow7733]

I have been having a lot of problems with blood clots in my lungs the past two years. I am also having increased pain in my joints (including lower back). I have had to stop Naproxen because of the blood thinners I am on. I have had several prednisolone injections in my lower back, but the pain is still there. Today I have been given Tramadol to try. Has anyone had good results or has anyone taken this medication before? Any info would be appreciated.

[stiff19]

I found tramadol somewhat helpful and hope you do too though we are all different in what helps and don’t, something doctors need to realise .

Good luck hope they help some

[sabine]

sorry you have been so poorley. i have lupus and take plaquinol but have also suffered with lower back problems, and found tramadol to be very helpful, more so than ibuprofen in alleviating severe back pain. make sure you dont have it long term though, it could then be less affective.

[Hamptons]

I have long term back issues following 2 surgeries. I have a back massage once a month to ease the muscles. Sounds relaxing but due to the knots particularly in my shoulders that do the work for my lower back it can be intense but I find it prevents a lot of pain. It needs to be someone with musculoskeletal knowledge. I have also found the physio using ultra sound to get in the deeper tissues a great relief. I live with my hot water bottle attached as that soothes the muscles.

I think trying to keep moving if only a little walk each day, sitting for a long time makes mine worse. I also use a tens machine when pain is really bad, wearing it when I move so it goes into the active muscles.

My sister used tramadol but not for back pain, she found it good and she didn’t react which was a miracle. But it’s not a long term solution.

[Willow7733 in reply to Hamptons]

I also go for massages (I am actually going to my massage therapist today at noon!). It does help the lower back some. My pain is in several joints, not just my back. My rheumatologist started me on high dose Tylenol and then we progressed to this new drug Tramadol. I haven’t taken it yet, going to pick it up later on today.

I am very active. I work full time at a local hospital where I move a lot all day. I also go to the local gym for classes when I can. My options for pain medications are limited because I have been getting pulmonary embolisms frequently in the past two years. But I totally agree that keeping active is the best solution by far.

I just need to get some pain relief to sleep at night. I have too many things to do, and it is getting more difficult because the pain keeps me awake.

[Krazykat26]

I take Tramadol when I need to. I take paracetamol and if that doesn't help with the pain I take the Tramadol then. I don't take it on a daily basis as someone else mentioned it can stop being effective. There's also an issue around becoming dependent on them.One of the side effects that I experience is constipation so when I'm taking tramadol I up my dried fruit intake (apricots work for me 😋)

I have found it helpful..I get some pain relief and it also makes me very drowsy so I get some decent sleep. I hope that it works for you too. 💜🌈😽😽Xx

[hopegalore20]

Hi Willow7733, yes I have tried Tramadol. Prescribed for me when I had Shingles. This Medication helped me greatly, relief from the intense pain. Please remember when your time comes to stop taking this medication, you must wean yourself of it, do not stop it instantly. Good Luck to you, hope things improve. 🙏