Tramadol

[Davewm]

This is some background. I was recently diagnosed with enlarged prostate. My general health is not good as I had a Triple Bypass and Mitral Valve Repair and also, last year was diagnosed with Heart Failure.

I’ve also got Severe Spinal Stenosis which has returned following a Failed Laminectomy Spine Operation. As a result of the Heart Failure I can’t take normal Painkillers like Ibuprofen etc so this is very difficult!

I was prescribed Tamsulosin which I took for a short time as I suffered with Rhinitis which I understand can be a side effect. The GP then prescribed Doxazosin with the same effect.

I was then prescribed Finasteride.

I, finally actually had an Ultrasound Scan last week and have been told I do NOT have an enlarged Prostate so the last few weeks of terrible side effects were for nothing as the GP has now taken me off Finasteride!

The GP originally suspected Cauda Equina as a result of my Severe Spinal Stenosis ( I did in fact suffer with acute Cauda Equina after my previous back surgery and was rushed into hospital) but the Pain Consultant wanted to rule out Prostate problems.

I’ve been to Pain Management today and reported back that that Facet Injections didn’t work, again. (The third time).

The consultant has now said to try Tramadol as my walking is severely limited with excessive pain.

Any advice on use of Tramadol would be welcome. The prognosis long Teri’s not good and I expressed my concern that I’d end up in a wheelchair - he said that’s possible so do walk now whilst you can if only short distances.

Thanks in advance

Kind regards David

[Madlegs1]

Tramadol is a low strength opioid.

Like all opioids, it takes a while to get used to.

Insomnia, itching, constipation and sleepiness are all possible side effects. No matter which opioid you may try.

Usually only last for about 3 weeks, depending on the individual reaction.

The painkilling effect may be well worthwhile, so do try to tough it out if you do decide to go for it.

I'm on Oxycontin for long-term spinal pain and am generally quite satisfied. Been on it for 7 years now.

Good luck with your future.

Don't forget that most posters here will come up with the bad reviews. The happy ones are off enjoying life!😝

[Davewm in reply to Madlegs1]

Thanks very much for your reply. I’ll certainly give it a try.

Thanks again.

[Jaff1 in reply to Madlegs1]

🤔🤔🤔 I enjoy my life and come on here in case I can help someone. Don't tar everyone with the same brush. You're on here to and you're trying to help someone. 😀 I find most people on here are trying to help others.

[Madlegs1 in reply to Jaff1]

The point I was making is that ,as on most review platforms, it is the people who have bad experiences,usually post about that experience.

The ones who have a good experience,usually don't come back to spread the good news.

That is very normal behaviour, and it is very relevant to this platform. Not to be put off by the negativity displayed in such cases.

And I think you are mistaken in thinking the majority of people on this forum are here to help others.

There are far more people looking for help.

Thank you for your contribution.

[Jaff1 in reply to Madlegs1]

I understood where you were coming from. I guess my experiences are different to yours.Most of the people on here come looking for answers and I find most of them get them. Some are indeed negative, but most of them are looking to give advice and I think, in the most part, the advice is sensible.

We all have our own views, I just wanted to point out that imho, there's a lot of support on here.

Other platforms I can't comment on because I don't use them. I don't count facebook or twitter or any other social media. Ooops I meant X now. No offense madlegs, just my own viewpoint.

[VS1955]

Hi David, I too have back issues - had Laminectomy in January which has helped with my walking, but I'm still really struggling with standing for any length of time due to my Sacroiliac joint, I'm having fusion later this year. I've been taking tramadol for a few years now and they really help, no side effects only the constipation, but manage that by eating fruit and taking Lactulose when needed. The dosage I take is 6 x 50mg per day. I was on 8....but now take Naproxen as well and this has allowed me to cut back my Tramadol dosage . Give it a try, I'm sure you'll be OK. Good luck 👍

[Davewm in reply to VS1955]

Thank you so much for replying. It's really useful to know peoples experience.

I was originally on Naproxen but this was stopped due to my Heart Failure.

Hope you keep well, thanks once again.

Kind regards

David

[Imagine1]

This is my personal opinion, I was given Tramadol a few years ago at hospital, after a few minutes I had a really bad reaction from it. It turned out that I am allergic to Opioids, which I didn't know. Then a few years after that knowing that I was allergic I actually told the paramedic, she gave me Tramadol and I nearly died. By the time I got to hospital 5 minutes away they had to rush me in to resusitate me. Luckily they did. It has left me now with a fear of tablets due to this because I don't trust a doctor not to give me Opioids. If a paramedic can do this so can a doctor. This is obviously an extreme case. I hope the doctor sorts your medication out for you, Please let me know.

[Davewm in reply to Imagine1]

Oh dear what a terrible experience for you. Thanks for replying and I wish you all the best for the future.

Kind regards

David

[Sparky57]

Hi I’ve not written on here for ages, but thought I’d share my experience with Tramadol, personally it works really well for me with my back pain, it still hurts but manageable, give it a chance hopefully will work for you too x

[waylay]

Failed discectomy in lumbar spine. Diclofenac/naproxen gave me an ulcer and GERD, paracetamol (for a year) resulted in acute liver failure. Venlafaxine doesn't help. Gabapentin caused nasty side effects. Codeine messed with my stomach a lot. Tramadol works well for me, and I occasionally use oramorph when it gets really bad. I get no side effects from tramadol, so it's great for me.