anyone using Ultram (or Tramadol)

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After an MRI with/without contrast, several things showed up that might be causing my lower back pain, but none was conclusive. My PM doctor prescribed Ultram 50 mg every 4 to 6 hours. I'm usually able to wait 6 hours and don't take it through the night, I guess I'm getting maybe 150-200 mg daily. But, of course, I think about long term effects. Has anyone had experience with this med for a long time?
 
Yes, I have a copy of the MRI. Briefly, here are the results:
1. marrow edema in L1-L2 and L4-L5 endplates.
2. subacute degenerative disc disease.
3. scoliosis with convexity to the left.
4. slight retrolisthesis of L2 on L3.
5. facet hypertrophy.
6. severely degenerated facets contributing to left L5 neural foraminal narrowing as a result of left lateral disc osteophte formation and facet hypertrophy.

I'm seeing a pain management doctor who is affiliated with my neurosurgeon. The tramadol is working pretty good, but I just am apprehensive about taking any drug indefinitely.

Thanks
 
Hi! I am on Ultram, as I have chronic arthritis in my back. I get periodic RFA (nerve burning) on my lurabar area, as well as injections a couple times a year. Right before and after my RFA I take more Ultram, and then wean back to taking less when my back feels better. Sometimes I go off it completely. I have been on and off Ultram for a couple years now. It has not upset my stomach, or caused other side effects that Vicoden or other pain killers have caused me in the past. Hope that helps! Kera4
 
Okay, you have a lot going on in your spine, some things very similar to me - swelling, DDD, scoliosis, facet hypertrophy. As far as I know, though, I do not have any slippage of disks (retrolisthesis). With all this, I can understand why you would be in pain.

I also know how you feel regarding not wanting to take pain meRAB indefinitely. I do not care for taking all these pills, either....but, with all the pains and symptoms I get along with needing to work full-time and be able to move around a bit, I really need the meRAB. I've had times where I didn't get my refills, say, of Lyrica, on time (through prescription assistance) and OMG, my nerves really flared up all over the place. So even though while taking Lyrica I still get nerve pains and symptoms, it is definitely not as severe as not taking them. I've also tried not taking my tramadol or soma for a day or two here and there and that was god awful. The spasms I get are terrible and seem to affect almost my entire body sometimes. The Soma is the only muscle relaxer I've found to help ALOT with my spasms. There is no way I could not take it. I have no idea, though, if I'll end up having to take these meRAB indefinitey or not. But for now...I really need them.

I guess you have to think about how you would deal with every day life not taking the medications. How much pain would you be in and how many things would you not be able to do, and so on. I know it's a hard decision, but I guess you'd either have to keep taking meRAB (or taking them on & off) or stop taking them and try to deal with the pain somehow.
 
Hi,

I've been taking tramadol daily for over a year now, along with a few other meRAB to control my pain. As far as I know, it's not caused me any kinRAB of problems at all. I do not have any knowledge as to possible long term problems, though.

It seems to help my pain somewhat, though not entirely, and I also still get sudden severe pain exacerbations periodically. I was taking 1 pill every 4-6 hours and was recently upped to 1 to 2 pills every 4-6 hrs due to bad pain I had while sitting, as well as neck pain.

You said you had an MRI..what did the MRI actually show? Do you have a copy of the MRI report? If not, you really should get one. Also, what kind of doctor are you seeing for your back pain?
 
Well, the Tramadol is at least helping me to function, and I can certainly tell when it's time to take another dose if I forget. I'm sure I'll continue because what else is there, really? I'm a retired teacher, and I'd like to sub this next school year to bring in a little extra money to do some things for my house.

Thanks for your input, Baybreeze. Hope you have a great Sat.

Carken
 
I have been taking Tramadol for several years. It takes the edge off my pain. I take about the same dosage. One thing to know that not all drs know is that it must be taken ongoing, keeping a level in your body; not for break through pain, so take it on your schedule. If you are like me, the pain may change within an hour or two, so when I think I can stretch out the interval, I often get surprised by pain with the level in my body too low. good luck.
 
Yes, I'm finding that out about taking it on schedule. I'm trying to wait 6 hours between dosages, but it's no always working. Sometimes I get a not-so-gentle-reminder. Maybe I should switch to about 5 hours and try that. Anyway, as you said, it does take the edge off.

Thanks,
Carken
 
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