Re: Re: new rheumy (pain meds)

[Guest guest]

I too have had awful problems with pain. I had narcotic pain medication that I

take with my migraine medication when I have a migraine, and taking the narcotic

meds for PA pain do next to nothing for me. I felt like I got maybe 10-20%

relief, and for that it wasn't worth taking at this point, especially since you

are likely to build up a tolerance over time and need a higher dose of narcotic

medication to achieve the same relief. HOWEVER, I know from experience that pain

will just plain wear you down. More than once I have sobbed because I have been

in so much pain and questioned whether or not I can continue to live like this.

I told my husband that I now can understand how some people who must live in

constant pain can take their own lives. Fortunately, my medication changes are

currently providing about 80% relief for me, and I only experience bad pain if I

have pushed myself too hard or triggered a flare. I asked my rheumy for, and

received Tramadol to take in these instances, because my rheumy agrees that pain

will wear you down, and even decreasing pain is beneficial to the patient. So,

during pain episodes, I take the Tramadol and I can bring the severe pain down

to a more manageable level. I have to take it for several days at a time though,

and it does make me a little groggy as it builds up in my system, since I'm

taking 3 times a day. On my next rheumy visit, I plan to ask if the

delayed-release form might eliminate some of the grogginess. I personally would

not stay with a rheumy who did not find a way to address pain management.

Good luck.

in NC