Quote:
Originally Posted by gbsb
Thanks for sharing guys!
Prior to my first rib resection my PCP and the Osteophysician prescribed Tramadol/APAP and Tramadol HCL 50mg.
My research is showing they both have acetominophen. I was unaware that acetominophen is bad for the liver.
The Tramadol is the only thing that brought me relief prior to surgery.
I'm curious to see about this 24 hour stuff, it sounds like it may be a good alternative.
Just gotta convince the Doc or Docs. Right now the vascular who did the rib resection in October has just upped me from hydrocodone 500 to oxycodone 750.
My feeling is I'm showing signs of addiction because I feel horrible if I go without the hydro / oxy for 24 hours and 20 minutes after taking one I feel like a million bucks.
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Hi gbsb...I just found a website regarding the long-acting tramadol. It is approved here in the U.S., called Ultram ER. Here's a link:
http://www.ultram-er.com/
I'm going to ask my doc about it on Monday. Where did you see the info on tramadol containing acetaminophen? I looked it up and didn't see that anywhere...but would be interested to know. My doc switched me from Ultracet because my blood pressure was starting to go up...I didn't realize that acetaminophen affected blood pressure. I'm still not completely convinced it does, as mine didn't change after I switched. I don't use the tramadol on a regular basis, though...but if it does have an effect, and the plain tramadol has some component of acetaminophen, I may not want to use the Ultram ER. I'll ask him about it on Monday and let you know what he has to say.
It might be a good time for you to take a break from the narcs for a while, too...I've been on Vicodin or Oxy IR for over 4 years now, and I usually monitor how "attached" I'm getting to them by taking a break from them pretty often to see if I have that feeling of craving them at all. So far, no problem, other than the pain! If I'm in a flare, then I just have to take a day (or more) off of my regular routine.
Victoria, have you found any stomach problems with the long-acting tramadol? I do get nauseated from both the tramadol and the Ultracet. That's the best advantage I've found to the Oxy IR...it doesn't bother my stomach at all. I did develop a tolerance to it pretty quickly, though, which is frustrating.
Good discussion, and good timing for me, as I am needing to make some changes...pain control is not happening these days. Thanks!
Donna