hello all im writing to you all again i have been going to several different drs like neurosurgeon, neurologist, othropedicsurgeon and now my dr is sending me to get epidural injections in my back cause i found out i have a herniated disc the pain from my neuropathy is reaql bad finally got my sugars somewhat under control could be better but at least they aren't 300-340 anymore but it hurts so bad i can't do simple housework cuse of my back hurtimg me they won't do surgrey to fix it so i could get on with my life so i get upset. im just so scared i don't know what i can't expect from this injection if they can put me to sleep to do it im a nervous wreck if someone could please write back it would help me i will answer any questions you have thank you for your time

Hi Hon.

My husband had the epidural injection. It did not hurt. He immediately got up and was put in a chair to rest for one hour. Then we went home.

So try and not worry. The injection is not bad at all. It's there to help you.

And I hope it does.

For my pain, drugs like percocet did nothing to ease the pain at all. The only thing I've found that works for *me* is Tramadol (Ultram). Taking Tramadol was a life-saver for me. It completely mutes my PN symptoms. One thing I've found though is while taking Tramdol along with other pain killers such as Lortab and Vicodin completely cancels out the Lortab type drugs. I have no effect whatsoever from those types of drugs while taking Tamadol. Usually they put me out like a light. Not with the Tramadol.

I started Tramadol about a year ago, I think and started at 37.5 mg. I just went up to 50mg yesterday. My doctor started me on Mirapex yesterday too for some RLS type symptoms and if my first night with the Mirapex is anything to go buy this might be a big help to my symptoms. I have idiopathic PN, that is, PN without knowing the cause.

I thought I remembered reading that Tramadol was not to be taken with other pain medications. I took Tramadol for months before I had the pelvic and sacral fractures. They took me off the Tramadol in the hospital before they would give me other pain medication. I'm not sure and the ole memory isn't what it used to be. But now I'm wondering?

Billye

You're right. But I've taken Tramadol one day and tried hydrocodone the next and the hydro did *nothing* for the pain. It was like I hadn't taken anything at all.

ETA: I came across info somewhere that stated if one is addicted to opiates such as hydro and takes Tramadol it can throw them into opiate withdrawal.