Tramadol and memory lane by Stewart

toolbeltexpert

Well my dw is still complaining of pain and this does seem to be playing into her not being able to sit. Today we were walking and she started to cry, I asked what was the matter and she said it hurt and pointed to her lower hip area. It has been xrayed before. This has been a constant and for many years.I had seen her wince while try to sit on the toilet, also the nurse had questioned whether pain may be part of her recent problems,she has been getting Tylenol for a while, but it doesn't seem to be helping so they got a doctors order for tramadol. I searched the forum which had about 10 posts which only led me to more questions.

I have reviewed the side effects on drugs.com. does anyone out there have a lo taking tramadol or had any issues, I would love to hear your experiences.

Also after reading a post that said that tramadol couldn't be prescribed for chronic pain unless hospice prescribed it, is that true?

I also took a trip down memory lane since I am starting to figure out the search box. I like it a whole lot more now.

I also was sad to remember those that have lost their lo, and those that just disappeared, I like being able to pull up a person's profile just to see when they were active last so I know if they are still around.

I am so thankful for everyone here, you are really my family including new folks. The shared bond of hardship, when one member suffers we all suffer, if you just joined and are hitting a crisis point we are all here for each other. My journey down memory lane was me reviewing how it all began, I lurked for a long while. I took actions even though I never posted like I got a dpoa long before my first post. But as progression keep its steady pace I had to start vocalizing the things that were happening, boy it really helps to know I wasn't the only one going thru this. Now I recommend this forum to anyone who is dealing with dementia.

Be blessed my friends thanks for all the help, there are to many names to name, I would be afraid I would leave one out.

Stewart

Ed1937

Yeah, I often think about some of the people who no longer post. I wonder what's happening with them. Some haven't been active for quite some time. Maybe some have come to the end of caregiving, and they're now living a better life. I hope that's the case.

RickM

Maybe we need to reach out and ask folks who have survived the journey to post...if they're still hanging out here.

M1

Stewart, tramadol is a pretty benign analgesic. It is classified as a narcotic, but barely--tolerance and addiction are possible but pretty unlikely. Usual dose is 50-100 mg up twice or three times daily. It's definitely worth a try and if it doesn't help, I wouldn't hesitate to ask for something stronger. I would bet 100 mg has a lot more chance of being effective than 50, but you never know given interactions with other things, so start low but don't hesitate to move up.

mrahope

Just here to say that although my DH has never needed tramadol, I have used it myself twice in my life for periods of time. I first used it for back pain and then for a torn rotator cuff. I didn't have problems with side effects at all and was able to discontinue without problems when I no longer needed it. YMMV.

toolbeltexpert

Thank you Mrahope and m1 I just asked for her to get her one and I decided to hang around to see how it goes. The pain thing is definitely causing issues with sitting.

Jo C.

. . . . I am so sorry your dear wife is having such pain, that is terrible for her and I am sure deeply concerning for you. Personal experience with hip pain in Loved One:

If there is a way for her to an acute hospital, there is a simple and very effective procedure that can give long lasting results - This is done in Radiology: An Interventional Radiologist can inject the hip under fluoroscopy - takes no time at all; just a few minutes once the patient is settled on table. For some, it does not hurt except for a very few short seconds sting sort of feeling. Pt. can be sedated if necessary.

Results can be immediate and long term - some get relief for six months or more - others have had results last a year or two as the acute issue responded extremely well.

Just another idea and she would not have to take medication multiple times a day with possible side effects that may exacerbate dementia symptoms.

I could be off base for your wife, but it may be worth looking into.

J.

jfkoc

I think Dick took Tramadol. I know the dog did...lol.

Rick,,,,there are more posting in stage 8 than you are probably aware of. I have continued to post although Dick died 5 years ago. Mostly I try to pass through info given to me but I also like to keep up with friends made here.

Ed1937

Jo, my wife had problems with her knees. She couldn't walk for more than 15 feet or so at a time. Doc said they had an injection called synvisc, and he called it WD-40 for the knees. He told her she might get 6 months from it. It was 3 injections, I think a week apart. That was about 30 years ago, and she never needed another round.

Jo C.

Also had this experience with a hip injection - everyone is different, but if it is highly effective and gives long term results - it is a winner and it is so simple.

I remember when my mother had severe spinal stenosis, it suddenly had her down in bed; she could not move a bit without horribly severe pain. She had been in rehab when this hit her. It was awful, and certainly could not get up and at times was moaning and a few times screaming out in pain.

She was transferred for Interventional Radiology and I missed the time it was done due to traffic getting there. She was already back at rehab when I finally got to town. I went to her room but she was not there . . . . I was so worried - what happened to her?

As I got way down the hall going to the nurses station - there was my mother, fully ambulating by herself and smiling! I was stunned by the immediate change. So for that, it also was a huge blessing. Having it done in the proper setting by the proper specialist AND under fluoroscopy is the need.

ghphotog

This is good information regarding injections to ask my DW's doc about as she also complains a lot about hip and knee pain.

ImMaggieMae

Jo C, what did they inject? Was it Cortisone?

KTOHARA

I am familiar with Tramadol. No matter what they tell you it is a non-narcotic. It is not strong but will take the edge off the pain. I had to quit it because it made me itch.

KTOHARA

It is the lowest pain med (ie least strong). If hospice was required that is totally ludicrous! It is no big deal.

Jo C.

Injection is usually with a steroid. (If a person has Bipolar Disorder, it would be good to discuss the procedure with the LOs psychiatrist as BPD persons can be sensitive to steroid meds.)

I do know my mother who had dreadful behavioral FTD, did amazingly well with the procedure; it restored much quality to her life. Also have had friends who have had this or their LOs have with the same results. That does not mean it is a guarantee for everyone, but it can be pretty amazing in so many instances. You may find it an option after discussing it with you LOs physician.

J.

annewilder

My DH has taken Tramadol for many years for failed back syndrome....( along with high powered narcotics, acupuncture, PT, chiropractor and a spinal cord stimulator). I would do whatever it takes to find comfort for your wife. If she is nonverbal then you will have to watch her expressions as indicators about her level of discomfort. No one should be in severe pain, dementia or not!