Tramadol Question

Rob's Daughter · July 10

Hi All -

So my mom is in assisted living on Hospice care for over a year now. She is in a Broda chair and they now use a Hoyer lift getting her into bed/shower etc. She is down to 95 pounds. I would say late stage 5 or early 6.

She has been taking Tramadol 2x a day (morning and night). A Hospice nurse called and said that after a shower or maybe it was during a shower the aid noticed my mom was in pain. The hospice doctor examined my mom and now she will be taking Tramadol a third time or at lunch time each day… so now 3x a day.

I asked the nurse as to what pain my mom is in…. and her answer was just that she is so thin. I don't think that's the reason…. but can anyone explain the pain a patient can be in? My mom is wide eyed and stares straight ahead… doesn't make eye contact… doesn't really speak too much, only when spoken to. They usually put her back to bed after lunch… trying to get her off her hips (since she has no fat cushion) and is usually asleep in the afternoons. Is this a side effect of the Tramadol… What can I expect of this 3 dose?

Its all good… I want her comfortable as possible… my mom is safe and cared for. Just more curious…

Quilting brings calm · July 10

It’s possible that your mom being so thin is contributing to pain because she has no padding. It’s possible that your mom is making noises or gestures and the staff is assuming that means she is in pain and unable to communicate it.

JulietteBee · 2:34AM

It is possible that your mom is grimacing whenever the caregivers lift, turn, or bathe her. Tramadol can make someone a groggy so having it a 3rd time in the day may make her groggy for most of the day. However, it will keep her comfortable for most of the day as well.

SDianeL · 3:42AM

I would trust the hospice nurse. They will increase meds as necessary to keep her comfortable and pain free. Being so thin and bedridden causes pain. The hospice nurses will also answer any questions you have.

towhee · 5:47AM

I remember the main side effect with my mom was sleeping, and from a quick search that does seem to be the most often mentioned. You might want to monitor whether she starts sleeping thru supper. If so, they might want to give a third dose as needed before a shower, or look to a different pain med. However, she is on hospice, and if this seems like too much micromanaging for you, as you say comfort is most important at this point.

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