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Post by nilda822 on Feb 10, 2008 12:59:21 GMT -6
My husband had a primary intramedullary ependymoma removed March 2005 at Johns Hopkins Hospital in Baltimore, MD. The tumor was at the C4-C7 levels. He had a wonderful outcome. On the third day after surgery he stood and by the fifth day he was taking small steps up a staircase. Since then he has suffered with hypersensitivity and burning in the arms. He was prescribed Ultram at first and then switched to Tramadol. He has been on this medication for three years now and seems to have developed a dependency. Has anyone else had issues with eith Tramadol or Ultram and how did you relsove it?
Anything you could share would be so appreciated.
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Post by tc on Feb 10, 2008 19:33:47 GMT -6
I don't have the answer to your question, but I wondered if your husband had posted his story to the people page? I wanted more details, since I have a tumor at the same place and also have been to Hopkins. But I haven't had any surgeries yet.
Teresa
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Post by gundestrup on Feb 11, 2008 5:57:05 GMT -6
Hi I wondered about Tramadol too. I have been taking it since about October last year so nowhere near as long as your husband but I do almost look forward to taking it and sometimes take a bit more. I have not had my tumour removed yet and I sometimes worry that I am reliant on it. I went one day without Tramadol and I felt so unwell like I had flu. Not sure if I was just having a bad day and it was coincidence or whether it was like a withdrawal symptom or if I would feel that way without tramadol? I might experiment again in a few weeks time to see what happens if I don't take it and will post it.
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Post by Maria Damico on Feb 12, 2008 15:43:59 GMT -6
Hi,
I am on Tramadol as well. My ependy was C5-C7 and was removed in Sept 2004. I have had nerve pain from my left shoulder blade to my left pinky finger since that time. I also cannot feel my body from my collar bones down- well I feel numb and tingly, but if you were to punch me I feel deep pain/sensations. I was placed immedialtely on Neurontin which I am still on 3600mg/day. The Tramadol is new but really helps my pain. My doctor says it is not addictive and being a nurse that is good news. Much like some of you though, I look forward to taking it. I have told my nurse friends that it gives me a feeling of well being. I was given the Tramadol by a pain management specialist. My pain/numbness/tingling is never fully gone, the medications simply help me remain sane.
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Post by Tmasgio on Feb 12, 2008 15:49:04 GMT -6
Hi, I am on Tramadol as well. My ependy was C5-C7 and was removed in Sept 2004. I have had nerve pain from my left shoulder blade to my left pinky finger since that time. I also cannot feel my body from my collar bones down- well I feel numb and tingly, but if you were to punch me I feel deep pain/sensations. I was placed immedialtely on Neurontin which I am still on 3600mg/day. The Tramadol is new but really helps my pain. My doctor says it is not addictive and being a nurse that is good news. Much like some of you though, I look forward to taking it. I have told my nurse friends that it gives me a feeling of well being. I was given the Tramadol by a pain management specialist. My pain/numbness/tingling is never fully gone, the medications simply help me remain sane. Does it help with the stiffness and tingling at all? |
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Post by clarissa on Feb 12, 2008 19:17:52 GMT -6
I just wanted to comment that there's a definite distinction between physical dependency and addiction.
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Post by wobbly1 on Feb 12, 2008 19:34:37 GMT -6
Ultram and Tramadol are the same thing- one is just the generic-
I had my C5-C7 Ependy removed March 2004- I still feel numb on my right side through my right foot -and nerve pain through my brachial plexus and median nerve. I also take Lyrica ( much easier than the neurontin, on that stuff I was a zombie ) and as I understand it, Tramadol has an agent which helps Lyrica/Neurontin move through your bloodstream. Tramadol doesn't give me any sense of well being, but I have been without and that was a good way to touch base with where I really hurt I tell you.
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Post by richard0314 on Feb 13, 2008 6:21:10 GMT -6
WOW i never really thought about addiction to Tramadol! I will admit it does take care of most of the discomfort and pain issues without to much of the doping issues. I will say that i was addicted to oxcycotin and valuim at first i was on it for so long and the sence of want as apposed to need was much greater. with tramadol i take it at night and generally it will last most of the next day sometimes i'll need to take more often but i try not to.
I can relate to the changes your body goes through when you miss a dose you can truely feel it i always say day one is livable day two is unbarable. very interesting thred i enjoy this one very much.
As it stands i have been taking tramadol for the better part of four years.
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Post by Ali-Brad on Feb 13, 2008 13:29:19 GMT -6
I could never manage to take tramadol successfully, albeit I tried quiet a few times to help with the pains. It seemed to cause my digestive system to go on 'shut-down'. I have found a more regular use of Co-proximal together with the Voltarol & Lyrica help, but I still suffer badly with pains in my neck, arms & shoulders from cervical surgery in 2004. I now accept that pain is part of my every day life, even though I hate it.
It's an awful battle that those around you rarely understand !!
Alison
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Post by Maria Damico on Feb 14, 2008 20:27:49 GMT -6
Someone asked if the neurontin and tramadol helped with my tingling and stiffness. It does help me however, I am never fully "tingle free" or without some stiffness. I liken my nerve pain to electric wires. Did you ever notice that sometimes you can hear the hum of the electricity through the lines to a greater extent than at other times. That hum is similar to my nerve pain. Without those meds, my nerves hum very loudly, on the meds, my hum is low- never gone but much more tolerable. I just wish I could feel my legs!! Is there a medication for that??!!!
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