One of my previous posts was about my new pain team suggesting that I came of all my pain relieving drugs except paracetamol as I have been on them for many years.
The idea was to see a couple of things (a) was my pain a lot worse without them? and (b) how did I feel mentally without the many side effects of the drugs listed above which I was taking.
My GP however suggested I go straight onto Tramadol hydrochloride/Paracetamol which was a mixture of both Tramadol and Paracetamol but the dosage was much lower than my usual Tramadol.
I had a follow up phone call 6 weeks after the meeting with the pain team which was last week. The team also told me to take Turmeric and we’re convinced some of my symptoms were Vitamin D deficiency so also sent me for a blood test and bone scan to check for Osteoporosis.
The blood test showed I was extremely Vitamin D deficient so I was put onto a large dose of it and told to continue taking it but just a normal dose from the chemist after I had finished the strong course. My bone scan was cancelled due to the COVID-19 virus.
So, for the last eight weeks I’ve taken Vitamin D, Turmeric and the Tramadol hydrochloride/Paracetamol which I’ve not had before and tried to get myself off the rest of my medication except for the paracetamol.
I have managed to get myself completely off the pure Tramadol like my GP suggested and I am now only taking 50mg of the Tramadol hydrochloride/Paracetamol which is a massive drop. I have reduced the Prozac to just three times a week but feel happy taking that small dose. I was unable to drop my NORTRIPTYLINE even by 10 mg as the pain in the night was just too severe and kept me awake. I still take up to 8 paracetamol a day for pain.
In conclusion the answer to question (a) my pain was much worse without my nortriptyline and (b) my head and mental state felt 80% more clearer and I hope to come off the 50mg of the Tramadol hydrochloride/Paracetamol soon. All in all I’m pleased the new pain team suggested this review on all my meds as you just take them without thinking when you are in constant pain and I feel so much better in myself without the side effects from the Tramadol.
BACK PAIN BLOG UK... 
Sounds lovely!!
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I think I’m on the right track Ruth x
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I hope the reduction will help you, that’s a pretty big change in meds. I’m always vitamin D deficient as well, it seems to be pretty common with chronic illness and deficiency can have pretty significant effects, I hope that you see an upturn as a result of increasing your levels.
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Thanks C, struggling a bit of late but the weather temperature always effects me so the sudden drop didn’t help. I really, really don’t want to end up in Tramadol again and my GP did say that I shouldn’t rule out spinal injections if things get really bad. You take care as well, and stay safe.
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It’s so easy to get completely reliant on Tramadol isn’t it. I hope the struggle gets easier for you. Take care
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Thanks
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Reblogged this on AFTERNOON TEA 4 TWO….
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