... them by Xmas. Post operation I was on 400mg a day and in a matter of 5weeks I got down to 50mg a day. Last night I did not take one at all and it was horrendous. My wife had to go and sleep in the spare room. I was beset with nightmares and restlessness. My main withdrawal symptoms are like having the flu and your head feels like a bag of sand. I am not taking any tonight either as I see the need to get off them. I find that if I take 6 x 500 mg paracetamol over 24 hours it helps. I am just going to keep going win or lose
I have been on tramadol for 13 years and was ordered by my consultant surgeon to wean myself off?
- Asked
- 17 Nov 2016 by Geordieboy
- Updated
- 23 November 2016
- Topics
- back pain, tramadol, chronic pain, sleep, operation
Details:
Responses (3)
chuck1957
19 Nov 2016
Geord; Sorry but the doctor giving these or the surgeon should have given you some help on how to taper down on this when you have been on it as long as you have. But if you are not doing much better you might have to see a doctor and get something to help with the withdrawals. Also remember you never want to take more paracetamol than you are already taking unless a doctor tells you different and is watching you. Hope you are doing better by now. Chuck1957
Windchimes123
19 Nov 2016
Hi Geordieboy,
You may want to take your usual dose at night.
Pain intensifies at night.
Sleep is extremely important in keeping pain under control.
Nights are terrible and lonely if you are not getting sleep. At least in the day, you have diversion and people to talk to.
Your doctor HAS got to provide a schedule on how to withdraw!
Geordieboy
22 Nov 2016
Good day Windchimes, I have no regrets over the spinal surgery as the pain I was suffering for years came as a great relief. I can walk a couple of miles no problem . I had Lumbar Canal Stenosis which wasn't diagnosed until the MRI scan. Surgery one day and out the next. Recovery was about 4 weeks but boy the relief after recovery made it worth it. I have now been free of Tramadol for six days but the flu type after effects can linger on for a bit and after what I have already been through it is a walk in the park and I am 71 years old.
Windchimes123
23 Nov 2016
Hi Geordieboy,
God Bless You!
The reason I'm asking is because of my husband who just turned 70.
He is bothered by sciatica. He did the back Infusions, now Cymbalta which I'm not crazy about and now he's talking surgery.
I needed a reality check by someone like you!
I realize we hear all the horror stories here.
I just needed that reality slap in the face to make me open-minded to support him in his decision.
I know you you will do well with your great attitude!
Best wishes,
:-)
Geordieboy
23 Nov 2016
Thank you for your kind reply Windchimes. My wife was very sceptical about surgery but I insisted she came with me to see the results of the MRI scan in black and white and was duly informed by the surgeon that there was no alternative as my case was severe and could have eventually led to paralysis.
Four weeks after surgery I attended physiotherapy but swimming is even better. Coming off Tramadol is difficult but it is a case of telling your brain you don't need it no matter how much your brain says"I want a fix and I want one now". I still have 40 capsules of Tramadol and I look at them every day and say " I don't need you anymore." Go for it with your husband's surgery. There is everything to gain and the pain to lose. Best wishes George.
Stephen Treloar
21 Nov 2016
Hi Geordie, I can think of one thing so far that has not been addressed yet: the need for a handy toilet. An OTC anti diarrhea medication containing Loperamide as the active ingredient can also ameliorate the withdrawal symptoms. As always, do not take more than the recommended dosage.
I wish you the best and take care, Steve.
Further Information
- Tramadol Information for Consumers
- Tramadol Information for Healthcare Professionals (includes dosage details)
- Side Effects of Tramadol (detailed)
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Thanks Chuck. I had major spinal surgery which saw my previous acute pain almost cured. My condition was only discovered by having an MRI scan.and was admitted to hospital shortly after.
I do know that the maximum paracetamol is 8 x 500 gm tablets in 24 hours .I really have taken the bull by the horns and have been Tramadol free for 4 days, however the flu symptoms persist a little with sneezing fits and waking up for the toilet and having a problem getting back to sleep again..It is a case of perseverance. He who dares wins. George from the UK.
Geord; Great you are doing very well with as long as you have been on the Tramadol, It would be nice if they could tell us how hard some things are to get off of. But when we need them that is the most Important thing. Glad you knew about the Paracetamol and hope this coming surgery well be the end of your problems. You are a very positive and strong willed person and that is how you have made it this far. All my best from U.S.A. Chuck1957
I'm just curious...
You have no regrets over doing the spinal surgery?
PS... I love your attitude!