I use to see a pain specialist, and they had no problem prescribing this med to me monthly for my fibro. I believe it has to be this kind of doctor and not just a rheumy. Unfortunately I'm allergic and it makes me itch so bad, and hurts my stomach, but I'm so glad it helps you. Find a pain specialist in your area and I don't think it should be a problem. And you are right, we don't realize how much pain we have and how it's greatly linked to our depression and anxiety, until something helps. Hugs

It works for pain because it has an opioid-type effect. I took it way back when I was first diagnosed, as Ultram. See the blurbs https://www.drugs.com/tramadol.html

For me, it jazzed me up too much. But if you tolerate it and the side effect profile is ok, wow, good for you!!!

Tramadol in conjunction with max dosage tylanol is also what I take when things get too much. I use sparingly, and only in the evening, since it makes me too dopey for standard use, but it's a pretty effective painkiller for me. Doesn't quell all the pain for me, but it also doesn't leave me with the huge nausea problems that other painkillers did. With one of the painkillers I had before this, it would be a crap shoot whether I'd be throwing up 10+ times after taking it. Without the drugs having even had time to start working.

I'm afraid I can't be much help with advice on how to talk to your doctor about it. I try to only take when things get dire, so 30 pills last anywhere between 3 to 10 months. The regulations are also very different here. I hadn't discussed refill prescriptions with my PCP. When I called the practice, I explained I was out of painkillers for bad fibro days, and that I had a move coming up. The phone lady/possibly practice nurse forwarded the script to the pharmacy immediately without even consulting with the doctor. They clearly don't have any of the fears that US PCPs have at this moment about narcotics.

I hope you can talk to your doctor about it without the persecution spiel. I have no idea whether it's suitable for daily, long-term usage. But if it helps, it can be good to have, even if only for occasional use.

Hope your back feels better soon!

Ida, I used to take it before it didn't seem to help too much. My PCP is who prescribed it for me. I would suggest you talk to them and say exactly what you said here. That you never thought to take it but how much it helps. I know it is now a "controlled" substance, but that may not mean a whole lot. My dog even takes it, however she doesn't like the bitter taste anymore.

I say please talk to your doc. Less pain is worth it.

It never helped me with pain. I was prescribed it when they took darvon off the market.

My PCP back on Oahu used to give this to me whenever I asked, no problem. But that was before the FDA decided to crack down on pain meds. Now none of my docs will give me any.

I take it as needed for pain with Tylenol as well. It was suggested by my rheumatologist.

I started taking tramadol years ago for my arthritis in wrists & also for my neck problems, (rotator slips outta place from multiple injuries). My old PCP prescribed them whenever I needed. But, after my insurance changed I had to go to a new doctor & they became I guess more 'controversial' my new PCP said she'd fill my script but isn't allowed to prescribe me them full term, so she referered me to a pain management doctor & he has no problem filling them. I just went to a rheumatologist the other day & he asked me what I take for pain & I told him that one of the medications that help with breakthrough pain is tramadol & he said well that's true but he said I shouldn't only control the fibro with that, he wants me to go on cymbalta as well but I told him I'd have to think about it cause that scares me. He said that's fine & also suggested magnesium. Either way, that's my experience with it. I go to so many doctors but the doctor that seems the most fine with it is my pain management, but I do go to him for my injury issues. I have to go back to pain management in a month & tell him about the fibro I guess too lol, sorry I'm probably all over the place with my answer. Also, as of a couple months ago in my state it's the law that I have to show my liscence at cvs whenever I get the tramadol filled & also with one of my anti anxiety meds, it's funny how they change things like every 5-10 years. Lol, I always feel like a little kid now when I have to show my liscence for some of my meds these days. But yeah, I'd just be honest & tell em that it helps with your breakthrough pain & fibro.

Also, for some reason I always noticed that if I take tramadol too late at night, it sometimes it makes my insomnia worse. It's interesting how different every body reacts to different medications.

Good luck with everything though & I hope your back feels better
Hugs :)

I think it's great that tramadol or ultram works for you. I took it when I was first diagnosed about 15 years ago. My partner still takes it for her lupus. Plus she still works so she doesn't take anything stronger. It does ork well for some pain so any Doc should be able to give you a script. I'm glad you get pain relief. Take care

I've been taking Tramadol since 2008. For years I was taking between 100-150 mg. Lately I've been taking 200mg daily, max dosage is 400. My current doctor has no problem prescribing it. I also take Robaxin and Baclofen. On really bad days 2,5 mg of Hydrocodone added to the mixture, Itching come and goes with Tramadol.. There are certain pains Tramadol works really well for me. I've gone off it for 2-4 months at a time and boy do I feel the pain. It's been a lifesaver. Anything with menthol rubbed onto your skin will control the itching.

Thanks so much for all of your comments. My last PCP told me I should go to a pain clinic, but I never did. I think because it was a long drive for me. I may bring it up to my current PCP.

Ida, when I was sent to the pain clinic, all they wanted to do is cortisone shots in my hips. Nothing else. I have little faith in the pain clinics around here. Good luck.

bbmom, I don't even know what they do at those places. I'm afraid it would just be more money going out and it not helping me at all.

Ultram is a life saver for me. Currently taking 50 mg 3 times a day, on bad days one more good days one less. Tylenol with it increases its effectiveness. I would just sit around doing nothing with out it. Takes away pain no other Med (otc anyways) will. When I started on it in 07 it was no problem getting, now it is only through pain mgt for me.

Ida - I've been a patient of a pain management specialist since 2009. They were able to figure out and separate my Fibromyalgia issues from my DDD with stenosis which was causing referred pain in other areas.

I don't use Opioids but I continue to remain patient in their practice. I now only go every six months unless things are not going well. But, now that I need my knee replaced, having them in my back pocket may become very important. I have really good relationship with this specialist. If I am having trouble regulating my discomfort after surgery, I will be believed and taken care of properly.

I feel that having another option for pain management other than a PCP is very helpful. That's just my two cents but it might be worth going to see a pain management specialist. Especially if they can help and in turn reduce your anxiety. Any quality of life is so important. Take care.