Codeine and Nada

By danny777

1 min read

Last updated: January 2023

I have been using Tramadol for years.

Rheumatologist difficulties

My RA doc asked me to see a pain doc. I actually don’t understand this.

You are an RA doc and pain is the major symptom of RA and y’all don’t fully address it ... ok.

Did Tylenol address my RA pain?

I saw a pain doc. He prescribed Tylenol 3 - one every six or eight hours, as needed.

I tried it - nada. Had a crushing flare. Took two T3s … ZIPPO … lost most of Saturday and Sunday due to major flares.

Sunday night went back to 100mg of Tramadol…Monday morning, 100mg Tramadol and 10mg prednisone- wow, feeling great!

But prednisone … went into a friend’s office.

“Are you ok?”

My face was so red, he was concerned. The skin on finger joints is best red.

Eating like a horse.

But I feel good.

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Julie.Byers Admin
<inline-mention username="danny777" user-id="3157557"/> , how frustrating! It does seem counterintuitive that your RA doctor would send you to a pain specialist since pain is a primary symptom of RA. With that being said, I know many in our community have a pain management doctor as part of their treatment team. I’m sorry that the doctor you saw didn’t seem to be very helpful. Were you able to reach back out to them and let them know the T3 wasn’t managing your pain? Hopefully they will work with you to find a better alternative. You deserve relief and doctors that will work with you. Thinking of you, Julie (team member)
1. danny777
 <inline-mention username="Julie.Byers" user-id="3185594"/> this morning, I received a direct call from the physician. We discussed the situation. He was golden. Not even a hint of “you’re a drug shopper.” Given the Tramadol program works best, he just told me to call him when I had was down to three days Tramadol inventory. “Why do you take so many pills ?” I take Tramadol in 50 mg tablets. “When you’re down to three days, I’ll call in 100 mg. Tabs - easier.” Good guy. I’m looking forward to working w him. Thank you!
2. Lori Foster Admin
 <inline-mention username="danny777" user-id="3157557"/> How wonderful that the doctor was so responsive. I am glad you didn't give up on him. Best wishes. - Lori (Team Member)
danny777
I appreciate y’all reading my notes and considering them. Things aren’t going well. Today started w two hours of feeling good. While someone was in my office, it started. By lunch time, I had to go home. Cost me two hours of work when I was doing contract pricing… This is not working.
1. Richard Faust Admin
 Hi <inline-mention username="danny777" user-id="3157557"/>. Most of the information I have seen says that RA patients start to notice improvement with Rituxan after 8 to 16 weeks. You are at the far end of this, so hopefully you are starting to get positive effects. That said, if your RA continues to seem uncontrolled don't hesitate to speak to your doctor about treatment options. Have you used any biologics or JAK inhibitors prior to Rituxan? Wishing you some relief soon. Best, Richard (RheumatoidArthritis.net Team)
2. danny777
 <inline-mention username="Richard Faust" user-id="3227544"/> BTW - yes, I was told up to 4 months.
danny777
I appreciate all of the input - good thoughts/ideas. I did the RITUXAN in Oct, so still time on the clock. The week was…well Friday night I was searching on disability options. Yeehaw. 😀
1. danny777
 <inline-mention username="danny777" user-id="3157557"/> Ok, I am not inclined to quit. That is weakness. But I am reticent to work w teams, who expect a lot from me because they have always gotten it, knowing that they know I am not playing at my level. I should manage the pain. The problem w which I am now having difficulties is psychological. Over the years of chronic pain, no matter what you do, mostly, I am ma aging the rate of decline. That’s a hard one.
2. Erin Rush Admin
 <inline-mention username="danny777" user-id="3157557"/>, you're right -- dealing with chronic pain and the changes RA can cause IS hard! And, I know you know this, but quitting is not a sign of weakness. I mean, sure, in some cases, it may be. But, in your situation? I don't think it's weakness. Your body is holding up the best it can under the circumstances. It can only do so much. Just like we don't expect aging athletes to perform at Olympic levels forever, we shouldn't expect our aging bodies to perform at the same levels they did when we were, say, 18. Add a condition like RA to the mix and it changes the game even more. Finding that balance between pushing yourself just enough and not too far, well, that's really tough. Be kind to yourself. You deserve it. Best, Erin, <a href='http://RheumatoidArthritis.net' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer ugc'>RheumatoidArthritis.net</a> Team Member.