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Going back on Amitryptyline

Posted , 4 users are following.

julie16741
julie16741

I was put on Amitryptyline 8 months ago for burning pains in my stomach - I had gynae & bowel tests & MRI but nothing could be found. I was referred to a muscle specialist would couldnt find much wrong either but suggested I stick with Amitrptyline -  I have had 4 caesareans and it seems that abdonimal surgery may have caused this. Has anyone else had anything similar after addominal surgery - last surgery was 9 years ago.  I was taking 20mg a night.  In my wisdom I decided to stop taking the tablets in April - a month later and the pains are back.  Just got back from the doctors who have said I can go back on the Amitruptyline again - which I am going to do as the pain can be quite intense at times.  I'm thinking this means I will be on this drug for life!!  Can anyone offer any advice as I'm really quite worried about taking it.  I didn't have any side effects when I took it last time.  Would appreciate hearing from anyone with a similar story.  Thanks

 

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • holly_12500
    holly_12500 julie16741

    Posted

    I have found amitriptoline very good helping with nerve pain but can only could take 20 mg at most. over 20 I stated to shake.

    10 mg was better for me,it really helped,I have now come off it, but had to do it slowly.

    I had been on it for over 20 years.if I needed it again for pain I would take it.

    I also had to medication for my stomach.

    If amitriptoline helped you why not try a lower dose.

    I have suffered from chronic pain and my gp sent me to the pain clinic,have you thought about asking your gp if the pain clinic can help.

    Hope you get sorted and feel better soon

    ..holly

  • shaq26875
    shaq26875 julie16741

    Posted

    I had 2 caesarians (the last 1 being 34 yrs ago) and the pain around the scar (deep in abdominal tissues) lasted at least 10 yrs (if not longer) especialyy when pressed (child sitting on lap)...this was back in the day before amitriptyline or other painkillers were offered (except immediately after surgery). The Dr said that as nerves were cut (cut stretched  from 1 end of abdomen to the other) they would take time to heal (especially as repeated caesariians means having to cut the same scar tissue everythime) and accept it as part of having this surgery. If you decide to stop the painkillers the pain will eventually go...but you have had 4 surgeries so yours may take even longer than mine ???

    hope you get some relief soon

    • holly_12500
      holly_12500 shaq26875

      Posted

      I have had 3 ops on my back I now have a nerve stimulator fitted in my back and I have a remote control to turn it on and off. It's great to help with pain but I do take pain meds dhidrocodine and co proxamol.

      I hate living with paid and by taking pain meds and amitriptoline it gives me a better quality of life.

      I would have thought your gp would have refered you to a specialist to get more help.

      My friend had to gave some scar tissue removed from having similar problems like you,she now is pain free.

    • shaq26875
      shaq26875 holly_12500

      Posted

      I should have insisted on getting reffered but I just accepted it as gospel and toughing it out....but as i say that was a very long time ago and we accepted everythnig our Drs told us
  • Thelastlaugh
    Thelastlaugh julie16741

    Posted

    I second holly's opinion bout taking lower doses. I Guess the compromise is whether you would like to take pain or would you like to suffer the side effects and consequences of taking an SSRI. I have personally tried amitriptyline and its darn useful for blocking pain. But heck the side effects were hard to handle. I decided to bash through the pain myself with certain pain management techniques. Ultimately I tell myself pain is mind over matter. Oh if you might, consider asking your doctor for an alternative that is gentler on the body. I'm sure you can reach a compromise between the amount of drugs you take and the pain you can handle. Cheers!
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