DHC

Hi Herman

I'm not sure if it would help (probably won't due to the high dose of pain relief you are one) but have you tried Syndol?

I know they aren't as strong as prescribed painkillers but they also have a relaxant in them.

Might be worth a try?

Melbi x

i have broken some ribs and was given dhc, i only took 2 tablets and have felt like a zombie for days ,shaky , sick and my skin feels all prickly, I won`t be taken any more ! .I sympatise with you ,the pain from sciatica is unbearable , i had it badly some years ago and again the docs just throw more pain killers at me that made no difference- what did work though was interferential treatment on the sciatic nerve- electrical pulses for a short session every day for a couple of weeks (blocks the spasms and starts to allow your muscles to relax again) It worked for me. and after months of agony i could sit down to eat meal again and drive a car (although i always sit on a lumbar wedge cushion) worth a try, better than drugs, good luck!

I have been taking dihydrocodeine for years due to hip and back pain and damage to the sciatic nerve. I now take 5 x 30mg tablets a day, they don't really give me satisfactory pain relief but they keep it under control just enough so that I can function and live my life reasonably. I know I am addicted. I know my doctor will not up the dose even though it is not high compared to the amount others seem to be taking and he always seems to frown on me for taking them at all. I know it is not good to take these tablets on a regular basis but what can I do? I have a TENS machine which may help slightly but my pain is severe and ongoing and without medication it is very difficult for me to walk even short distances. I know what it's like to be in so much pain and discomfort day in and day out that it makes your life not worth living. I find the side effects are ringing in the ears, constipation and tiredness, but I would rather have that than constant pain. I don't get a buzz from them anymore but they still make me feel a little mellow and optimistic. Could anyone tell me how they manage to get a prescription that allows them to take 15 or more a day or do they buy them from somewhere?

I admit that I am afraid to be without them and constantly check on the date of when to order my next prescription so that I never run out. I have never shared this with anyone before but after reading other peoples' experiences I don't feel so alone.