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drug dependency because of knee surgery?

Posted , 9 users are following.

Aluviel
Aluviel

Hello,

 My husband has an old neck fushion and some lower back pain that he has tizanadine and tramadol for. He just got a TKR. He is taking 3 tramadol a night. I told him he only gets one a night and he took all 3!! I am concerned he is becomeing a perscription drug addict. Am Ijust being a heartless bitch or is he abusing drugs?

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  • martinarvelo
    martinarvelo Aluviel

    Posted

    I had a TKR in January 2015.  I have to say that it is a very painful procedure, and the necessary physiotherapy afterwards is also very trying.  i took Zaldiar, which is a mixture of paracetamol and tramadol for about seven weeks, so in fact I was taking about 100 mg tramadol a day (30 in each of three tablets)  Occasionally I took two when I knew the physiotherapist was going to subject me to another round of torture. . . .  When I first decided (because I had run out of tablets) to stop taking it, the side effects were really pretty bad. . diarrhoea, hallucinations, terrible 'real' dreams, stomach cramps, irritibility, inability to stay still in bed, dry mouth, headache etc.etc. .so I got myself some more tablets, and started weaning myself off them gradually. it was not easy, but in my case it was possible.  Not knowing the strength of the tramadol he is taking, it does on the face of it seem to be a lot.  I know sleep is very difficult after TKR, and he may also be having nerve pain (I did . . it was horrific)  but I don't think you are being over cautious.  tramadol is a sort of synthetic opiate, and as such, it is easy to become dependent, or even addicted.  Help and sjupport though, are wonderful after a TKR . . . .and I;m sure he 's getting that from you.  Poor chap . . I'm glad I'm over it now, but nor sure if I would do it again!

     

    • Aluviel
      Aluviel martinarvelo

      Posted

      Thank you Martin,

      A while back Iposted it was 50. I will keep all your symptoms in mind. Luckily he hasnt taken anyone for a couple of days. He is trying to be good. 

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