Hi. I'm waiting for a hip replacement operation, should be in February. I have serious osteoarthritis with osteophytes in right hip, osteoarthritis in left hip and reduced disc space in my lumbar spine.(I'm only 47) Physical facts I can't change obviously. I find it hard to sleep... can't lay on left or right side... can only lay on back with 2 pillows under knees, but that agravates my back. Most nights I end up sat up. The thing that worries me most is to manage functioning as near normal as possible and still working I'm taking painkillers: Meloxicam and Tramadol. Everyday, no break. Tramadol apparantly is an opiate? I'm worried about the potential for addiction? My Dr just brushes my concern aside as unimportant. I'm using a TENS machine as well, which does help reduce the intensity of the pain, but can't get to see anyone for trained advice so using trial and error to work out settings and placings.
Does anyone have any advice on using TENS or how addictive Tramadol is? Or ideas to help me sleep better? Or basically anything that might help at all?? Thanks
RE: Query re: Pain, lack of sleep. painkillers
hiya,
gosh you are going through it aren't you. i feel for you and you are so young.
i know in my area of manchester there are specialist 'chronic pain nurses' who you can get a referral for. they are worth their weight in gold as they only specialise in that one area.
i had a placement with one of the nurses when i was a student nurse and she taught tens application and assessed patients thoroughly in order to get adequate and relevant pain relief prescribed.
they would be able to givereassurance about any concerns that you have regarding tramadol.
worth looking in your area to see if you have a chronic pain service.
good luck with that and good luck with your operation in the new year, please keep us updated with your progress.
best wishes and love,
dawnymariexxx
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