Since the age of 14 I have experienced extreme stabbing pains originating in my lower back descending down both or either leg. Furthermore, the pain often causes considerable nausea. Concerning this problem, I have visited doctors regularly for 8 years now. I was diagnosed with (what I worry is a bogus etiology) Degenerative Disk Disease. I regularly engage in core muscle exercises and stretching therapy - which although helps some; does not suffice to adequately reduce pain. I swing from strong aches to immobility. On a good day, I walk with a slight limp. On a bad day, I walk with a cane; if I walk at all. I have spent various degrees of time over the past 8 years taking medicines which include; celebrex, nuerontin, robaxin, and hydrocodone; as well as having received a spinal epidural. Currently, I am taking ultram and exercising regularly. This has kept my mind clear, as well as has not encouraged respiratory problems such as hydrocodone did. Although this regiment helps more than any previous treatment, it does not always suffice to adequately reduce pain.

Recently, as I finished school; I was taking 100-150mg Ultram, 1800mg Ibuprofen, and exercising regularly. This kept me quite mobile and pain free. Upon graduation, crashed economy, not finding a job, etc – I have had to return, again, to manual labor. Again, my entire body aches/hurts constantly. Now, I exercise, take 2400 mg Ibuprofen, and up to; but no more than, 300 mg Ultram daily (still less than the FDA’s maximum daily dose of 400mg). I have had swings like this before; and am well aware that once I can return to less physical work I will be able to greatly reduce my intake.

My most recent MRI states:
…decreased signal intensity of the intervertebral discs at L4-5 and L5-S1, consistent with disk degeneration and decreased water content…. bulging of L4-S1 disc…. Area of altered signal involving disc – central and extends adjacent to the S1 nerve root. Most likely etiology is disc herniation with some adjacent granulation tissue or fibrosis.

However, I have yet to meet a doctor who would recommend surgery or anything invasive on an individual my age. I am essentially left in limbo to do nothing but hurt – while at the same time bombarded with individuals in and out of the medical field shouting the dangers of prescription medicine use. I have recently graduated school – and am ineligible to visit my prior doctor at the University Clinic, and am again without insurance. Therefore I am unable to refill my Ultram. So now I am faced with the blissful prospect of paying $150-300 (which I don’t have) simply to speak to YET another new doctor – explain my situation – and look like a junkie because I have no prior history with this new doctor; OR purchase this medicine online and avoid the whole aggravating mess.

I have put myself through college, twice, while on pain-killers. I have yet to miss a day of work or class, receive anything less than excellent grades, or damage any personal relationship due this prescription – my family is well aware of my prescription. Quite frankly in my experience with tramadol, I am unaware of any side-effect which would encourage abuse. So please do not:

1) Say; “go visit with your doctor”.
I have seen thousands of individuals on this site explain they have no insurance; only to be answered with; “Pills are bad – you should go speak to your doctor”. That is both a fruitless answer; as well as ill-contemplated. If they could easily afford to speak to a doctor – they would.

2) Narrate a story of your loved ones pill habit or how addicted you are/were.
I am an extremely productive member of society and it is only my distaste for excruciating pain that stands in the way of my immediate quitting. And regardless, in a week when my prescription does run out – I will be quitting; pain or no pain. At which point, I will become useless to all those around me again.

My Questions:
1) I am looking for any/all recommendations for this situation.
2) What daily mg quantities indicates addiction (Approximation obviously)?
3) What would you recommend in place of exercise and Ultram?
4) Is there new research (outside of what is obviously posted on the internet) on the application of Ultram on Depression.

Half the individuals on here claim it helps immensely, the other half say it only encourages their depression. All I am aware of is that since I have begun Ultram; my mood swings have diminished. Essentially every male in my family has been diagnosed with Bipolar I. Even my brother has recently been diagnosed with Cyclothymia. I appear (since 2007) to be the only male in my family who maintains a stable mood. I am not manic, sluggish, unreliable, bouncy, stoner-like, or any other adjective associated with opium use. I simply find this curious – and am enjoying my new lack of depressive lows and anxiety attacks.

T

GERTRUDE