[michski]

Sorry Indigo.. I had to refresh before I could type anything else but the title.

I have been taking Tramadol for a couple of years now. I have had several corrective surgeries on my back, broke my neck and my tail bone a couple of times! I live in Mexico in the winter and don't have much arthritis there because of the nice climate but when I come back to the foggy damp here in California I am in agony. I had a very bad bout of pain last year and I began taking 50 mg with my morning coffee. I've been on that schedule taking another 50 mg when I finish my work for the day since. The reason I prefer Ultram is that I don't get high off it. I did feel a little disorientated the first week or two I took it but being a stoner has it's advantages... I just rode with it (I didn't have a choice, I was in severe pain) and now it feels like an extremely effective aspirin. Because of the condition of my spine I've always been able to get whatever drugs I want.. scary to think too much about.
In recovery I was concerned about my "addictive behavior" I have had problems in the past with painkillers.. a whopper of a vicodin addiction years ago.

Anyway, Tramadol is the lesser of the evils for me and I would no more think of taking more than directed than I would entertain the idea of going out and wasting myself with a bottle and/or a bag! I love my life now! I have not been regularly depressed but I have been in an exceptionally good mood since taking the Tramadol. Maybe it's the drug.. Maybe it's NO pain.. Maybe it's because I am NOW a productive member of my family and out there trying to do the next right thing. Just because I have experienced poor judgement in the past does not mean I will do it in the future.