Medication Advice - Co-codamol

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Yerg
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Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by Yerg »

Esteemed CEO members, I won't bore you with the details, but I've happened upon some mischief and torn two ligaments in my shoulder. After resisting prescription pain meds initially and relying on paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicine I could buy over the counter, the pain is such that I needed something a bit stronger. My doctor has prescribed 100 Co-codamol pills with one or two to be taken four times a day when needed. There is a chuffing big warning on the side of the box "CAN CAUSE ADDICTION - CONTAINS OPIOID". Have any other members used Co-codamol and have they had any issues as a result please? Many thanks in advance.
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nemo
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by nemo »

paracetamol and codeine, not super addictive
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by Anchor Moy »

Yerg wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 5:27 pm Esteemed CEO members, I won't bore you with the details, but I've happened upon some mischief and torn two ligaments in my shoulder. After resisting prescription pain meds initially and relying on paracetamol and anti-inflammatory medicine I could buy over the counter, the pain is such that I needed something a bit stronger. My doctor has prescribed 100 Co-codamol pills with one or two to be taken four times a day when needed. There is a chuffing big warning on the side of the box "CAN CAUSE ADDICTION - CONTAINS OPIOID". Have any other members used Co-codamol and have they had any issues as a result please? Many thanks in advance.
:dm: 2c worth
Only you know whether you have a tendency to addictive behaviour. My opinion as an expert on giving online advice to complete strangers is that I would trust your doctor. If you don't trust your doctor, then see another doctor.
I wish you a speedy recovery.
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nemo
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by nemo »

Get some laxative to go with it
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by TWY »

nemo wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 5:37 pm paracetamol and codeine, not super addictive
------------

Yep. Codeine is usually considered a gateway to stronger opiods. I've read of people that become addicted when used regularly for a long period of time - especially if you suffer from depression. The side effects from codeine are more likely the longer you use it. Do not drink alcohol with codeine.

Other than that, you'll need to speak with your doctor about what other medications you are using.

But given what you've said the more concerning thing is how severe the tears are in your ligaments. And if surgery is needed. IF it is just a strain then ice every two to three hours (for about 20 minutes at a time) along with total rest of the shoulder is recommended.

Most rotator cuff tears do not heal without surgery. If you play sports or do manual work then the sooner the better if surgery is required. I realize you have limited options here in Cambodia, but if you can see a specialist I'd do it - even if it meant a trip to Seoul or back to your home country (assuming Bangkok is still closed)

Good luck.
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by Yerg »

TWY wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 6:49 pm
nemo wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 5:37 pm paracetamol and codeine, not super addictive
------------

Yep. Codeine is usually considered a gateway to stronger opiods. I've read of people that become addicted when used regularly for a long period of time - especially if you suffer from depression. The side effects from codeine are more likely the longer you use it. Do not drink alcohol with codeine.

Other than that, you'll need to speak with your doctor about what other medications you are using.

But given what you've said the more concerning thing is how severe the tears are in your ligaments. And if surgery is needed. IF it is just a strain then ice every two to three hours (for about 20 minutes at a time) along with total rest of the shoulder is recommended.

Most rotator cuff tears do not heal without surgery. If you play sports or do manual work then the sooner the better if surgery is required. I realize you have limited options here in Cambodia, but if you can see a specialist I'd do it - even if it meant a trip to Seoul or back to your home country (assuming Bangkok is still closed)

Good luck.
Fortunately, I'm in the UK at the moment. Advice received and appreciated.
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by Arget »

Hi Yerg. I agree with AM when he says you know your body and how you react to medication. I also agree with his view that if you trust your doctor follow their advice and set check points to have a regular review of how you are reacting to it all.

Best of luck.
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by xandreu »

I take paracetamol with codeine in the same way other people would take ordinary paracetamol - for the odd ache, pain and headache here and there. I find paracetamol on has little to no effect on me.

I can happily take them for a day or two and not take them again for several months, I've never felt I had become addicted to them in the slightest but we're all different I guess.

My main advice, as has already been pointed out, is to have some laxatives on hand.
The difference between animals and humans is that animals would never allow the dumb ones to lead the pack.
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Marty
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by Marty »

nemo wrote: Sun May 09, 2021 6:33 pm Get some laxative to go with it
Yea, it's constipating. I don't know about you, but I'd rather have diarrhea than constipation!
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Re: Medication Advice - Co-codamol

Post by Username Taken »

Is it a ligament tear or rotator cuff tear, which I believe is a tear of a tendon?

I had a rotator cuff tear last year. Extremely painful. Couldn't lift much, and could barely raise my arm above my shoulder.
I didn't take any pain killers other than paracetamol, and saw a physiotherapist.
I did exercises morning and evening with stretch bands.
It took months but it's finally back to normal now, without surgery.
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