Hi,

As everyone probably knows, I loathe taking any sorts of medication but over the years have become resigned to RA drugs and the necessity for them. I even see myself write to new members that uncontrolled RA is far worse than any of the drugs we could ever be given, and somewhere in my heart I do solemnly believe this.

This hasn't however helped in any way or form with my constant fear of popping pills- any pills at all. So, my question is I need some explanation really regarding mild pain relief like co-drydamol and co-codamol.

I know this sounds REALLY silly but my new and lovely rheumy told me to take plain old paracetamol and Ibubrofen for pain relief when I need it, upping it to opiates when necessary. (Tramadol, morphine etc).

I usually take co-drydamol, but the other day when I ran out, Mark could only buy co-codamol from the pharmacy. Which is stronger? and are they similar? Oh yes, and can one mix them with Ibubrofen??

Co-codamol I thought were stronger (prescription only) but am I confusing this with Codeine?!

I didn't take anything the first night M was away for fear I'd have some adverse reation but I woke up with such horrifically stiff arms I could barely move. I have no other mild pain relief here other than the co-codamol, so should I risk it and take it?? I used up my last four Ibrubrofen during the day!

Sorry this sounds so rambly! Lack of sleep!

Love,
Amanda

Hi Amanda

Co-dry and Co-codamol are both paracetamol based, so with either you can't take anything else which is paracetamol based.
There are different strengths of each, so a 30/500 Co-codamol would roughly correspond to the same strength of co-dry, although I suspect that the co-dry may be a little stronger than the co-codamol.

There are 4 different strengths (or used to be) of co-dry and just 2 of co-codamol.

Co-codamol is actually codeine and paracetamol and is either an 8/500 or a 30/500 ratio.

Co-dry is dihydrocodeine and paracetamol



"Dihydrocodeine (DHC) is a synthetic opioid analgesic developed in the early 1900s. Its structure and pharmacokinetics are similar to that of codeine and it is used for the treatment of postoperative pain, severe breathlessness or as an antitussive"

Love Jeanxxxx

Hi Amanda

Just want to back up EVERYTHING Barbara has said. She's a wise woman is Aunty Barbara - listen to her!

Lots of love
Jeanxxxxxxx

pillows sweety pillows lay on back and one under each arm will help the elbows.

well done 1 more sleep and u shall awaken to your prince beside u.
lv melly

u could lie tum with pillows under arms aswell,or side i do.worth try found it so soothing.
hugs melly