Pain Management
August 11, 2010 - 1:57pm
Pain Pump Implant Update
I have had my pain pump 8 weeks now and I am so very happy with the pain relief it is giving me.
I no longer have to wear the hot binder and am off all restrictions. I can bend, twist and reach over my head. I also no longer drop everything I pick up now that I can bend over and pick it up!LOL
The down side to my pain pump is the size. It is much larger than the battery of the SCS and it does protrude. I will not be able to wear zip up jeans again because of my pain pump but that is no biggie. Most of my slacks are draw string anyway and they are no problem.
Also the pump does not take care of pain spikes. It only takes care of your normal level of pain. I have spikes when stressed or there is a change in the weather. I must rely on oral pain meds for these spikes. But there is a hand held remote that allows you to give yourself an extra dose of meds when needed. It only allows a certain amount a day then it locks you out so someone can't keep giving them selves dose after dose. The device also keeps track of how much meds you have used and changes the date of your refills as needed. My Doctor is trying to get one for me.
My life is returning to normal agin.
I can now do most everything I use to do, even use my riding mower to mow my lawn something I have not been able to do for several years now!!
Now the very best thing.....I am going back to work!!
I weep for joy remembering how my life use to be and how it it now is.
Life is GOOD!!
How I wish everyone on here could have a life like I now have.
Cheers 
Patsy W
_____________
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
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Patsy,
Wow! I love hearing 'good endings' or results, and yours certainly qualifies! Good for you.
So happy to see 'life' returned! *HUGZ*
Brenda
ACDF C5/6 2/08 - C6/7 8/09 - Neuropathy right arm and both legs - Cervical Myelopathy
10-11-11 PCF C4-T2 - C4-C7 Lamies; Surgery #2 Emergent removal large Hematoma!
L2/3/4 & L5/S1 fusions and Laminectomy on hold till neck fused.
For the full "Cliff Notes" please click my name!
"Life can knock us down, but we can choose whether or not to get up!!"
It's about time! You were so miserable for so long. I'm glad they have finnaly got you something that works for you.
Jim
Click on my user name to see my medical history
You get what you get......not what you deserve! I stole that from Susan (RIP)
Today is yours to embrace....for tomorrow who knows what will be starring you in the face
It is so great to hear the good news from chronic pain sufferers. Wishing you a much happier, healthier future with your new "gear"!
Tracy
Any information I provide is through personal experience ONLY....I am not a medical professional, though I could write a book on the impacts of chronic pain and the treatments I've tried!
We must be willing to let go of the life we have planned, so as to have the life that is waiting for us. ~E.M. Forster, Novelist
I'm happy for you that you're finally getting pain relief and back to a normal life. So glad you're able to work now. Thanks for the positive update on how you're doing. Take care. Charry
Any answers I have is not medical advice only a Doctor can help you with that. Just sharing my personal experience as a fellow Spine Health member only. DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing Neck-reverse Lordosis of c-spine C6-C7 with impingement, numb hand and sore outer elbow. Keep the faith.
for your good wishes. How I wish I could pass along my pain relief to everyone on here.
I have started back to work at last!! I never thought I would see this day.
My advice to anyine who is thinking about a pain pump implant is to go for it. All you have to loose is your pain.
Also do youe homework on the Neurosurgeon who will be doing your trial and your implant. I recommend that you have a Neurosurgeon because they know all about the nerves. Make sure they have plenty of experience doing pump implants.
If you have flair up's or spikes in your pain as I do, ask your surgeon about a PTM. It is a hand held device that you can use to give yourself and extra dose of pain meds through your pump to help with the pain spike. Pain pumps only take care of your normal level of pain. Insurance companies do not want to pay for these after your implant but will pay for one if included with the surgery.
Also find out how long your trial will be. Some Doctors only give one shot of meds, some send you home with am external pump, some try 3 or 4 shots while you are in the hospital. I was in the hospital 3 days while my Surgeon tried different strengths of Diladuid every 24 hours. If you can't take Morphine there are other pain meds that can be used..Diladuid being one of them. They can also include other meds with the pain meds for other problems you may have such as spasticity.
The great thing about pain pumps is that they only use a tiny amount of pain meds to get the same results that large doses of oral meds may give you. It does not go through your system like oral meds do so much fewer side effects. I have no side effects at all. I am not drowsy and I do not feel "doped up" like some oral meds make you feel.
Pain pumps are not as dangerous as some will have you think. Yes, problems can develope and I do not want to down play them. If anyone would like a list of these PM me amd I will be happy to let you know what they are. This is much to long now. I hate reading long comments myself so I am going to shut up now before I go overboard.
Thanks to everyone who have been such a help to me these past few years.
Hugsssss
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
Wow, I'm so glad to hear your story. I go in shortly for my test. Where did they put your pump? The back or stomach?
silverfox
Thanks Patsy, All the info you have been sharing with your experiences so far with the pump are exactly what I am looking for. I am looking forward to getting the pump now instead of fearing it. I actually am having hope again because of you and others like you that have shared their experiences. To go back to work is huge. It sounds like you have your life back. That is all most of us want along with being in less pain. I was well prepared when I went to my PM appointment this month. I think I shocked them with all my questions about the pump and I have more for next month. I met a woman at PM who has a pump (only for 2 months) and was willing to answer questions for me. I was surprised to see that her pump was implanted in the upper buttock area though. I was thinking it would have been up front but the Dr. said it was based on each individual and their body fat. I asked about a binder and none is used. I guess I will have to make my own because it makes sense to me from what you and others have said. I am so looking forward to getting a pump in January and wish it were sooner now. Please keep us posted and thanks again. You have really been of great help. I am so happy that you have your life back again. Beth
I've had my pump for 8 days now, and my back & leg pain is gone. My pump was put in the upper buttox, almost to the belt line. Guess I have to get larger pants. But who care??? I'm pain free!!!
silverfox
How often do you have to get your pump refilled.
My pump is in my side just below my rib cage. It's rare that they put them in the back because of their size and they do protrude a bit. I have the larger size that does not have to be refilled that often. I am sure they would use the smaller if they implanted it in the back. Goodness...it would bump on things back there I would think.
My biggesr fear when I had my trial was that I would get a spinal leak headache but I did not or when I had my permanent implant. Laying down and drinking caffene helps those or they can do a blood patch that will stop it.
If you can't take Morphine or it does not work for you ask them to try Diladuid. I have no side effects at all with the Diladuid. I am not even constipated with it.
Best of luck to you both. I just know you will be very happy with your pain pump. It has saved my life. Be patient with it. It does take time to get it asjusted up enough to get your pain down to a level you can live with. You will be started out on a low dose and slowly increased up until you reach that "magic" number. But you will feel instant relief. How much depends on the dose you are given.
Please keep us posted. You can PM me with any questions you may have.
Cheers
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
Wow, have you made me feel better about things. How long are you layed up afterwards?
silverfox
I have had my Pain Pump since dec 2010..so around 4 months now. When they did the trial the nicked my spine, so 2 day's later I had to have a blood patch done. and during the trial they used morphine, i found out i couldn't use that. I had a bad reaction to it! The trial was the worst part for me..because of the spinal leak. For the most part, it has done me a world of good. Going from staying in bed an having no life, to being able to try to get my life back. However I've went thru alot to get this far. they put me on diladed,(i know spelling's bad)..but the dosage had to be turned way down because had bad reaction to that also..so, 4 month's I've been having it slowly increased. problem is I was feeling so good after 1 month I went back to work. Not a good idea, because there still adjusting my meds, I'm missing work. anyhow the doc just turned me up a little, I woke up in the middle of the night with major back pain all thru my whole back. I also wondered if anyone else on dilated has had problems with joint pain? I have trouble with my knee's (hurts to bend them at all), and my elbow's. the doc said it's not because of the med's, an was gonna have me see a another doc.(maybe arthritis)..but who can afford to see another doc after all i've had done already. My job's gonna have a layoff, an I'll be one of them to go, so then I'll have no ins at all. The doc told me with my dosage (not sure what im at now), it would be $1,100.00 every 12 weeks. So when they layoff I'm probaly gonna have to have it shut off. on unemployment I can't pay $1,100.00. applyed for medicade but because i dont have any kid's under 17 and I'm not over 65, they can't help me. So does anyone else have the joint pain I'm feeling? and any suggestion's on getting help paying for refills? thanks soo much!!
you are having such a hard time. I am doing so well, it's scarey. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. But I've had my time (since 1999), but sure feel so bad for people who are still suffering. Hang in there. I was were you were with not wanting to continue with things, but after a couple trips to ER made me rethink things. Good luck!
silverfox
you are having such a hard time. I am doing so well, it's scarey. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. But I've had my time (since 1999), but sure feel so bad for people who are still suffering. Hang in there. I was were you were with not wanting to continue with things, but after a couple trips to ER made me rethink things. Good luck!
silverfox
you are having such a hard time. I am doing so well, it's scarey. Like waiting for the other shoe to drop. But I've had my time (since 1999), but sure feel so bad for people who are still suffering. Hang in there. I was were you were with not wanting to continue with things, but after a couple trips to ER made me rethink things. Good luck!
silverfox
How often are you scheduled to have your pain pump refilled. I just had mine implanted 1 month ago.
I am sorry but I have not been on here for several weeks because I tripped over a footstool and broke my hip.
My pain pump came through the fall just fine!!
I have the larger pump and refills are every 6 months.
They should give you a print out from your pump and it will give you your refill date.
Refills take about 20 minutes. All the old meds is removed from the pump and new meds injected in. All you feel is a needle prick.
Do not worry.....they will not let you run out. Your Doctors office will notify you when you are due a refill.
Now that I am home from rehab I will start checking in more often.Best of luck to you.
Cheers
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
oh, Patsy, your story is so promising...I just cannot decide if I want to go thru it or not. I just see so many mixed reviews...but I hate taking all this medicine and I'm basically maxed out on my meds, there is no where for me to go unless i switched meds. I don't know what to do. I am not having surgery on my back, so I am a candidate for the pump. I'm just so confused...but I'm so thankful for your testimony that you are sharing.
Mark 11:24
Therefore I tell you, whatever you ask for in prayer, believe that you have received it, and it will be yours.
also regarding the pain pump. But, after 6 failed surgereys, it's all I have left. If the pump doesn't work, I'm headed for another big fusion. And I don't want to do that. I go in Nov. 30th for the test stay. Scared, & looking forward to it. I go in the 14th to discuss what I have to do after it's installed.
silverfox
I would like to know where you go for your reviews of the pain pump. I've not seen any bad reviews and would like to. I had the pump implanted, 30 days ago, because I'd not seen any bad reviews. I'm researching deeper now because of an conflict in refill procedure.
Hi DRhode,
As you know, every person's experience is different, but for me...
...for actual reports/reviews by people who had the implant and what they experienced, good or bad, I looked here on the Spine-Health forum. I also have become a member of the Yahoo web site's "Pumpsters" group at http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/pumpsters/
I did not use the experiences of others very much in my decision to get my own pain pump.
I researched the device, the technical details of how it works, and also the advice of my Pain Doctor.
It seemed to me that my Doctor had really good results with the pain pump and his administration of it. I also took his advice on the actual surgeon, a neurosurgeon here locally, that my Pain Doctor had referred me to because of that man's success in implanting the device, but more importantly, the implantation of the catheter. This neurosurgeon, as my Pain Doctor described, puts the catheter into his patient's intrathecal space with plenty of the catheter IN that space, and attaches the catheter very well just outside the spine as well. NO reports of this surgeon's catheters coming out at a later time.
So for me, a person who had tried every type of shot, nerve cauterization, neurostimulator in my spine, etc., the pain pump became my last/best hope for back pain relief after four lumbar surgeries.
Having a great Pain Doctor who had association with a great neurosurgeon and that they both had really good success with the implantation and administering of pain pumps, was the major factor in my deciding to go ahead with the pain pump trial and eventually the pain pump implant; implanted this past April 18, 2011.
I relied very little on reviews by other pain pump recipients, maybe 5% of my thoughts were relying on the statements of those who had already received pain pumps.
The reviews that I did read were for the most part positive in how the pain pump helped them. The few that had serious problems seemed to me to be about the number of problems I would expect; there's ALWAYS going to be a few people for whom any procedure will not work well. (Same for any medicine, procedure, etc. For example, oral Lortab helps my breakthrough pain, and always has been the best oral medication I've ever taken, I get great relief with no side effects. My wife has bad reactions with Lortab, it doesn't help her pain much but also gives her bad side effects. Every medicine and every medical procedure will have different effects on each person.)
To summarize, I read reviews of pain pumps here at Spine-Health, and on Yahoo's Pumpsters group. But pain pump reviews by others figured very very little in my own decision to have a pain pump implanted. I am lucky enough to have a great Pain Doctor with a great bunch of other doctors, like this neurosurgeon, who he can refer to when needed.
The bottom line for me was that I liked the idea behind the pain pump, i.e. getting the morphine directly into the spinal fluid and past the blood/brain barrier, and I trusted my Pain Doctor.
My level of long-term pain was such that the pain pump experience of others was not much help to me, I knew from my research that it was a well established procedure that had helped many.
Hope this helps.
Regards,
John Masters
on me is done every 2 months. My pump has been in almost 9 mo., & I can tell you, not once have I wished I'd never done it. I love it, love it!
silverfox
Patsy, I'm really confused on the placement of the pain pump. It is pretty large (like a measering tape), & can't help to feel as you, that it would be getting in the way. Guess I need to talk to the doctor more.
silverfox
Pain Pumps are about the size of a hocky puck and you can tell them where you want it placed, right or left side. Choose the side you do not sleep on. I sleep on my back so I did not care which side they put it on.
There is nothing to fear from having a trial or the implant. The only time you hear from someone with a pain pump is if something goes wrong. Others are busy living their lives, working etc. Compared to the number of people with pain pumps the number you hear from are very few.
But as with any implant things can go wrong but the pump it's self has safty features built in. I never worry about mine....never even think of it. All I care about is that I have it and it is working. I would be in agony without it.
I have only had my pump a few months and am still getting increases because my Doctor only gives small increases at a time but with 3 oral pain pills a day along with my pump I am good to go about my business. Before I was taking Oxycodone every 4 hours and still in pain! I am self employed and back to work because I can work at my own pace.
Oops...sorry for the long post.
Cheers
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
How often I check up on my friends...
I never saw this till now and it was started in August
I am so glad to read it and very happy for you!
"I have been told my statement or statements are not logical. Would Mr. Spock ride a bicycle down a wooded mountainside when there was a perfectly good stationary bike at home?" NOTICE: Please consult a real DOCTOR before doing anything that may hurt yourself or others! Please be careful!Medtronic SCS Placed May 4, 2009. Cervical, for chronic right shoulder, upper arm pain.
Determining whether an implantable drug pump may be a good option for pain management is a complex process. The pain management process is used to relieve chronic pain. Intrathecal pump treatment for patients who have failed conservative way to help and surgery is unlikely to help.There is used for certain medical and other conditions that you are a drug pump implanted will have to stop that.
URL Removed
Hi PetterHarry5, I was following everything you were saying on your post until the last sentence and then I was unable to understand exactly what you were saying or what you meant. I am one of those people who had surgery that failed and Pain Mgmt has pretty much tried everything to help relief the pain to no avail. So I am interested in the Intrathecal Pump versus doing oral meds any longer. So what did your last sentence mean?
PetterHarry: I am sorry but your post makes no sense to me either. That last sentence really threw me.
What do you mean? (I am sorry but I am a bit thick headed today.)
Perhaps you will be kind enough to log in again and explain exactly what you mean.(scratching head)
A lot of people are interested in these threads about pain pumps so feel free to join in if you have a pain pump implant or are thinking about having one, or have some first hand knowledge of one.
Thanks
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
Take a look at the fact that a URL had been initially placed in petterharry5's signature. This is normally a good indicator that the individual behind the name was here simply to spam the forum. I wouldn't get too worked up over the post.
"C"
Pat - I am so very happy for you! WTG, enjoy!
I am here - do I really need to explain this more!? LOL
When do you get your pain pump installed? I go in next week. The trial went very well, so hopefull.
silverfox
Since my 1st back surgery, my feet have given me real problems. Has anyone else had this problem?
silverfox
Sorry I have missed your questions. I do not log in here often.
I had my pump implanted in June of this year and am very happy with it. I love the pain relief it has given me. It has saved my life.
Have you had your trial yet? If so...how did it go?
I also have a LOT of foot pain, both feet. They do not bother me as much now unless I have a flare up in my pain. Pain pumps only take care of your normal pain level. My flare ups are not as bad now as they use to be. The pain is not as severe.
I am still going in every 2 weeks for an increase in my pump meds. My Doctor only gives tiny increases each time, some gives larger ones but not as often.
Before my pump implant I was taking 6 oral pain pills a day(Oxycodone) I am now down to 3 a day sometimes 2. My Doctor promised me I would be off ALL oral pain meds before long and I believe hem.
Good Luck
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
I'm glad to hear that the foot pain may be releived by the pump. The feet have gotten worse lately. I go in Dec. 14th to have the pump put in. I had lots of relief from the trial, so hoping the real thing works. Sorry you still have so much pain, maybe they will find the right combination for you soon.
silverfox
I am so happy to hear you will be getting your permanent implant. I know you will be happy with the pain relief.
The key to a pain pump is patients. It will take time to get the pump up to the "magic number" that will bring your pain down to a level you can live with.
You will also be going in for increases just as I am until you reach your "magic number". How much of an increase you will get is up to your Doctor. My Doctor just gives tiny increases(10%) each time.
The only time I have any severe pain is when I have a flare up and oral meds takes care of most of it. When my pain is at it's "normal" level I do not always need oral meds. I am down from 6 Oxycodone a day to 3 now.
If you had a good trial the permanant implant will be the same because they will start you out on the same dose. In 6 weeks you should be able to go in for an increase if you feel you need one.
When you go in, or before you go, in remember to ask your Doctor about a PTM!! It is a hand held device that you can use to give yourself an extra dose of meds through your pump. It's important that you get one when you have the permanent implant because the insurance will pay for one then but not after.
The Doctor sets the PTM so you can just give yourself a certain(sp?) number of doses a day....you can not over dose with it. It is great for flare ups, if you have them like I do.
Very best of luck to you. The 14th will be your birthday!! You are going to have a "new life" then.
Please post when you get your implant. More people with pain pumps needs to start posting here.
Cheers
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
Hi Patsy,
I am glad to see that you are keeping your thread updated. I appreciate hearing about your progress for so many reasons. I am cheering you on!
Jackie
Being a member of Spine-health is one of the many aspects of slowly but surely learning to live in my body.
Patsy, you have given me so much information, & I can't can tell you what it has meant to me. I did talk with my doctor about the hand held device, & I guess he gives one to all his patients. Thanks again to your info, I knew to ask him. I am nervous, but anxious to get it & put an end to all this pain. I go in Tues. & I will let you know how it goes. Thanks again Patsy.
silverfox
Hello everyone!! I've been reading up about you Silverfox and want to congratulate on your decision. As Patsy has said this is the best thing a person in our shoes can do. I have had my morphine pump for a little over two years now. I never realized how much pain I was "sucking up" until I didn't have it any more. The day of my trial I felt like I could do cartwheels down the halls of the hospital. Not only was I out of paralyzing pain but I knew there was hope. I want you to be patient (sp?) because it really does take time to get to that magic number. I had to go a little slower with my increases because they were messing with my head too much so it took longer for my body to regulate. A few things to keep in mind for the future, have a practiced explanation for how the pump works, unfortunately, some people, including medical personnal, think we are all junkies when they hear the word morphine. try to explain that the amount we recieve is tiny because it is intrathecal. Also, make sure you have a very good relationship with your pain dr. You'll be seeing a lot of him/her. keep us posted!!! here's to life. littlefish
herniated disc T12-L1,L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4,L4-L5,L5-L6, Stenosis Same area,
Herniated discs, cervical spine, thoracic area
morphine pump as main pain relief
Degenerative disc disease
for your help. It's great to know there are people out there willing to take there time to help others. I have most of the same problems you have. Did you ready where Patsy mentioned the "grabber"? You need to get 1 or 2. I have had 2 for yrs. 1 in the bedroom & 1 in the kitchen. You don't realize how many times a day you bend over to pick up something. For about $15, they are worth $100's.
silverfox
Silverfox.....I am so happy I was able to help you in some small ways. Please try not to be nervous. My surgery was very easy on me...I did have a few days I had some pain from the implant but it was easily managed with oral pain meds. Did I mention that you will need a reacher/grabber? I found myself using mine several times a day. I managed to drop everything I picked up. I live alone so there was no one to go behind me picking up stuff.
Jackie....I am happy you are finding usefull information here. From the number of reads this post is still getting it appears a number of people are interested in pain pumps. And for that reason I plan to continue posting about my pump.
Littlefish....Thank you for your comment. It's always great to hear from another pumpster. I was so happy to hear you are doing well with your. I have Diladuid in mine and have never had any problems with the medication at all. It has not even caused me to be constipated which is common with pain medications. But we are all different and our bodies react differently to medications.
Best of luck to you tomorrow Silverfox. We all will be thinking of you.
Cheers to All
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
Oh my gosh!! Patsy I am so HAPPY for you!!!! I had tears in my eyes when I read that you felt good enough to go back to work. It has been such a long road for you and you have certainly given me hope. I keep all of the spineys on here in my prayers every day. So glad to see for sure that the prayers are working!!!
I haven't been on here in forever. I guess because I try so hard to focus on things that have nothing at all to do with my back!! But here I am a year and a half after my surgery and still miserable. I spend most of my days reclined in the hospital bed that has been in my master bedroom since my two surgeries in August 09. I am in constant pain and taking far more pain meds than I am comfortable with. MS Contin 45mg twice a day and a total of 8 Norco 10/325. Plus Cymbalta, Zanaflex and Lyrica. My pain Doc is wonderful and she works very hard with me to strike a balance between controlling my pain but not forcing me to take stronger drugs. I have tried Oxy and percocet and didnt think that they provided enough pain relief for as drugged as I felt. She has offered to let me try fentanyl patches but I am worried that will be the same result. And I really don't want to be on the strong of a drug in such a high dose.
So....she is strongly urging me to consider the Pain Pump. Which I have also been resistant to. At least until I came on here and read that your pump gave you back your life!! I am going to call her tomorrow and tell her to go ahead and set up the consult.
Thank you so much for sharing your story on here so that you can help others with this tough decision.
Currently recovering from Fusion Surgery of Lower Back in August 2009. Left leg/foot has been numb, swollen & useless since surgery. My positive attitude & sense of humor have gotten me this far...no point in giving up now! Lower back & Neck- DDD, Arthritis, Hypertrophic Facet Disease.
I was scared to have the pump put in to, but when you figure all you've done so far & had no success, the pump is a way to go. Had mine 2 days ago, & so far the only pain I have is where they put in the pump. NO LEG OR BACK PAIN---AT ALL! After suffering for 35 yrs., & did everything I could, (including 6 surgeries, this may be MY answer. Sure worth looking into seriously!!
silverfox
Well, my guess about the flu was wrong. Have had contineuos nausea, so taking drugs for that. Then I went to get my hand held remote. I was thrilled. Until I used it, & bam, it was like 5 times stronger than usual. Then the nausea hit really bad & ended up in the ER. See the dr. Mon. & hopefully we'll get it worked out. It was wonderful for 3 wks. My guess is there is a problem with the meds in the pump.
silverfox
I'm very happy for you! 35 years is way too long to have unrelenting pain. Glad the pump is working already for you. Keep us posted on that positive news. So happy Patsy is doing well also. Charry
Any answers I have is not medical advice only a Doctor can help you with that. Just sharing my personal experience as a fellow Spine Health member only. DDD of lumbar spine with sciatica to left hip,leg and foot. L4-L5 posterior disc bulge with prominent facets, L5-S1 prominent facets with a posterior osteocartilaginous bar. Mild bilateral foraminal narrowing Neck-reverse Lordosis of c-spine C6-C7 with impingement, numb hand and sore outer elbow. Keep the faith.
Silverfox.....I am so happy to hear you now have your implant and you now are free of ALL your pain. The surgery site will settle down in a few days hopefully. Mine did. But that will be easy to deal with now that you are free of the chronic feet and legs pain. I am so very happy for you.
Delta_Dawn....I am so sorry you are STILL in such pain. I would definately look into a pain pump implant. You have nothing to loose except your pain.
I did not hesitate one minute when it came to having my implant. I knew they were not as dangerous as some say and I also knew of others who were living happy, productive, pain free lives with a pain pump.
There is a sholdier in Iraq right now with a pain pump. I just read his comment the other day on another forum.
There is not much of anything you CAN'T do after you have the permanent implant and you are scared in good. Once you have the implant you will kick yourself for putting it off for so long.
Charry....Thank you for the comment. Yes, I am doing just fine with my pain pump. It's wonderful having a life again after so much suffering. This is the very best thing I could have done for myself.
I have my pump refilled next Monday the 20th and will let everyone know how that goes. I will also get another bump up in my pump meds.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
Finaly someone got some releif. I had a 7 day trial but the spinal leak was so painfull for that 7 days, I was actualy taken to the er and they called my dr only for him to say can i hang in there for a few more days , maybe it will stop. Needless to say few more days trial was over and i was just happy to have them pull it out. Even after that i still head the head ache untill i went back and finaly had the blood patch done. How can they let a trial go to waste like that i will never understand.After that i left that pain dr and seeing another pain dr now. Now when i brought up about maybe geting this done with this dr, he is actualy sugesting well i might not be taking enough oral meds. If that was the case how the hell would i have had a pain pump trial from the other dr when they all know i also had 2 scs trials also in the past. I think i am like a magnet and found dr dumb, and dr dumber. Happy to hear its working out for ya Patsy. Best wishes''
L4 L5 disc replacement in 2004=causing nerve damage'Flexicore disc. 2006 fusion same level leaving adr in. Fusion did nothing to releive the nerve pain.Pain clinic=every injection procedure avalable inc,razadamy, ablation, nerve stimulater trial,morphine pump trial all failed. Pain can be described as burning pain in lower spine penetrating in to left buttock,down left leg. Refuse to take lyrica or nuorontin do to its side effect,Leaving me with norco,valume,and flexiril at night.Which these medications only help with the muscle aches and stiffnes does nothing for the nerve pain from the nerve damage sustained from the adr surgery.Coming up nov.19th 2009 Lami, and hardware removal from fusion,for hardware just causing more pain in other areas.Hardware block comfirmed hardware is also causing pain in diferent area aside from the severe nerve pain on left side.Emg showed some posible problem above surgery are at L3 L4.
I'm so sorry you had such a bad experience. That's horrible! So far I'm pretty much pain free. Can't tell you how good that feels. Now I can start living my life again.
silverfox
Isn't it unusual to have a 7-day trial for an intrathecal pump? I knew that SCS trials could be as long as 7 days. However, I thought the pump trial was either an intrathecal shot or a 1-3 day trial with a percutaneous catheter inserted into the intrathecal space and connected to an external pump. I would be interested to read the comments of others who have had a pump trial.
Old Whitebeard
FBSS, radiculopathy in leg and foot
SCS trial failed
Current Meds: MS Contin + Neurontin
Seven day trials are not unusual for a pain pump trial. Depending on how your Doctor does his trials. Not all Doctors do their trials the same way.
Some do one shots(do not want that) some admit you to the hospital for 3 or 4 days trying different meds or different strength shots each day(I was in hospital 3 days)some use an external pump for about 7 days. I THINK during the 7 day trial the Doctor keeps adjusting the meds until he hits the "magic number" that eases your pain the most. I could be wrong tho.
A temp catheter is placed in your spine to give you the meds through, just as it would be placed in your spine for the permanent implant.
When the catheter was placed in my spine I was scared to death that I would get a spinal leak headache but I did not.
Hopefully someone who has had a 7 day external pump trial can help you more than I can.
Best of luck
Patsy W
I am not a Doctor but I do watch House and Doc Martin on TV.
Never give up HOPE..June 18,2010 I had a pain pump implant....I now free of pain.
My thoughts and opinions are just that, my thoughts and my opinions, based on my experiances.
herniated disc T12-L1,L1-L2,L2-L3,L3-L4,L4-L5,L5-L6, Stenosis Same area,
Herniated discs, cervical spine, thoracic area
morphine pump as main pain relief
Degenerative disc disease