Intrathecal Pump Trial

8BackSurgeriesLatet

Sheduled for a pain pump trial on 7/12/2018. Worried because of all the scar tissue built up over 8 surgeries. Not sure my PM Doc is up to the task of getting catheters in place. Have had many issues having contrast injected for CT myelograms under floroscopy. My back is a mess. Anyone else have experience with this test after having numerous back surgeries? Any difficulty? My biggest concern is that if a problem arises they can't do an MRI on me because I have a incompatible ICD device implanted already. This will make it very difficult to diagnose some issues with lead placement....I think....

memerainbolt

Hi 8BackSurgeriesLatet!
Welcome to Spine-Health

I understand your worries, I had the same ones. But it depends on how the test is done. Every surgeon is different. I had a neurosurgeon do the test and the implant. All he did for the test was give me an injection of morphine in several places from L2-S1.
The pain immediately went away. He said he put more than usual because we had a 2 hr. ride home. But there were a few places he could not get in so he just went around it.

I'm sure your surgeon is aware that you have an ICD device and cannot do a MRI. Have you discussed this with him and what options do you have? Have you also asked where they are placing the catheter and why?
Mine was placed at T1 for two reasons. That was the only place he could get in and I started having cervical and thoracic issues.
Please talk to your surgeon before the test and get all of your worries and questions answered.

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I will be more than glad to help you through this, just keep us posted.

Jerome001

I have a pain pump (implanted last year) and have had MRIs and CTs with the implant.  According to the rep, neewer pain pump models are compatible with MRIs and CTs.

j.howie

My pain management Dr. was not up to the task as I have scar tissue from many surgeries. I’m fused from T 12 to to S 1. But my Orthopedic Dr. thought he might be able to get it in. And he was successful 

AndyShutz

I had a trial as just an injection as well. I suppose to see if you can tolerate the meds. Mine was successful, relieved pain for about 2 hours and that was it. I had hoped for 5 or 6 hours. Anyway, awaiting authorization for pump and doc says he will use dilauded. Love to hear of anyone else's experiences with the Intrathecal pumps?

memerainbolt

Andy
I have had a pump for 1 1/2 yrs., morphine. It really changed my life of pain. The right dose has been hard to come by with my back constantly changing and the scoliosis is not helping. But overall, I'm so glad I made this choice. My refills are usually every 3 mos., depending on how many times I use the bolus shots. 
You should receive a remote device, Personal Therapy Manager, that will give you an extra dose (bolus) every so many hours. Mine is set at every 4 hours. My catheter is located at T1. Do you know where yours will be placed? 
I was having my dose increased every 2-3 weeks, very gradually. Now, I am comfortable with 2-3 months between increases to see how my body is going to adjust. I have kept a log from day one of my pain levels and time of bolus. I always take the most recent month's with me to my PM doctor.

If you have any more questions, I'll be more than glad to help anyone out. It might be best to start your own discussion on this subject so as to not hijack this thread.

lisamay65

Thanks for all of the info... l have LBP and 2 previous neck surgeries with hardware. I would have to say the thoracic pain is much worse so is that where the Dr should put the catheter? I am so glad to see so many successful surgeries. I look forward to having my pain more tolerable and free of oral meds. Thanks again for all the feed back!