Anybody have an implanted drug pump?

[thatgemguy]

Chronic pain sucks, I'm tired of being in pain every day, and the quality of my life is suffering. My doctor and my pain specialist say I'm not a good candidate for additional back surgery.

The pain specialist is recommending that I have a drug (morphine) pump implanted to treat my back pain. The device is about the size of a hockey puck and would be placed in my abdomen with a catheter attached to my spine to deliver the drug directly to the affected areas. The device would require regular visits to a clinic for maintenance, and would be permanent.

I need more information so I can make an informed decision. I would especially like to hear from someone who has personal experience with this device.

Any info would be greatly appreciated. PM me if you desire.

[purduejake]

1. I am sorry you're having all of this pain.

I am in treatment for back pain and although I'm not suffering like you are, I have an idea of how tough it is to treat. I don't know anything about these pumps, but wanted to wish you the best. Take care.

[karlrschneider]

2. Gosh, that seems like a pretty extreme "solution"...but it might be your

only real option. I assume you've gone through all the usual 'pain killing' oral medications? Have you considered 'alternative medicine therapy', such as acupuncture? (I have no experience with it nor do I endorse it but there are many people who claim it works) I just have a kind of revulsion for any sort of continuous infusion of narcotics, but then I'm not suffering as you apparently are. Hope you can get some relief, however it's done though.

[thecrow]

3. My exhusband and a dear friend both have drug pumps

My exhusband for diabetes and my friend for chronic pain.
Both are extatic over the results.
My advice is do it, if your doctor is advising it... he knows what he is talking about.

The thing is that the pump delivers whatever medication is need for your body in regular intervals so that you don't get the downside of the pain and have to wait til a painkiller kicks in orally or intravenously.

I hope this has been of some help, and I hope you feel better soon!
:pals:

[Pastiche423]

4. Please check your PMs

[shraby]

5. My son had a stroke that left him with

what is called thalamic pain. He finally had a pump put in that dispenses morphine and it's so much better for him. If your doc recommends it, go for it.
pm me and I'll give you his email address. He can tell you all about it.

[pansypoo53219]

6. what is your back problem?

i had a badly misaligned spine from a fall. chiro fixed it AND straightened my scoliosis. but then i had been working on that somehow since childhood. 1 to three curves all by myself. she just finished the job.

my cousin has one of those things. she has bad CP.