Pain pump failure

I had the opioid removed from my pump in steps, and down to 0, and I felt much better. I never knew whether the pain pump helped. I had some pain in a different area (hip). The pain pump nurse talked me into putting morphine in. I still don't know if it helps. I am getting injections for Cauda Equina/piriformis and the last one 2 weeks ago helped. (From another clinic).

Thanks for your info. I am having that spinal cord stimulator removed next week. I am hoping to get an MRI ASAP. Maybe that’ll show what’s going on with this back.
How long did it take you to get the pump down to zero? Any weird feelings along the way?
I just feel that I can’t put any more of this stuff in.
Chris

4/7/24
My insurance won't even approve me for a spinal cord stimulator, because my pain is nerve pain. I can only put my hope in God. He has healed me from diabetes, thyroid disease, cirrhosis of the liver, and non-alcoholic, but my cervical neck surgery was done wrong and in Florida, you only have 2 years to file a lawsuit, it took me 2.6 years to find out what was wrong after seeing several doctors. I'm on a Fentanyl patch of 12mcg because I have lost so much weight that I had to go down, but the pain is getting to me. I have IBS so I can't take anything but Tylenol in small quantities and that still hurts the liver. I wish doctors were taught how to really fix your health instead of giving you pills to manage the symptoms.

I can't understand why they would deny you coverage for a scs. Nerve pain was the very reason I had mine implanted in the first place. It worked fairly well, along with meds, for about three years. Of course mine was covered by Medicare, so perhaps that's the difference. Hope He can deliver you from this mess.

I am not sure how long it took for draw down to zero, depends of course on high the medicine is set. I didn't suffer a lot.

What medication are you using in your pain pump?

Jim

Hydromorphone. They tried using a mix of it last with some kind of anesthetic, but it was worse.
The worst effects have moderated, but still very unpleasant.

I started taking that orally a month ago, 4mg BID. It's the only medication that touches my neuropathy pain in my feet, though when I have to do much walking, it doesn't keep up. I've only taken one in the middle of the day once. I've discussed the pump with my neurologist and pain doctor, and they approve it, but there's no one to maintain it near where I live, so it's been on hold for several years. Would you say that it's better than taking Hydromorphone orally? Do you know what dosage you're getting now? I can imagine that it could be a challenge to find the therapeutic setting.

Thanks for your input.

Jim

I had the pump put in a month ago and it was immediate relief. I have arthritis, fibro, spine issues that kept me in constant pain. This device changed my life within hours. I am still recovering from surgery, but for all the discomfort, I wouldn't change a thing. I truly do feel like a new woman (80).

So great to hear. It must be life-changing to be out of the pain. I"m not sure why mine didn't give me relief. Just not my luck. LOL Stay well and be blessed.