Have you had a Pain Pump removed??

I am seriously considering having my pain pump removed. In just over a year it has never provided any pain relief. It just sits there like big, old, stale bagel, jiggling around. Very uncomfortable. I have read that you can reduce the output slowly over time and have it refilled with saline if having it removed scares you. I am really disgusted that my pain doc refuses to seek any alternative routes or to reach out to his colleagues. I decided to take matters into my own hands and have seen a new pain doc who has some different approaches to consider. I will try to keep you posted on how that goes.I wish you well.

I am in the same situation. It's been a year since the pump was implanted and no pain relief.
What could possibly be the problem?
What should I do next?

The usual problems with a pump not giving pain relief include the tip of the needle getting clogged up; the needle moving out of the right spot, and the pump malfunctioning. However, I have seen quite a few commenters who, like me, have never gotten any pain relief. You can have the pump's output checked out under fluoroscopy to see if the drug is actually being delivered into the intrathecal space.

The doc checked that and said the catheter hadn't moved and so far the pump output is exactly what it is supposed to be.
I can't help but think there's a hole in the catheter and that the meds aren't getting into the spinal fluid.
I'm going to have to find a new doc, a new set of eyes, to look into it farther. The doc I have has just give up one. I believe he thinks I'm crazy or just a whiner. I wish he had this pain just for a few days so that he would know how real it is. It has taken my life away. I can't plan anything or look forward to anything because this pain makes me wish I had just stayed home. I can't enjoy much at all.

I have seen the doc twice lately and I've done what you just mentioned. I've had the flow of medication turned down 25% the 1st time and another 20% a few days ago.
My pain has not increased at all, but I am having some withdrawal symptoms. Sweating profusely and then chilling to the bone and some emotional changes.
I'm going back next week and have it turned down again. I'll finally get to 0 so I can turn it off or take it out. I do want another doc to do some investigating before I have it removed just in case the catheter is kinked, broken, or leaking.
Keep me informed and I will post my journey on here.

I know exactly what you mean. I can’t ride more than about an hour. Like you, my days are spent mostly at home, sitting in a recliner or lying down on the bed. My pain doc doesn’t even make any suggestions for alternative therapies.
I too would like to give my pain to some of my doctors for a few days and see how they like it. “Don’t judge a man until you have walked a mile in his shoes”.

Hi- Archie here-- this has been a great discussion and Heisenbrrg hit most points I would make. I have had a tip blockage (granuloma) and had it surgically fixed. Tip placement is critical, but thats what you pay these guys for.
My pump improved my life from day 1. Since implant in 2007 , I’ve never needed nor taken oral pain meds. This is true for less than 15% of patients so I’ve been fortunate. Recently I had the pump output increased because of progressive arachnoiditis (neurogenic claudication) and it has helped immensely. I can’t imagine titrating off the pump. Next step, I’m getting a Boston Scientific Spinal Cord Stimulator on Feb 25. can’t wait.
Do you have a Medtronic pump? I had a Flowonix pump for a while with awful results. Just a thought.
Many thanks to Heisenberg for his thoughtful reply. Good advice!
Best to all, Archie

I have a medtronic spinal cord stimulator and had it before the pain pump. It has helped more than the pump. It doesn't take the pain away, but the stimulation distracts from the pain with a tingling shocking sensation.
It took several medtronic representatives, programmers to get it adjusted properly, but it's worth the aggravation.

Interesting that the Medtronics SCS gives you some relief by distraction. That aggravating sensation is usually only felt if you push the electrode too near the intrathecal space. I used to get that from my unit when I would lie on back on a hard surface. Or, when the stimulation got turned up too high. Along with the meds, the SCS brought my pain down from 1 7 to about a 3. Very satisfying.

Yes it's aggravating until you get used to it, but has helped more than this pain pump.
I'm so glad that these devices are getting others out of the chronic pain. Perhaps one day, something will work for me.