Hi Archie here—

I am so sorry to hear this and to know your experience. The pump (Medtronic intrathecal pain pump) is and has been a God-send for me. Since 2009, when put in, I have never needed oral medication!! If you have trouble with movement, surgeons can insert the pump into a type of pouch that secures it. One of the benefits of having a pump is that you get only 1/300 th of the amount of medication— it is being dripped right on the nerve roots. This is why my 40ml pump has been sufficient for almost 20 years. I’ve had 3 replacements— batteries wear out — and am due another next year— but I am keeping my pump. Sure, there have been some increases in the amount of medication flowing because my adhesive Arachnoiditis is progressive, but they easily reprogrammed the pump and gave me more boluses, which gives me even more control over my pain. I keep a diary, I stay with the same Pain Management group, and I prepare for each interaction with them by having a written list of questions or concerns. I honestly can’t bring myself to believe that the doctors are doing this service just to make money, or that we are on an assembly line. Sure, the delivery of healthcare has evolved over the years, but doctors have trained for years to treat us. At 80 years old, I should know—after literally 100’s of procedures, I’m still looking forward to tomorrow morning.
Best,
Archie