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Thinking about stimulator or pain pump for chronic lumbar pain
I had a spinal fusion in 2006 and have been dealing with chronic pain ever since... I stopped using opioids later that same year and ever since my pain has largely been uncontrolled. I've tried TENS units, all kinds of other meds, physical therapy, daily exercise, and psychiatric interventions and my life still is very limited by problems caused by chronic pain. Im thinking about a stimulator or a pain pump but curious of others experience. I regret my fusion so im very reluctant to have anymore surgery. I was totally against a pain pump until I found out that medication doesn't cross the blood brain barrier as I developed opioid dependence and misuse following my fusion. I dont mind being dependent on a medication but I dont trust myself to self regulate my use of oral pain medications for more than a few days max and that's only with having my spouse overseeing what im taking. Im specifically interested in how painful the procedures are as again i dont trust myself to be on oral opioid meds for any extended periods of time.
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I gave my PCP paperwork on Dr Tenants protocols and he was willing to prescribe Indomethacin. I wish I could find someone who actively treats a lot of arachnoiditis patients. Thank goodness the Indomethacin helps. When my arachnoiditis flares up bad, it is pain in my lower back and all down my rear end. I have so much trouble in my back, that I can't determine whether my sciatica and pain in my legs is from my back or the arachnoiditis. But the lower back pain and down into my rear end, is a signal that my arachnoiditis is flaring. I would love to hear how you are doing.
It seems that the Lord answered my prayer regarding my insensitive pain doc. Went back yesterday to get my pump refilled and, lo and behold, there was a different doc! A young, pleasant, female doc who really listened to me with a measure of empathy. I asked to see her on my visits, so I am looking forward to my appointments now.
BTW, I had the pump bumped up again. I am currently at about 1.5 mg daily. My trial gave me 4.0 mg right into the intrathecal space. I think I may feel just a little better today. Nothing spectacular but noticeable. Back in three weeks to get it bumped up another 15%. I should get close to that 4 mg in another seven or eight visits. I hope you all have a blessed day!
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1 ReactionThe surgeries I have undergone do not seem cost-effective, as I am not experiencing significant benefits or even consistent relief from daily pain. I have had a total of five surgeries, with the most recent on June 11, 2025. Most recently, the spinal cord stimulator (SCS) only reduced my pain by about 10%. I still require daily Percocet for pain management. I stopped physical therapy and chiropractic treatment this week, which resulted in increased pain levels. An X-ray at the chiropractor's office revealed an L4-5 disc herniation and misalignment. It seems that my condition is taking a turn for the worse after 20 years of struggles with lower back issues.
laura1970
I certainly understand the travel issues. I was seriously considering traveling to Jacksonville, FL to attend the Mayo pain program. It is a 5 day a week pr
laura1970
I certainly understand the travel issues. I was seriously considering traveling to Jacksonville, FL to attend the Mayo pain program. It is a 5 day a week program for 3 weeks. After I thought about the prog
laura1970
I certainly understand the travel issues. I was seriously considering traveling to Jacksonville, FL to attend the Mayo pain program. It is a 5 day a week program for 3 weeks. After I thought about the program, I realized that I was kidding myself by thinking that I have the stamina to travel and attend such an intense program.
I know that one of the engineers that designed one of the pain pumps. He actually he had to have one of his pumps put in his spine, and the leads crossed and completely fried his nervous system. I know that these pain pumps they have doctors need to go in every 3 to 5 years and replace the batteries which is another surgery, which people don’t actually realize. I know some people that have good response and some people that have bad response. I would say it’s probably 50-50 at the moment. If I had the option, I would not do it. This is based on my knowledge of electronics and how the human body either rejects or accepts foreign objects. I’m not a big on having to replace the batteries every 3 to 5 years either. I really wish there was a simple answer and I’m just giving you my opinion Which we all have.
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1 ReactionHi, I had a pain pump for 2 years for chronic pain. I had to remove due to formation of a catheter-tip granuloma that left me unable to walk and limited use of my arms for a week. It was reversed however, due to the severity of the situation and not wanting to risk it ever happening again I decided to remove the pump. I can say that my pain management has never been the same since.
@mgabby17
I am sorry you have been through so much. It took 15 for me to finally get a great pain management doctor. I know going from one to another or just getting a second opinion at a different doctor’s office is so very difficult. Wish you the best on your life journey.
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1 Reaction@cmedina1 I have been to so many, various doctors since my injury ten years ago, I have lost track. Unfortunately, there seems to be a scarcity of PM docs in my area. I would have to travel over two hours to get to a large medical facility that offers pain management. Even then, as you mentioned, there is no guarantee that I would find a PM who is engaged, empathetic, and willing to go the extra mile. The best neurologist I have had was several years ago prior to our moving was a private practice doc who spent well over an hour in our first appointment. The last neurologist I met several months ago spent six minutes with me. As soon as he heard the term "Poly Neuropathy", he couldn't get me out the door fast enough. Thanks for your post.