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Intrathecal Pain Pump

Chronic Pain | Last Active: Dec 24, 2025 | Replies (120)

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Profile picture for archie2 @archie2

Hi Brother,
Happy Holidays to you too. I have Dilaudid in the pump. Initially tried morphine, but had stomach troubles. Constant flow on the pump (40 ml pump) and concentration is 6.8 mg/day. I also have the flexibility to give myself 5 "boluses" per day if I'm having a bad pain day. The bolus feature also helps you keep ahead of the pain which as you know is critical.

Just a word of advice, this whole issue of mg vs ML vs dose vs pump volume capacity can be very confusing. Let the experts figure out the dosing and timing. I communicate in terms of "I need more pain relief more often" or "can we try a different opioid next fill??" I've even gone through periods of Fentanyl (don't waste your time). The positioning of the catheter lead is probably your most critical variable. Ask.

Finally, if things still aren't working, your body can actually grow tissue that impedes the medicine flow (called a granuloma)--again, something to check for if relief is not good.

That's enough--I appreciate meeting you and hope the best for you in the New Year.

Best--Archie

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Replies to "Hi Brother, Happy Holidays to you too. I have Dilaudid in the pump. Initially tried morphine,..."

@archie2 Thanks for getting back to me. When you say that you are getting 6.8 mg/day, does that include the boluses? Also, how long did it take you to get to that 6.8? I am only at 2.3 mg/day after two and a half years. I don't know why it has taken them so long to get to this point. Going up at 10% or 15% every three weeks or so seems so slow. I have seen other members who are at 4 mg or more. Just an FYI for any who are not aware: you can check your pump's info by clicking on the three horizontal bars in the upper left hand corner of your remote's display when giving your self a bolus.
Have a wonderful and blessed New Year, Archie!