Hello, I just read your post and must respond a bit...I don't have a pain pump, but my 52 year old son does, for 3 years now. It was his last resort. Definitely not something he chose nor wanted. He has endured extreme pain from dystonia and nerve pain in the neck/shoulder. He has dilaudid with ability to give himself a bump several times daily if needed. It has saved his life as he now can have some sort of functioning life. Not much, but limited activity.

I read the post from @wsh66 on this group and suggest his comments were right on re my own son. He seems an excellent contact for you.

I was shocked at your question about ability to function with a pump. My son can't function due to the illness and pain. The pump allows him to live alone, care for himself and his puppy, talk on the phone some, watch tv, walk limited, and sleep some. The thought of jumping, running, playing tennis or soccer or any other type of sport is totally in outer space, unfathomable for him. I have lived with him through this horror for the last 20 years, so I do understand the process. I also understand, at least it seems, there is no person who has a pump and plays tennis or soccer????

I may indeed be wrong, but it is a last resort, not a simple treatment. He's been through horrors for all these years, trying everything possible before having the pump installed. Perhaps he waited too long. May be, but the outcome would not be different, just a different timeframe.

So, there are my thoughts. I don't know how correct, but I do know the pain pump isn't a piece of cake. It's a delivery system for some of the worst pain with some of the strongest medications available. So, a lot of research is good.
I hope if this is something that you need and will give you relief, you get the help and do well. I do think you may be not understanding the severity of this treatment, if you think you will be playing sports again.

Blessings and may your pain be less, controlled and your life be filled with good.
elizabeth