Intrathecal Pain Pump

I am in the process of getting a pain pump. I too would like to hear from people who have them already. What do you wish you knew before you got the pump? And how well has it worked for you, effectiveness and drug therapies?

I’ve had my pump for 4 years. It took a lot of time to iterate up to level that relieved my pain. I also use 6 blouses per day so that also helps. After one failed implantation? The 2nd time was perfect, I still have to use some oral pain meds plus the pump, but not as much as when I was just taking the oral pain meds

Archie here:
Medtronic pump installed 2007 with Dilaudid inside. Absolutely changed my life for the better. I haven’t had to take any oral medication since. Replaced 2015 and 2021. Had a granuloma once— but that’s the whole Story. I love it.
Best, Archie

I’ve had mine for 4 yrs. The 1st pump surgery was in for 6 weeks then got terribly infected and had to be removed, waited several yrs and tried it again, works fine now. Still need to take oral dilaudid to control my pain. Can you tell me how many mg of dilaudid you get in ur pump, I’m maxed out at 5.5 mg thx

Archie here:

When I first had my pump implanted in 2007 in DC, I also had an infection which resolved into a large seroma (fluid filled sack) around the pump. The surgeon was apologetic as he removed many 100.s of cc's from my body., but it solved the issue. I'm now 80, and my Adhesive Arachnoiditis has progressed and for whatever reason is more active right now. I have a 40ML PUMP, SO PLENTY OF ROOM FOR MEDICATION. I get over 6.8 on continuous flow daily (I'll look ups exactly if you need it) but also have the choice of 5 boluses /day. This flexibility precludes the necessity of oral meds. Bottom line, I'm very happy with the Medtronic 40 that I have.

As an aside, I recently had a consult with the head of Neurology at Mayo's in Jacksonville, and he told me again the AA is progressive and that it was UNREASONABLE for me to expect the pump to cover all the pain issues I am having, That was a real kick in the butt, and he recommended getting a spinal cord stimulator as an adjunct to the pump. For me, that has been a big mistake. I've gone through months of healing, testing various treatment protocols--all to no avail--it just doesn't help me. So be aware that it may not be for everyone. I've had AA since 1978, so I do have some perspective on the disease and treatment modalities.. I wish you good luck.
Best, Archie

I had a Medtronic intrathecal pump with balofen and dilaudid. Had it removed after six years due to new onset back pain and arachnoiditis presumably caused by the pump.

Hi Archie, I get 6 blouses per day, and have a good dose of baclophen to help with muscle pain. I’ve now progressed to the pump as well as 8mg oral dilaudid 2 times a day, this has provided good pain management and I’ll stick with this protocol for the long haul, it took a lot of trial and error, but finally have a better quality of life.

I have had mine for 3 years and it has been life changing. What specifically are your concerns?

I have had Medtronic pump, it was first implanted in 2012. I used the smallest dose available and in 13 years have had 3 minor bump ups (increased dose). In 2026, I will receive a new pump and have been totally satisfied with its performance, without I can barely get out of bed. I have had 7 joint replacements, but the pump is for failed back surgery of my lumbar spine. I was in the care of a neurosurgeon who rebuilt my neck and attempted to repair my lumbar spine. I have DDD and every disk is affected by arthritis, as well as all my joints. A friend of mine afflicted with rheumatoid arthritis similar to my condition and I say you don't make the decision is made by your pain. If you've tried every other treatment to no avail, what have you got to lose? Sometimes there are no "cards' left in the deck. Good luck to all seeking relief.

I’m curious, which joint was replaced 7 times? I’ve had my L hip replaced 7 times due to dislocation issues and muscular instability, the final result is a stable joint now, but terrible muscle pain issues, my pump is maxed out with dilaudid, so my Dr also gives me oral dilaudid which makes life tolerable.