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

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

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.

I had a Medtronic intrathecal pump for 6 years. I developed a rare condition called arachnoiditis, an inflammation of the sac surrounding the spinal cord. I am unable to sit for more than 10 minutes without pain and unable to sit for more than 45 minutes to an hour at all. I am much worse off than before I had the pump placed. I realize that this complication is rare, but I think patients need to be aware of it before proceeding with pump placement.

Arachnoiditis as a pump related issue may not be as rare as you think. I also have Arachnoiditis related to my pump. After 20 years of having a pump, I finally had it removed.