Intrathecal Pain Pump

I went to a large teaching hospital when I had my pump. I also felt like it was assembly line medicine meant more to make a buck than to help the patient. Took me a long time to convince them to remove it. I felt part of the issue is the doctors numbers look bad when it is removed

Yes, you are in a Guinea Pig Line. Doctor that does the surgery won’t even talk to you if you don’t at least get a shot. There PA fills the pump and answers questions. Nothing but lines of people. I wise I never received the pump. All their shots did nothing but make me worse. Then they charged you an arm and a leg. Once you get a pump they own you.

Hi Archie here—

I am so sorry to hear this and to know your experience. The pump (Medtronic intrathecal pain pump) is and has been a God-send for me. Since 2009, when put in, I have never needed oral medication!! If you have trouble with movement, surgeons can insert the pump into a type of pouch that secures it. One of the benefits of having a pump is that you get only 1/300 th of the amount of medication— it is being dripped right on the nerve roots. This is why my 40ml pump has been sufficient for almost 20 years. I’ve had 3 replacements— batteries wear out — and am due another next year— but I am keeping my pump. Sure, there have been some increases in the amount of medication flowing because my adhesive Arachnoiditis is progressive, but they easily reprogrammed the pump and gave me more boluses, which gives me even more control over my pain. I keep a diary, I stay with the same Pain Management group, and I prepare for each interaction with them by having a written list of questions or concerns. I honestly can’t bring myself to believe that the doctors are doing this service just to make money, or that we are on an assembly line. Sure, the delivery of healthcare has evolved over the years, but doctors have trained for years to treat us. At 80 years old, I should know—after literally 100’s of procedures, I’m still looking forward to tomorrow morning.
Best,
Archie

Hi Ducksi— Archie here—

I just left a post regarding the pump— would welcome any contact you want. Good luck
Archie

FYI---I take Indomethacin for my Arachnoiditis pain. It really helps. Must be taken with food. This drug is part of Dr Tenants protocol.

Archie, I have to think that your Arachnoiditis was caused from your pump or the medicine it delivers. I have seen a number of people who have Arachnoiditis and also have pain pumps. I didn't have Arachnoiditis until after getting my pump. I recently had my pump and intrathecal catheter removed.

What dose of indomethacin does dr tenant recommend?

I take 50 mg.

Hello: I went from Fentanyl to Methadone to Dilaudid. Failed back surgery with third Medtronic Pain Pump. I have lots of burning in right leg, Groin, Hip, Butt down to Foot and Toes. Also going into left leg and toes. They have 3.000 now in third pump with 100 Bolus three a day Dilaudid. They call it Hydromorphon. The burning ing in my right leg and feet are driving me out of my mine. I thought I was better on Methadone but had more stomach upset. The Dilaudid when I take a Bolus puts me asleep. Does the Dilaudid put you to sleep? Plus constipation is terrible. Anyway my burning feels like an open wound with Iodine pored on me. I’m in a world of hurt and don’t know what to do anymore. Thinking of having pump taking out. Don’t know. Does your Bolus put you to sleep.? Thank you for any comments. Jeff

Jeff again. May I ask what your pump is set at per day. You said you were Max Out. Mine is at 3.000 Thank you