Thinking about stimulator or pain pump for chronic lumbar pain

Posted by mattman1022 @mattman1022, Oct 17 3:36pm

I had a spinal fusion in 2006 and have been dealing with chronic pain ever since... I stopped using opioids later that same year and ever since my pain has largely been uncontrolled. I've tried TENS units, all kinds of other meds, physical therapy, daily exercise, and psychiatric interventions and my life still is very limited by problems caused by chronic pain. Im thinking about a stimulator or a pain pump but curious of others experience. I regret my fusion so im very reluctant to have anymore surgery. I was totally against a pain pump until I found out that medication doesn't cross the blood brain barrier as I developed opioid dependence and misuse following my fusion. I dont mind being dependent on a medication but I dont trust myself to self regulate my use of oral pain medications for more than a few days max and that's only with having my spouse overseeing what im taking. Im specifically interested in how painful the procedures are as again i dont trust myself to be on oral opioid meds for any extended periods of time.

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carolynhughes75 | @carolynhughes75 | 2 days ago

I gave my PCP paperwork on Dr Tenants protocols and he was willing to prescribe Indomethacin. I wish I could find someone who actively treats a lot of arachnoiditis patients. Thank goodness the Indomethacin helps. When my arachnoiditis flares up bad, it is pain in my lower back and all down my rear end. I have so much trouble in my back, that I can't determine whether my sciatica and pain in my legs is from my back or the arachnoiditis. But the lower back pain and down into my rear end, is a signal that my arachnoiditis is flaring. I would love to hear how you are doing.

heisenberg34 | @heisenberg34 | 2 days ago

It seems that the Lord answered my prayer regarding my insensitive pain doc. Went back yesterday to get my pump refilled and, lo and behold, there was a different doc! A young, pleasant, female doc who really listened to me with a measure of empathy. I asked to see her on my visits, so I am looking forward to my appointments now.
BTW, I had the pump bumped up again. I am currently at about 1.5 mg daily. My trial gave me 4.0 mg right into the intrathecal space. I think I may feel just a little better today. Nothing spectacular but noticeable. Back in three weeks to get it bumped up another 15%. I should get close to that 4 mg in another seven or eight visits. I hope you all have a blessed day!

pedrov57 | @pedrov57 | 2 days ago

The surgeries I have undergone do not seem cost-effective, as I am not experiencing significant benefits or even consistent relief from daily pain. I have had a total of five surgeries, with the most recent on June 11, 2025. Most recently, the spinal cord stimulator (SCS) only reduced my pain by about 10%. I still require daily Percocet for pain management. I stopped physical therapy and chiropractic treatment this week, which resulted in increased pain levels. An X-ray at the chiropractor's office revealed an L4-5 disc herniation and misalignment. It seems that my condition is taking a turn for the worse after 20 years of struggles with lower back issues.

carolynhughes75 | @carolynhughes75 | 9 hours ago

laura1970
I certainly understand the travel issues. I was seriously considering traveling to Jacksonville, FL to attend the Mayo pain program. It is a 5 day a week pr

carolynhughes75 | @carolynhughes75 | 9 hours ago

laura1970
I certainly understand the travel issues. I was seriously considering traveling to Jacksonville, FL to attend the Mayo pain program. It is a 5 day a week program for 3 weeks. After I thought about the program, I realized that I was kidding myself by thinking that I have the stamina to travel and attend such an intense program.