Syncromed Pump --- Dilaudid and Congestive Heart Failure

[syncro]

My question is this: Has Dilaudid delivered through an Intrathecal Pump even been tied to adverse cardiac functioning?

For example, might such drug delivery directly and negatively affect cardiac output to require a patient to receive supplemental oxygen?

Is anyone aware of any study or studies that has looked at the issue of a direct tie between Dilaudid delivery through such a device and heart functioning?  

My adverse symptoms were many, but included - significant weight gain, hypoxia (requiring oxygen - 24/7), heart arrhythmias -- (of which I had none prior in any screening).  Numerous tests ruled out DVT, Emboli, etc.

Urinary retention subsided upon cessation of the medication (Dilaudid) and presently, saline alone is in the unit.

Are there any studies on direct impact of Dilaudid on “systemic impact” of the medication on a person?

(With hindsight, it just seems that the Syncromed and Syncromed II would be approved for use with Dilaudid unless it were problematic.)

(Of course, every person’s medical condition is different.  I was well under 50 when all this began and had no history of heart disease and no arterial buildup of any meaningful kind.)

The Doctor (in charge of the pump) said that the levels of Dilaudud were low and could not have caused cardiac issues.)

[Quixotic1]

May I ask why the dilaudid pump was placed?  What was your underlying problem?  Were you on any other meds?

Also have they determined why you have congestive heart failure?  Did you have a heart attack, is your heart or part of it enlarged?  What does the echo show?  Do you have pulmonary hypertension?  Did you have pulmonary edema?

Yes, the dilaudid is a kissin cousin to morphine and frequently causes urinary retention.

I can't answer whether or not the Dilauded is the culprit.  Usually the dose used intrthecally is so much lower than is needed systemically.

Quix

[sped1955]

Hi:
I was just recently in the ER and they gave me Dilaudid before minor surgery. I immediately felt dull pain go up my thoracic spine and then, while waiting for the Dr. to get back in the room, my oxygen got very low and the machine went off 4 time.  They said my oxygen was so low they thought I had fainted.  My heart has been fluttering now for 5 days since my visit.  I am going to see my regular Dr. this Monday and I will ask her about it.  I think that narcotic has some affect on the heart.