Implanted pain pump

[Ann6465]

I was told 7-8 yrs. ago that a implanted pain pump would cause A LOT of chronic nausea which is something I have lived with for 40 yrs. or more.  I have up-coming back sx. in January.  What do you know about the nausea that is supposebly caused by the implanted pain pump?  What other symptoms does the pain pump raise?  Thank you for any help.  

[Ann6465]

Thank you for your response regarding the implanted pain pump.  The more I read or hear about it, the more it's deciding for me to either have it done or not.  I hope your condition is well under control.  Shirley6465

[sandee1818]

Hi,
This is some information I have found....

•Drug Side Effects - Drowsiness, dizziness, nausea and vomiting may occur during IT morphine titration. These troublesome symptoms usually settle in a short time.
•Respiratory depression can occur during the period where the existing oral opioids are being withdrawn and the IT morphine is being titrated upwards.
•Morphine withdrawal reactions can occur during the period where the existing oral opioids are being withdrawn and the IT morphine is being titrated upwards.
•Urinary retention and hesitancy can occur due to IT morphine interfering with the relaxation process in the bladder neck. In most cases this resolves with time and a temporary urinary catheter. When the problem does not resolve despite adequate IT morphine dose adjustments, then the IT trial has to be abandoned including all prospects of permanent IT pump implantation

Studies show that drug pumps (intrathecal drug delivery systems) may increase pain relief and comfort for people with severe chronic pain.1-5 Talk with your doctor about the benefits, risks, and responsibilities involved with using a drug pump for chronic pain.

Benefits
Typically, people who have success with pumps:

•Experience significant pain relief1-5
•Use significantly smaller doses than oral medication1-5
•Have fewer side effects than those using oral medications1-5
•Are able to improve their activities of daily living1-5
In addition, with this treatment:

•Dosage may be adjusted for your comfort
•It is reversible – your doctor can remove the system
•Therapy can be tried for a short period of time before you receive a permanent implant
Risks
As with any pain treatment, side effects can occur.

Risks may include:

•Surgical complications, such as infection
•Drug side effects (symptoms of overdose or underdose)
•Blood (hematoma) or fluid (seroma) in the area where the pump is implanted
•Spinal fluid leaks resulting in headaches or other problems, and injury to the spinal cord
•A dislodged or blocked catheter
•The pump could stop working
•Inflammatory mass at the tip of the catheter
These complications could cause a reduction in or loss of pain relief and may require surgery to correct

http://www.medtronic.com/your-health/chronic-back-and-leg-pain/device/drug-pumps/benefits-risks/index.htm

I hope this helps some. I know some here have tried it and will respond. They will be more helpful as they have experinced it.