Pain Pumps

Anyone have any feedback on pain pumps?  It looks like this might be my last alternative, I have had epidurals, RF Albalations, PT, Tense units.  For a while my Pain doctor had my oxycontin and norco, but took me off the oxycontin and left me on the norco even though I have told him the norco ( 8- 10/325mg a day) is not working any more.  I go in next week and see a different pain doctor who works directly with the neuro surgeon next week to learn more about the pain pump, the neuro surgeon feels I am a candidate for the pump.  Any advice

[Tuckamore]

Hi Freebird,

Welcome to the Pain Management Forum of MedHelp. I am glad you found us. However I am sorry to hear about your pain.

I personally do not have experience with pain pumps. I do know that they can be very effective. There are members here that have either been on a pain pump or are on the pump. Our members log on at different times, sometimes different days. I am hopeful someone will be able to give you first hand information.

I would certainly be open to tying the pump if my pain was not controlled. There are several web sites with some good articles regarding pain pumps. However I know it is always good to chat with others that have actually had the device. We will support you in any way we can.

Please let us know how you are doing. If you do have the pump instilled I hope you will share the experience with us. And if you don't I hope you will share the reasons you decided against it. We all learn from one another.

Please keep in touch and let us know how you are doing.  Best of luck on your next appointment.
Take Care, Tuck

[bev62]

I will also be talking to my pain doctor about the pain pump at my next visit.  I am currently on Duragesic patches 100mcg and oxycontin and they are not helping at all. I've been thru PT, 6 epidural injections, tense units, and nerve blocks with no relief.  He had talked to me about a spinal cord stimulator, but after viewing my MRI said that my spinal canal is to narrow due to having a two level cervical fusion. My neurosurgeon said that more surgery would not benefit me at this time, but I will definatly have to have more surgery within a couple of years due to DDD. The fusion has also caused another disk to rupture. It seems like once you start having surgery on your neck or back it never ends.  Hopefully the pain pump will help give us some relief.  Good luck and keep us posted on the out come.
Bev

[freebird63]

I will post my experience and how things go.  I am very happy that I might finally get off the pain meds and live a some what normal life again.

[controlled]

The Medtronic pain pump has been my lifesaver. Go for it - you will NOT be sorry!
I have Morphine in my pump and take Percocet for break-thru but all other meds (for spasms, anxiety, sleep, etc...) have all been elliminated!!  I feel like a freebird!

[freebird63]

I finally recieved a call from the psychologist, he will decide whether or not I am crazy or just addicted to the pain pills.  Never have been to a psychologist before so I am kinda nervous.  I have an appointment with my pain doctor on Monday and am going to ask if he will send me in for a catscan with dye and see if that shows anything more then the MRI's did.  Right now they have me on 15mg oxycontin twice a day and 6- 10/325mg norco and 5mg valium.  The oxycontin and norco doesn't take the pain away, it barely keeps me confortable, so I am going to ask if my pain doctor will bump me up to 20mg oxycontin twice a day and see if that helps.