I left off on Wednesday, as I said I was going to the neurosurgeon. I actually seen my neurosurgeon’s assistant. Went in and explained what was going on and was told I would be put on the top of the urgent emergency list for an exploratory evaluation on the catheter. I felt some what relieved when I left the office. Was told it would happen within the week. On my way home, wasn’t there yet and received a call from my neurosurgeon office asking if I could be at the hospital at 5:30 the next morning. Of course I said! I Felt relief even more. Next morning at Nashville hospital and ready for this procedure and was told by neurosurgeon that the exploratory would show rather the catheter or the pump or both need to be replaced and it was happening today. I was so relieved. I woke up to find everything was replaced. No one is quite sure where this leak was happening but it was evident and the pump was close enough to needing replaced due to battery they went ahead and replaced it as well and just Incase. Like I said for 10 years I’ve had this for my pain in my back, other than one human error there has never been a problem. I honestly thought maybe about taking it out. However, I have to go back to my original reasoning of not taking it out. My pain is too terrible and I am scared of accidentally killing myself by overdosing on pain pills as were my physicians. I just pray and hope nothing ever like this happens again. But if it does, I’ll definitely go to my neurosurgeon first. Learn that lesson.
I go back to my neurosurgeon Wednesday for a follow up. I’m sure it is to start whining me off the opiates and antibiotics that I’m taken. I’ll be extremely grateful. Thank you for this forum and place where I felt I could find some solace and hope. Sincerely appreciated!
Happy to read that despite the issues- you are slowly regaining ground and Congrats on the weight loss as well.
Those issues unfortunately are a potential cause for concern with a pain pump-( catheter leaks, kinks, pump failures)- that’s a huge reason you need an experienced pump surgeon and a pain management team as an ongoing part of your medical care post pump implant.
I know this was a rough road- now- with you on the path to resuming your life- I am happy to read this!
Pain pumps are a great alternative for long term chronic pain management but aren’t always a good fit for those who can’t adjust to the idea of something implanted permanently and don’t have access to physicians well trained in managing not just pump fills, but catheter issues or pump problems.
It is also usually only considered after a long time and oral med doses are higher than the patient and provider are comfortable with.
The trial absolutely must be successful or the pump should not be considered as an option.