Pain Pump/Cervical Pain

[Sharon1108]

I was looking for some input on Cervical pain and Pain pumps.  I have a cervical fusion at C4-C5 and C5-C6 and the fusion did not take at C6-C7.  I have Arthritis in the neck along with degenerative disc disease.  The spinal spaces are all narrowed and there is a herniation at C6-C7.  I have had steroidal injections, medial branch blocks and have had nerve burning procedures on both sides of my neck.  Everything has made the pain worse especially the nerve burning. The back of the neck has been swollen since April of 2013 when they did the last nerve burning and the area continues to get larger.  I get 3, 10mg Percocets a day for pain.  Needless to say, I spend most days in bed.  The last pain management doctor that I saw said there was nothing he could do for me but try to only take the percocets when I needed them.  I've read allot of other posts regarding the pain pumps and other people with cervical pain.  It seems the pain pump is the only other thing that they have not tried.  Also, how do other patients get decent pain meds?  I have read posts where people actually get a decent amount of pain meds.  My doctors act like they are gining me needles pre-filled with heroin!!!!  3 percocets do nothing to even touch the pain.   Any one with any suggestions would be most appreciated.  I really have no idea what to do next.  Thanks again.

[Sharon1108]

Thanks for your response.  I saw a new pain mgt doctor this week.  He increased the percocets to 4 a day.  He did say that if I am not getting much relief, we would discuss changing meds at the next appointment.  He also sent me home with a large brochure from Medtronic on a Nuerostimulation Therapy device.  I have been reading up on that.  Like I said before, I am running out of options.....  Thanks again and have a great weekend!

[Mollyrae]

It is getting harder these days to get quality pain meds to treat your pain. The DEA has a real grip on the healthcare system. I'm surprised that your Doctor from a Pain Clinic will not provide you with a long acting narcotic. I find that unusual.

You might want to find another clinic. I realize that that's a hard thing to do...it makes you look like your Doctor shopping.

You may want to inquire at the front desk if there is another Doctor you could see. That might be your best bet.

Good luck in your quest,

Mollyrae