morphine pump

[lillybriguglio377]

Does anyone out there know of a health facility that accepts mass health to an individual who is in great need of the morphine pump? We have gone to pain Management for many years and have had tried the stimulator but his body rejected it. Also,has had multiple fusions and scar tissue removal, steroids, spinal blocks, acupuncture, narcotics, holistic healing. In the end our Neurosurgeon suggested the morphine implant. We were referred to a Dr who does this procedure only to find out that he is not contracted with Mass Health. Desperately seeking some help. He also has spinal stenosis, RSD also known as Cripps.

Any help would be so appreciated,

Lily

[melissaky]

Hi Lily ! I hope everything works out for your hubby .

Take care
Melissa

[lillybriguglio377]

thank you so much for the advice. I will let you know how things work out.

keep the faith...

Lilly

[JadedSweetheart]

As I understand it, Mass Health is the universal healthcare system for the state of Massachusetts.  My grandfather is on it.  I hear it's great for some and for others not so great.  I know they have been having some problems with certain procedures being approved and having the doctors to do it on a timely basis.
Please let us know how it goes as many high-risk patients with pre-existing conditions may soon be on a similar system.

[Jaybay]

Why not contact Mass Health directly and see if they can help you find a physician that they cover?  I've found insurance companies to be very helpful in that regard.

My undertanding of the morphine pump is that many of the side effects common to opiate therapy are either absent or greatly reduced.  It sends the morphine directly to the area causing pain and thus does not have to go through the GI tract.  Why this is a more effective delivery system, I have no idea.  

Constipation due to slow peristalsis and transit time happens with any narcotic no matter how it is administered.  Like the spinal cord stimulator, a morphine pump can be an expensive proposition and not all insurance companies cover it since it's cheaper to use pills.  Please post back and let us know what happens.  :-)

[caregiver222]

The morphine pump is VERY dangerous.

The problem is morphine blocks peristalsis, the way feces is moved through the intestine.

If overused there will be a solid intestinal blockage that can only be resolved by surgery. Massive surgery.

That is one of the reasons physicians are reluctant to prescribe it.

I am not say not to use it, but be aware of the complications.

[namnam46]

Hi Lilli,

I want to Welcome you to the Pain Management Forum and let you know that we are glad that you have found thsi Forum.  I need for you to understand that there are NO Doctors on this Forum. We are ALL CP (Chronic Pain) Patients that help each other thru our own CP experiences and expertise.

I'm so sorry that you are having trouble finding the Morphine Pump.  We do not have the resources to have knowledge what facilities there are in the different States.

Your best bet is to go back to your Dr. and let them know the problem that you have run into and ask them to refer you to another PM (Pain Management) Doctor that DOES accept your Insurance.  I'm sure that they have access to MANY more Dr.'s. If they don't then go back to your PCP (Family Doctor) and have them give you some recommendations.  

Another route to take and VERY possibly the QUICKEST way is to contact your Insurance Company by Phone and ask them who is in your Insurance Network!!

I wish you the VERY best and I hope that you will let us know how it goes....Sherry