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Real members of MyChronicPainTeam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.
March 21, 2017
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Answer Summary

Members shared extensive knowledge about pain pumps (also called syringe drivers) in response to someone asking whether they're available... Read more

Members shared extensive knowledge about pain pumps (also called syringe drivers) in response to someone asking whether they're available outside the United States, with several clarifying that while they were originally developed for end-stage cancer pain, they are now used more broadly for chronic pain management when other options have been exhausted. One long-term pump user offered inspiring firsthand experience, describing how their pump transformed their life from being bedridden for eight years to being active with grandchildren, and how they've been able to reduce opioid doses significantly through complementary approaches like acupuncture and cannabis creams. A recurring theme was cautious optimism, with members acknowledging that pumps should be carefully considered with specialist guidance but can be life-changing for those living with severe, unmanageable chronic pain.

A MyChronicPainTeam Member

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member

Seeing as I have a pump, I thought I would take a stab at answering this question. I have had a pump for over 12 years. I'm on my third pump. Pre-pump, I lied on the couch or bed 24/7 for 8 years. Post pump, I am now on my feet and have a relatively normal life. The pump was first developed by medtronics.com around 1990, for end stage cancer patients. Since that time, it has become an option when all else fails. I'm not sure that I agree that it should be a last resort. Since I have had a pump, I've been able to reduce all opiods, both oral and in pump by about 70% through the use of acupuncture and also, because once I was able to move with the pump, I was able to work on getting back into shape. It took a long time after all those years of lying on the couch. Without the pump, I would have no relationship with my 5 grandsons because I would never have been able to do anything with them. Only the oldest one remembers when I used to lie down always and he is studying for a bachelor's RN partially because of what he has seen me go through.
Since getting my first pump, there are other new things out there that I would like to try, so starting next week, the doctor will start turning down my pump and see where we go from there. I have essential oils that are helpful, I can use cannabis and early this week I posted an article about how well cannabis works on pain in creams and lotions. It may be that I can't get rid of the pump, but we will see. There is also the option of a nuero stimulator. I don't think the pump will be removed until such time as I have something else in place. I would very much like to get off of all opiods.
Without the pump, I would never have gotten to where I am today.
Recently, I found an article on the latest guidelines of pumps. I've added the link below. I don't know anything about the medication that they are recommending.

http://www.painmedicinenews.com/Interventional/...

I hope the this is helpful to you. Please feel free to ask any questions. Hope you get your pain in a more manageable state. Hugs, Jean

March 21, 2017 (edited)
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I pray that your surgeon can put you back together. Personally, I'd like a back replacement. Hugs, Jean

March 24, 2017
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I could use a whole new body!!!!

March 26, 2017
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

I am so happy for you that you have a pain pump and it works. I've been the gamut of pain drugs and treatments and implants and ask for a morphine pump but was denied due to the fact that I finally found a surgeon who thinks he can put me back together and reduce much of my pain in the meantime I still fight to maintain any Modicum of relief

March 24, 2017
A MyChronicPainTeam Member

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member thanks for the info...

March 21, 2017

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