@TerryLBaily

I had a pain pump from 2004-2018. When I got it I was unable to stand or sit. My stomach did not allow me to use oral opioids. Once I got the pump, I was able to start walking and sitting. After years of an exercise program and lots of acupuncture, I was able to get off of opioids. The pump served a good purpose. Now, if I got into bad pain again, I would want to try the spinal cord stimulator, first. I don't want to be on opioids again because they had side effects, that I prefer to avoid in the future.

Get it. I've had one since '08 and it's a game changer. If you can find a Dr that uses Dilaudid even better. You can ask a Medtronic's Rep for such info. Good luck.

If they're offering to let you have the pump absolutely try it. I don't have one but I've heard they work very well.

I've had one since '08. It's helped me take minimal amounts of oral meds but after many years, my back decided to get worse and I developed Arthritis as well. The pain pump is only supposed to help at the lumbar area and below. My new Compression Fx's are in my thoracic. As a result, my pain doctor didn't want to prescribe me Morphine (but did, at 5X a day). That doesn't quite help after many years on Opioids but it's better than nothing. Try the test first (they temporarily put a catheter in your coccyx).
Ask if he/she will mix it with bupivacaine or something like it. I was given a compound of Fentanyl/Dilaudid. Works great.

@A MyChronicPainTeam Member
Did you ever get the pump?

My doctor wants me to have, but I can't find a surgeon to insert one.

Mentioned Users

A MyChron...