Pain Intrathecal Pump

[Synack]

Does anyone here have one of these pain pumps? I'm wondering how often they need to be refilled -- just wanna see if it's worth the expense...

[2HI2C]

Does anyone here have one of these pain pumps? I'm wondering how often they need to be refilled -- just wanna see if it's worth the expense...






About a year ago I was in the process of going down the same path. Maybe you've been to Medtronic's website, but if not, check it out: http://www.medtronic.com/neuro/paintherapies/pain_treatment_ladder/drug_infusion/drug_drug_deliv.html

All of your questions can be answered there.

As for the refill rate, it depends on what type of med your pain doc uses (there's actually only ONE that's used on label, but if a doc knows what he's doing he can mix up an off label cocktail that works for you personally), as well as your dose/tolerance. The average is about 3 months, although I've heard of some folks going almost to 6!

We found out our insurance wasn't going to pick up much of the tab, so I dropped that pursuit.

2H

[LorTabitha]

My doctor mentioned a pump during my last visit. Does anyone have any info on whether this method is helpful? I'm ready to try just about anything but surgery (already had failed surgeries that actually made things worse. My body LOVES to build scar tissue and become infected.)

Thanks,
LorTabitha

[2HI2C]

My doctor mentioned a pump during my last visit. Does anyone have any info on whether this method is helpful? I'm ready to try just about anything but surgery (already had failed surgeries that actually made things worse. My body LOVES to build scar tissue and become infected.)

Thanks,
LorTabitha

Hey, LT, click on the link in my <above> post. From what I've gathered, it IS effective! (if you have insurance to help pay for the proceedure...

[Synack]

Thanks for the input guys/gals.. I'm not sure why this was moved to Q&A - oh well.