Finally Approved!

Hi all, just thought I would update my that my pain pump procedure is finally approved and I will be going on Monday for the trial. 4 months, isn't that crazy? Wish me luck.....


ps.... I know we are all experiencing a problem with Oxycodone shortages but get ready I went to 15 different locations here in Tampa for Dilaudid. Apparently it is getting over-prescribed in Oxycodone's place and they can't keep up either. Here we go again.

Hi Kttn:

I am so happy for you! I know we haven't exactly "met" yet, but I have been keeping up on your posts; I have had a pump for several years, and I couldn't live without it.

Any questions or concerns, feel free to ask.

Lorie

Congratulations kttn!
I know your insurance was throwing you for a loop! I'm glad things finally settled & the pump was approved.
Wishing you the best of luck for a successful trial on Monday! You must be so happy!

Skeye

Kttn,
Great news! I wish you all the best with the trial - you'll let us know how it's going, I'm sure.

And the meds. shortages - like we don't have enough to worry about!

Focus on the good news and a successful trial!

PaLady

Great news indeed!! I am thinking about broaching the subject with my Doc...I just switched from Methadone to Morphine and it's not doing much for the pain...I know what you mean about the shortage...I use Oxycodone 15 mg. bor BT pain...I went today to 5 different Pharmacies before I found one that had them...I think I'll switch to something a little easier to find.

Good Luck, and keep us posted. I might be next...

Me.

Kttn, great new for you indeed. I cannot believe how bad your drs office was in handling getting you approved, that was uncalled for. Maybe they need to look at finding someone else to fill that position. I hope that doesn't happen on getting any kind of an authorization. Keep in mind the trial should make you feel like a million-pain free but its temporary. Susie

well, here is my update. there is a trial before an actual pump is put int place. the trial spans over 5 days and you have to come in everyday and the morphine dosage is bumped up daily until on the 4th day they double the dosage. i went from a 9 scale to a 5, easily. there is still pain like in my lower spine & nerve damage, of course, was not affected by the pump. but now that i have the weekend without it i miss it! so heres hoping it will be a yes on monday.....

yes, absolutely there is a huge difference- iv morphine didn't do anything for me, i usually get dilaudud iv when i am in the er. they explained up front that the pump morphine is about 500 times stronger. the first 2 doses i had my doubts but when the last trial day came it was doubled and i only took 1 breakthrough dialudid pain pill. i have an appointment tomorrow for my follow up, and i really hope i can have it permanently. they also explained even though my trial did not include muscle relaxers, they can put it in the pump as well. i have to say it was nice not having to count my pills all day long. after the trial was taken out i really felt the pain, it was awful after having a few days release. i feel pretty positive that i will be oked, i went from a 9 pain scale to about a 5 on the last day so i don't see why they wouldn't approve me. **fingers crossed** but the thing about the pump is even if you stop responding to the meds it can always be taken out. thats why i figured i would go for it. though it took a long time to get approved from my insurance. hope this helps some! .....and methadone, morphine- pretty much anything but oxycontin er works for me. and the pump can take different pain meds like dilaudid if the response to morphine doesn't help.

thanks!! dr ok'ed the go ahead for the pump today. i have an appt on the 11th (which is my monthly appt) with the dr who does the surgeries to go over which pump i want and the pain med combo we are going to fill it with. i am so exited i hope my insurance has approved it by my next appt. my mother on the other hand has been paranoid by the law ads on tv..... failed pain pump, please call 800.... blah blah blah. i told her i have fully researched the pros and cons and the pros are higher. also the dr doing the surgery travels all over the world to teach how to put these things in and is well known and respected for his expertise. i told her there is very little someone with back pain wouldn't try if it meant some relief. she's started to get back pain and complains about it. i said, imagine four herniated and two broken discs... don't rain on my parade. after 10 years finally some relief. i despise the news, they are so prejudice. my dr and i were talking about that today. how people are treated like criminals (even from other drs, hospitals, etc) when they see what meds i am on and how people react to oxycontin. well, thats a soapbox for another day. thanks again for the well wishes and i will update when i either get the go ahead or after the 11th with more pain pump info. hope everyone has a lpd!!

Wow, kttn, that is wonderful! I am so happy for you! I hope that the actual implant will bring you even greater relief!

Skeye

gosh everybody- thank you for all your support. everyone in here is so kind. i think we should make a community down here for people in chronic pain, everyone is so nice. we might walk funny and wince a little as we go- but we are not unkind. what a perfect little community we would make. enjoy the sun with our "mocktails", scoot across the pool. senior citizens can have their own community why couldn't we? though i think we might have to have a small battalion to guard all our meds.... lol. i hope everyone else finds some relief. i just know i never thought the day would come to where i could sit up anymore. it may not last but i will take it while i can! ((hugs)) to everyone! thanks again!! keep trying! constant vigilance!