pain pump ups and downs

jonteach

New Member

Joined : Sep 2013

Posts : 4

Posted 9/11/2013 7:12 PM (GMT 0)

So I went to a dr outside of the VA the other day and he suggested a trail use to see if the pain pump is for me. If anyone out ther e has one I would love to heat from you the ups and downs and things to ask my dr about. If you are a member of the VA anf got it througj them how hard and what did you have to do to get it. As of now I go to sleep around 5 in the morning and back up no later than 9 with the babies. I know my relationshil with my fiance has eroded badly and all my others because I hurt and I'm just so exhausted. I would just love some relief I know it all won't go away but it would be nice to be able to go to the park or other places as a family without leaving early because I hurt or anything like that. Like I said any info would be great on the pump, procedure, and or dealing with the VA fr it.

Thanks
Jon Hanlon
GSW left shoulder 13 surgeries on it including a fusion. Lumbar Degenerative disc disease, PTSD, bulging discs in the c-spine area, chronic pain, overal poor quality of life right now

straydog

Forum Moderator

Joined : Feb 2003

Posts : 19850

Posted 9/11/2013 8:54 PM (GMT 0)

Hi Jon, I have a pump and will be glad to answer any questions I can. Pumps are pretty much the last resort for people. There is a lot to having a pump and the dr maintaining the pump will be the deciding factor on whether it is a success or a failure. Everything hinges on how much experience the dr has with pumps, his knowledge of the different medications & dosages used in the pumps.

If the dr is not experienced with the medications & dosages then it can be a disaster. I am on my 2nd pump as the battery finally wore out on my first one. The first dr that had it implanted told me he was experienced in this area and he wasn't. I was to the point of wanting it taken out, I was in way too much pain to have a piece of equipment that was suppose to give me better quality life and my life stunk. He decided to get out of pain mgt & go back to anesthesiology, best thing that could have happened.

My next dr & current dr really knows about these pumps & how they are suppose to work. She made a huge difference in my life.Yes, I still have pain & always will but it is much better than it was.

Let us know when you get the trial scheduled. I cannot help you with the VA questions. I will tell you, if you will use the search feature towards the top of the page and type in pain pumps you will find a lot of information to read about pumps. Also, if you will go to www.Medtronics.com they are one of the leading pump makers they have a great site that tells you a lot about pumps too. Take care...Susie

Lynnzack

Regular Member

Joined : Sep 2012

Posts : 137

Posted 9/13/2013 12:26 AM (GMT 0)

Hi, Welcome to the HW family. I may can help answer some of your concerns with the pump. I am a new pain pump recipient I must say, and as Straydog stated, it really depend on the doctor that prescribes it and his/her knowledge on the type and dosage of meds that you receive. In the beginning stages of the pump, the doc basically will try you on low meds and then steadily increases it, as he at the same time is decreasing your current prescriptions. The pump is a last resort. I had the trial and then had the permanent one. The trail was great You are in the hospital for 3-4 days with the trail and about 24 hours with the permanent. I also have my Bola remote, whereas depending on your level of pain, you can give yourself a Bola injection up to 4 times a day. I can honestly say that my quality of life has increased greatly. I still have my down days but thats to be expected. The pump is not gonna have you pain free, but it will help you feel some normal level of comfort. I also did not want to pop pills all of my life.

Good luck, feel free to ask any questions. Lynn

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