Hi. I'm new here. Am not quadriplegic or paraplegic, but have spinal MS. I'm supposed to be having a trial done for ITB therapy.
What sorts of restrictions on activities are there with the pump? I asked my doctor's nurse and never got an answer. The booklet from Medtronic is not very forthcoming on the matter.
Thanks!
Bou
Full Version: Living With The Pump
Quadriplegic & Paraplegic Spinal Cord Injuries > Disabled Living & Spinal Cord Injuries > Spinal Cord Injury Health Issues > Muscle Spasticity & Intrathecal Baclofen Therapy (Baclofen Pumps)
Hello and Welcome to the board!
I don't have a spinal cord injury either, my Baclofen pump is for spasticity related to Cerebral Palsy.
There is not a long list of restrictions on activities once you get past the first couple of weeks post operative but with a pump you will want to avoid contact sports such as football or rugby as well as activities that involve changes in air pressure like scuba and sky diving (basically any activity that may cause the pump to dislodge). Also, changes in temerature avoid hot tubs and dirrect prolonged exposure to hot or cold.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Gretta
I don't have a spinal cord injury either, my Baclofen pump is for spasticity related to Cerebral Palsy.
There is not a long list of restrictions on activities once you get past the first couple of weeks post operative but with a pump you will want to avoid contact sports such as football or rugby as well as activities that involve changes in air pressure like scuba and sky diving (basically any activity that may cause the pump to dislodge). Also, changes in temerature avoid hot tubs and dirrect prolonged exposure to hot or cold.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Gretta
Hi, I have had my pump for failed back surgeries for a year and a half. I have had a lot of trouble with it and I am still taking medicine by mouth. My reason for the pump was failed back surgeries. Do your home-work before getting one. I have not talked to many people who are happy campers with theirs.
QUOTE (Guest_bou @ Oct 18 2005, 05:36 PM) 
Hi. I'm new here. Am not quadriplegic or paraplegic, but have spinal MS. I'm supposed to be having a trial done for ITB therapy.
What sorts of restrictions on activities are there with the pump? I asked my doctor's nurse and never got an answer. The booklet from Medtronic is not very forthcoming on the matter.
Thanks!
Bou
What sorts of restrictions on activities are there with the pump? I asked my doctor's nurse and never got an answer. The booklet from Medtronic is not very forthcoming on the matter.
Thanks!
Bou
I had the pump inplanted 5 years ago and had it taken out last November. I had to have a SURGERY EVERY YEAR FOR 5 YEARS DUE TO THE CATHIER COMING LOOSE. i GOT NO BENEFIT FROM IT AT ALL AND ddo not RECOMMEND IT.
QUOTE (Lillehammer94 @ Oct 19 2005, 02:32 AM)
Hello and Welcome to the board!
I don't have a spinal cord injury either, my Baclofen pump is for spasticity related to Cerebral Palsy.
There is not a long list of restrictions on activities once you get past the first couple of weeks post operative but with a pump you will want to avoid contact sports such as football or rugby as well as activities that involve changes in air pressure like scuba and sky diving (basically any activity that may cause the pump to dislodge). Also, changes in temerature avoid hot tubs and dirrect prolonged exposure to hot or cold.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Gretta
I don't have a spinal cord injury either, my Baclofen pump is for spasticity related to Cerebral Palsy.
There is not a long list of restrictions on activities once you get past the first couple of weeks post operative but with a pump you will want to avoid contact sports such as football or rugby as well as activities that involve changes in air pressure like scuba and sky diving (basically any activity that may cause the pump to dislodge). Also, changes in temerature avoid hot tubs and dirrect prolonged exposure to hot or cold.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Gretta
I have the pump and discussed this with the surgeon before he put it in. While the pump manufacturers do state that contact sports aren't great my surgeon wasn't restrictive about my activities at all stating that many people with pumps play (wheelchair) rugby and that he saw no reason why I couldn't scuba dive with one. I'm certainly not intending to stay out of hot tubs or off ski slopes either (not heard the temp issue thing before).
QUOTE (russ1 @ Oct 19 2009, 06:34 PM)
QUOTE (Lillehammer94 @ Oct 19 2005, 02:32 AM)
Hello and Welcome to the board!
I don't have a spinal cord injury either, my Baclofen pump is for spasticity related to Cerebral Palsy.
There is not a long list of restrictions on activities once you get past the first couple of weeks post operative but with a pump you will want to avoid contact sports such as football or rugby as well as activities that involve changes in air pressure like scuba and sky diving (basically any activity that may cause the pump to dislodge). Also, changes in temerature avoid hot tubs and dirrect prolonged exposure to hot or cold.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Gretta
I don't have a spinal cord injury either, my Baclofen pump is for spasticity related to Cerebral Palsy.
There is not a long list of restrictions on activities once you get past the first couple of weeks post operative but with a pump you will want to avoid contact sports such as football or rugby as well as activities that involve changes in air pressure like scuba and sky diving (basically any activity that may cause the pump to dislodge). Also, changes in temerature avoid hot tubs and dirrect prolonged exposure to hot or cold.
Hope this helps and best of luck to you.
Gretta
I have the pump and discussed this with the surgeon before he put it in. While the pump manufacturers do state that contact sports aren't great my surgeon wasn't restrictive about my activities at all stating that many people with pumps play (wheelchair) rugby and that he saw no reason why I couldn't scuba dive with one. I'm certainly not intending to stay out of hot tubs or off ski slopes either (not heard the temp issue thing before).
Hey guys and girls.... just my two cents, I've played rugby all year with a pump and 'touch wood' have had no problems to date. It's changed my life, everything I do now I couldn't without the pump.
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