6 replies to this topic

[thatley]

On Monday I am having the test done to see if the baclofen pump will help me. If I have the actual surgery, how long is the hospital stay? I was also wondering about the recovery time post - surgery? When could I be moving, driving, and doing everyday things?

[Vicki]

thatley,

I'm an Aussie so things may be different here. I had the pump inserted December 2004. I'm also a c3/c4 quad so I probably didn't feel as much pain as someone with a lower level of injury.

I was only hospitalised for 2 weeks from checkin to checkout. I went in on the Monday, had the pump inserted on the Wednesday and was home 2 Fridays later. I have a lump slightly lower & to the left my bellybutton where, Cyril, my pump resides. I had a smilie face of staples after surgery. [Sick as this sounds, pictures available upon request. They helped me to learn what was coming.] The length of my hospital stay was determined by how long it took the doctors to get the dosage the pump was putting out right enough to control my spasms.

It took me probably a month to get over the feeling of discomfit but I was out of bed 2 days after surgery. Checkout http://www.disabilit...posts&q=19&d=80 for a blow by blow description.

Hope this helps.

Cheerio
Vicki

[thatley]

Hi Vickie! Thank you for the information. I visited the link you posted and that was very helpful as well. If you have pictures it would be interesting to see what I have to look forward to after the surgery I am not sure how personal that would be considering I don't know the exact location for the pump. Did you have stitches or anything in your back where they put the catheter?

Thanks again,


Tara

[Lillehammer94]

I live in Georgia and was in and out of the hosiptal on the same day that my pump was implanted. Here in the states I think the length of your hospital stay is determined by insurance. I went to the doctor for dose adjustments about every three weeks upon noticing increased spasticity. The first few weeks are a bit tough but I was up walking an hour after returning from the recovery room and returned to physical therapy within 11 days. I found that once I got past the first two weeks life was much happier but despite the discomfort I didn't find the pain to be too bad and noticed the relaxing effects of the Baclofen as soon as I woke up. I had no staples, only gauze and surgical tape over the implanted pump and catheter. One thing to be aware of is spinal headaches which can be uncomfortable. It took me well over a year to find the "right" dose but finding the dose as well as going through the whole pump process is different for everyone.

Good Luck!
Gretta

[thatley]

Thank you for all of your help. I had the test yesterday and I have an appointment with the neurosurgeon next week. I am a little nervous because the effects of the test were not as drastic as I expected them to be. The doctor noticed more of a change than I noticed. My legs and feet felt the same to me. I did notice that when the doctor had me walking, my feet were straight and my foot was flat instead of curled to the inside. I just pray that it helps with the pain and fatigue.

Tara

[alpha]

Hi there, i'm new to this forum but I have just returned home from hospital after having my pump implanted on Monday 20th March 2006. I was in hospital in London England, I was at the National Hospital for Neurology and Neurosurgery. I have CP, Athatoid Quadra Plegia. As for recovery periods I will have to wait and see, but will keep you posted. Oh and i'm on 210mg already but am due to go up quite a bit more.

Dean

Edited by alpha, 25 March 2006 - 12:36 AM.