[Apparelyzed]

As I have had a few Baclofen Pumps over the years, I thought I would add a section regarding this type of therapy to relieve muscle spasms.

Please feel free to ask questions here, and to join in on the discussions.

My experiences so far ...

I was in a car crash in January 1992 and suffered a burst fracture of C5, leaving me with a neurological level of C5/6 with sensory sparing (Anterior Cord Syndrome).

In the summer of 1992, my muscle spasms were so severe that I had a Baclofen pump implanted in the August of that year. The pump I had was a Cordis, manual push button pump, and whilst it did give some relief, it was generally unreliable due to the fact that you had to pust two buttons under the skin to administer a shot of baclofen. Of course, if you didn't do it right, or you didn't think you did it right, you could give yourself a second shot, only to find an hour later that you had given yourself too much!

In the autumn of 1994, I then had a SyncroMed pump fitted, which worked like a dream, no more spasms. The only problem with no more spasms though, was that the muscles began to waste, and the pounds began to raise due to not burning all those calories.

During the time of my muscle spasms, my abdomen was flat from all those spastic sit ups, however, I have now joined the rest of the Quad community with my carefully developed "Quad Pot", a small price to pay if your not too vain!

In the autumn of 1998, my SyncroMed pump was replaced due to a flat battery, and another SyncroMed pump was implanted which lasted untill Autumn 2003.

As I was a long term user of a Baclofen pump, and my spasms were stable, it was decided I should go for the gas driven pump. The model I have is the Archamedis (sp?) by Codman. This pump does not have any batteries, so will never need replacing. The resevoir is a little smaller than the SyncroMed, but that is not of concern to me, as it means I get to keep in touch with friends at the spinal unit I attend in Sheffield, UK.

Since having the Gas pump,I have been able to reduce my dosage strength even lower, which has increaaed my spasms slightly. This may seem a strange this to do, but as I have partial sensation, I enjoy having a good spasm, as I can trigger them at will, it is the equivalent of having a good stretch.

If anyone has any questions about the pump, you can post new topics for discussion in this forum. Also, additional information can be found here:

http://www.apparelyz...spasticity.html

All the best.

Simon

[darrel]

Hi, simon. I've read some of your stuff and I am very impressed. I've been trying to find out the pros and cons of the baclofen pump my Dr. over here in the states thinks that I would be a good canidate for it, I've delt with these spasms for almost 2 years now. I have to go and see her today and I hope I'm making the right decision and tell her to set me up for the pump. I just hope I don't have some of the complications as other have had. I'm glad I found this sight finally, I'll try not to be a pest. thanks for letting me in to read up on the pros and cons. darrel, C3-C6 incomplete.

This post has been edited by darrel: 20 September 2007 - 04:16 PM

[Apparelyzed]

Hi Darrel,

Glad my post was of use to you.

One thing to bear in mind, as I see you're an incomplete, is that the pump may weaken your function below your level of injury. You will get a better idea of the amount of reduced function/weakened muscles, when you have the test dose.

Regards

Simon.

[darrel]

hi simon, it's darrel again. I saw my Dr. thursday and she is setting things in motion to have the test done. Ive read in a few places that I should have some chips and soda on hand incase I get a head ache. I thought I'd do that. just for my own paranoid frame of mind, when they inject the sample dose, how long is the needle, and will I be in as much pain as the botox shots(with the 4 inch needle) as you may guess I don't like needles(I passed out in boot camp going through inoculations).. you mentioned that I will notice muscle weakness, will this be a permanant thing? and if I do qualify to get it will I be able to build the muscle back? can't do much with the right side now, but it would be nice to hold my own knife to cut meat again. I'll get back with you later, darrel.

[Kev-O]

I have had my pump now for about half a year, an its still not to the point were i want it. Does it take a long time for the Baclofen to kick in or should i keep getting the dose bumped up? thanks