4 replies to this topic

[KayDub]

I just saw my pain specialist again today and now that she has a concrete diagnosis and all my test workups (lumber and thorasic spine MRIs, EMGs, etc.) she thinks the best route to go for me is inserting a pump with baclofen for spasms and morphine for other pain. I've tried a variety of other pain management from vicodin, percocet and oxycodone, to methadone (which I'm currently on). I've been on neuropathic meds like Lyrica and had nerve block injections in my spine. Before getting TM I had a lumbar nerve block to treat what they called chronic regional pain syndrome caused by a track and field injury. They were looking originally at a stimulator, but now that they know the damage in my spinal cord is higher than originally thought (T-10) they've rethought it. She's waiting on my neurologist though because he wants to monitor my TM to make sure I don't have more spinal cord inflamation or any relapses before the surgery would happen.

I know a lot of people who've had baclofen pumps, but not many who've had pumps with baclofen and morphine. Has anyone? Even if you haven't and have a single med pump, have you had good experiences? I'm nervous about having a fairly invasive surgery into my spinal cord, especially when it's a virus that really has no source that damaged it in the first place. But if it allows me to function normally, or more normally, again that's definitely a good thing. It sucks being in college and not being able to stay out a whole 9-5 day even without getting exhausted and sick from pain.

This of course is if she'll want to see me again. Her office is really strict and drug test regularly. I have no problem with this and have always willingly tested. The first time I went in cocaine showed up, the next time no coke by oxycodone and then they sent off an oral drug test the next time (had just done a timed release since it was a morning appointment) and found morphine and heroin but not oxy. The next test it'll probably be crack or meth at the rate things are going. So she's really confused as am I, I sometimes take more of my prescribed meds than normal... but nothing else. I'd laugh about it since it's so crazy if she wasn't tweaking out about it. One nurse said a bunch of other meds I'm on can interact in various ways that doctors are still unsure of. I just think I'll offer a blood test, I figure those are the most accurate and then we can settle this once and for all!

Anyway, in regards to the pump, if anyone has any input it'd be much appreciated!

[megatrig]

Hmmmmmmmmmmmmm

I'm on pump no. 2 and its a nightmare!

The pump itself hurts as I can feel it pushing through my skin, muscle.

Yes to an extent it has relaxed spasm but not to the degree I want.

Bladder and bowels are affected as you are relaxing your spinal cord from T10 down. SO BEWARE!!!!

I would suggest a test of a pump. A catheter is inserted to the spinal cord. The pump is a box you have on your waist. You hopefully get quite a few days before the catheter becomes dislodged.

I chatted to my consultant about adding morphine into the pump too. His experience us that it doesn't help.

I'll ponder this one more.

Pain is killing me too so I know where your coming from!!

[russ1]

Took them two goes to get mine in and working too but it's been worthwhile for me. Having said that mine is for spasms only and has almost completely solved that issue. Affected sexual function more than I'd have liked but other than the surgery thats the only downside I've had and on balance is a price worth paying.

[Kris4Cait]

I'm on my gf's account so I'm actually the one with the SCI.

I've never had any issues with my pump at all. It was an out patient surgery and has helped with my spasms a lot. Not to mention all the pills I'm not taking anymore, I was maxed out on baclofen and taking zanaflex for them as well. I think it's more about finding a surgeon who knows what he/she is doing and can place the pump correctly.

I have chronic pain and haven't been able to find anything that works yet but my doctor did try mixing dilaudid (I'm allergic to morphine) into my baclofen pump. It didn't help with my pain because narcotics don't do anything for me. Apparently my doctor thought that a combination of other drugs I was taking plus the dilaudid might work.

Anyways, I've personally had no issues with my pump but I can understand your apprehension with having it done. You should be positive before you have any kind of surgery done.

Caitlin

[Rabih]

my pump is not medtronic,its archimed made by johnson & johnson and it works on gas and lasts a lot more then medtronic (12--15 yrs)and it works just fine.but im curious about adding morphine to the baclofen,is it possible or is it dangerous?