3 replies to this topic

[rilee101]

I got my baclofen pump put in on july 26th, and now I have been leaking spinal fluid since August. I am finally going to get a blood patch on the 18th of December. Does anyone know if I can do anything to the doctors for neglegence?? I am in college with a full load and a family to cook and clean for, not to mention severe spinal headaches and whole lot of stress. I would suggest to anyone thinking about getting a pump to read and ask alot of questions. I was also wondering if anyone has gotten the pump and it not help them?? When I was in physical thereapy they told me the pump would help me a great deal. Now that I have it I feel that it limits my mobility. My legs are still stiff and spasm all the time. I guess I just needed to vent alittle bit.

thanks,
Rilee101

[Apparelyzed]

Hi,

I had a CSF leak when I had my first pump put in back in 1992, and a blood patch was applied within a week to sort it out. Why has it taken so long to get a blood patch?

Have you had the CSF leak since July?

When you first have the pump fitted, you should of been advised to stay flat in bed for at least 4 days, to allow a seal to form around the tubing in your spine. Then when you get up, you should wear an elasticated binder for another week.

When I had my last pump implanted, I was flat for 10 days in hospital before I was allowed up, but I'm in the UK, and there is not as much urgency to get you out of the door as there is in the USA.

You should be wearing a binder now if you have a leak and are still getting up, as this will help a little.

The reason you still have stiff legs, I would of thought is because the baclofen is leaking out with the CSF. After you have your bloodpatch, and the leak is plugged, your legs should loosen up considerably.

I would think you are also getting headaches as well. Make sure you drink plenty to allow your body to replace your lost CSF.

As for negligence issues, contact the pump manufacturer, and see what their guidlines are for implanting the pump, compare this with your treatment, and if you think you have a case, contact a medical negligence advisor.

I hope this helps.

Simon

[rilee101]

The reason it has taken so long for the doctors to do the blood patch is I suppose that they are busy. I am so depressed because before I got this pump I was starting to walk up the stairs in my house. Now it hurts when I stand up and there is alot of pain in my back from all the pressure from the csf gathering on my lower back. Sometimes it can be the size of baseball or a golf ball.

When I had the surgery the only instructions I was given was to keep my bandages dry and change them once a day. I was given some pain meds and sent home. No one told me to lay flat or to wear a binder. I wasn't given a binder until after I began leaking spinal fluid.

Sorry for the venting! I am just so frustrated. I try to be nice becaue I understand that doctors get busy and are extremely over worked but it is getting me no where. When I tell them I have headaches I feel that they try to dismiss it like it isn't related to me leaking CSF. I now have a coffee addiction, it just crazy.

Thanks,
Rilee101

[roo]

hope everything goes well with blood patch tomorrow,
andy rushton
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