intrathecal pain pump
A Pain Pump is a system that uses a small pump that is surgically placed under the skin to deliver medications through a catheter to the spinal cord.
INTRATHECAL PAIN PUMP
Preparing for your procedure
- Dress in loose, comfortable clothing and leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
- Please bring a driver to take you home after the procedure.
- If you take medications for high blood pressure or any kind of heart condition, please take your medications as normal with a small sip of water.
- If you take aspirin or any blood thinning medication you will need to stop taking it for 2-7 days before your procedure. Discuss the risks involved with the physician who prescribes your blood thinner.
During the Trial
During the pain pump trial we use fluoroscopy, a type of x-ray, will be used to guide the needle into the epidural space. When the needle is in place, morphine will be injected. Expect to be in our office for a while after the procedure for observation.
After the Trial
You will be contacted by our office a few days after your trial to evaluate the outcome of the trial. Some of the benefits can include at least 50 percent reduction in pain, decrease in oral pain medication, and improved ability to function in your daily life. If you had noticeable improvement, a referral will be sent to a surgeon for the implant.
INTRATHECAL PAIN PUMP IMPLANT
Before Surgery
Since the referral is sent from our office, you can expect the surgeons office to contact you directly. You will schedule a preop appointment with them where they will address your situation and how to move forward from there. Your surgery date will be scheduled for a separate date than your preop appointment.
During the Surgery
The pump is inserted under the covering of the abdominal muscles while the patient is under a general anesthetic. A small catheter is then inserted through needle into the spinal fluid space ad is threaded upward the catheter is then tunneled under the skin to the abdomen and is connected to the pump. The pump is filled with morphine and is programmed by a computer to continuously release a specific dos determined by physician.
After the Surgery
Following your surgery, you will most likely feel discomfort at both of your incision sites for a few days. It is recommended that you restrict your activities for a while after surgery. This will allow for the scar tissue to form and anchor the catheter in place. There might be certain activities cause wear on your catheter, even after your initial healing period.
LIVING WITH AN INTRATHECAL PAIN PUMP
BEGINNING THERAPY
Your therapy will begin as soon as medication is added to your pain pump. When the pump is being placed during surgery it will be filled with saline. You will have an appointment scheduled with our office about three weeks after the implant to put your medication in the pump. You will continue to have appointments scheduled for refills every 30-45 days with our office.
PERSONAL THERAPY MANAGER
This handheld dvice allows you to give yourself an extra dose of pain medication, also called a bolus, when needed within the physician set limits. With myPTM, you can track your expected refill date, review boluses, and see how much time is left before your next bolus is available. You can talk to your doctor about this device and if it firts with your therapy goals.