View Full Version : a pain pump success, perhaps
My pain doc emailed me this:
I am running a spinal trial on a patient who is a C6 Quad. I put the tube in his back and ran it up the spinal fluid to his neck. I saw him tonight at
Sinai. His pain is gone.
*****
He's using morphine plus bupivicaine. I don't know how extensive the guy's pain was - I left a reply asking if the could ask if the guy would be willing to talk with me. It's certainly a positive thing to see.
David Berg
01-23-2003, 06:30 PM
alan,
I know you know better than to get your hopes up to much, but this sounds like it could be quite promising. Please keep us posted on whatever comes out of this. I'd also like to know more about the nature of this guy's pain.
I'll keep my fingers crossed for you. And I know that MANY people would love to see if this is worthwhile.
David Berg
duramater
01-23-2003, 06:53 PM
Alan,
I have great hope for you finally being set free from your daily pain. I hope that you get this sorted out in time for the Spring Season!! You said you would go!!!!
BATTER BATTER BATTER!!!!!
Mary
...and she lived happily ever after...
Thanks for all the kind words and hopes. Of course I'll keeep everyone posted. I whined here for years - if something good happens, I won't forget you all. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif
Whether I'm depained or fully cured Mary, the Orioles wiill still suck this year, and next year, and... http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/frown.gif Keep an eye on the Terps and Ravens,
David, if I can contact the guy, I'll post what he says.
duramater
01-23-2003, 07:47 PM
Suck or not......the brews on me!!!!
Keep going...
Mary http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
...and she lived happily ever after...
Alan
This information is certainly encouraging. I was wondering if you know whether this patient was complete or incomplete? I am a c5 incomplete with severe central nerve pain and a pump has been suggested for me.
mike
I don't know if the patient is complete or incomplete - I haven't gotten a reply on that yet.
Karen'sMom
01-24-2003, 09:36 PM
Alan,
That would be wonderful for you if it would take away your pain. Sometimes, I can feel your pain in your posts.
I am praying and hoping that this will turn out to be a success for him and for you.
Good Luck,
Darlene
whiterabbit11
01-25-2003, 04:19 PM
Alan,
I'm keeping my fingers crossed, sort of, for you. Would've replied sooner but had computer problems.WR
Thanks, all. I'll call the doc this week and see what happens.
metronycguy
01-26-2003, 10:32 AM
any updates on the pain pump?
teena
01-26-2003, 02:12 PM
Alan,
I'm still praying...and I am still in your corner for what it's worth!
Take care...
Teena
PS--"Alan without pain"...that I gotta see! http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/biggrin.gif
Hopefully, if I go in for the test, I can also get my plumbing checked at the same time.
The more I read about possible side effects from pumps, the more leery I get.
whiterabbit11
01-26-2003, 04:25 PM
Alan, leery?
I just read your "leery about pump side effects. Mine has been nearly perfect. Granted, mine is for spaz control, not pain, but given your pain level I'd do anything for relief. I'm pretty sure Medtronics makes them all and they have excellent credentials. Also, your Dr. sounds like a real careing guy. I'd probably die from shock if my pain and pump dr. e-mailed me. I can't even talk to him, only the nurse, unless I have an appointment.He didn't install mine, he just keeps it filled and is supposed to be treating my pain.I say go for it. I'd be dead w/o my pump.WR
duramater
01-27-2003, 05:46 AM
My two cents....take your shot!!!
Mary
...and she lived happily ever after...
This doc, who I've actually only seen once, is a friend of a friend (that friend is also a doctor - I went through junior high, high school, and college with him, though he's so busy now we rarely talk), so that may account for the special treatment. The doc wasn't in the office today, so I'll call again tomorrow. Maybe we can arrange for a urologist to run my necessary tests while I'm in for a pump test - do them the first day, and start the test on day two.
Speaking of emailing docs, my PCP, who's been stuck with me for over 26 years (since before mangling) and I are always communicating this way. Much easier. I sent him a note ysterday, as I've been having a problem with fever in the morning that's below normal at night, smelly urine, and blah feeling. His reply - he can't help right now, as he's typing this note on his laptop on the deck of a cruise ship in the Cayman Islands. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/smile.gif Didn't even tell me he was leaving.
Even if the test is a total success when done, the pains are relieved or eliminated, and the pump is implanted, I'll still need to find a way to stop the shoulder blades from catching on whatever bones they stick on, so I'll be able to use my pain-free body.
It's never just one thing in quadhood. <sigh>
starlightangel
02-12-2003, 07:32 PM
One step at a time, Alan. http://sci.rutgers.edu/forum/images/smilies/wink.gif
I've followed all your pain posts over the time I've been here, never really knew what to say. But I really hope this works and you can get some relief.
The way things are going, we may all be cured before this test happens. I don't know when he'll be ready, what with his sudden overabundance of patients.
Just a note - for those with or interested in pumps (baclofen, morphine, whatever), there's a mailing list called Pumpsters you can subscribe to via Yahoo groups from yahoo.com.
Still nothing happening here.