Quadzilla
10-07-2005, 04:41 PM
Hi everyone,
I'm looking to correspond with people that have recently (past three or four years) had an intrathecal pump implanted for use with baclofen or pain medications or both. Anyone else very knowledgeable regarding the pump is also welcome to throw in their 2 cents. I'm seriously considering having a pump implanted for both pain medications as well as Baclofen. I may be going in for the trial on Oct. 13 at Beth Israel medical Center in New York City to see what medications might help. Some questions I'm looking to get answered are;
Approximately how long did the trials take before the doctors found the correct medications and dosage that was right for you?
What, if any, complications did you run into during the trials or the pump being implemented?
How common is the problem of the catheter coming out of the spine after a pump is implanted? I've read where that was a problem but that was years ago.
I've had three cord untetherings and was diagnosed with a myelomalaciac cord as well as arachnoiditis, all cervical, is there any reason to think this might affect the pump's effectiveness or safety? The one doctor I've spoken to so far is aware of my condition but has not yet had time to review my most recent myelogram and MRI's.
What pain medication or medications did you find the most effective?
Is anyone familiar with Dr. Do Ouro at Beth Israel or Dr. Bryce at Mount Sinai (both in New York City) and what are you are opinions on them?
Also, I belive most of my pain is neoropathic, not central and possibly caused by the myelomalacia & arachnoiditis but I've also got pain from an L5-S1 herniated disc/degeneritive disc and ITB syndrome. which of these pain syndromes can I expect to get relief from w/the pump?
Any and all information on this topic is greatly appreciated!
I'm looking to correspond with people that have recently (past three or four years) had an intrathecal pump implanted for use with baclofen or pain medications or both. Anyone else very knowledgeable regarding the pump is also welcome to throw in their 2 cents. I'm seriously considering having a pump implanted for both pain medications as well as Baclofen. I may be going in for the trial on Oct. 13 at Beth Israel medical Center in New York City to see what medications might help. Some questions I'm looking to get answered are;
Approximately how long did the trials take before the doctors found the correct medications and dosage that was right for you?
What, if any, complications did you run into during the trials or the pump being implemented?
How common is the problem of the catheter coming out of the spine after a pump is implanted? I've read where that was a problem but that was years ago.
I've had three cord untetherings and was diagnosed with a myelomalaciac cord as well as arachnoiditis, all cervical, is there any reason to think this might affect the pump's effectiveness or safety? The one doctor I've spoken to so far is aware of my condition but has not yet had time to review my most recent myelogram and MRI's.
What pain medication or medications did you find the most effective?
Is anyone familiar with Dr. Do Ouro at Beth Israel or Dr. Bryce at Mount Sinai (both in New York City) and what are you are opinions on them?
Also, I belive most of my pain is neoropathic, not central and possibly caused by the myelomalacia & arachnoiditis but I've also got pain from an L5-S1 herniated disc/degeneritive disc and ITB syndrome. which of these pain syndromes can I expect to get relief from w/the pump?
Any and all information on this topic is greatly appreciated!