What are the dangers of a pain pump?

Reasons for removal of the device include infection, failure to relieve pain, and patient misuse. Side effects from the drugs (over- or underdose) may include respiratory depression, twitching, muscle spasm, urinary retention, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, anxiety, depression, and edema.

What kind of pain does a pain pump help?

Why is it used? The pump helps relieve chronic pain that makes it hard to enjoy daily life. It may also be used for pain from cancer and end-of-life pain. Pain pumps deliver medicine directly to the spinal cord to block pain.

What do pain pumps look like?

The pump is a round device. It’s about 1 inch thick and 3 inches wide, which is about the size of a hockey puck. The pump will look like a bulge under the skin of your abdomen (see Figure 1). The catheter is connected to the pump.

What is the success rate of a pain pump?

Improvements in Pain, Physical Function, and Quality of Life

Overall, 94% (398/422) of patients reported improved pain control following pump implantation with 59% of patients stating their pump provides good to excellent pain relief (249/422).

Do pain pumps make you high?

The pain pump not only lowers the dose of medication needed, it also lowers the risk of addiction. “When you give medication spinally, it does not cross the blood-brain barrier. It doesn’t give patients the same pleasurable high as an opioid pill. The only pleasurable feeling they get is pain control,” says Dr.

How often does a pain pump need to be replaced?

The typical product life of your SynchroMedâ„¢ II pump will range between 5 years and a maximum of 7 years, depending on how much medicine you’re programmed to receive each day. Your physician will closely monitor the performance of your programmable pump at each of your refill appointments.

How long can you have a pain pump?

The pump can help control your pain. And it may help you get back to your normal activities faster. Your doctor or nurse probably will fill the pump with enough medicine to last 2 to 5 days. Your doctor will let you know how long to use the pump.

Can you drive if you have a pain pump?

It is recommended that patients do not sit for more than about 45 minutes without getting up and taking a 10-minute break and walking. You may drive as soon as it is comfortable to do so. You should not drive while under the influence of pain medications. Limited bending or twisting of the spine is advised.

How long is recovery from pain pump surgery?

Recovery from Pain Pump Surgery

Complete recovery from the procedure is usually around six weeks. The amount of time between surgery and noticeable pain relief may vary– while some patients take time to feel the difference, others experience a reduction in pain almost instantly.

Can a pain pump be removed?

A separate incision in the abdominal area is made, and the pump is implanted and connected to the catheters. The procedure is completely reversible. In other words, if you and your doctor ever decide to remove the pump, it can be surgically removed.

What is the difference between a spinal cord stimulator and a pain pump?

The biggest difference between a stimulator and a morphine pain pump is the method of pain relief. A stimulator sends electrical signals to disrupt the transmission of pain signals to the brain, while a pain pump is delivering actual medication to the painful area.

Can you turn off a pain pump?

Pain Pumps are Reversible

And, the therapy is reversible. It can be turned off, or if necessary, it can be surgically removed.

Can you drive if you have a pain pump?

It is recommended that patients do not sit for more than about 45 minutes without getting up and taking a 10-minute break and walking. You may drive as soon as it is comfortable to do so. You should not drive while under the influence of pain medications. Limited bending or twisting of the spine is advised.

How do I know when my pain pump is empty?

You will know that your pump is empty when the pain pump is not in the shape of a ball anymore. When it is completely empty, the inner balloon will not be a round ball of any size. (It will resemble an apple core.)

How is a pain pump installed?

Intrathecal drug pain pump procedure

To implant the device, our neurosurgeons make a small incision in the back to place the catheter in the affected area of the spine. Then an extension catheter is passed under the skin from the spine around the torso to the abdomen where the pump is implanted.

Is a pain pump visible?

The pain pump is placed under the skin of your abdomen, right above the belt area. It is not visible to other people. The pump is connected to a small tube that sends medications directly around the spinal cord.

How much does a intrathecal pain pump cost?

On MDsave, the cost of an Insertion of Intrathecal/Epidural Catheter and Drug Infusion Pump ranges from $28,712 to $31,186. Those on high deductible health plans or without insurance can save when they buy their procedure upfront through MDsave.