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Originally Posted by SandyRI
Dear Mary,
Your story brings a smile to my face every time I read it. Thanks so much for taking the time to keep us updated. Its so important that we hear the "good stuff" once in a while! I love it!!
Do you think the pain pump would be a problem if you are really thin? I have heard that the batteries for the SCS are pretty heavy and bulky, but how about the pain pump? Is it the same? I have lost a tremendous amount of weight since becoming sick, and currently fit into size 2-4. There really isn't a lot of available flesh on me for any spare parts. Where is your "pump" implanted? Does it stick out? Can you feel it?
And one more question - is there a way they can get the pain pump to take care of head pain? Do the leads reach that far up the neck? That's where the bulk of my problems are. I can deal with the pain just about everywhere else. Its when my head feels like its going to split into pieces that I just can't deal....
I am planning to try ketamine. But could use a plan B if that doesn't work....and I know my doc in Boston does pain pumps.
I am very happy for you!! Take care, Love Sandy
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Sandy,
the good news is that is can help your back and head area. There are no leads, just a cath. from the pump into the spinal fluid. the drugs go into the fluid of the spine, and coat/cover the nerve endings that are in the spine. SO it works with almost any pain that has to go thru the spine to get the brain. It will not work if you break your leg. You will know it. The amt of med. going into the pump is abt 1/300 of what you would take orally. It is so small that there isn't extra to go all over and coat nerves that don't hurt. When you get a new pain ie broken bone, those nerves are going to let you know as it's not set up for something like that. Its a little more complicated then they way I'm explaining it, but it is close. My mind is no longer foggy. one thing I have notice is that it hasn't helped my typing any.lol...I'm glad everyone can read what I type.
The pump is about the size of a hocky puck. mine is in the back and it sticks out just a very small bit. Most of the people get it in the belly. You don't have to be heavy to get it. I know quite a few who are on the thin side. I saw some pics of others with the pump and that was the reason I didn't get it done for almost a year. Then the pain started getting worse, my meds were going up, and it didn't look as if I would have much of a life. My dr. said that he would do Ketamine, but he didn't like messing with the brain cells that way. He also does just meds, or the scs. for him, it is what works for you, not what he gets paid from the companies. The pump area in my back is still tender, when I ride in a car I still put a pillow behind my lower back just to keep the skin from rubbing on the back of the seat when DH turns corners or hits potholes. lol..I'm going to call my PM and see if he wants to hire me to work part time in his front office. He said he did when I healed enough. I fill like I'm ready to go. Ask your dr. as I said in an earlier post, a lot of drs. don't do the pump due to the long long long (almost until you die) relationship he must have with you inorder to adjust your meds up and down depending on how you are feeling.
Let me know what you think. You can pm me and I'll let you know some more info.
Hugs
Mary