Hi all. I need some advise.
First of all I have had severe spine issues for almost 25 years. I have had several surgeries to the cervical/thoracic area and the lumbar region.

I have Harrington Rodss placed in both areas. Recently I started to see a new pain doctor who first of all to help control the pain put in a Intrathecal Pain Pump. The Catheter is at T-10 I believe and the device is in the stomach area. It was put in such a spot to help with the pain in the mid to low back area.

I also still have cervical issues which include focal cord atrophy and myelomalacia.
From prior studies - EMG - it showed that I had severe nerve damage to the cervical and lumbar area; arthritis; and peripheral neuropathy due to the spine issues and my diabetes.

As to the neck my symproms include weakness in the arms; radiating pain to the shoulder areas general pain that is centralized around the spine itself. My legs again there is neuripathy which includes severe numbness; pins and needles in the foot/toes burning sensation on ocassions; severe cramping at times of the upper thigh.

The pain pump seems to help for where it was implanted.
As to the neck the doctors are afraid to touch me surgically any more because of all the surgeries that I have already been thru; and I have other health issues as well. I have Type II diabetes and was diagnosed 10 years ago. I was born with 1 kidney and the kidney that I do have I have kidney disease. I am not on dialysis yet but just waiting for things to progress tot hat point.

As to medications I have been on tons over the years which included Neurontin; Percocet; Oxycodone with Acetaminaphen; Tizanadine a muscle relaxant; Fetanyl Patches which I had trouble tolerating from what I remember. I know there are other meds that I have been on but the names escape me at this point in time.

I did have A Spinal Cord Stimulator placed in the lumbar region but it was taken out since it wasnt helping. The Intrathecal pump is a combination of Dilaudid and Bipuvacaine a very low dosage and for the most part I am happy with the results. While I do have moments where it doesnt work I fell it workds 80% of the time.

In todays visit with the Pain Doctor he indicated that most of the medications are the same in that they all tend to work on the same receptors. Thus since they are all bascially the same they do very little to help in other areas. The Oxycodone 7.5-325 I believe is the dosage I have to say really doesnt do a lot for me in relieving the pain in the neck.

So today I left with a script for Methadone. I am looking for any input on others experience with this medication. Did it seem to help? In what ways did it NOT help? What about side affects?
Any input on this medication for pain mangagment would be appreciated.

I think I am at the point that no one really knows what to do for me. Surgery I've been told is out because it is too risky. Some doctors I cant even get my foot into the door for an appt. When they hear my history up front its bascially See YA. Or some ask for my records ahead of time and the office staff comes back saying the doctor wont see me and certainly wont offer any advise for me.

So I feel like I am at a loss at times. I go back to my neurosurgeon at times just for a checkup to see how things have progressed then its basically see ya next year.

Again any help would be appreciated. Thanks in advance