SCS verses a pain pump... KS needs help!
 

I remember Mike had mentioned he has a pain pump..So in my little brain I am just entertaining the thought of removing my SCS and to have a pain pump implanted..Reason being, as many of you know..I am not able to take any pain meds oral..NONE! But by drip I can withstand morphine...not orally.. and my SCS just lives in my left hip and not able to use it....so my next question is.. what kind of a procedure would it take to do this switch?? The 5 day sleep is not possible for me either due to ins. denial due to so callled experimental use of the Ketamine....over and over..so this may be an option for me.. AND set me straight..am I thinking correctly..Talk to me family..

Love, Kathy:grouphug:

Surprise..
 

Leave it to me..being the first to reply to my own post..but Mike or anyone with a pain pump.. does it aid you enough in order for you to go back to work??

Hugz, Kathy

LostMary also had a pump implant, she also used to have a SCS. She has not posted in a while but her last posts were very positive. She said she felt normal again and was about to go back to work full time.
Here is one of her threads.

http://neurotalk.psychcentral.com/sh...552#post649552

WOW - Pain relief is possible for you!!! How cool is that???

Check out the new forum. And if Lost Mary hasn't posted in a while maybe you can send a PM that will go into her personal e-mail and get a response.

I've always thought the the pain pump might be in my future, it's been my "Plan B" since I started ketamine. You need to get a really good doctor with a great facility that will stick with you, and make sure that they have lots of experience. Really just the same advice as with all the other things we do, right?

Wishing you all the luck in the world with your newest opportunity, XOXOXO Sandy

Thinking of you dear Kathy....
 

Here's hoping for new opportunities to open up for you
and that your Dr will work diligently in getting you the pain relief
that you SO deserve!

You are in my prayers! :hug:

How is Mike?
And Mary?
I did try sending Mary e-mail a few weeks ago and haven't heard anything.
I think of them often and hope things are going good

:grouphug:
Rae

Hi everyone..
 

I really appreciate hearing from you ..my bestest family..Honestly..this is something I came up with on my own..Just a thought, possible alternative..a pain driven question..I actually thought if it was a positive option ..I'd present it to my Dr., he may other feelings about my brain storm... so at present its only an inquiry.... not sure Iam ready for more surgery plus the thought of possible spread with it..makes my belly ill.. I wanted to see what you all thought...

Funny but if my life has to stay the way it is..no ketamine.. no medicine..SCS in my back pocket..well then so be it..as I will always have love in my heart, a smile on my face..and a great support system and you all here as my family...I thank you all for your thoughts..I can feel the wonderful supportive energy right thru your posts...

Love to you all...

Kathy:grouphug:

A door to open
 

Hi KS,
I am so grateful that you are continuing to seek other opportunities and this shows perseverance and once again strength on your part. I think this is definately something that you should investigate. I too considered this many years ago, but like you I could not take medications and I just couldn't imagine having morphine pumped into my system without control. But as time goes on I am learning that it is not like that, it goes directly to the source and does not have a impact on the mind. You have my support and prayers that this may be a great opportunity for you. I too am going back to work with or without pain. This is just not working for me and really no matter where I am, some days are just miserable. I wish you all the best best with lots of hugs and laughter!!

Your little buddy

My morphine pumps have given me back life
 

I'm now on my second morphine pump and I can't praise them enough. Not because they're some silver bullet that somehow makes all the pain go away, but because there's nothing better at moderating the pain I'm in. I'm now on my second pump. My first one lasted 5 1/2 years and I've had my second one around 1 1/2 years.

If you're looking for pain free, then you'll be unhappy. If you're looking for something that will ease it out and moderate the pain throughout the day, it might be a solution. There's a simple way to find out. Have the doctor check you in the hospital overnight and run the test. You'll know on the spot of it works. I was bawling in tears it felt so good for the pain to ease up. Without the test, you'll never know, but before I'd assume anything, I'd first ask the doctor to at least run the test so you can make an informed choice. Very best of luck, Bob.

....and just a side thought....
 

Don't be surprised if you bring the Pain Pump up to your Dr and he 'poo poo's it......don't let this take the wind out of your sails.
I too brought this option up to my Dr (who only does SCS) and he wants nothing to do with them.....he actually said, and i quote "then I'd have to be 'married' to my patients" :eek:
Because of the 'commitment' of refilling the pump reservoir is my guess....

So PLEASE don't let a one-time consultant blow this option out of the water for you. LostMary said she had to actively seek out a Dr from another state to do this.
Maybe Bobinjeffmo has some suggestions too.
I just don't want to see you get shot down, when I KNOW there would be someone out there willing to look in to this option for you!

My Prayers and Best Wishes
Rae
:grouphug:

Pump vs SCS
 

I've heard nothing but good things about the pump and mostly negative things about the SCS - either after a while or soon. It is my intention to go for the pump when the time comes I no longer can take oral Morphine.
Good Luck and I would certainly ger rid of that SCS in exchange for the PUMP. My very good friend has the SCS and is changing for the Pump which she used to have but her All Knowing Doctor removed it because he said she had had it too long and replaced it with a SCS which he said was "just as good". She has a few choice words for him and intends to return to the pump as soon as possible.
Take Care,

But...
 

Would someone benefit from the pump if you have whole body RSD.. ???? My RSD is in many places...not just one central spot..

Thank you all for your posts... Yur lovely people..

Hugz, Kathy:grouphug:

This is strictly what I've read. Yes it does work for those with full body. In-fact more so than the SCS in which it mainly focuses on lower limb RSD opposed to upper and lower. I could be misinformed.

Sorry, we're not talking about switch out option
 

As much as I wish they could just switch out a couple components for an easy switch over, these are two vastly different type systems.

A morphine pump involves a hockey puck sized device that's implanted in a pocket that's sewn under your skin usually the left side of your belly where the new pump is slid into place. They then run a catheter (tube) through the inside middle part of you body where it's then sewn directly into your spine where it mixes with your spinal fluid. It's refilled as needed by using a template that's placed on top of the sealable refill hole.

You will have a peach pit sized knot on your back for what could be months following the install along with the healing on the front side where it's all stapled into place.

With your extensive documentation showing that you can't take oral medications, but that you can a tolerate a morphine drip, insurance will be more likely to pay the $30,000 price for this amazing piece of technology. As of the last time I checked, refills currently run $1,500 or more a pop.

Thanks to you doing your homework, I'm sure you and your doctor will talk over the pros and cons of this possible pain management option. Keep searching for solutions and I know you'll find one that works best for your needs. Bob.