NeuroTalk Support Groups - Help ! Morphine pain pump dilemma

I have had a Medtronic SynchroMed II for 11 years.

In Dec 2014 the pump was replaced due to normal battery end of life. The catheter was scheduled to be replaced, but for some reason the Surgeon did not replace it. At the time this concerned me because the catheter failed a pre opt test, and there was a Medtronic letter to the doctors saying this catheter should not be used. The Surgeon assured me that he fixed the tangled area and all should be fine.

Two years later, January of this year, something failed and I experienced very nasty withdrawal symptoms that landed me in the hospital. In March I had a pump Myelogram where a radiologist and a Medtronic tech declared that the pump and catheter were faulty and should be replaced.

I have seen 2 surgeons and one spine specialist since then, all 3 doctors have recommended that I don’t use the pain pump and move to an electronic stimulator device. I whole heartily agree with them, as I believe that the pump is the cause of several issues.

The dilemma is getting off of the faulty pump quickly. Since March I have had 3 episodes of intense withdrawal, one episode lasted for 3 days. Oral opiates do not help.

I need to get rid of this pump as soon as possible, as I am now having headaches when I stand or sit from a lying down position. I don't think that going through a normal 6 month to a year weaning schedule will work with the faulty pump.

Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated.