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.
Quote:
Originally Posted by keep smilin
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
|