Question 1

have had 2parialdiscecemonty supposed to ave spinal fusion the frautured a verbre should i have the pain pump  been on meds for 16 years in lower back?

Accepted Answer

Post laminectomy: You have symptoms that need complete evaluation by a spine surgeon. Pain pump is a last resort for problems that cannot otherwise be diagnosed or treated. You are too young to accept that if there are  options. Minimally invasive fusion/tlif has good results for single-level problems if a diagnosis is conclusive. Don't ever accept  "nothing can be done" unless another independent doc agrees.

Question 2

7s surgeries for my back/nerve pain.  i have a  scs unit and also a pain pump which was found faulty aft 21/2yrs should i get it fixed or meds?

Accepted Answer

Fix pump?: It depends on how well you think your pain was managed when the pump was working. Unless it gave you very significant relief i probably would not advocate to have it fixed. I would have a conversation with you pain doctor about realistic expectations.

Question 3

could you get permanent nerve damage from back fusion?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely: Back fusion is not a benign surgery. Make sure you have it done by a skilled neurosurgeon or ortho-spine physician if you have to have it. However, avoid having a fusion as long as possible. You will most likely trade the pain at the fused levels for pain at the overcompensating levels above and below afterwards. I hope this answer helps and best of luck!

Question 4

recent pain pump has caused fatigue. when  will i ever get my energy back?

Accepted Answer

Time: It may take some time to recover from the surgery and the new route of medication delivery. If the fatigue persists you may need further evaluation and consideration of a new drug.

Question 5

my pain management dr suggests a pain pump foru chronic back pain what do you think?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: All options should be evaluated with your doctor, in order to make the decision that's right for you. Pumps are usually a choice that is made when oral medication has been unsuccessful.

Question 6

which is better the pain pump or the spine stimulator?

Accepted Answer

Depends: Depends on what you are using each of these things for.  Pain pumps are specifically for patients on high dose opiates and typically are used for terminal cancer patients.  Spinal cord stimulators are for typically failed back syndrome or nerve pain disorders. Again these are just generalizations but  you should be evaluated by an interventional pain physician to see if you are candidate.

Question 7

have had 3 back surgeries.  with many problems
with taking oral medice. now i take neroutn and subzone 12/4. i'm wonder if a pain pump might help?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: It might be that this will improve your pain without having to take oral medicines.  A spinal cord stimulator might be an option as well.  In both cases, a "trial" is done to see if you would be a good candidate.  Don't hesitate to discuss with a pain specialist.

Question 8

i can only walk for 30 minutes 2x a week. with eating clean can i lose weight? i have pain pump for back pain so walking is all i can do! is it enough?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: With daily calories reduction through proper meal planning and eating habit, it's very likely to achieve weight loss. Consult with a dietician to get the best strategy. In regards to exercise, have you tried stationary bike or walking in a pool? They may have less stress on your back.

Question 9

i have a pain pump implant and it does me no good, why? i have had it for two years and it was supposed to do wonders, i agreed to the surgery so i didn't have to subject my body to so much medication. i'm currently on dilaudid but it's such a low dose th

Accepted Answer

It's : It's possible that your pump may not be working correctly.  For example, if the spinal catheter is not in the proper position, has cracked or has become kinked or otherwise occluded (for example by a granuloma), these could lead to lack of benefit.  I would suggest you get seen by a qualified pain medicine doctor who has experience with spinal pumps.  That doctor, in addition to examining you, will also review the medical records outlining how the pump surgery was done, what your dosing has been, imaging studies before or after the procedure and determine what steps may be taken to help you.  Don't give up!

Question 10

my brother was offered an intrathecal pain pump for germ cell cancer with mets in his pelvis, back, spine, lung, and liver.  what are pros and cons?

Accepted Answer

Pain relief: Sorry to hear you brother is so sick.  The pump is a good alternative as it will provide constant and measured pain relief.  Risks are mostly associated with the actual process of implantation (any surgical procedure has risks like infection, pain, etc.).  Discuss with his physicians your concerns.

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Doctor answers about:

How dangerous is pain pump to very damaged nerves after low back fusion

A member asked:

Have had 2parialdiscecemonty supposed to ave spinal fusion the frautured a verbre should i have the pain pump been on meds for 16 years in lower back?

A member asked:

7s surgeries for my back/nerve pain. i have a scs unit and also a pain pump which was found faulty aft 21/2yrs should i get it fixed or meds?

A member asked:

Could you get permanent nerve damage from back fusion?

A member asked:

Recent pain pump has caused fatigue. when will i ever get my energy back?

A member asked:

My pain management dr suggests a pain pump foru chronic back pain what do you think?

A member asked:

Which is better the pain pump or the spine stimulator?

A member asked:

Have had 3 back surgeries. with many problems with taking oral medice. now i take neroutn and subzone 12/4. i'm wonder if a pain pump might help?

A member asked:

I can only walk for 30 minutes 2x a week. with eating clean can i lose weight? i have pain pump for back pain so walking is all i can do! is it enough?

A member asked:

I have a pain pump implant and it does me no good, why? i have had it for two years and it was supposed to do wonders, i agreed to the surgery so i didn't have to subject my body to so much medication. i'm currently on dilaudid but it's such a low dose th

A member asked:

My brother was offered an intrathecal pain pump for germ cell cancer with mets in his pelvis, back, spine, lung, and liver. what are pros and cons?

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