Appointment with Neurosurgeon

[Guest guest]

As some of you may know, I have been seeing a neurosurgeon for a little over two

years now to " keep an eye on " the intrinsic pontine (in the pons of the

brainstem) glioma (primary brain tumor) the has been slowly growing and

torturing me. He also happens to be a pump doctor. I have asked him, as well as

my pain management doctor, about a pump SEVERAL times. They usually tell me that

it doesn't work that well for diffuse pain (best for localized pain) & refuse to

discuss it any further and/or they want to save it for later.

Today, a miracle occurred. I convinced my neurosurgeon to do a pump trial! He

insists on using morphine, which I have had reactions to in the past, but if I

don't react well, he is willing to try other medication. He is also not willing

to order a myPTM (personal therapy manager/bolus machine) until after I finish

the initial dose titration, to make sure I will need it, even though I am 95-98%

sure that I will.

When I asked him about my current meds and the trial, he said that I do not have

to stop any of then (he only makes patients stop blood thinners). He asks that

patients lower opioid doses as much as they can to make sure they can huge

whether or not the pump is helping.

I already know to ask for a surgical binder to help reduce swelling. If ANYONE

has any other advice, I'd GREATLY appreciate it. Thanks.

My surgery is schedule for Friday, June 24, 2011.

-Steve M. in PA, age 21