Re: Medtronics intrathecal pain pump

August 19, 2003

Dear Satch,

I have had an intrathecal pain pump now for about 16 months. First

off, I want to clarify that the intrathecal pump is not the same as

the stimulator that Jerry has. This actually delivers medicine

via a very small catheter in the spinal area placed at the level of

spinal nerves that sends pain signals from the pancreas area. We have

no control over the rate or flow--it can only be changed by a

doc/nurse on their special computer. Every time the pump is filled, a

printout comes from the computer that says when the alarm should

start so a refill can be scheduled. The alarm is very quiet so it

does not disturb sleep or other activites. Depending on your rate,

you could have as many as 5 days after the alarm starts before it

runs out.

I would say the surgery is semi-major. There are 2 incisions, one on

the abdomen, and one on the back. The pain medicine is begun

immediately, but it may take awhile before you reach a level of

adequate relief. You should have breakthru meds though until then. At

one point, I as able to go 2-3 days without any breakthru meds at all.

One thing I would caution, be prepared for a headache afterwards that

may take awhile to subside. Spinal fluid continues to leak until the

scar tissue closes off the area of insertion. I was also told to

limit activity for about 2 weeks to give the pump time to " set " in

position. And then, slow increase back to normal activity.

And one more caution...make sure that the surgeon who puts in the

pump has a lot of experience putting them in. I had to return to

surgery and have the catheter put back in place after it worked loose.

The first surgeon was not very familiar with the procedure, and 2

other patients at my pain clinic that had their pumps put in by him

also had to return to surgery. It might be a good idea to call

Medronic and ask them if there are any surgeons in your area who

implant them. I got the best in the area for my second surgery, and

there have been no problems.

Hope this has helped, and if you have an other questions, let me

know. I'll do what I can to help you.

Be Blessed,

Diane Hollister

TN State Rep

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