problems with morphine pump impant

3/27/08 4:19am

Big Smile Hello Marie

It's really good to meet you and Welcome to the Chronic Pain Connection!

We're really happy that you've found us and I hope that we can be of some service & support to you & your husband.

There is an ongoing conversation over in the message board/Forum area of this site that you can possibly get some really great information from the gentleman that runs the thread. He's got a great deal of experience with the pain pumps and is very helpful & knowledgeable in answering all or any questions you may have. Here is the link to jump over to that area. http://forums.healthcentral.com/discussion/chronic-pain/forums

You have to create another user/password over there too, before you can post in that area. most or many of us use a similar or same name over there, so that people from both areas can recognize us. But you can certainly do what ever you'd like.

I hope you can find all the information to help answer your questions. If you have any other questions or need help finding something, please don't hesistate, you can click on my name by my picture and send me a message any time you'd like.

Take Care and well wishes for your husband and his new pump.

Betty

Lee Bolin

2/15/12 1:59pm

Hi, I have had four morphine pumps implanted in me for the past twelve years. My first pump only had a battery life of two years, so then I had to have a new one implanted. Yet the problem was that my doctor implanted my pump in my rear flank area, and I have to sleep on my back, as I have to use a Bi-Pap machine. This caused pressure ulcers to develop, and my pump had to be removed, and placed in another area, but in the same location; that pump also developed pressure ulcers, so this one had to be removed, and I told my doctor, for the Love of God, please move the pump to the front of my stomach, I cannot handle it in my back area anymore. So my doctor did as I asked him to, yet the surgery took him almost six hours, as the catheter had attached itself to my body, and he had to slowly cut the thing away, so it could be moved. Now that it is located in the front of my stomach, it looks like I went to a hockey game, and got hit by a hockey puck, and it stuck inside of me. My doctor was one of the best doctors I have ever met, but then the hospital closed down the pain clinic, and I had to find myself a new pain management doctor, to take over the re-filling of my pump. My old doctor went back to work as an anesthesiologist at the hospital where he worked at. My new pain doctor is a real A. Hole, he will spend about four minutes with you, and then he is gone. I was used to my old doctor, as he would spend at least 20 minutes with me, he would inject my hands with cortisone, when they would lock up on me, and also gave me Xanax. My new doctor will not do any of those things, he told me to find a rheumatologist to inject the cortisone. That would cost me some money, to see a different doctor, as the VA Fee Basis out my pain doctor, as it is part of my service connected disability. Then one day my doctor said he was going to change my medication in my pump from morphine to Dilaudid. I told him that I could not stand Dilaudid, as it did very little for me, yet he did it anyway. Then several weeks later, I went into a diabetic coma, as the VA was giving me the wrong medication for my diabetes, and I ended up in the ICU for one week. Once I got out, I had lost all my desire to eat, I had no appetite what so ever, so I got so desperate to eat, that I broke down, and took three hits off some of that hippy hay. I told my doctor's nurse about it, not knowing that she would go running off and tell my doctor about it. He sent me over to have one of several drug tests that he has made me take before, and the test came back negative for the hippy hay. Yet despite the negative test results, my doctor now refused to provide me with any breakthrough pain medication, and I have always had breakthrough pain medication, for the entire time I have been on my pump. What he wants me to do, if I have breakthrough pain, is to call his office, make an appointment, then about two weeks later, go to his office, so he can increase the flow rate of my pump. I used to get re-filled every forty days, now it is every 22 days, and I will no longer allow him to increase my pump any more. I want to be aware of my surroundings, before I die, I do not wish to feel like I am out in left field all the time, not knowing what in the hell is going on. Yet he is standing firm on this, and trying to find a new pain doctor, is close to impossible. I have been waiting for over four months to find out if the VA will pay to have that kit that hooks up to your pump, that gives you an extra amount of pain medication, when you have breakthrough pain, but they are taking their sweet time. I have seen two pain doctors at the VA, the first one told me to find a new doctor, and the second on suggested that I see a psychiatrist, as she feels that I am depressed. I told her who would not be a little depressed, knowing that you are dying, and nothing may be done about it, but that does not mean I want to start taking a bunch of psych. drugs, that will try to trick my mind into feeling that everything is fine, when things are not. Pain medication works the same way, it does not get rid of your pain, is just tricks your mind into thinking that you do not feel any pain. I have seen three psychiatrists, and and all three have told me that there is nothing wrong with me psychologically, and that it is just a normal reaction that almost anyone would have, knowing that they are dying. What a mess!

Lee Bolin

Albuquerque Jimmy

2/15/12 4:12pm

Hang in there pal.. and I can certainly 'feel' for you and your situation. I long since gave up the pump, and the removal was horrible - 5 additional surgeries to deal with the Gortex mesh and the subsequent infections caused by it. I've been on orals for about 15 years - never any problems, never any 'stories' to get more, VERY few adjustments. But now, after going through the doc change that just kind of 'happens' - people go different ways, clinics close - I have a doc that is really pressuring me to change things that WORK. I'm on MS Conin, and oxycodone (breakthrough) - but KNOW that Oxycontin works better - but they will not prescribe due to all the negative press. He suggested a new drug - Nucyenta - that supposedly works great, but being new, is just not covered by my Medicare plan, and I cannot afford the cost. Bottom line? Lawmakers make it tough for docs to adequately medicate chronic pain patients (oh - except if in end-stage cancer, and then it's all OK) so they have some quality of life. Too much concern about addiction, illegal distribution - all of that. SO - why not just legalize it all? Or take the pressure off for those who have adequate medical justification - surgeries/degenerative diseases? Hmmm - wonder who is making all the money behind the scenes?
Anyway - best of luck to you - find a doc you can relate to... one that listens!

Lee Bolin

3/16/12 12:05am

That wpuld be like trying to find a stray bud in a corn field, They just don't want to take on new patients. Prior to my pump, I was taking eight, 80mgs of Oxycotin, four time a day, and it did not even faze me. What works good for breakthrough pain is those Actiques (Fentanal loly pops) but those are some expensive suckeres. I lucked out having the VA fee base me out to a private doctor, even though he is not worth a dam, I hope things are looking better for you. I have about two more years to deal with it, as I won't go on the liver transplant list.

Lee

Stan Michniewicz

3/27/08 8:27am

I have one and it does protrude, but not the rest. If it was me I would contact Medtronic and ask them. Also an Anesthesiologist.

Sean

3/27/08 10:56am

That's why I'm scared to go to a pump. I'm staying on oral til they stop working completely! I hope your husband makes out o.k. I have heard horror stories from these pumps,but not your husbands problem. I have also heard very good things about the pumps also. It depends on the person I guess. sounds like your husband is alergic to what the pump itself is made out of. GOOD LUCK!

Sean

Anonymous

3/21/10 1:02am

Omg Jay,

Are you sure about the pump recall? How did you find this out? My husband has that pain pump model number 8637-40 Right now we are going thu lots of things with his doctor that not sure I can say on here but its not good.

May times I have been worried about many things with his care. this is why I am searching for any info. To learn somethings myself. I feel I am in the dark and worry for my husbands health. I plan on calling that number monday and finding out more and why we were not told. thank you so much I am so glad you posted that. Dont know why we weren't told by his doctor some time ago

sue1950

4/ 3/10 1:27pm

I have the pain pump #863740, and just read about the recall. Always remember, someday you might not be able to pay for a refill or have a disfunctuonal pump or stimulator replaced. That is my situation right now. I would never consider either procedure if I had it to do all over again! I now have a Spinal Cord Sstimulator that hasn't worked for several years, the pump that my new medical insurance does not pay to refill, and I want other people to remember these things. Let my experiences be your warnings God Bless all of you! SK

Joe Hernandez

3/21/11 2:22am

I have been on the medtronic morphine infusion pump for approx 1 year and when I first went on it seemed to be working but for the past 4 months my pain has increased and the PA at the pain management clinic went higher on the dosage but it has just gotten worse to the point that I'am having to use crutches just to able to walk and my newest symptoms have been edema in my feet and the worseing of constipation problems.I have been sent to get to a nuerological consultation and I pray to God that they can find out whats going on.

cg

5/12/11 10:05pm

I have had several pain pumps since 1982 and never had any problems with it at all. The only issue is after I first got the pump the catheter migrated out of the epidural and had to be fixed. I am on my 4 th pump from medtronic.

Ivy Campbell

7/ 5/11 5:22am

Be very demanding, they know they have problems, and want to help

Jay

3/27/08 11:10am

Hi Marie,

Please read the below article. This pump was just recalled for the very problems your husband is having. I'd ask his doctor if his pump is part of the recall.

I hope this helps you.

Take care, Jay

March 25, 2008 - A class 1 recall has been announced for Medtronic Neuromodulation's implantable infusion pumps, the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) announced on March 21.

Affected devices include SynchroMed EL (models 8626-10, 8626-18, 8626L-10, 8626L-18, 8627-10, 8627-18, 8627L-10, and 8627L-18), SynchroMed II (models 8637-20 and 8637-40), and IsoMed (models 8472-20, 8472-35, and 8472-60).

The action was based on reports of inflammatory mass (granuloma) formations at or near the distal tip of intrathecal catheters used to infuse opioids, baclofen, or chemotherapy drugs, according to an alert issued by MedWatch, the FDA's safety information and adverse event reporting program.

In a letter to healthcare professionals, the company noted that the reported incidence of inflammatory mass with intrathecal drug delivery has increased 5-fold from 2001 to 2007 (0.49% vs 0.1%) and is expected to continue increasing. Symptoms most commonly include decreased therapeutic response/inadequate pain relief (33.5% of cases), pain (32.6%), and neurologic deficit/dysfunction (17.4%).

Because the risk for inflammatory mass appears to be cumulative over time and increases with higher doses and/or concentrations of opioids, the lowest effective dose and concentration should be used.

Patients receiving intrathecal baclofen therapy for spasticity should be closely monitored for prodromal clinical signs and symptoms of inflammatory mass, especially when using pharmacy-compounded medications or baclofen admixtures that contain opioids.

For new neurologic symptoms, a neurologic consult and imaging procedures should be considered to confirm or rule out an inflammatory mass.

Intrathecal drug delivery systems consist of an implantable pump and catheter that deliver small quantities of drug directly into the intrathecal space in the spine. They are indicated for the treatment of chronic, intractable pain and for the management of severe spasticity of cerebral or spinal origin.

Additional information regarding the use of implantable intrathecal infusion pumps may be obtained by calling 1-800-707-0933 from Monday to Friday, 7:00 am to 6:00 pm (Central Standard Time) or by contacting the company online at http://www.accessdata.fda.gov/scripts/cdrh/cfdocs/linkwarning/linkwarning.cfm?link=http%3A%2F%2Fwww%2Emedtronic%2Ecom%2Fcorporate%2Fcontact%2Ejsp.

Pump-related adverse events should be reported to the company by telephone at 1-800-328-0810 and to the FDA's MedWatch reporting program by telephone at 1-800-FDA-1088, by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178, online at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch, or by mail to 5600 Fishers Lane, Rockville, MD 20852-9787.

davet0522

5/24/08 6:02pm

I read the recall. I think she is referring to the having problems at the body of the pump. This doesn't have anything to do with the distal tip. I have a pump and have had enough problems to get more educated on it than I cared to be.

morphine pump user

1/ 9/12 1:38am

I want to thank you for putting the recall info on this site. It helped me. I didn't know the one that I have was recalled. The company nor my doctor contacted me at all. Thanks again for people like you to let others know these things.

Anniemetalgirl

3/27/08 12:25pm

Oh my! Go to the FDA website or Medtronic website. There has been a recall on their pumps!!!

Annie

Mattsmon

3/27/08 6:34pm

Thank you ALL for the information about the recall of certain pumps! I had no idea and since I don't have another refill until April, I would NOT have known. I called Medtronic immediately as my pump IS one that has been recalled according to the comment and the model number I have. The person who assisted me was a customer service rep, not my specific one, but did not really seem that knowledgeable about the recall. I'm sure a number of health providers are not aware of the recall yet as it is just dated the 25th of March, but for all of you out there with pumps, please call your doctor, even if you are having symptoms you are writing off as something else. I have had a lot of numbness in my left leg and groin area since Christmas and was sent by my neuro (he does not take care of the pump issues--a separate dr. does that) to have one of those nerve tests with the pin ****** and it came out with normal results. Since reading your comment on the pump recall, I asked the rep what kind of symptoms might be suspicious and the first one was numbness and tingling........I realize numbness can come from any number of reasons, but now I need to check into that further. THANKS AGAIN for printing the information!!

Matt'smom

CAROL GLASCOCK

3/27/08 7:18pm

I have had one for 15 years and had no problems with the pump and have 3 new ones put in over time. I finally had problems with the morphine causing central sleep apnea and recently had to stop the morphine.

Frank K

5/12/11 7:06am

Question, does your doctor do random no notice drug tests on you. Im considering the pump option, but feel very very strongly against these stupid test. Had to put up with this crap during my 25 years with the Air Force, and vowed to never be put through that humiliation again.

Thanks

Frank in Florida

Robert Engelbardt

3/27/08 9:40pm

Hi Marie,

I've had the pump installed for about two years and have had some spinal catheter failures but never any problmes with the pump itself. I am a frequent poster on the forum where thie pump is discussed but I've not seen any comments relating to your husband's situation.

My pump only protrudes a little when I lose belly fat but it has never become sore or red. For an infection to start three years after it was implanted seems rather unusual but I'm not a physician so I can't comment from a professional viewpoint. I serously doubt the pump is malfunctioning or is the cause of the infecton but it will be interesting to find out what the doctor's comments are after he can examine the pump and the surrounding body tissues. Perhaps you will be kind enough to post the results here.

I hope it all turns out well for you husband. The Medtronic pump has been a godsend for me as it completely controls my chronic lower back pain caused by diseased joints and cartilage.

Bob

marie

4/ 5/08 2:33am

Thanks to all of you for your input. We have been very much enlightened! As I type this, my husband is in the hospital. After the initial surgury by the pain management specialist on 3/21 to remove the pump, he had to wait at least 10 days for the inflamation to go down. So yesterday morning (4/3), a neurosurgeon opened him up to go looking for the catheter, which had become intwined in the spinal column. Between that pressing on nerves and the granuloma, he had lost sensation from his waist down. At first the surgeon said the x-rays indicated that he was going to have to cut into the "derma", that the catheter appeared to be beneath that membrane, and that would call for longer hospitalization. However, that was not the case. So after a 5 hour surgery, all appears to be well. He will probably come home tomorrow - without a pump- and back to oral pain meds. I hadn't mentioned this in my first posting, but back in Jan he got horribly ill, actually called 911 himself. Dizzy, disoriented, blood pressure up, etc. The ER was not able to come up with a diagnosis, but there was speculation that his pump may be malfunctioning. Now that we look back on it, thats probably the day- the hour- that it truely went outta wack. From the articles I've been reading, that event could have been fatal. Luckily, he's a big guy - 6'3", ex-marine, and toughened up. For those of you that are enjoying a successful pump implant, congrats, and I hope all continues well for you. But do watch for any swelling, redness, etc. One good thing about the pump being gone at least though, is that he MIGHT be able to join me in hot tubs again, and that is a good source of temporary relief.

jrb2008

4/ 8/08 10:06am

Dear Marie,

Thank-you for your post, this is helping us bring some pieces together-I am hoping won't mind giving me a little bit more information. My daughter had the SynchroMed EL 8627-18 infusion pump implanted in Oct 06, this is one of them on the recall list. But anyway, the incision never healed well and the skin around it was always red and ragged looking, the pocket would fill up with fluid and sometimes leak out through the needle pin point where the Pain Doctor would fill the pump every 2-3 weeks with morphine sulfate and a numbing agent which we are not sure what it was, her records say MS/BU. She continued to work as much as possible at the nursing home where her injury occurred. The pain doctor even sent her to a plastic surgeon in Feb 07 to debrede (sp?) the incision and stitch it together again-things went a little better after that until the middle of May 07 when the pocket started filling up again (extremely painful) with fluid, the pain doctor drew out the fluid and then put in some Dakin's solution (bleach water) and drew that back out and told her to put a bandaid on the hole where the fluid would leak out. Accused her of poor hygiene and told her to keep her pants off as much as possible-but didn't put her off work! Two weeks later the pain and swelling so bad she had to go in before her pump refill 2 days early, he drew out more fluid which was now lime green, sent it to the lab and we found out that she had Staph aureous in her pain pump pocket!!

After a series of antibiotic treatments which included intravenous treatments twice daily, two severe allergic reactions (her skin sluffed off and her hair fell out)and going septic (the infection went into her blood which affected her lungs and heart) and five stays in the hospital throughout the summer, they thought they had infection under control until Sep 07 when the pocket filled up again with fluid. They removed the pump in Oct 07, I had to do the packing of the wound until it healed from the inside out, it took until Feb 08 to heal. 2 weeks ago she had problems with the rest of the catheter and they had to remove it too, a small pocket had formed at the anchor, now I am doing treatments on this too. I am sorry this is so long.

But my question for you is, you said that your husband's pain pump site was alway red and portruding, did it fill up with fluid and leak through the skin too?

I hope he is doing well and they find a way of helping him through his illness and do a better job of controlling his pain. After all of this my daughter wants a new pain pump-because thats the only thing that helped her pain-does your husband feel the same way? I just don't know what to say anymore!! Thanks again, Jan

marie

4/ 9/08 1:11am

Jan-

Your daughter (and you!) have been through SO MUCH! Luckily my husband has avoided staph infection. Let me get this out the way first. We aren't sue crazy types, but we have contacted the firm that handled the last Medtronic class action lawsuit. You might want to contact them as well, and if the company is found liable for all of these cases like your daughters, my husbands, etc. there may be some financial compensation. It won't help the problems, but it won't hurt. I went on line to research the recall after others on this site informed me of the recall. I ended up calling 1-800-529-4636 as shown on the website:fhttp://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/medtronic_infusion_pump_recall .

In aswer to your questions though: my husband said he did not have any leakage, but they did have to drain the pocket a few times. And of course, when they finally removed it, it was found to be sitting in a pile of "goop". And unfortunately, yes, he would like to have another pump. He's going to give it a try going without as long as possible. Today he was in a recliner that he had "padded up" with pillows, and he told me at that moment he was pain free. He's cut back on the Oxycondin and is using iboprofen as well. His incisions (three total) are still healing, and he's experiencing feeling again in his legs and lower torso. So he's got a lot of change happening- I'll keep you posted. (check out that recall website)-

Marie

jrb2008

4/10/08 10:25am

Dear Marie,

Thank-you for answering me. I called Medtronics yesterday and the customer service representative was very firm stating that the recall had nothing to do with the pain pump pocket problems that my daughter had or problemly your husband's. Don't get angry like I did at first-but I think something is going on that we don't know about. Mad She ask me if my daughter's doctor finally removed the catheter and I told her yes, she seemed to be relieved by that. I ask if the pump had been analyzed and she told me she didn't have access to that information. My daughter's name is Dana so would like to call her that in future messages. Right now she is having tests run by a neurologist for a problem that started in February-her muscles in her eyes and upper legs have become extremely weak and she can't walk up or down stairs, inclines and or on rough services. Since her pain is in her thoracic vertebra using her arms to support herself with a walker and cane causes severe pain, going into her chest and arms. Also she is having a problem with her oxygen levels when she is trying to sleep, so they will be running a sleep apnea tests as soon as they schedule the hospital, she already has oxygen that she is sleeping with (as since July 07)but they don't know what levels she needs Dana has been on oral methadone, MS Contin 30mg (time released morphine) and morphine sulfate 15mg for break through pain since since they took the pain pump out in Oct 07. They tried dilaudid and fentayl patches but too strong and it put her in a confused mental state, scared us all. The morphine has just totally messed her digestive track and she has to take Miralax daily to get her bowels to move without straining, also makes her extremely nauseated.

I am not the sue type either-but I am having very hard time with my anger-she is only 32 years old and has been living with this for 6 years!!

I am afraid that her pain doctor and your husband's pain doctor will let this go and say that their problems with the pain pump pocket had nothing to do with the recall. I don't know how to prove otherwise. Dana has a workman comp lawyer and he is interested about the recall but I think I am the one that will have to do the investigating and don't know where to start.

Question do you know if your husband's doctor filed an adverse event notice with the FDA? I am going to ask Dana's doctor when she sees him on April 15. I don't think I will like his answer. Well I have sigh off now-have to do Dana's treatment. Hope you and husband are okay. Thanks again for you answer. Jan

Robert

6/ 7/08 5:19pm

I just read your message and my heart goes out to you. I have had a medtronic pump for almost two years now and am trying to get the doctor to remove it. I have not had any infection like you described and don't want it either. I've already had a catheter broken and repaired this last March and nothing was said about the recall of morphine pumps. I found it on the web. How strange is that? my own physician did not think to tell me about a recall. I am currently receiving 2.18mg daily continuous and can go no farther due to retension problems and headaches. All they want to do is try new drugs. Anything except remove the pump. You'd think if the pump was recalled, it means it has to be excised from the body and returned to the company. I understand the problem is with the distal tip but I am so jumpy now I just want it removed. I hope you find a solution to your problems and thanks for reading mine.

sidneymom

9/21/09 4:13pm

I was on the recall list. it was also giving me problems however my big problem came after out patient surgery, my surgery date was Aug 27th 09. atfer I came home i was feeling bad, but I had an appointment for the next day. I was told the new pump only had half the amount of medication that was normal, it in the event of a kink in the cather after surgery a person wouldn't over dose. However I was having systems of withdrawing that morning of with I had no knowledge. I was extremely sick in the doctor's office that day...but he treated my symptoms and he indicated they would leave after afew days. I continue to feel worst but remember what he said and came home and went to bed. by 7 that evening I felt so bad we called 911 to go to the hospital... I was admitted to ICU with an 104 temp,and horrible pain. a fever of 104 vomiting and loose bowels, but the doctor that put the pump said he didn't know what could be wrong with me!!! He said he didn't think it was the pump. Before surgery I worked out 3 times aweek and worked 5 days aweek. I was in the hospital a month stayed in ICU 5days with a fever was seem by infecteous diease doctors and several other specialist. after everything that went down the doctor that install the pump claims he has no idea why I was so sick yet when he put in another pump after I was release from the hospital after a month of still complaining I feel 100% better no side effects the coughs no tears nothing. but all he will say is he open me up and looked inside of me moved the cather around i know better I recieve a bill from Metronic wher I have two serial numbers on the second surgery he put in another pump but i'm not to know I'm to think it was a reviserion

Getting off pump

10/25/09 1:13am

I tried to look up the website you posted:fhttp://www.yourlawyer.com/topics/overview/ and can't get it to come up. Can you help me with this? Or has medtonic made sure it's not available.

Thanks

bill

4/10/08 9:58am

I have had a medtonic infusion pain pump since 2003. It had done a good job of controlling my pain , until November 2007. In november over a period of about a week I began to notice severe pain in the back of my left leg going all the way to my foot. Prior to this on a couple of occasions I had went asleep in a recliner and when I woke up my lower back and buttocks area was numb . soon after the pain and numbness began .Now the pain has gotten much worse, and if I lay on my back when I sleep my left leg goes completely numb .My doctor ordered a mri , it did not show a granuloma . Did the tests that were done on your husband show the catheter intwined in the spinal column ,or was that only found during the surgery? How long did it take for his symptoms to progress ? .I hope he continues to improve. I have found three recalls on medtronic pain pumps and a warning letter from the FDA July 3 2007 to medtronic for not reporting know problems and complaints .Medtronic was not even reporting complaints from patients. This is a serious issue I wonder how many other problems in the future wiil be found about the pumps . I think that when a class 1 fda recall is issued ,the patients should be notified . I also saw on the news that in Feb the supreme court ruled in favor of medtronic ,in regards to paitents being injured or death as a result of there defective products , If the FDA has approved the product then Medtronic is not liable. That is scary in that case we have no recourse . That leaves the door open for more defective medical devices.

jody

4/21/08 11:56pm

Hi

I just read all the posts about the problems/recall of the pump. I have one of those pumps that has been recalled but right now it only has saline in it due to the fact that I couldnt tolerate morphine or dilaudid. I am now back to just taking methadone by mouth for pain. I have Muscular Dystrophy and my muscles never relax so I am in pain 24/7. I also am fused at c56,c67 levels and have lower back problems as well with disc's bulging and leaking. I dont know whether to get this pump out of me or leave it alone for now. Does anyone else have a pretty big lump on their back from scar tissue? Or did anyone else have problems getting used to the medications? I really dont know what to do with this situation.....could use some advise....

Thanks

Jody

jrb2008

4/26/08 11:50am

Dear Jody,

I am very concerned about what your doctor is telling you, he is a very sure that the lump on your back is just scar tissue? The reason for the recall is that when doctors use high dosages of opiates such as Morphine and dilaudid in the pump it can cause inflammatory mass at the tip of the catheter where the pain medicine comes out. They also say that if this occurs to a start a saline solution only and the mass should dissolve with in time. Dana had a very hard time with the Morphine (a lot of nausea) from the get go when she had the pump but her doctor was gradually decreasing it and adding more numbing agent-sorry I am not sure of the agents name, BU is what is on her chart. Guess I should of asked. Since Dana had her catheter removed in March and started on antibiotics her weakness in her legs has gotten a lot better, trouble is we can't prove that she had any masses because she can't have a MRI because on the stimulator that she has -and a C Scan was only performed after the surgery by a neurologist. Please ask your doctor about your lump. So sorry about your pain. Jan

nursecarie

3/21/10 11:32pm

BU= Bupivicaine.

It is a local anesthetic I refused to let my pain doc add it to my med.

I had a medtronic syncromed 2 "installed" in 2005, and within a week was working back in nursing full-time..I did very well only requiring maybe 2 medication adjustments per yr until about 7 months ago, I was having terrible cramping through my mid section and down both legs, it was worse than labor pain, but at the university of Wa where I was going, my "PA" that handled my case after my initial doc retired decided with more and more complaints of pain, she would DISCONTINUE my breakthrough meds I had always had.This all happened about the same time I lost my youngest son, killed by a drunk driver, and I do believe she thought I was drug seeking suddenly, after 5 yrs of no such behavior. I then changed to the doc my old doc originally wanted me to go to, and he immediatly did an MRI, found a 8 mm tip granuloma, and I was scheduled and in for a "revision" the next am.It was only after waking from anesthesia I discovered it wasn't "removed" (granuloma) the catheter was simply moved down a few cm's.

as soon as my dose reached it's previous level, I began having the pain again,was in the hospital where a neurosurgeon said I needed all of it removed, and he would have to do a high laminectomy to get at the catheter tip granuloma.I passed on that, but I think between that, 3 MRI's, within a month my pump was critical alarming, then it began to sound almost like a siren for 2 days...then it died.

Wednesday will be 2 weeks since my old pump was removed and new one placed..for physiological reasons, they moved the pump inward almost to my belly button (I asked only that it not flip when I sat down and my ribs hit it.)

I have had a hematoma, where 3 large syringes of blood were drawn out, I looked 8 months pregnant, and it is only 4 days later, I hear the fluid moving around when I walk up or down the stairs.

apparently, the pocket where the old pump was keeps leaking this bloody/sero sang flid, but almost looks dark purple when drained, I asked if a drain could be left in as this is getting so uncomfortable, and the last thing they want is the new pump pocket to get infected, so instead hes going to just withdraw fluid by way of large needles until/ if and when this ever stops leaking fluid.

I am so tired of all of this, if it weren't for the excellent pain relief I would have this taken out so fast.

davet0522

5/24/08 6:07pm

I had a pump put in Feb. 27th. Two weeks later the cathader pulled out of my spine. Obviously putting me into withdrawls. After surgery to fix this I started getting very ill from either the pump or the medication. I had a migrane for two weeks and was throwing up for three weeks until the doctor tuned the pump down to nothing and put me back on Fentanyl. Now my relief is hit of miss. I have spinal fluid collecting in an area at the bottom of my back. Looks like surgery number three to redo the cathader to stop the leaking. Has anyone else had the problems with the illness or the spinal fluid leaking?

Dave

patttycakes1957

7/11/08 10:55am

Well, I dont know what to say! I had a pump implanted in September of last year and it has been wonderful for pain control. The problem like many others is that I have one of the recalled pumps in me. I have not felt real well the last month, and it just happens that I have an appointment with my OB doctor today because of stomach cramps, or a feeling of a lot of pressure very low in my abdomin. I just happen to be on the computer this morning reading e-mail and was going to read about the pain group that is suing washington state when I come across a comment about the pump recall! I had not heard about it, even though I have seen my doctor since the recall was put out. I thought someone had mistaken the recall for the defibulators that were recalled by the FDA. After a little more searching I found the site with the recalled pumps on it and thier numbers. I went for my card from Metronics and am still stunned to know that mine is on the recall list. They print this list of recalled pumps, but the company gives us no other instructions on what to look for! Who knows what this will eventually mean for many of us with these pumps. Thank god for the internet and groups like this that try and help one another! Because of you I and many others are a little more informed and know a little more what to look for. I think I need to make an appointment with the pain specialist if the OB does not see any problem! Ps... If anyone has experienced a feeling of pressure low in the abdomin, that has been associated with the pump I would appreciate it if they could address the problem!

May god bless, and I pray your day is as pain free as possible!

Patty

JC

6/11/09 8:03pm

Patti,

I live in Washington too. I had my pump implanted in Nov 2006 and my doctor has never mention the recall either!!! And to top it off, at my last refill appt May, I wrote on the exam sheet that I had been hurting more. The nurse left the room for a long time and came back and told me that she had withdrawn 1/2 of the medicine. "Well what should we do" I asked. I walked out in shock when I was told to "wait and see until my next refill in Sept if the same thing happens". Meanwhile my pain keep's increasing every day while I feel like my doctor has dumped me. I did call today a asked for the dye test, although I am unhappy that is what must be done. I already have the beginning stages of arachnoiditis (scarring from too many invasive procedures such as epidural's, surgeries, mri's with dye etc...) I just happened to stumble upon this group when I was googling medtronic pump's. Thanks for your info.

Anonymous

9/15/09 8:03pm

I have Arachnoiditis and have had it for 8 years. I do hope you do not have it because their is no cure. Their is only one doctor in Florida called Arachnoiditis, the Silent Epidemic by Dr. J. Antonio Aldrete, MD. MS head of the Arachnoiditis Foundation, Inc. Good luck, get the book because most doctors really do not understand what it is all about.

rollercoaster

4/16/10 8:11am

Patty, I posted here a little ways down, however this is one of the symptoms I am having as well as other withdrwal symptoms, back ache, chills/hot flashes, appetite changes itch etc. I do not know what to say or do, however my punp is a 8637-40 the exact serial nuber is not on the list... so I do not know what to say... other than GOD BLESS and hope all works out for you Mark

theresa rector

8/15/08 10:35pm

Hello

My sister has a pain pump. and about last year the dr. put the wrong stuff in her pump which made a qranulowma on her spine. but she still has her pump in her side or where ever it is. I have never seen it. She did have surgery on her spine the drs. tried to scrape the granulowma off. It didn't work and now she can barley walk. can you give me any moe information on your husband. My sister is in so much pain.

Anonymous

8/17/08 11:56pm

It makes me want to scream when I hear story after story about how this pump has ruined people's lives. I'm so sorry to hear about your sister. My husband also had a pump and is now in a wheelchair for the rest of his life with a host of health problems that just keeps getting worse. Please let me know how things progress and I will keep her in my prayers. Is there anyone else out there that has had simular problems from these pumps? I'd love to hear from you.

trector

8/18/08 1:24pm

Hello

Thanks for the reply. What did your husband do ? did he have the pump removed. and how is his pain now? Did you sue the maker of the pump? You know there is a recall on these pumps. My sister is so such the dr. did this not the pump but there are others. Please let me know what is going on. I did to let my mom know so she can help my sister.

Theresa

Elaine

8/18/08 10:16pm

Hi theresa. I' so glad you responded. I'll help in any way I can. The catheter was removed during emergency surgery but the resivour is still in him. His pain is pretty bad because he has 4 herniated discs but he would never let them put that pump back on. Are you sure the recall is on these pumps or is it the shoulder pump? We're finding out that this is not an isolated incident. It's happened to a lot of people. From what I've read some have died because of it. I believe my husband was very close to dying when they finally removed the catheter. Have you been succesful in trying to sue? We've yet to find a lawyer willing to go up against this issue. Please keep in touch and I'll keep you informed.

Elaine

Debbie Bradford

11/ 8/08 5:56pm

Elaine,

What happened with your husband as far as symptoms and what was the exact problem with the catheter? My husband has yet a different story. When his pump was first put in the doctor put morphine in it, so much that his bladder locked up and they had to back down to nearly nothing on the morphine. He also got a spinal headache and they had to do a blood block. He went every 2 weeks or so and they titrated the pump a little more each time. He got sicker and sicker, until they decided to titrate him back down and try Fentanyl instead. He basically did the same, so they then tried Baclofen because he was having lots of spasms in his legs and abdomen. He was also on Fentanyl patches during this time, Baclofen by mouth, Lortabs for breakthrough pain, Ritalin to keep awake, and Neurontin for neuropathy. It will be three years next month since his pump was implanted and it has never helped him one iota. He felt like the catheter must not be in the right place so at one point a couple of years ago they took an xray of his back and it showed the catheter where the doctor put it. On July 19th they refilled his pump with Baclofen and he soon was having uncontrollable spasms in his abdomen, back and down both legs. We did not know where to turn, went to several doctors, one ordered an MRI, one put him on Zanaflex which was the only thing he could take to get any relief because it put him to sleep. I took about 3 weeks off from work to care for him. His bladder locked up, he had to be cathed, his legs massaged, his bowels locked up, had to have lots of laxatives and enemas. He went to a urologist, 2 gastroenterologists, 1 neurologist, a neurosurgeon, his pain management doctor, his GP, an anesthesiologist and then on the day he had his MRI, August 18th, the spasms finally subsided to where they were bearable. He went to his pain doctor who refills the pump and demanded he do a dye study to see if the Baclofen was getting to where it was supposed to. In order to introduce the dye, the doctor had to remove some Baclofen from the pump. He could not remove any, none came out. He said the pump must be malfunctioning and he sent us to another anesthesiologist on September 18th, since he did not implant pumps (the doctor who impanted the pump committed suicide last year). The anesthesiologist suggested removal of the pump. He finally was operated on this past Wednesday and the catheter was kinked on the side of his body and also loose from the pump. He probably never had any meds delivered to his spinal cord and the last refill emptied out into his lower abdominal muscles. He now is spasm free since the Baclofen is reaching it's destination. They kept the pump, just replaced the catheter. Now we hope the PM doctor will add Fentanyl to the pump and he may be able to get off the patches and the oral meds too. I too would like to find a lawyer that would help my husband get compensated for the unnecessary pain and suffering, the financial strain this has put on us, everything my husband and I have gone through for the past 3 years. I feel Medtronic's product was faulty to have done what it did. He also had a spinal tumor

removed last August but it doesn't seem to have anything to do with the pump, or at least no one has mentioned a correlation. His pump is one of the recalled pumps....don't know why they did not replace it when they were in there....

Thanks for listening,

Debbie

Anonymous

11/11/08 10:15pm

Debbie, My heart goes out to you both. I would like to connect with others who have also had problems with these pumps. I have filed a complaint with the CDC and the FDA. I was told that if they were to get more complaints they would look into it. As far as lawyers go they are all interested and then when they consult an expert they drop it like a hot potato. I have an article from the San Francisco Chronicle about how widespread the problem is and still no one is listening. In my husbands case the pm dr. insisted that he had to change the morphine solution in the pump. He took out the Infumorph and put another concentration in. My husband began having excrutiating back pain. He then started to get severe spasms in his legs and this progressed into loss fo bladder function and weakness in his legs to the piont of falling. They did emergency surgery but they waited too long and he lost the use of his legs. Please let me know if you connect with others on this. If we can get enough people together maybe we can do something about it. Medtronics is a huge company with a lot of power. This won't be easy. Keep in touch. Elaine

Lisa Colletti

1/21/09 3:53pm

My stepbrother died and he had a Medtronic pain pump. Something needs to be done about Medtronic and the notification procedure.

Gail

12/11/10 3:06pm

YES! My husband had a pain pump installed in 2004. I only found out recently it is one of the recalled ones. My husband had to have head surgery because of fluid build-up. He also had several spinal cord lumps in his lower back that required spinal taps. Dec 2006 he suffered a spinal cord stroke and is paraplegic. He was only 57.

We cannot keep a pain mgt dr or find a good one. They all want away from that pump. Yes it is still there!!!

This has all been a on-going nightmare. What can we do? From what I have learned no lawyers want to do anything.

GailD

12/18/10 1:05pm

OMG. I am so sorry for your husband. And as in my previous question, I have decided against having the pain pump implanted. I hope your husband can find relief. Thank you so very much for responding. GailD

Sick of the pump

5/11/09 1:43am

I have had a pump since 2000 but have had nothing but problems with them. The last doctor let me suffer through withdrawals for almost a year before he would do anything. He finally did a dye test and it show the tubing had come apart from the catheter. When he went in to fix it he broke off the catheter which is still in me. I have been assigned by work comp to another doctor who has told me now for 11 months he doesn't like the way this pump is working which to me it isn't working. Again waiting for work comp to give the okay to do the dye test again. In the mean time work comp sent me to another pain management doctor who explained something I don't see anywhere in here. He told me we all have sensors leading to our brains that tell us when we are in pain. With having the pump the pump eats away at these sensors till they are gone in which our brains will tell us we are in pain all the time. He said if I continue with the pump with in a few more years I will not be able to handle any pain of any kind anymore. I have a work comp doctor that gets paid big bucks for me having the pump and does not want really refuses to take the pump out. I looked at the prescription of the compound that they put in me and it cost $24.00 but for the doctor to insert it he charges $850.00 a visit. So he doesn't want to loose all that money. I am trying to find out information on how to get the pump taken out. This doctor work comp sent me to for a 2nd opinion told me it would take about a year and it would be a year of hell but it could be done. How can Medtronics and the doctors get away with this? I got my pump when they were still kind of new so there wasn't as much information as there is now about them. I got the pump because back then I was told the pump would relief 83% of my pain which it doesn't. Since my daughter was only 2 then, I was told I would not have to take oral meds if I got this pump which would help me not to fall asleep taking the oral meds. All lies to me! I also have pain as some of you do where the pump is, it hurts to touch the area for them to change the medicine.

I want to tahnk you all for the information about the recall. The first thing in the morning I am going to call Medtronics to check on mine. I have called Medtronice numerous times about complaints and they never offer to help. I have had spasms to where I want to take a knife and cut the pump out, had to go to the ER and get shots to put me out till the spasms were over, my pump moves around just too many problems to list. Each time I call Medtronics and ask them why they don't investigate the problems people have with these pumps and they tell me it's up to my doctor to figure out what is wrong. They don't take responsiblity for any problems with the pump. Right now besides the pump I have 2 Lidoderm patches on, a tens unit and I still hurt. It's all I can do to get up. I take 5 other oral meds besides having the pump and my doctor just keeps uping the dosage of the pump. I feel my doctor is the one who is getting me addicted to prescription drugs. Does any one have information on where to go to find out what the steps are to getting the pump out and has anyone had the pump as long as I have and had it removed. Any information would be appreciated.

lowell price

9/ 4/09 7:30pm

please call me 316-390-6413

Recovering Past Pump User

10/21/09 11:19am

I had my pump put in in August of 2001, and just got it taken out February of this year; 2009. Mine was a strongmixture of Dilaudid. The main reason I wanted mine out, is that I was tired all the time, and could have just stayed in the bed. Also, I had sleep apnea due to it, as well as having to take two vegetable laxatives a day, in order to go to the restroom anything ressembling normally; otherwise you would have to strain very bad every 3 or 4 days! At first, I had it cut down in half several times over months, until finally I was only getting a bolus every other day. But still when I had him cut it off, I went through the worst withdrawal for months (after having it saturate my system for 8 1/2 years. And the funny thing about this Doctor, is that he would not give any pills, in fear you may get addicted! I have never been addicted to a pill! I had to end up on two types of blood pressure medicine, as well as other changes over the months of observation by my family Doctor until I leveled out without the pump. As far as the Doctor that put it in taking it out, I think I would still be waiting! I called and called for 7 months, and could never get him to schedule removing it, his service stating he was to busy and would do so as soon as possible. I'm sure he was hoping I would change my mind. I finally had to get my family Doctor to refer me to another Doctor at a local Hospital! Anyway, I could go on and on, but just know this, your Doctors are knowingly turning all who have a pump into addicts, plain and simple. With the withdrawal I went through, they were NEVER going to cut it back on or install another! If I hurt, I can take a pill and NOT get addicted. I know that because I have been dealing with this 1983 and through 8 back surgeries and fusions. Good luck to all of you who choose to get it or keep it, and congradulations to those of you who choose a full life, free of a numbed body, organs, and mind. You wouldn't believe the difference in you with or without the pump. I am told that by all that have known me for some time. But, I know what chronic pain is, and God Bless your choice either way!

Getting off pump

10/25/09 12:45am

Do you mind me asking what state you live in? I can't find a doctor that will take my pump out. In the mean time I am stuck here in Florida bcause I can't trust work comp to approve a doctor in Md where I want to move back to before time to refill my pump. Each doctor work comp sends me to states I would never survive without the pump. I feel mostly because I am addicted to the medicine in the pump. But luckily I am not on as strong meds as you were. But I need to find a doctor that will take it out. Thanks for responding to me

Recovering Past Pump User

10/26/09 8:52pm

I live in Charleston, S.C. I had a Doctor a The Medical University take it out. His name was Tackash (not sure of the spelling....I can find out if you want. Ask me anything you want. I know what it's like to want it out, and no one wants to act like they could care one way or the other.

Ask anything,

Mike

Getting off pump

10/27/09 12:00am

Thanks for replying. My injury is a work comp case so the doctors they send me to only want the money for putting the meds in the pump. I saw it cost $24.00 for the mixture of morphine and baclofen but the doctor charges $850.00 a month to refill my pump. Work comp also wants me to settle my case which has been going on for 13 years but I refuse to settle for they don't want to give me open end medical to pay for the pump. I don't know if you read the one email where I stated the doctor had put a new drug Prialt in my pump which is snail poisoning and it ended up poisoning me and almost killing me. I just feel the doctors are our for themselves and don't care what the patient wants. I live in Florida right now but want to move back to MD. There is a doctor in MD that will take my pump out but work comp won't approve him. Anyway how long did it take your body to adjust to oral meds after having the pump out? A couple of years ago the tubing came apart from the cathater and I was in alot of pain but again this doctor in MD said he could help me with all of this. I feel if I get the right doctor I can get this pump out and have a better life. I am on 7mg of morphine a day with the pump which really isn't that high of a dose. After checking into more about the pump I feel it will end my life alot faster by having this pump. Any information you can give me I would appreciate. Thanks....Cindy

Getting off pump

10/27/09 12:00am

Thanks for replying. My injury is a work comp case so the doctors they send me to only want the money for putting the meds in the pump. I saw it cost $24.00 for the mixture of morphine and baclofen but the doctor charges $850.00 a month to refill my pump. Work comp also wants me to settle my case which has been going on for 13 years but I refuse to settle for they don't want to give me open end medical to pay for the pump. I don't know if you read the one email where I stated the doctor had put a new drug Prialt in my pump which is snail poisoning and it ended up poisoning me and almost killing me. I just feel the doctors are our for themselves and don't care what the patient wants. I live in Florida right now but want to move back to MD. There is a doctor in MD that will take my pump out but work comp won't approve him. Anyway how long did it take your body to adjust to oral meds after having the pump out? A couple of years ago the tubing came apart from the cathater and I was in alot of pain but again this doctor in MD said he could help me with all of this. I feel if I get the right doctor I can get this pump out and have a better life. I am on 7mg of morphine a day with the pump which really isn't that high of a dose. After checking into more about the pump I feel it will end my life alot faster by having this pump. Any information you can give me I would appreciate. Thanks....Cindy

Anonymous

11/30/09 2:28am

Hi all-

This is Marie, I started this particular blog subject quite a while back, and haven't really been following it. Its all been so frustrating, as it is really regarding my husband, not myself, and he doesn't want to spend the time on the computer chatting with anyone. But heres what I can tell you- He had his pump removed the day of the recall. Tons of problems while he had it, and tons of complications as a result of having had it. That being said, a year or two (?) has passed, and he is doing much better. The pump was the worst thing ever. We contacted a few attorneys, no one would take his case. I think they only want to take easy cases, nothing they'd have to do much research on or hard work for! We let that whole issue drop because as they say, we "can't prove that the pump caused the problems". (Thought that was the job of attorneys...oh well..I don't want to go there...). Anyway, my husband is back on Oxycontin, but lesser dosages, and now he can go into hot tubs for relief, which he couldn't do while he had that friggin pump. While he had that pump in, I was ready to find him dead any morning. Now he's not a "zombie" any more, and I think he has a chance at a longer life. Someday eventually there will probably be a class action suit against the manufacturer and maybe there will be some compensation passed out to the victims. I just hope its before people die as a result of those things.

Daughter

1/31/10 7:30am

Hello,

My mother had a medtronic implant filled with morphine about 15 years ago. She had her pump filled one day and didn't wake up the next. The autopsy revealed that the pump was empty. Something happened! I have never tried to pursue anything legally due to the pump. I'm sure too much time has passed for any recourse now. I think this has been on my mind because my daughter is now about to graduate and I so wish my mother was here to see her.

stephen e

7/19/10 8:50pm

i cab

nt believe all the stories i am reading about the drs. who seem to simply not want to remove pumps. i am having the same experience. i have had mine sonce 2004 and my present dr. just keeps telling me i cant get along without it and will not cooperate with me in any way with getting me weined from it.congradulations on your freedom,hopefully i can someday accomplish the same as you

JR

3/ 3/10 11:10pm

I have had a Medtronic Pain Pump for over 7 years and have had 6 Surgeries, 3 in the last 6 months. I have done research on the problems I've had and I have found on the internet, that people have had each problem that I have gone through.

From A white granuloma substance fron the tip of the Pain Pump and Catheter forming, also I have had a Seroma Bigger than a Large Softball, the Pain Pump was Finally taken out 4 weeks ago, and the area is very sore and hard to heal, I've had Infections and even on the second surgery the Doctor put in a new Pain Pump in an infected area and I ended up with a hole in my Stomach and you could see the Pain Pump. and even more has happened to me !

JR

3/11/10 3:34pm

Hello;

I had so many problems with the pain pump, I have had 6 surgeries in 7 years of using the Pain Pump. The last 3 surgeries were done in the past 6 months, I had to have a pump revision because Scar Tissue had formed around my Pain Pump and was leaving me with pot holes forming in my stomach area.

After the surgery in 6-09 I had a Seroma grow over the Pain Pump about 6-7 weeks after surgery, the Seroma was so large it was bigger than a softball, also if they tried to drain it, it just filled right back up with clear fluid.

The Doctor called for emergency surgery when I ended up in the Hospital one night from the giant Seroma.

The surgery was done on 9-09 after this surgery a new Pain Pump was put into the same area, it appeared that the area became infected, because about 6 weeks after surgery a hole opened in the incision and started leaking yellow fluid out of my stomach, so the Doctor had no choice but to remove the Pain Pump Stat and he didn't put another Pain Pump in. I am now still healing from the surgery that was done in 2-10 to remove the Pain Pump, I am so glad that the Pain Pump has been removed, I am now back on oral meds, but I don't have the Pain that the Pain Pump was causing, I could write all day about the problems I had with the Medtronic Pain Pump, but what I am concerned about is that the Catheter was left in my spine and the Pain Pump and Stutcherless pump connector was on recall, after surgery I found this White Granuloma powder that was stuck to the pain pump, so if this is the case that means that the catheter also had this White Granuloma forming on the intire area.

I had the Doctor return the Pain Pump to me that was in my stomach, and you can see this White Granula on the Tip of the Pain Pump where the Catheter hooks to the pump, so my question is does the catheter have to come out also.

I see in your case that the Catheter was left in your body also, is there any Major Reason that you need your catheter removed?

I'm not sure if my catheter has to be removed, and I do not trust the Doctor anymore because he told me that he was going to remove everything and when the surgery happened he didn't do as he said he would, and it was because he got behind in surgeries and was running late, so I think that he just cut corners on me again. I believe after 3 surgeries in 6 months that it is time to change Doctors anyway!

It would be helpful if I could find out if the Catheter that was left in my spine will cause me future trouble, has it caused you any further problems?

Thank You;

JR

rollercoaster

4/16/10 8:04am

Anyone who has any input, please oh please let me know your expeience, knowledge of or thoughts, etc....

I have a medtronic 8637-40 intrathecal pump implanted 6/2007 everything was just fine with me until feb/2010 when I started having these feelings of chest tightness, agitation, sweating/chills, nausea and several other symptoms. Twice I presented to the ER when I could no longer stand the ups and downs. I had a battery of tests aimed towards my heart and everything was fine, they could not find anything wrong with me otherwise so they just ruled it off as panic attacks which I know is not me!!! I have lived with these symptoms on and off know for the past few months and shy away from Drs, for just the reason I stated being told it is all in my head!!!

I, have suspected underdosing or a general problem with my pump, however it is not on the medtronic recall list in the specific serial number range...however same model number. Therefore I know upon my next refill, my concerns are going to be overlooked or minimized. Like I said I have the classic symptoms of withdrawl as well as rebound pain sometimes and wonder if this thing is malfunctioning time to time!!! As my screen name indicates ROLLERCOASTER that is basically how I feel!!!

like I said anyone with experience or input, I implore you to respond, PLEASE...I will be checking back now and than someone has some answers to what I have indicated.

God Bless One and ALL

JenniG

8/26/11 1:22pm

I am so sorry to hear about your problems. I am hoping this post is finding you feeling better:) My mom has been experiencing the same thing since the beginning of June. She had her first pump put in in 2003. It was due for replacement July of this year, a month before that she started experienced this awful sickness, nausea, loose stools, chills, sweating, tingling/burning skin, smells medicine, cramps in feet and legs, and extreme yawning, which we have assumed was from withdraw. She has been in the in and out of the ER, of course with only one nurse that realized it could be from withdraw. She gave her a shot of morphine and within 30 min she felt better. But yet her pump dr can't find anything wrong with the pump. The first one she had, they ran the scans and xrays and said it was functioning properly, then when he removed it, he said it was jammed and wasn't releasing any medicine!!!! And now that she has this new one she is sick again, and her pump dr told her to call her family physician if she started having problems again????? Nobody can figure this out, and I'm so scared that something is going to happen to my mom! Any suggestions?

Jenni

Albuquerque Jimmy

8/26/11 3:06pm

Hi Jenni - I really hate to say this, but I truly believe that she should have it removed and either start or return to oral meds. Then at least she has a certain level of control. Did you check to see if hers is listed among the recall numbers? She should have a card from Medtonics wtih that info - kinda' like a credit card? After all these years, I still have the pump and the card - of course it's no longer in me. I am going to try and post some pics of what mine looked like with my profile... then all can see what my earlier post was about!

Best of luck to the both of you!

Jimmy

Diane Bernard

7/14/10 12:19am

Hello. I'm on my second Medtronic intrathecal opiate pump, which will be four years old this November. I'm curious how many people with pumps have been diagnosed with catheter tip granulomas. I was diagnosed with my first granuloma 5 years ago. After a year of being weaned off my pump and going through terrible withdraws, I had surgery to remove the granuloma which had encompassed my spinal cord and caused loss of feeling on my right side below the knee. Nine months later I was diagnosed with a second granuloma at a different location, after losing feeling on the right from under my ribcage to the tip of my toes. I was sent to see the head of neurosurgery at City of Hope, as he was a classmate of my current specialist. due to the location and size of the granuloma, they decided to cancel the surgery 13 hours before I was scheduled to go to the OR. As of now, they are only running Priault in my pump, but I am starting to have neurological side effects from that drug. I'd be interested to hear if anyone else is experiencing this problem. It would be great to have someone to discuss this with, as I have been told by the Medtronic rep that "less than 1% of all intrathecal pump patients develop a problem".

GailD

12/ 5/10 3:27pm

I have had neurostimulators since 3/25 and 5/13 for revision with metal lead migrating from spine to neck & residing there for at least 5 weeks that we know of. Revision was able to pull down from my neck & reattach to spine. Now I am scheduled for Metronic Drug Pump for neck and lower back pain, which neurostimulators do not touch. After reading all your posts I am scared to death when I thought this pain pump was going to be the answer. I still have time to cancel. I am on Oxycontin, which I am careful of taking and do not overdue. I am limited to driving 3 miles to grocery store or Wal-Mart, but certainly not in the same day. Most of what I read here is too negative for me to go through with implant of pain pump. What do you all advise me to do?

LtCol Frank M. Scott

1/24/11 12:57pm

I am a 63yr male, I have had the pump for 4yrs and have had 3 granulomas removed from my medtronic pain pump catheter during 2 separate surgeries a yr apart. The pump that has dilaudid at a rate of 2.6 per day.

Ivy Campbell

7/ 5/11 5:13am

they have recalls on the pumps and catheras, I went into a coma and almost died from my pump or cathera giving me an overdose

DeeAnnefrom Michigan

8/26/11 1:03am

If the pumps were recalled due to problems they caused, then was there compensation of any kind to patients who used them and had problems?

Albuquerque Jimmy

8/26/11 11:06am

Hello Marie... I am sorry that your husband is having problems with his pump - but this is nothing singularly unique - many people do, and I would like to share my own experience in a summary format, since I would need pages and pages to give you the entire nightmare! I have pics too, but don't think one can add attachments to this thread. I had a pump (Medtronic, Synchromed EL, #8627-18 [I found out last night it's one on the recall list - nice]) installed 07/10/01 by my pain doc. She was NOT a surgeon, but rather a pathologist/pain specialist. Immediately after I developed a nasty pseudomonas infection that required IV 'bug juice' therapy (think it was Gentomycin) for 14 days. Each day I had to go to the hospital for this, and thankfully they installed a hep lock so I would not have to get stuck each day. It was a horrible job - the thing was so loose fitting that I was able to turn it sideways - could almost turn it over! About two months later, I had a REAL surgeon try to correct the issue. He tightened it up considerable, but still my tummy was left with a huge bump. I kept it for a couple of years, and then for personal reasons I had it removed. Two days post surgery, I moved to Michigan. That's when the problems really started. I was told that the Gortex mesh that had enclosed the pump was still in me, and my body was rejecting it and had to come out. I was never told this, so I was not happy. Immediately after being released from the first repair effort ), I discovered that I was covered with blood from my stomach to nearly my knees. Apparently, there were 5 small arteries that did not close - and I was 'bleeding out.' Back to the hospital.. to make the rest of this story short, it took 5 additional surgeries to correct it - much due to the Mersa - a bad infection. They had to debride the Gortex mesh out of the tissue and put a drain in. During the final surgery, the doc tried to correct the mess the other surgeries left. It did not work, and I now have a permanently disfigured stomach. I decided to contact an attorney - and although I wish no person ill - I felt I should be compensated for the disfigurement as well as pain and suffering. I got a really good attorney, but from his contact with the person who designed the thing (ironic that it was developed at the University of Michigan Medical School), he learned that it is 'normal' procedure to leave the mesh in - and if a patient's body rejected it, to initiate the process I went through - at least for the most part. It seems that in these cases, the docs depend upon that rejection infection to help them separate the mesh from the affected tissue - so I did not have a case. It was really bad. NOW, from this site, I find that my particular pump is on that recall list!! I actually have the pump and pics from most of the mess, and I now am determined to find someone to reopen this case - if there is no statute of limitation. One can only hope. I am not the kind of person that is and opportunist - but fair is fair, and I was the one getting cut open repeatedly, so I should have something coming to me.

I wish you both the best with your situation....

morphine pump user

1/ 9/12 1:33am

I have a morphine pump and I also have protusion in my side/abdomen. I have alot of pain where the pump is and also where the catheder is in my lower spine. At times, it feels as tho the needle is poking me. I have excrutiating headaches every day and night. They are so bad that I cant sleep for them, can't lay down, and most of the time, they are so bad that all I can do is cry and wait until they subside enough that I can bear it. I was sent to my eye doctor to see if my eyes were causing these headaches but he told me, no. These headaches have been going on for over 6 months. I have had the pump in since March of 2010. Did your husband have anything like what I am having?

stephanie

2/25/12 9:46pm

My husband suffers from chronic pain after 4 back surgeries and a hip replacement. His current pm doctor and a neurosurgeon suggested that he go see a doctor to discuss getting a pump. Is Medtronics the only company that makes the pump? I don't want anything of theirs in his body. The company should go out of business. They are in big trouble with paying off doctors who did the clinical trials for BMP so I don't trust them one bit. My husband hasn't done well with procedures so I'm not even sure a pump is an option but we are going to see a few doctors to discuss it. I'm scared that something will go wrong cause he has no luck.

Lee Bolin

3/15/12 11:55pm

I had my second pump implanted about seven years ago, and soon afterwards, it began to leak a bunch of nasty fluid from the pump implant site. In reality, the place where he implanted my morphine pump was not the ideal place, as it was in my back hip area. I have to sleep on my back, due to using a Bi- I had my second pump implanted about seven years ago, and soon afterwards, it began to leak a bunch of nasty fluid from the pump implant site. In reality, the place where he implanted my morphine pump was not the ideal place, as it was in my back hip area. I have to sleep on my back, due to using a Bi-Pap machine, so it was developing pressure soars. When he went in to re-position my pump, I begged him to move my pump to my stomach area which he did, but it took him about five hours to get the catheter removed, as it was attached to my body. Ever since he moved my pump, I have had no problems at all; until the hospital closed down their pain clinic, so I had to find a new doctor, and I will never find a doctor like this man was. He would spend at least twenty minutes with me; injecting my hands with cortisone when I needed it. He was an outstanding doctor. Now my new doctor spends on an average of two or three minutes with me, then off he goes. I went into a diabetic coma and full renal failure, and spent a week in the I.C.U. When I got out, I had no desire to eat at all; I went four days without eating, and I knew this was bad for my diabetes. I was desperate to get some sort of hunger in me, so as a last resort, I ended up taking thee puffs off some hippy hay, and this actually helped on my hunger department, but I screwed up, as I told the doctor's' nurse about it, not knowing she would go running to my doctor, and tell him what I did. He had me drug tested, and it came back negative for any hippy hay, yet from that point on, he has refused to provided me with any breakthrough pain medication, something I have always had for over 12 year. Now he wants me to call his office if I have breakthrough pain, and they will make an appointment to increase the flow rate of my pump. I do not wish to live what is rest of my life, like I am sitting out in left field, not knowing what is going on. And by the time I got to his office (about a ten day wait, my breakthrough pain would be gone. I also caught him in a lie, as he told me my new pump was not able to be hooked up with the Medtronic's self-pain control, and when I spoke to Medtronic's, I was told that my pup was capable of having this device installed. I cornered him one day when a Medtronic's rep was in his office, and the rep backed me up on this device. The VA pays for my pain management, and today I found out that the VA has approved to have this device hooked up to me, but when I called his office, and asked if the nurse that is coordinating this whole thing call me, I never heard a word from her. To make matters worse, this doctor refuses to write any notes for you. Not just me, but all of his patients. I guess since he wrote two books, he has decided that there is more money in writing books instead of notes for his patients. His bedside manner is worse than a pimp in a sporting house. approved to have this device hooked up to me, but when I called his office, and asked if the nurse that is coordinating this whole thing call me, I never heard a word from her. To make matters worse, this doctor refuses to write any notes for you. Not just me, but all of his patients. I guess since he wrote two books, he has decided that there is more money in writing books instead of notes for his patients. His bedside manner is worse than a pimp in a sporting house.

Lee Bolin

Mom

3/23/12 1:13am

My daughter had the pump inplanted after she suffered a fall that hurt her back while working. She has had severe infections - still has problems that have resulted in loosing most of her teeth, and the pain she is in is not manageable. She has lost feeling in her legs and has some of the other symptoms reported here. I have been trying to get her to have the pump removed for the last few years, but she believes she'll have MORE pain if it is taken out. I don't believe it for a minute! I believe it is causing her severe pain (certainly the infections), and now the swelling in her feet and legs is causing problems because she is taking a diuretic. It is that medicine that caused her blood pressure to drop this week. Her sister (they live in another city) took her to the E.R. tonight and they told her not to take anything until she sees her regular doctor! I am so worried! Why are some people so stubborn about something that is killing them? I told her sister to insist that she find out about the recall. Maybe this will convince her to have the pump removed!!! I can only hope it does before something else happens.

Lee Bolin

3/23/12 5:04am

About that recall, the person would have to be pretty stupid to do what they are talking about, and that is if the miss putting the needle in that little screen port hole, and inject the morhine outside of the pump. The first thing they do is remove what is left in your pump, before the re-fill it again. So to miss that port, there is no way they can remove what was left. nd I would think it would burn like hell goingin outside of your pump. IF it were to happen, they would just give you some Narcan, and rush you over to the hospital. BElieve it or not, my pump Y2Ked on me during Christmas of 1999. ll my doctors were away for the Christmas hollidays, and I ended up in a psycg ward at a hospital; that was worse than a prison. They were de-toxing me from my pump, as they shut it off, and I was de-toxing from Xanax withdrawls. It was one big nightmare. The nurses acted like they were going over and above their cal ofduty, by alwing me to give my seven year old son a kiss for Christmas. I never left my room, the nightmares were increadable. Yet once I got out, and got ahold of my doctor, he filled my pump back up, and turned it back on; so I went through hell for nothing. I have hear of several problems that people have had, after having thei pump removed. SInce I have stage four cirrhosis of the liver, it is the best thing for me, as it does not pass through my liver. YEt I did have a problem with my upper teeth, as I had to get all 26 of them removed, and a new set of dentures for my upper teeth. Thank God that the VA paid for it, and let me go to a dentist of my choice. It is a tough cll to make, and finding another pain doctor who will see you and give you a second oppinion would be like getting an appointment with Jesus Christ himself, they are a tight knit community of doctors, and a good deal of them are ass holes. I wish you the best of luck in whatever you decided. BTW- I have to take two different diuretics each day as my legs swell up big time, but that is because of my liver.

Lee Bolin

Mom

3/23/12 7:41pm

So sorry for your health issues, and if my daughter had no similar issues, I would probably not be so intent to convince her to have the pump removed. She has actually found a pain mangement doctor here locally so will see what he does for her. The infections have been so bad that nothing has been effective at completely curing them! She's prone to staph infections so doesn't help.

I would rather see her at least try something else than to see her die - her heart stopped after being given a double dose of antibiotics recently in the E.R. It took a few days for her heart rhythm to return to normal. She is starting to have the same problem I have with antibiotics - can't take them anymore. They have become dangerous to both of us. Her initial back surgery to correct a condition brought on by her work-related fall was simple, but a worker's comp doctor who is not as good as another surgeon we know performed the surgery and that seemed to start the trouble. Scarring that the doctor was not careful removing, she didn't do what the doctor told her to do after surgery (was moving heavy boxes and going up and down steep stairs), jumped at having the pump put in without doing any research, etc. I believe that all of these things have contributed to the problems she's having. I just pray for her everyday and try to talk to her about possible alternatives. Not much else I can do. It IS her decision, after all's said and done.

Irenee

3/23/12 6:31pm

I had a BAD problem with the pump/ I had it for 2 to 3 years and the catheras kept breaking ( so I had to have surgery to repair. ) My Dr. changed my medication because I was getting bad headaches, this medication put me in a Coma and I was in ICU for 2 weeks (as the body starts to shut down with a coma) So then it took me months of recovery I could not walk ect. I am on medication as needed , and much wiser My motto is do not take any NEW MEDICATIONS, only ones that have a tract record. I go into goggle to check any reactions the medication might have.,before I take it!! I still have pain , but I will never be put on a drug I am not aware of again, my Dr is good and cars, but it was my life that was going thur this.

MrMitch012

8/ 2/12 1:31pm

I had a pump replaced no catherter, I am having partial therapy good days and bad days. Has anyone experienced this?

problems with morphine pump impant

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