I am new to this site, so I am not sure that I am doing this correctly. It seems that there are a number of posts about getting the pump. I'm attempting to put them all in one location, but am not sure if this is the way to do it.
I have had an intrathecal pump for almost 2 1/2 years. This was after spending 8 1/2 years lying on the couch. Sitting was almost impossible and standing was only acceptable for about 10 minutes. I couldn't walk across the street to get the mail. I'm not looking for sympathy, I'm only sharing the before pump life, so that you can see how much it has helped me.
Now I can sit for about an hour if I have the right kind of chair. I sit in an anti gravity chair for about 2 hours. I walk about 2 miles most days. Standing in one spot for a long period of time can be quite challnging. I have a life.
Things to be aware of with a pump. You are not expected to become pain free. I think a 50% reduction in pain is considered a success. You must listen to your body as the source of pain is still present. Just because you may not feel the pain does not mean that it is okay to lift a 50lb. piece of furniture. Every day, I do a relaxation CD to help to keep myself de-stressed as stress can cause me pain. If you have been in pain for a number of years it may take a long time to see the ultamate level of relief. It took me about 6 months before I could be vertical for an extend period of the day. Years of lying on the couch had caused my muscles to atrophy. After 6 months, I started walking one block. It took me a year to get up to a one mile rock. Each of us is different and what I found in my own case, may be quite different in your case. Maybe you'll progress much more quickly or more slowly. I'm a 59 year old female. If anyone wants to e-mail me, sent to jeanjourney@hotmail.com. I am going away for about 5 days, starting tomorrow, so be patient in waiting for my reply. I'd be very happy to answer anyones questions. Beside being experience with a pump, I consider that my other strength in dealing with chronic pain, is that I am very upbeat and positive. I believe both of those things makes it easier to deal with pain.
I'm hoping that those with pump comments will continue to post here.
What drugs do you recieve and how much. How often is the pump filled and what is it like. How long will the pump work for and what happens when it needs replacing, or if the catheter comes out, what happens then? What is the pump like when in place. can you see it easily or is it difficult to see. Does the pump make wearing some clothing awkward? What about going through customs at an airport. I have never met anyone with a pump at all.
I am waiting for a pump and I am getting a bit of the pre op jitters. I am fifty, male and I take methadone amongst others. I have had chronic pain since before my teens. Yes, over 40 years that I can remember. Phun eh? I have used my humerous side to help me through. When asked how I am I always reply 'Fit as a Cripple!' As to be honest it is a very silly question to ask.
The first memory is from a rugby game at about the age of 8 or 9. But I know that it occured alot earlier.
A slang word from these parts means tired. That word was always used by me wrongly, as all the other lads when 'knacked', meant they were tired. I was almost 22 before my Wife told me the secret. After a 40 mile walk for charity I had to take time off work to recover. (I was knacked). The others who were 'knacked' went back to work the following day after a good nights sleep. I asked my wife how it was possible to do that with so much pain. The secret was out.....
Sorry for the ramble, but other people have long term pain as well. I didn't know you existed, as I feel so isolated.... I am glad you have the relief from the pain with the pump. It makes me have some sort of hope. I will have a future of sorts. A quality of life is mine for the asking.
My e-mail should be there for any one to mail.