I have just had a Medtronic Synchromec II implanted and have aquestion that seems to be puzzleing everyone I talk to about my problem (including myself). I have been a long time sufferer of back pain and was sick of having a fuzzy head with oral Meds and was really looking forward to better pain relief and most importantly a clear head. I have tried almost every other option that is available and this sounded like just the type of relief for me.
Unfortunatly I am incontinent just my bowels, which seemed strange to me because almost every opiod causes constipation. I thought for sure this must be a symptom that is common after surgery, when I told my Pain Mgt. DR. and my Nuero. (the same day) they both agreed that it had nothing to do with the pump and have to have tests and see a Gastro. Dr. I have not seen any posts with a problem like this and am reaching out in this forum for others that might have had this problem and what was done about it?
I do agree with the Dr's that it doesn't make sense, but can not understand why this would all of a sudden hapen after I have never had anything like this before! I have certainly been constipated with all of the pain Meds I have tried. It has only been 2 weeks since surgery and am not able to do much untill I heal a little more but it sure would be nice to take a walk, but with this problem I'm really worse off than I was because I can not be far from a bathroom.
I even have had some pain relief from the initial dose, but it was to be raised every week until I was comfortable and could continue the oral dose reduction which is what is recomended by the MFG. and the DR's.
I know this is a long shot asking for an answer, but I'm sure you can all relate how disapointing this is? I have read almost all of the posts and many of us have gone through many treatments. Every one I read I could relate to!!! and feel all of your pain. I feel better knowing this Blog is here, thank you in advance.
Brad
Thank you Karen
Since posting I am happy to respond!!!! I have not had any more problems! It has been les than one day but compared to the way I was I have had no incidents ALL DAY!!!!! It may seem to you to be a little early to be celabrating, however to just have a good day (back to the way I was just 15 days ago) I am a very happy Man!!!
I have had my prostate removed and thankfully never had anything close to what I have been through the past 2 weeks. I was depressed, discouraged and lost all hope of ever having any relief from the pain I have had for over 10 years. Hopefully I am going to stay this way and have the pump increased to a comfortable level (don't want to have too high of a dose delivered to the spine so that I have room to increase the medication and not have to take any more than very small ammount of break through meds, orally and have a clear head again! As I said in my posting I found some relief from the initial dose and was hopeful when the medication started to kick in the second day after surgery.
I am aware that I might not be trouble free again, but I am grateful to have had the 8 to 10 hours of no leakage and a normal bowel movement. I have learned the hard way, to stay hopeful that I would someday find relief. I was on too high of a dose of oral meds to have the pump implanted but cut my doses inhalf so I could try the pump. I am still on that half dose of oral meds but can now (along with my Dr's agreement) increase the pump medication delivered and come off all of the Oxycontyn. I have been living with pain while taking the meds (even at high doses) I know I will never be pain free but any relief is welcome. I will be happy to share any of my experiances with anyone if I can be of some help or answer any questions.
Thank you again and I will be sure to post on Bob's after another few days to be sure I am still in my present condition. I know I am celabratng early with my news but I'm sure that anyone who lives in pain can understand how I am feeling right now.
BRAD