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Has anyone had a Dorsal Column Implant or a Pain Pump Implant?

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I'm supposed to have a dorsal column implant (a five-day trial) the first week of November, but I'm having doubts and am considering asking for a pain pump instead. The dorsal column implant has a lot of risk I may not be willing to take upon myself. Also, from what I've read online, it might not help me. It's difficult to get scheduled for the first implant because the doctor only does one a week, so if I give up my week, it's another month or three before I'd be able to get it again. The leads come out after five days, and if it helps, then I have to find a surgeon to do the actual implant. After watching videos of the procedures and listening to people speak on YouTube, I'm having serious doubts. A pain pump would require less drugs because it goes directly into the spine. I'd have to find a surgeon to see if I'd qualify for one (can't see how that wouldn't happen). I can't trust my doctors to give me the unvarnished truth; they're all peppy about it and I worry that they're not disclosing everything.

If you or anyone you know has had either of these procedures, I'd really appreciate getting feedback on when it was performed, what it was like going through it, how they felt afterwards, and how they're feeling now. If you don't want to discuss it on Jigidi, I can give you my email address.

Thanks so much. It would mean a lot to me.

Regarding the puzzle ~ I'm working on two other puzzles that used the same template. Look for them later in the week.
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Comments

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Octomom2

Hi Shannon, I'm so sorry that you find yourself in my position. Are you saying the trial stimulator worked but the permanent one didn't? Have you had it removed yet? I don't know when you had it, but I've heard they can be difficult to remove if too much scar tissue has grown around it.

I've delayed my procedure because my new pain doctor saw some of my symptoms and was concerned enough to send me to a neurologist for possible further testing. I see the neurologist on the 22nd. I would love a pain pump, but I can't seem to find out how much the ongoing refills will cost. My Medicare provider says ask the doctor and the doctor says ask Medicare, so I'm in a Catch-22 position at the moment. It would only cost me the hospital co-pay of $125, but I need to know if the refills would put me in the donut hole, which is something I can't afford to happen. Do you have any ideas?

I too feel like I'm at the end of my road ... and rope. Thanks so much for sharing this with me, Shannon.

StinkySocksScareMonsters

Hi, I realize I'm reading this very late, have you had the pump put in yet? I just had a spinal cord stimulator put in but the trial worked wonders compared to the permanent one. I've had failed back surgeries, etc...and my PM Dr. says pain pump is next, as that's the end of the road. I hope you're feeling much better, Shannon.

Octomom2

Thanks so much, puzzler. I did decide on the pain pump, and have an appointment in two days to see a doctor for a referral to a surgeon. I think I'll know more about what it entails after my appointment. I appreciate your good wishes.

Octomom, don't know if this is still current with you or you have already made a decision, but I have a friend who had a pain pump put in about 20 years ago and it changed her life. If you would like more information please give me your email.

I wish you well, whatever decision you come to with your doctors.

Octomom2

Catslave and Steph, I have a real problem with medical professionals who don't take a detailed history from patients. I know that doing so could save a lot of effort, expense and pain on the part of patients, and not more than a few extra minutes of a doctor's time. It's really a shame that I had to go to such personal lengths to figure out the right path for me.

I'm still looking at perhaps a couple of months away for the pain pump. My niece is having a baby shower on October 17. I have an appointment with the pain doctor next Thursday, during which time he'll refer me to a surgeon. Then I have to meet with the surgeon on his/her own time, and then schedule the surgery if he/she agrees with the diagnosis. In the meantime, I'm on the Fentanyl patch, which is causing terrible skin issues. I'm running out of suitable space on my body in which to place the pump. By the time the surgery rolls around, I'll be a blistered, burned old hunk of meat... But hey, who ever said life was fair?!

Thanks for your kind thoughts.

puzzledarth

Gail - these decisions are so hard to make - I'm really glad your doc is paying attention. Cathy had spinal pain meds for the first several days after her back surgery and she said it was miraculous. but no knowledge of longer term. I hope it's a total success.

catslave

I'm glad he listened to you and read your email carefully - some doctors would have just ignored it! Good luck with your surgery - I hope it goes well and you get relief from the pain soon!

Octomom2

Thanks for your kind wishes. I sent a long email to the doctor letting him know my symptoms, my surgeries over the last ten years, and how it all impacts my life. I also let him know that after doing research, I didn't think this implant would help me. After reading my email, he agreed. I'm now scheduled to see him next week to discuss a surgeon putting in a pain pump for me so I can get a leveled amount of pain/muscle relief. If he had only asked for this before he said the implant would help, I could have avoided all of this. I think letters like mine should be required reading for any doctor treating someone for pain. A detailed list of how life is affected by pain would give them a sense of empathy as well. I intend to tell him this and leave no holds barred at my meeting.

Don't know anything about the procedures but will pray that God give you guidance and direction to make your decision, and for wisdom for your doctors. And remember, you can handle anything together with God!

flokkid

Whatever you decide, I will pray for your healing.

catslave

I can't add anything to the discussion but just wanted to wish you well in your search for pain relief. ♥

I don't know anything about the implant. I never heard about it before. I think you should ask your doctor to tell you everything about it. Good luck.

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