Medtronic Intrathecal Pump ? - Pain Management Message Board

Beulah E. · 10-06-2006, 11:25 AM

My new Pain Management doctor has recommended the Medtronic pump for severe back pain.

I browsed/searched through most of the comments posted on this board.

I've been through the gammit of steroid injections, pain patches, methadose and percocet pills.

Any comments form recent patients receiving this pump, as to the relief and how it effects your daily living.

charliecat31 · 10-06-2006, 11:39 AM

I don't have the Medtronics, I have the Codman (used to be Arrow). There are big differences between the two - the most being that the Medtronics has to be completely replaced every 5-7 years because it runs off a battery. The Codman works on hyrdrolics and is expected to last a lifetime. The dosage in the Medtronics can be changed a little easier and set to deliver different strengths at different times, while the Codman is a constant flow of a specific dose. I'm young (mid 30's) so the Codman was a better option for me so I won't have to have surgery every 5-7 years to replace the pump.

You'll go through a trial of the pump that lasts about a week and is to make sure you have no complications from the medication being delivered directly into your spine. After the permanent pump is implanted it can take months to get the dose where it needs to be, so this is not an over night solution. It's important to discuss placement of the pump with your surgeon - too low and it's right at your pants waist band, too high and it's up under your ribs.

If you search the board you will find a ton of threads about the pump and a lot of great information. If you want to know anything specific - please let me know and I'll try to help any way I can.

Beulah E. · 10-06-2006, 02:45 PM

Thanks for the reply's from charliecat and benspap.

I'll be back as soon as I know what to ask.

Thanks !!!!

charliecat31 · 10-06-2006, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by benspap1

Charlie........Compared to the Medtronic pump, can you tell me how big your pump is and where it is located? I have heard that there are alot of smaller pumps out there and I also was told that when my pump gets changed, next year, the new one will be smaller. That is good. My grandson, who is 14 months, likes to set on my lap and when he feels my pump jabbing him, he tries to figure out what it is and he pulls on it, even though it is under my skin....It makes me laugh but it is a little painful. Mine is the size of a snuff can... Have you had good luck with yours?

Thanks for your help...Benspap1

Hi Ben:
The Codman is about the size of a hockey puck. It's implanted in my abdomen, about even with my belly button but a few inches over. It's not the least bit noticable under clothing and no one would even know I have it.

I have very bad DDD in my low back. The pump has allowed me to get off some meds, but I still take others for break through pain and I'm completely disabled. It's been helpful, but not enough pain relief for me to resume my life unfortunately. Thanks for asking though

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