My dilemma, Morphine pump or spinal cord stimulator?

Hi. I'm brand new to the message/info site scene, so please bear with me.
Where to start? A little background I guess.
I was a log home builder until my back totally let go.
In early 95 I ruptured L4,5, had a discectomy 3 days later. I went back to work 3 mos after and did great for 3 yrs, 2 mos, and 6 days, then L4,5 ruptured again while I was sitting at home in my recliner. I had a second surgery at the same level in May 98. I didn't recover quite so well this time.
Since the second surgery, I developed DDD at all levels from S1 thru L3. I've been through all of the treatments from Physiatrists to Phys Therapists, including a 30 day stay at a chronic pain clinic (what a joke! its all in my head). I have severe low back pain and spasms with pain in my buttocks and burning down the front and back of my right leg and numbness to the toes. (I know. All in my head). Anyhow, the next joke. In order to get me off of the Vicodan, which I have been using for almost 2-1/2 yrs, the doc suggests a morphine pump. I have heard of the spinal cord stimulator and have made an appointment in Oct. at a West Coast University Hospital to possibly have the implant, but Doctors don't talk straight, so I am hoping to hear from people with experience about these procedures.

• Re: My dilemma, Morphine pump or spinal cord stimulator? John V 18:04:51 9/22/00 (0)