Question posted by Nibbor on 23 April 2015
Last updated on 22 December 2019 by chicagobrunette
Hi, I had a pump inserted in my abdomen Dec 2013. I had been on 225 mcg Fentanyl + about 600 mg oxycodone. I totally stopped the fentanyl the day the pump went in. & quickly tapered off oxycodone. Sadly, several new issuescame up (back, visceral pain syndrome, cdiff, etc). Since the pump is only going to my pancreas, the rest of me is in agony.
Had anyone gone on fentanyl after having a pump installe? This new pain is unbearable.
Ta, Nibs
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I recently had my pain pump put in. The first medication (Dilaudid) did not react well with my body. So, my pain doctor is switching it out tomorrow.
I saw your question was from 2015 and felt compelled to give you my pain doctor’s information. The CDC has really messed up everything for people like us who honestly deal with chronic pain on a daily basis. I am very empathetic to your situation. I live in a suburb of Chicago, but my husband drives me into downtown Chicago (a 2 hour+ depending on the weather.) The current issue of the best Chicago magazine just listed the top 100 doctors in Chicago and my pain doctor was the number one pain doctor.
I have no idea where you live or your current situation but wanted to send you my pain doctors information.
Dr. Timothy Lubenow (who actually is the head of the department ) at Rush Pain Center. It took me a year to finally get in to see him, but it was definitely worth the wait. The main number is 312-942-6631.
I hope you see this message and I hope it may help you. They treat me very well, unlike sooo many other doctors who look at me and tell me I’m an addict. They don’t do that!
I hope you have happy holidays
Most Sincerely,
Chicago brunette
Yes, I have a pump now and it is filled with Fentanyl along with Bupivacain Bupivacain is mainly used as a nerve blocking agent or used in anesthesia. I have had a pump for over 10yrs (battery replaced twice) and I believe that 'my' pump is useless and maybe, like you, I am in agony most of my nights and days... MY lead tubes are on the outside of my spine due to myself having 16 screws that may block the physician from placing them in the correct alignment , which should be on the 'Inside' of the spinal canal. I, myself would much rather take oral medication than have a pump. This response is only because I will have the knowledge of 'what', 'how much' and 'when' my medicine is taken. I believe that a pain pump is absolutely USELESS! BUT, this is what my insurance is willing to pay for. My Doctor told me that he may be in process of a complete stop of pump medication, ONLY, because, "There is no money in it"...
What a sad statement. If you're hurting, you know your body... Can you go back to oral medication, where, by knowledge, you have some control?
Good Luck to you and hang in there!! Knowledge is the power to your satisfaction of you feeling better. Ralff P.
I would say talk to your dr about it. .
I would seriously talk to the Dr, the pump scares the crap out of me. I knew a woman who had one put in and she ended up dying from it. Please try to see if you can a better handle with it! I'm praying for you!
Yah, I was thinking I should check with someone. Trouble is I lost my beloved GP (had her for over 10 years!!) and now have someone who proudly proclaims she's NOT a PILL doctor. Like, what does that make me? She's a beech.
That leaves my pain doc, whom I saw yesterday. I was in so much pain and white as a sheet and he didn't give me any meds to help. I didn't ask but my husband hinted. I asked him once and he said no and it was so shaming and horrible, I can't do it again.
I fear he would say no and that will leave me in agony with no recourse. I was on Fentanyl patches for many years and got up to 225mcg, which is a HUGE dose. I didn't feel it, just a lessening in pain. So I know I can take the patches. Just not sure if they'll interfere with the pump, ya know? Sigh. Just wish I had a doc or two on my side. I want my old GP back! Whaaa :(
Ta for the feedback. Hope u are ok! Nibs
pain, fentanyl, oxycodone, chronic pain, abdomen
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