Some background on me… I’ve used the Medtronic intrathecal pump since 1995 (Well, I’m actually on my third pump, due to battery replacements). Up until the last two years, the only medication I’ve used in the pump, has been baclofen. This drug has helped my leg spasms, and back tone.

I started having pain in my lower back and legs, that was not allowing me to sleep. I’ve always had some type of pain, but it’s been tolerable (the burning in my legs in 1995 was anything, but tolerable. Thank God that went away. That’s another story though). My doctor recommended combining the analgesic narcotic, Dilaudid in my pump, with the baclofen. Dilaudid is similar to morphine, but has less side effects. I’m currently on a small dose of 0.3093 mg/day.

So, I’m getting a refill of drugs last week, and my nurse informed me that the Dilaudid could affect my testosterone level. She said, after time, the drug lowers the level of testosterone output in the body. This can lead to depression, loss of sex drive, apathy… you know, the usual stuff. I’ve been feeling as fine as a paralyzed guy can feel, so wasn’t to worried about it. It’s good to know though. She had one patient that had less testosterone being produced than a corpse. They gave the guy some type of hormone medication, and he feels like a new man.

Narcotics in the pain pump will affect estrogen levels in ladies, so another caution there.

I don’t like taking medications, but sometimes you must. Trying to tolerate pain, or spasms, can wear a guy out. The pump has helped me feel better. Knowing the side effects those drugs produce will help me stay that way.

I was evaluated at the pain clinic in Seattle, and the test procedure worked. The rigid muscles in my legs relaxed. The pump was placed on my right side in the lower abdomen. I’m currently on my fourth medtronic pump. The battery in it eventually wears out and needs to be replaced. The pump is the size of a hockey puck, and can be used to control both pain and spasticity.

I have baclofen (Lioresal) in my spasticity pump for the muscles, and in the past year mixed Dilaudid with the baclofen to control neurogenic pain I was having. It did the trick, and helped relieve some of the pain. I know others will have morphine placed in the pump.

One thing that is alarming about the procedure of placing an intrathecal pump is the cost. About five years ago, I had one replaced by a neurosurgeon for around $15,000. I thought the hospital bill was wrong on my last bill when I saw it was over $30,000. A radiologist placed that medtronic pump. Medical costs are out of control.

If the quality of your life is being effected by pain or spasticity, look into the Medtronic intrathecal pump, and ITB therapy for relief.