MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?

Subject: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 05 Jun 05 - 03:11 PM

I now take he top dose allowable of this spasticity drug. Still some very annying problems persist. Went to see Star Wars and kept kicking the seat in front of me--hard. (Not to mention spousal bruises from me doing that while asleep.) An answer could be the pump under the abdoomen skin to feed it right into spinal cord. Anyone out there have personal experience??

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 05 Jun 05 - 03:31 PM

Hi Art

Baclofen pumps are used by sever children I hve worked with who have Cerebral Palsy with some extreme spasticity. The difference between these children when the medication is in use or when it isn't is quite incredible. They can eat soup with a spoon when the meds are working, when they arn't it takes a sipper cup.

I should state again they are children, I see no adults with pumps in my work but with kids the success is great.

I'll ask around the center tomorrow for you.

Don

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: open mike
Date: 05 Jun 05 - 04:59 PM

Is there medical marijuana in your area?
I have heard that a prescription for it
is very helpful for MS muscular spasms.

Is this an option where you are?

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 05 Jun 05 - 05:36 PM

Don, Thanks. I do know it's used for MD folks also. Lately MS adults seem to have good results. Going in "direct" means a much better positve advantage from the drug (does much more than taking it by mouth)--- and only necessitates a quite low dose infusion.

Mainly, I'm looking for info on what the surgery is like?! Real amount of pain and nausea as opposed to what the video from the pharmaceutical company tells you. They put a good spin on it as they want to get you out of the damn hospital sooner than is best for the patient--same day.

Also, with this thing in your midsection, can you wear a belt? Just some practical questions.--- What's the injection like to refill it with medication when the tank runs dry? Actually, I mean.--Not just the best spin.
Anybody here actually have it installed?

Art

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: jeffp
Date: 05 Jun 05 - 06:06 PM

This
article on WebMD seems to be pretty comprehensive, with risks and benefits. I would guess that the injection site can be numbed with a freezing spray before the injection. My wife has that when they access her port for chemotherapy. I think it's ethylene chloride, but I'm not sure.

Good luck whatever you decide.

Jeff

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST,Art Thieme
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 12:24 AM

JeffP

Thank you!!

That was a it more graphic than the information I have which is what I'm looking for. I should've thought to check that site.

Art

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 12:37 AM

Blend low-grade THC sources with Everclear (ethanoyl) and a touch of acetone in a GLASS beakered-blender.

Set three days in the sun.

Strain liquids

Re-mix with 151 Rum or allow to dry on a platter, use as necessary, and in a convenent mixture.

Sincerely,
Gargoyle

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST,.gargoyle
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 12:39 AM

ART ALWAYS consult the medical specialist directly associated with the child's case.

Sincerely,

Gargoyle

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: jeffp
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 08:56 AM

You're welcome, Art.

Jeff

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: Rapparee
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 09:01 AM

Art, Here's what the Mayo Clinic says. And here's some info on the drug/pump from NIH.

NIH has a bunch of stuff that might be helpful here.

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 09:40 AM

Art, I have worked with patients who had intrathecal pumps for pain management(Morphine or Dilaudid). The surgery to place them is minor and the patient usually goes home the same day.Depending on where in the abdomen the pump is placed, the beltline can interfere,but an intelligent MD would realize this could be a problem for a man. Mention your concern about this. Refilling the pumps is also a simple procedure done in the doctor's office. Takes less than an hour. I have seen very few problems with these pumps,other than the need to increase the dose in cancer patients as their disease progressed. I know they have been very successfully used (Baclofen) in MS patients and with good results.

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: GUEST,Jaze
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 09:41 AM

Sorry, Art. That last message was from me

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: Pied Piper
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 10:34 AM

Acupuncture might help with the spasms Art.

All the best
PP

Subject: RE: MS-Baclofen pump--anyone have one?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 06 Jun 05 - 01:37 PM

The American Indians native to the upper Great Lakes used a similar technique using the spines of specific rodentia common to the north woods. They called it Porcupuncture however.

Art,

These pumps are roughly the size of a hockey puck or a can of tuna.
Indicate where your seat belt crosses you body and be sure the pump is not in that area. And if you see a box in the operating room that says "Gould" or "NAPPA" on it, go to a different mechanic.

Don