After Surgery – Drug Pumps
After your implant procedure, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for post-surgery care and keep all follow-up appointments as scheduled.
Immediately After Surgery
Following your surgery, you will likely feel some discomfort at both incision sites (in your back and abdomen) for several days. This "incisional pain" feels like a bruise. You may also experience a headache for a few days.
Your doctor may prescribe medication to relieve the pain caused by surgery and antibiotics to prevent infection. If you notice any swelling, pain, or redness near your incision, notify your doctor.
2 to 8 Weeks After Surgery
After the implant, your doctor may recommend that you restrict your activity for 6 to 8 weeks. It's important to remember that even after the initial healing period, some activities may cause wear on your catheter. Talk to your doctor for more information.
Beginning Treatment
You will begin receiving treatment as soon as your pump is filled with medication and programmed by your doctor, and the medication is delivered through the catheter to the intrathecal space. Depending on your medication, it may take several days before you experience pain relief. During this transition period, your doctor may adjust your other medication.
Commitment to Success
Managing cancer pain relief requires a commitment from you. You will need to return to your doctor's office periodically for checkups and to have your pump refilled. You will also need to learn to operate the patient programmer, if prescribed by your doctor, and participate in other pain treatments, such as physical therapy, to ensure success.
Information on this site should not be used as a substitute for talking with your doctor. Always talk with your doctor about diagnosis and treatment information.
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