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 your abdomen) for several days. This incisional pain feels like a bruise. You may 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.
The Weeks After Surgery
After the implant, your doctor may recommend that you restrict your activity for 6 to 8 weeks. This allows time for scar tissue to form and anchor the catheter in place. 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 the medication is delivered through the catheter to the intrathecal space. Depending on your medication, it may take several days to weeks before you experience pain relief from your medication. During this transition period, your doctor may reduce or eliminate your other medication.
Commitment to Success
Managing chronic pain requires a commitment from you. You will need to learn to operate the patient programmer, if prescribed by your doctor, and participate in other pain treatments, such as physical therapy, to help 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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