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 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.

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 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 from your medication. During this transition period, your doctor may reduce or eliminate your other medication.

Commitment to Success

Managing cancer pain relief 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.

Section Navigation

• Living With a Drug Pump
• After Surgery
• Daily Living
• Product Support
• Getting a Replacement

Additional information