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Cancer Pain
A trial is a way for you and your doctor to evaluate your response to pain medication delivered into the intrathecal space to see if you are a candidate for a drug pump. If the pain caused by your cancer is measurably reduced, it means that the drug pump may work effectively for you.
This will vary depending on the type of screening test your doctor believes will be best for you. The trial could take as little as a day, and up to 4 days. Depending on the type of trial, you may undergo a procedure that takes approximately 1 to 2 hours plus additional time to be monitored in the hospital after the procedure. Talk with your doctor to understand the details of the type of trial that your doctor thinks would be best for you.
If the trial has been successful and you go on to receive the implanted system, your pain relief may differ. Be sure to tell your doctor about the way you feel so that adjustments can be made to give you the best pain control possible.
There are two incisions. One is for the pump, which is implanted in your abdomen. The size of the incision depends on the size of the device you and your doctor have selected. The other incision is for the catheter. This incision is made in your back and is 2 to 3 inches long.
You will begin receiving pain 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 specific site. However, depending on your medication, it may take several days before you experience benefits. During this transition period, your doctor may adjust the amount of pain medicine from your drug pump so that you receive the best pain control possible. At the same time, your doctor may adjust your other medications.
The medication in your pump needs to be refilled every 5 to 24 weeks, depending on the type of medication and your dosage. It is refilled the refill clinic by inserting a needle through the skin into the pump. During these appointments your doctor can adjust your dose of medication as needed for satisfactory pain relief. It is extremely important to keep your scheduled refill appointments so that you don't run out of medication.
Because your pump is placed near the surface of your skin for easy refill access, you may be able to see the pump when you are wearing fitted clothes. However, depending on where the pump is implanted and its size, as well as your body type, it may not show at all under your clothes.
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.