Friday, March 1, 2013

One Year with my Baclofen Pump



It has been a year since I had a baclofen pump surgically implanted....at first I had a rough time with the surgery but by now.....I finally feel it was worth it.

Here is the technical info:  I wear a medtronic pump inside my abdomen just under the skin....I can almost forget about it since it is computerized....except every 6 months I have to get it refilled by the doctor (they simply refill it with a needle).

However...When I am freezing....I seem to forget about how the heat irritates the MS.

I have noticed when I bundle up to get warm and toasty...my legs start moving and cramping with those same old leg spasms that I had prior to the pump.

But when I dress cooler....turn off the electric blanket....the spasticity usually goes away.

The Solution for me....
is to live on the edge of freezing...
then...
I am free of the pain of leg spasms!
thanks to technology

18 comments:

  1. How interesting, I never knew such a medical device existed.

    I'm glad to hear you have a way to avoid the pain of spasms.

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  2. So do you feel it was worth it? My spasticity hasn't reached the point where I'd consider it, but it's nice to know if it's the right choice.
    Peace,
    Muff

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  3. So happy it is working for you.... Not sure I could live on the edge of freezing. I guess when you are in enough pain, you do what you gotta do.

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  4. so you have to chooose being cold or spastic... good you have the choice sad you have to choose. this pump sounds like miracle to me...

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  5. So glad to hear the Baclofen pump is working so well. My niece who has CP has had hers for about 2 years, it has made quite a difference in her spasms too! Sorry you have had to keep yourself on the cooler side though, it's interesting us MG folks tend to do better in the cold also.

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  6. Wow, that was a fast year. I spasm in the heat, I spasm in the cold. I need the temperature to be just right!

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  7. Glad the pump is working well, Kim... I find that I do better and stay healthier when I am not HOT. I love getting into a warm bed at nights (in a cold room) --but find that I have to turn the blanket off quickly --or else my feet and legs will bother me... SO--I understand where you are!!!!!

    Hugs,
    Betsy

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  8. Heat causes/exacerbates my spasms too. Which means I never tuck the bed in so that I can put my feet/legs out from under the covers to cool down. I am glad the baclofen pump works for you. Very glad.

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  9. Oh dear...that sucks!
    But I am glad the new pump is working!
    Be well
    Hugs
    SUeAnn

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  10. So glad it is working for you. Not good you have to freeze to make it work. Too bad there isn't a happy in between.

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  11. The wonders of technology! I congratulate you on this year gone by and onward to more good days! Hugs!

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  12. Technolgy is so amazing and it keeps getting better. So glad we have b/ c of how it's helping you.....

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  13. .... the diagram is very illustrative....you are courageous enough to derive respect from me!! Salute to you for enjoying life so beautifully!! ....take care, keep smiling...stay blessed!

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  14. It seems like you just got the pump! That was a fast year.
    Glad it is doing its job. Stay cool!

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  15. Interesting to hear your insight about the pump. My docs have mentioned it to me, but I think the pills are still working.

    I have heard electric blankets are not good for anyone, much less for those with MS.

    Continued good luck!

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  16. Glad the pumps is in good order. Ya the wonders of technology :)

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Thanks for taking the time to comment!