Neurontin in pain pump trial

[Eastex]

Has anybody heard or done the trial where they are installing a pain pump in your belly fat to give the spine doses of neurontin. My Pain Mgmt Doc offered this tto me yesterday. I am just not sure if I want to go this far for my nerve pain in my legs. They said if it doesn't work, they will be able to install morphine in the pump for me. The study is showing that neurontin injected straight to the spine is working better than by taking it orally. Another concern is that I take 12oo mg already and it doesn't work. I am about to be scheduled for an MRI and a EMG to see if there is any nerve damage or scar tissue from my ALIF. The positive thing is that I get the pump for free. I am just scared of being a guinea pig for this trials. They talked about a stimulator and were concerned that I may pull it with my type of work. I have a bunch of DVD's to look at from the doctor. I plan on watching them tonight.

[dshobbies]

1200 mg of neurontin may not be enough for your pain. I was taking 3600mg daily for 2 years and while the 1200mg did not take care of my leg pain, the 3600 did. If memory serves, I took 900mg 4 times daily - thank you my daughter-in-law for showing me how to use the reminder on my cell phone!

Before you decide on being that reluctant guina pig, you might try increasing the neurontin dosage - slowly. It's certainly worth a try before switching to morphine. A word of caution - the side effects increase with the dosage.

The nerve pain has diminished drastically, allowing me to choose meds or very managable pain. It took 2 years of pt and accupuncture as well as somewhat limited activity level but I do recommend accupuncture. That too is worth a try. Any improvement is slow but permanant. I went for 6 months, 2-3 times weekly. Then it just got too expensive.

Good luck, Dale

[Maria]

hmmm, sounds interesting. Would it have less affect on my brain fog I wonder? I have to take 1800mg of neurontin daily for relief from residual problematic affect of spine surgeries. Please keep us updated

[Cindylou]

Eastex, I haven't tried it, but I am meeting with my pain management doc this morning to discuss a pain pump as well. Not to have neurontin installed but morphine, or something similar. I realize this is "end of road" treatment, but since being off all pain meds for a few months now, I see clearly how troubling my pain levels still are. If I gather any new information I will pass it on to you. My best to you.

[Eastex]

Maria,
No Brain Fog!!! I think it is Medtronics that is doing this trial. I don't have my DVD's with me right now to look at name on them. I had my MRI with contrast last night. So I am waiting on EMG now. Keep everyone updated as I know more.

[mmglobal]

Is the neurontin dispensed by the pump the same MORONTIN that we take orally. I would hope that pump delivered meds could be at a MUCH lower dose.

If anyone has any information on this... please post.

Thanks,

Mark