Raymond B
Member
- Joined
- Feb 12, 2007
- Messages
- 13
- Reason
- PALS
- Diagnosis
- 08/2006
- Country
- US
- State
- Florida
- City
- Osprey
Baclofen Pump Update
To all interested in the "Pump":
I have had the pump implanted for many months. It has definitly significantly improved my spasticity, and has almost completely eliminated my clonus. The MD has regularly increased the dosage in very small increments. I do not have the side effect of not being able to keep my eyes open as I did with the oral dosage.
One situation has occureed which "may be" attributable to the administered dosage. I am having major difficulty in standing erect. The jury is still out as to the exact cause. It could be:
* the PLS
* a chronic problem with my lower back
or
The amount of Baclofen I am receiving through the Pump.
As a result the MD is very gradually decreasing the Baclofen dosage. The intent is to find the correct balance of all of the meds along with my regular PT. Problem being is that as the dosage of the Baclofen is being decreased ( and it is very minimally ) the stiffness is beginning to increase. I hope the balancing act works because the worse my posture becomes has a direct effect on the amount of pain I am in, (oftentimes excruciating) There has also been a notible increase in cramping in my legs and feet since the decrease in medication,
Despite the aforementioned difficulties, I am still glad I had the pump implanted, and continue to receive notible relief from many problems associated with the disease.
As a note: I have had one refill to date. The procedure involve delivering the meds directly into the pump through a needle inserted at the port of entry. It was an outpatient procedure which was done in the MDs office, took about 15 min. and was basicly painless.
I will keep updating this thread should any changes occur, or if anyone has any questions.
Raymond B.
To all interested in the "Pump":
I have had the pump implanted for many months. It has definitly significantly improved my spasticity, and has almost completely eliminated my clonus. The MD has regularly increased the dosage in very small increments. I do not have the side effect of not being able to keep my eyes open as I did with the oral dosage.
One situation has occureed which "may be" attributable to the administered dosage. I am having major difficulty in standing erect. The jury is still out as to the exact cause. It could be:
* the PLS
* a chronic problem with my lower back
or
The amount of Baclofen I am receiving through the Pump.
As a result the MD is very gradually decreasing the Baclofen dosage. The intent is to find the correct balance of all of the meds along with my regular PT. Problem being is that as the dosage of the Baclofen is being decreased ( and it is very minimally ) the stiffness is beginning to increase. I hope the balancing act works because the worse my posture becomes has a direct effect on the amount of pain I am in, (oftentimes excruciating) There has also been a notible increase in cramping in my legs and feet since the decrease in medication,
Despite the aforementioned difficulties, I am still glad I had the pump implanted, and continue to receive notible relief from many problems associated with the disease.
As a note: I have had one refill to date. The procedure involve delivering the meds directly into the pump through a needle inserted at the port of entry. It was an outpatient procedure which was done in the MDs office, took about 15 min. and was basicly painless.
I will keep updating this thread should any changes occur, or if anyone has any questions.
Raymond B.