Robert Moghim MD
Anchor Healthcare
Intrathecal Pain Pump Implant
1746878258
An intrathecal pain pump delivers medication directly to your spinal cord, providing effective pain relief with lower medication doses and fewer side effects. Here’s how to prepare for the procedure and what to expect during recovery. Optimizing your body for surgery is important. Eating an anti-inflammatory diet for 1-3 weeks before the procedure can help enhance your body’s natural healing potential. Follow standard NPO (nothing by mouth) guidelines: - No solid foods for 8 hours before the procedure. - Clear liquids (water, black coffee, or tea without milk) are allowed up to 2 hours before surgery. If you take blood thinners, follow your doctor’s instructions on when to stop them. Thoroughly cleanse the procedure site using a pre-surgical wash like Hibiclens® the night before and the morning of surgery to reduce infection risk. Wear loose, comfortable clothing, and arrange for someone to drive you home after the procedure. After surgery, keep the incision site dry for at least 72 hours—a sponge bath is recommended instead of showering or soaking. Avoid lifting more than 10 pounds and limit bending or twisting for 4-6 weeks to allow for proper healing. Wearing an abdominal binder for 7-14 days may help support healing and reduce discomfort. Supporting your recovery with a nutrient-rich, anti-inflammatory diet, staying hydrated, and prioritizing quality sleep will help optimize healing. Regular follow-up visits are necessary for medication refills and pump adjustments to ensure proper dosing and long-term effectiveness. This device can provide long-term pain relief with fewer side effects. Following these guidelines will help ensure a smooth recovery. If you have any concerns, contact your medical team.
FAQs
Are there any specific precautions to consider post-surgery?
Yes, it’s crucial to keep the incision area dry and limit physical activities such as heavy lifting or twisting for several weeks. Regular follow-up visits are necessary for medication refills and pump adjustments to ensure optimal device functionality. Communicate any concerns with your medical team promptly.
How should I prepare for an intrathecal pain pump implant procedure?
To prepare for the procedure, maintain an anti-inflammatory diet for 1-3 weeks prior to surgery to enhance healing. Follow standard fasting guidelines: no solid foods 8 hours before and clear liquids until 2 hours before surgery. Clean the procedure site with a pre-surgical wash like Hibiclens® as instructed, and arrange for a ride home post-procedure.
What are the long-term benefits of an intrathecal pain pump?
The device offers long-term pain relief with reduced side effects by utilizing lower medication doses. Proper management of the device through regular check-ups helps sustain its effectiveness, improving your overall quality of life with chronic pain conditions.
What is an intrathecal pain pump, and how does it work?
An intrathecal pain pump is a medical device that delivers medication directly to the spinal cord, offering effective pain relief. By targeting the spinal cord, the pump allows for lower doses of medication, which helps minimize potential side effects compared to oral medications.
What should I expect during recovery from an intrathecal pain pump implant?
After the surgery, keep the incision site dry for at least 72 hours and opt for sponge baths. Avoid lifting over 10 pounds and minimize bending or twisting for 4-6 weeks. Wearing an abdominal binder for 7-14 days can support recovery. Nourish your body with anti-inflammatory foods, stay hydrated, and ensure sufficient rest.