I have had an intrathecal pain pump since 2008. I reached a tolerance to the medication, which is fentanyl, after about 3 or 4 years. I have been in great pain since then which tells me that the fentanyl is not working at all.
I need to have my pump switched out in August because the battery will be dead and I'm thinking about not having them put a new one in. I'm a little bit nervous about it because I don't know if I
would have to go through withdrawal. Unfortunately I don't have a doctor who is managing all of it. Somehow I got with a doctor who only knows how to fill the pump and not anything else. I have tried to get him to try another medication in the pump and have not been able to. I always thought an anti-inflammatory would be good but couldn't make it happen. I can't just switch doctors because number one there isn't another doctor within reasonable driving distance. The second reason is it's a Workers Compensation case and they won't let me change.
does anyone have a similar circumstance or maybe some advice or a tip or any help at all?

@A MySpondylitisTeam Member..I'm 2 days away from pump surgery.From what I learned there are a lot of meds they can use in a pump.I had the trial pump and felt great with Morphine until I had horrible itching from that So they are starting me on Fentanyl. My surgeon is the doctor that fills and manages the pump Was told last week they can try different meds or a combination of meds.More than likely they will do a combo and weed you off Morphine to keep you from having withdraw. I think you might need to call some Neurosurgeons and ask if they can take control of your pump treatments. Would be worth a try

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A MySpond...

Its your body and your pain. You should not have to deal with this just because of where it happened. I think there might be some relief for your situation from the state, no one should be dealing with a narcotic if they aren't knowledgeable . If you don't have a lawyer ,you should get one and look into this. You do have a right to your own tx. Plan.