Patient Instructions:  Intrathecal Pump

WOUND CARE

You may shower 48 hours after your surgery. Let soap and water run over the incision. DO NOT scrub it. Pat it dry.

You may or may not have sutures (stitches) or staples that will need to be removed. You may have little pieces of tape across the incision called "Steri-strips." Don’t pull them off when they begin to peel. They will fall off on their own.

You may continue to shower after your staples or sutures ("stitches") are removed.

DO NOT submerge (tub bath or swim) your incision for 2 weeks.

Staples or sutures usually stay in for 10-14 days after surgery. An appointment will be made for you to come back to the office to have these removed and to have your incision checked.

ACTIVITY GUIDELINES

The restrictions on your activities should be followed for 4 weeks after your surgery. The length of time depends on the extent of surgery and your physician’s instructions.

DO NOT twist, stretch, pull, or bend.

DO NOT lift anything heavier than 5 pounds (i.e. a thick phone book or jug of milk) for 7 days after surgery.

You may begin activities that require minimal physical exertion as you are able, such as light housework (washing dishes or dusting) a few days after your surgery.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Prevention of abrupt discontinuation of intrathecal baclofen requires careful attention to programming and monitoring of the infusion system, refill scheduling and procedures, and pump alarms. Patients and caregivers should be advised of the importance of keeping scheduled refill visits and should be educated on the early symptoms of baclofen withdrawal.

Batteries will require replacement every 5-7 years, depending on the amount of medication delivered.

MRI may cause the device to stop pumping. Turn the pump off prior to the procedure, then turn it back on after the MRI is completed. It should resume normal functioning when the procedure has been completed.

PAIN MEDICINE

If you have been given a prescription for pain medication, take the medication only when needed and only for as long as you need it.

Pain medications containing a narcotic can cause constipation, drowsiness, or lightheadedness.

Please note that many narcotic pain medications cannot be refilled over the telephone. If you need a refill on your pain medication, please contact your Family Physician first. If your Family Physician is unable to refill your prescription, you may call our office. This may require that you come to the office to pick up a prescription.

Baclofen side effects include: drowsiness, dizziness, weakness, insomnia, light headedness, nausea, constipation, vomiting, looseness of the muscles, trouble with vision, coma, respiratory depression, seizures, dry mouth, double vision, decreased concentration, diarrhea or delayed responsiveness.

Morphine overdose symptoms include marked respiratory depression; confusion; cold, clammy skin and/or hypothermia; flaccid skeletal muscles; slow heart rate; and abnormally low blood pressure.

Morphine side effects include muscle spasm, urinary retention, constipation, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, generalized itching, sweating, edema, and sleep disturbances.

Signs of mechanical problems, such as pump failure and catheter blockage or kinking, could include drug-withdrawal symptoms, anxiety, depression, and the return of pain symptoms.

SYMPTOMS TO REPORT TO YOUR PHYSICIAN

Any signs and symptoms of infection, such as fever of 101 degrees or higher, redness or swelling of incision, increased pain, or drainage from your incision.

Persistent or severe headache.

HOW TO CONTACT US

If you have any problems or questions, call the office at 717-920-7664 or 888-920-4360.

You may send an e-mail if you wish to info@pnni.org. Please specify which physician you are seeing.

Follow-Up Appointment

You should have a follow up appointment scheduled in 10-14 days after your surgery. If you do not have an appointment or have questions about your appointment, please call 717-920-7664.