Re: Baclofen Pump - and swimming

[Guest guest]

My doctor suggested a pump as well. He didn't go into specifics though. I'll

know more at my next appt. in October. Would love to know if anyone has a pump

though. I just bought a pool lift (I use a wheelchair) and intend to swim every

summer. I'm wondering if a pump would be a problem?

Speaking of swimming, my back seems to not like my laps or leg exercises. For

those who swim, what exactly do you do in the pool?

Thanks!

Jodi

>Has anyone tried a Baclofen pump? If so, how did it work for you? Thanks.

> 

[Guest guest]

My next door neighbor has the pump and it changed his life. He is a T2 para

(motorcycle accident 10 yrs ago) and his spasticity even.on the Max oral

dose is so bad he is confined to bed unless someone helps him safely

transfer. With the pump, he lives a totally normal life, lives on his own,

drives, etc.

As far as swimming, it shouldn't be a problem once u are healed from the

surgery. He loves swimming. Its a great activity for people with SCI/D.

The only issue with the pump is that it has something like an 8 yr max

lifespan. Unlike a pacemaker where they just change the battery every so

many years, they change the entire pump every so many years (I'm trying to

remember what he told me. They change his every 5 I think). The pump can

also fail early, the catheter that delivers the baclofen to the canal can

come out of place. And what happened to my friend, it failed early. Got

major infection. Had to have the pump removed and wait foe the infection to

heal and then have it replaced. It was basically a full year in bed for

him (bc his spasms are so intense any time he moves). But I think,

fortunately, his problems are on the rare side. The catheter is currently

leaking, but its still functioning, so they are holding off on replacement

for now. But he is coming up on having it replaced soon and is nervous

given his previous experience. Who can blame him? Especially when he has

no quality of life without it.

If there is something specific you would like me to ask him, I'd be more

than happy to.

Like the spinal core stimulator, they first do a trial with the pump on the

outside to make sure of placement of the catheter and also to make sure it

works for your spasms.

Good luck!

Jenn

> **

>

>

> My doctor suggested a pump as well. He didn't go into specifics though.

> I'll know more at my next appt. in October. Would love to know if anyone

> has a pump though. I just bought a pool lift (I use a wheelchair) and

> intend to swim every summer. I'm wondering if a pump would be a problem?

>

> Speaking of swimming, my back seems to not like my laps or leg exercises.

> For those who swim, what exactly do you do in the pool?

>

> Thanks!

>

> Jodi

>

> >Has anyone tried a Baclofen pump? If so, how did it work for you? Thanks.

>

> >

>

>