Re: Update on Louie's Surgery.

[Guest guest]

Hi Karyn and all my friends,

My surgery when well on Monday and it took only 2 hrs. I had to stay longer

than expected in recovery since I had a General Anesthesia. I didn't get home

till 9am. I had to leave at 8 am, so it was a very long day.

Thank you, Kimber for the pillow suggestion. It was a life saver on the ride

home. Sorry it's taking me so long to update you all, but as soon as I got

home Monday I went to bed. I spent most of Tuesday just laying around and

taking it easy. Wednesday, I tried to do a few things around the house and got

tired very quickly. Today did the same. I can't sit very long because the

incision is at my waist in the front and it still sore to be on the computer.

This has really zap my energy, more than I even expected. But at least I feel

better each day, so that is progress.

Now for Karyn questions, I have an Implanted Medtronic Pain pump. It is

implanted below my waist under my skin , into the muscles on the left side.

It's implanted into the muscles, so it won't move around. It has tubing that

has a catheter that goes into my spine into the nerves that controls the

pancreas. You get a constant flow of medicine(Morphine is used in mine). My

docs said it would take 30 times the meds if given by pill form, to get the same

releif. The morphine is pure morphine with no additives.

The pump is about the size of a hockey puck and weighs about the same as a

hockey puck. The reservoir is 18ml. I'm on 26.59 mg a day, so with a

concentration of 50, it last me about a month before I have to have it refilled.

Right now I only on a concentration of 25(OSU didn't have the 50 concentration,

which I found amazing that a big place like that didn't have the right strength)

so it will only last about 2 weeks before I need it refilled. I usually get 3

bolis a day of .88 mg but they can't give it to me right now because it would

use up the morphine to fast with only the 25 strength, so when I get it refilled

I be able to get my bolis again. They did send me home with pain pills with

help allot.

They are hydrocodine(SP)? 5.0 mg. My regular pain pills are percocet 3.25, but

the 5.0 help allot better. So I'm going to ask if I can stay on them,

especially since the don't contain any Tylenol in them. They would be better

for my fatty liver. About refill the pain pump, how often depends on how much

you use, When I first had my First pain pump done in Feb. 98, I only had it set

at 1.1 mg a day, so it lasted about 3 months before needing refilled. But now my

concentration is up from 25 to 50 and it only last 1month, because I using allot

more morphine and because of the bolis. They refill the pump by using a long

needle and going in thru my lower left abdomen and there is a rubber tip on top

of the pump. They have the go thru the tip and withdraw all the old morphine

before they can refill with the new morphine. It really does hurt to have it

refilled. The pump was developed for people with back pain problems and only a

few places are using it for CP. So there really much info on how effective it

is in treating CP. I thought it was worth have it replaced, because most days

it does help. The new one should last 5 1/2 - 7 years, so the longevity has

improved. The surgery last so long because they have to be careful in taking

out the old one then they put the new one in and have to check the tubing to

make sure it is working properly. It took 2 hrs to complete. If anyone has any

questions please feel free to ask, I be glad to answer your questions. I may be

a little slower answer, because I can't sit too long at a time right now. I go

back to OSU, on Thursday Oct.3 for a check up, so if anyone wants me to ask any

questions, just let me know. They are very nice there. I'm lucky, because I

have a great Home Infusion Nurse, name Pat and her co-workers, who can refill it

locally, so I don't have to go to OSU in Columbus, OH, an 21/2 hr drive each way

to get it refilled.

I hope this find you all pain free and having good days.

Take Care,

Louie in WV

Re: Update on Louie's upcoming Surgery.

In a message dated 09/19/2002 19:30:20 US Eastern Standard Time,

ehall@... writes:

> I did get a call ... from .. Ohio State University Hospital(OSU) and my

> surgery to have my pain pump replaced is .. Monday Sept. 23.... around 1pm

> and last about 2 1/2 hrs. ..the surgery is . outpatient . ..the ride home 2

> 1/2 hours without any traffic will be a bit uncomfortable... My pain pump

> shouldn't stop working and I shouldn't have to go thought withdrawal.

> Please keep my in your prayers on Monday. .Take Care, Louie in WV

Louie,

I am glad that you have the surgery scheduled. That is always such a relief.

Thank goodness we don't have to rely on the horse and buggy for

transportation.

Can you explain what exactly you are having done? What is a pain pump? What

medicine do they use? Where is it put? And why does surgery take so long? How

long does the pump last before you have to get it filled again?

Thanks.

Karyn , RN

Founder / Exec. Director

http://www.pancassociation.org

KarynWms@.../

Pancreatitis Association International

Many People, Many Faces, One Voice

[Guest guest]

Hi Karyn and all my friends,

My surgery when well on Monday and it took only 2 hrs. I had to stay longer

than expected in recovery since I had a General Anesthesia. I didn't get home

till 9am. I had to leave at 8 am, so it was a very long day.

Thank you, Kimber for the pillow suggestion. It was a life saver on the ride

home. Sorry it's taking me so long to update you all, but as soon as I got

home Monday I went to bed. I spent most of Tuesday just laying around and

taking it easy. Wednesday, I tried to do a few things around the house and got

tired very quickly. Today did the same. I can't sit very long because the

incision is at my waist in the front and it still sore to be on the computer.

This has really zap my energy, more than I even expected. But at least I feel

better each day, so that is progress.

Now for Karyn questions, I have an Implanted Medtronic Pain pump. It is

implanted below my waist under my skin , into the muscles on the left side.

It's implanted into the muscles, so it won't move around. It has tubing that

has a catheter that goes into my spine into the nerves that controls the

pancreas. You get a constant flow of medicine(Morphine is used in mine). My

docs said it would take 30 times the meds if given by pill form, to get the same

releif. The morphine is pure morphine with no additives.

The pump is about the size of a hockey puck and weighs about the same as a

hockey puck. The reservoir is 18ml. I'm on 26.59 mg a day, so with a

concentration of 50, it last me about a month before I have to have it refilled.

Right now I only on a concentration of 25(OSU didn't have the 50 concentration,

which I found amazing that a big place like that didn't have the right strength)

so it will only last about 2 weeks before I need it refilled. I usually get 3

bolis a day of .88 mg but they can't give it to me right now because it would

use up the morphine to fast with only the 25 strength, so when I get it refilled

I be able to get my bolis again. They did send me home with pain pills with

help allot.

They are hydrocodine(SP)? 5.0 mg. My regular pain pills are percocet 3.25, but

the 5.0 help allot better. So I'm going to ask if I can stay on them,

especially since the don't contain any Tylenol in them. They would be better

for my fatty liver. About refill the pain pump, how often depends on how much

you use, When I first had my First pain pump done in Feb. 98, I only had it set

at 1.1 mg a day, so it lasted about 3 months before needing refilled. But now my

concentration is up from 25 to 50 and it only last 1month, because I using allot

more morphine and because of the bolis. They refill the pump by using a long

needle and going in thru my lower left abdomen and there is a rubber tip on top

of the pump. They have the go thru the tip and withdraw all the old morphine

before they can refill with the new morphine. It really does hurt to have it

refilled. The pump was developed for people with back pain problems and only a

few places are using it for CP. So there really much info on how effective it

is in treating CP. I thought it was worth have it replaced, because most days

it does help. The new one should last 5 1/2 - 7 years, so the longevity has

improved. The surgery last so long because they have to be careful in taking

out the old one then they put the new one in and have to check the tubing to

make sure it is working properly. It took 2 hrs to complete. If anyone has any

questions please feel free to ask, I be glad to answer your questions. I may be

a little slower answer, because I can't sit too long at a time right now. I go

back to OSU, on Thursday Oct.3 for a check up, so if anyone wants me to ask any

questions, just let me know. They are very nice there. I'm lucky, because I

have a great Home Infusion Nurse, name Pat and her co-workers, who can refill it

locally, so I don't have to go to OSU in Columbus, OH, an 21/2 hr drive each way

to get it refilled.

I hope this find you all pain free and having good days.

Take Care,

Louie in WV

Re: Update on Louie's upcoming Surgery.

In a message dated 09/19/2002 19:30:20 US Eastern Standard Time,

ehall@... writes:

> I did get a call ... from .. Ohio State University Hospital(OSU) and my

> surgery to have my pain pump replaced is .. Monday Sept. 23.... around 1pm

> and last about 2 1/2 hrs. ..the surgery is . outpatient . ..the ride home 2

> 1/2 hours without any traffic will be a bit uncomfortable... My pain pump

> shouldn't stop working and I shouldn't have to go thought withdrawal.

> Please keep my in your prayers on Monday. .Take Care, Louie in WV

Louie,

I am glad that you have the surgery scheduled. That is always such a relief.

Thank goodness we don't have to rely on the horse and buggy for

transportation.

Can you explain what exactly you are having done? What is a pain pump? What

medicine do they use? Where is it put? And why does surgery take so long? How

long does the pump last before you have to get it filled again?

Thanks.

Karyn , RN

Founder / Exec. Director

http://www.pancassociation.org

KarynWms@.../

Pancreatitis Association International

Many People, Many Faces, One Voice

[Guest guest]

Hi Karyn and all my friends,

My surgery when well on Monday and it took only 2 hrs. I had to stay longer

than expected in recovery since I had a General Anesthesia. I didn't get home

till 9am. I had to leave at 8 am, so it was a very long day.

Thank you, Kimber for the pillow suggestion. It was a life saver on the ride

home. Sorry it's taking me so long to update you all, but as soon as I got

home Monday I went to bed. I spent most of Tuesday just laying around and

taking it easy. Wednesday, I tried to do a few things around the house and got

tired very quickly. Today did the same. I can't sit very long because the

incision is at my waist in the front and it still sore to be on the computer.

This has really zap my energy, more than I even expected. But at least I feel

better each day, so that is progress.

Now for Karyn questions, I have an Implanted Medtronic Pain pump. It is

implanted below my waist under my skin , into the muscles on the left side.

It's implanted into the muscles, so it won't move around. It has tubing that

has a catheter that goes into my spine into the nerves that controls the

pancreas. You get a constant flow of medicine(Morphine is used in mine). My

docs said it would take 30 times the meds if given by pill form, to get the same

releif. The morphine is pure morphine with no additives.

The pump is about the size of a hockey puck and weighs about the same as a

hockey puck. The reservoir is 18ml. I'm on 26.59 mg a day, so with a

concentration of 50, it last me about a month before I have to have it refilled.

Right now I only on a concentration of 25(OSU didn't have the 50 concentration,

which I found amazing that a big place like that didn't have the right strength)

so it will only last about 2 weeks before I need it refilled. I usually get 3

bolis a day of .88 mg but they can't give it to me right now because it would

use up the morphine to fast with only the 25 strength, so when I get it refilled

I be able to get my bolis again. They did send me home with pain pills with

help allot.

They are hydrocodine(SP)? 5.0 mg. My regular pain pills are percocet 3.25, but

the 5.0 help allot better. So I'm going to ask if I can stay on them,

especially since the don't contain any Tylenol in them. They would be better

for my fatty liver. About refill the pain pump, how often depends on how much

you use, When I first had my First pain pump done in Feb. 98, I only had it set

at 1.1 mg a day, so it lasted about 3 months before needing refilled. But now my

concentration is up from 25 to 50 and it only last 1month, because I using allot

more morphine and because of the bolis. They refill the pump by using a long

needle and going in thru my lower left abdomen and there is a rubber tip on top

of the pump. They have the go thru the tip and withdraw all the old morphine

before they can refill with the new morphine. It really does hurt to have it

refilled. The pump was developed for people with back pain problems and only a

few places are using it for CP. So there really much info on how effective it

is in treating CP. I thought it was worth have it replaced, because most days

it does help. The new one should last 5 1/2 - 7 years, so the longevity has

improved. The surgery last so long because they have to be careful in taking

out the old one then they put the new one in and have to check the tubing to

make sure it is working properly. It took 2 hrs to complete. If anyone has any

questions please feel free to ask, I be glad to answer your questions. I may be

a little slower answer, because I can't sit too long at a time right now. I go

back to OSU, on Thursday Oct.3 for a check up, so if anyone wants me to ask any

questions, just let me know. They are very nice there. I'm lucky, because I

have a great Home Infusion Nurse, name Pat and her co-workers, who can refill it

locally, so I don't have to go to OSU in Columbus, OH, an 21/2 hr drive each way

to get it refilled.

I hope this find you all pain free and having good days.

Take Care,

Louie in WV

Re: Update on Louie's upcoming Surgery.

In a message dated 09/19/2002 19:30:20 US Eastern Standard Time,

ehall@... writes:

> I did get a call ... from .. Ohio State University Hospital(OSU) and my

> surgery to have my pain pump replaced is .. Monday Sept. 23.... around 1pm

> and last about 2 1/2 hrs. ..the surgery is . outpatient . ..the ride home 2

> 1/2 hours without any traffic will be a bit uncomfortable... My pain pump

> shouldn't stop working and I shouldn't have to go thought withdrawal.

> Please keep my in your prayers on Monday. .Take Care, Louie in WV

Louie,

I am glad that you have the surgery scheduled. That is always such a relief.

Thank goodness we don't have to rely on the horse and buggy for

transportation.

Can you explain what exactly you are having done? What is a pain pump? What

medicine do they use? Where is it put? And why does surgery take so long? How

long does the pump last before you have to get it filled again?

Thanks.

Karyn , RN

Founder / Exec. Director

http://www.pancassociation.org

KarynWms@.../

Pancreatitis Association International

Many People, Many Faces, One Voice

[Guest guest]

Louie,

glad to hear your surgery went well. Take it easy and don't overdo as you

recover.

W

[Guest guest]

Hello ehall@...,

In reference to your comment:

è But at least I feel better each day, so that is progress.

Louis - I am so thankful your surgery went well. We need to remember the

pillow suggestion for anyone else in the future:) Don't let the fatigue get

you down, every surgery takes more out of you than you expect. Just remember

to get enough rest, and don't overdo it on the days you feel better. Pace

yourself and keep getting better.

Hope you are having a good day,

Gail West þ Many People, Many Faces, One Voice

Indiana State Chapter Representative

Pancreatitis Association International

http://www.pancassociation.org

contactPAIgwest@...

[Guest guest]

Louie,

I'm glad the surgery went well and that the pillow helped. I

know it helped me so I figured it might be of use to you

too. Let us know how you are feeling as you get better.

Don't do too much and rest upl

Kimber

--

Kimber

Vallejo, CA

hominid2@...

Southwest Representative

Pancreatitis Association, International