How does it work?
The nerves in the spinal cord transmit the pain signals from the pain receptors in your spinal cord to the brain, where the signals are transformed to the “feeling” or “sensation” of pain that you then experience.
If you take pain relieving drugs by mouth they travel through your bloodstream throughout your body and only a small part of the initial amount or dose reaches the pain receptors in your spinal cord. When the pain relieving medicine, such as morphine, is put directly into the fluid surrounding these nerves, only a small fraction of the dose by mouth is needed to get the same pain relief. Typically, this leads to fewer of the side effects seen with many medicines taken by mouth.
The IDD system consists of two implanted parts –
- The first is the intrathecal catheter: this is a small, soft tube
- The second is the pump itself, with its reservoir containing pain relieving medicine
Both are placed inside the body during an operation. In most cases this is done under general anaesthetic.
- The programmable pump automatically delivers set amounts of the pain relieving medicine
- Your doctor can quickly and easily change the dose, rate and timing of medicine your pump delivers using a small, hand-held programmer, adjusting the medication to your individual pain requirements
- Your doctor may also give you a small hand-held patient programmer that communicates with the pump via radio waves. In addition to the timed doses (amounts), you can request extra doses of medicine, within limits set by your doctor. This is helpful if you experience unpredictable or irregular pain, often known as breakthrough pain
Once you receive your IDD system, your doctor will periodically refill your pump with pain relieving medicine. This is done by inserting a needle through the skin into the pump's reservoir. The battery on your pump should last an average of 5–7 years, again depending on your dose.
IDD can control pain with a small fraction of the dose that would otherwise be required with tablets
Patient testimonials
Helen's story
"I would encourage others to learn everything possible about their injury, disease, or illness," advises Helen, who is the founder of the National Chronic Pain Society. "Even though pain may be unavoidable, suffering can be optional. Don't think you have to go home and suffer, because there's a lot of hope out there. The pump has worked great for me for eight years, and I am so grateful. So grateful."
Read Helen's full story
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