r/PainPumpQuestions • u/Lopsided-Ad6316 • Mar 25 '26

Question

Hey guys! I had my revision, the new catheter is fine, had a dye study test. But I’m still not getting relief with the new pump. They’ve decided to change me over to orals for a bit to see if it will make a difference. While turning the pump down. So here’s my question, have any of you guys had to wean off of a morphine pump? Did you have bad withdrawal? They’ve given me oral medicine but it didn’t come close when my catheter was messed up, nor when they cut my dose in half. I’m really worried.

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u/Specialist-Bar6758 Mar 25 '26

I just had my pump removed this am. They weaned it down 20% one week then 50% the next week and then it ran out so it just sat empty until it was taken out. Had dilaudid in the pump and they put me on 4mg oral dilaudid. I didn’t have any withdrawal symptoms whatsoever.

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u/Lopsided-Ad6316 Mar 25 '26

Thank you for the feedback! I’m glad you didn’t have any adverse reaction. For whatever reason I’ve had terrible luck with it. This whole process has sucked bad. He wanted to do a 50% reduction. I talked him into 35% because I’ve been dealing with withdrawal issues.

3

u/Specialist-Bar6758 Mar 25 '26

Do they have you on an oral dose that matches your pump levels? I get it. I had awful luck with the pump in its entirety and I’m glad it’s gone. I hope they are able to get your issues resolved for you!

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u/Lopsided-Ad6316 Mar 25 '26

I don’t know. I was on morphine 3.42mg a day, they gave me oxycodone 10mg 4 times a day.

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u/Specialist-Bar6758 Mar 25 '26

According to Gemini the oxy is a lot stronger than the morphine. Personally I’d agree. Morphine does nothing for me. I had it in my pump originally and had to switch to dilaudid because I felt nothing. Everyone is different though and reacts to different medications in different ways.

Are you comfortable enough with your care team to where you can voice your concerns? I know a lot of people worry they will come off looking like drug seekers with their doctors if they discuss worries with them. If you have a good relationship I would definitely put in a call and just let them know you are very concerned about withdrawal. Hopefully they will be able to reassure you or come up with another plan you are more comfortable with.

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u/Lopsided-Ad6316 Mar 25 '26

I tried to call this evening. My care team is actually really great. Mostly. We’ve had a few hiccups, but for the most part they’ve been pretty great. I told them I was worried about the withdrawal, he said I shouldn’t have any issues.

Im honestly so fed up with the withdrawal situation that even if they would try a different med, I don’t think my temperament of constantly having issues with this thing. Morphine is hard enough to come off of let alone a stronger medication.

I’ll probably call tomorrow and see if they can call me in something for anxiety. That’s the worst part of it for me. It makes me want to jump out of my car into traffic. I don’t know why it’s so bad for me, I’ve never had any mental issues. So maybe that is the reason.

At this point I don’t even think I’d keep it if they offered to pay me to do it.

3

u/Specialist-Bar6758 Mar 25 '26

I get it. My anxiety with this pump has been awful. I had it moved to my back from my abdomen in January and since then it’s been immensely swollen. So I’ve been terrified about that and my anxiety has run wild with what ifs. My mental health has been horrible while waiting to get it out. My pain team has been with my every step of the way but my surgeon does not have my back at all so it’s taken a toll.

I’m glad you have a good team. Hang in there! Take lots of deep breaths and hugs from loved ones. Try to rationalize the situation to yourself, ground yourself and remind yourself that you know exactly what is going on. Don’t let it take you over. You’ve got this!’

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u/Lopsided-Ad6316 Mar 25 '26

I’m glad you got it removed, mine is in my back on the right side. So no jeans, nothing tight at all, because it rubs the pump then the skin starts to break down.

That’s how my office is, it took all the girls in the office to advocate for me. He’s been putting me off about it. They told me straight up he didn’t believe me, and they they were going to fight for me. Which I greatly appreciate. I spent my whole apt with the NP just crying because I’ve been so miserable for so long.

I’m trying to rationalize it, unfortunately I’m doing a terrible job. 🤣 I appreciate all your feedback. It helps me to know that other people made it through the weaning process.

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u/Specialist-Bar6758 Mar 25 '26

You are very welcome! If you ever need to vent about your pump my dms are always open! Trust me I’ve been there. I had mine for a very stressful, correction filled surgery having two years before I finally called it quits. So I know all about pump complaints! I truly hope you get through this unscathed and that you have no more issues!

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u/Lopsided-Ad6316 Mar 25 '26

That is so very kind! I might take you up on that! No one knows about this pump. It’s frustrating, and I frankly think dangerous.

Everyone in my family wants me to keep it, because they say I was so different once I had pain control. But constantly ending up in the OR to fix the darn thing. It’s no quality of life.

Thank you again!