I have had a Baclofen pump for about 10 years. The battery has been replaced once at the 7 year mark. It has always functioned perfectly with refills every three months. The pump is in the left side of my abdomen with a catheter which is attached to the base of the spinal cord and delivers liquid Baclofen to the body from the waist down. The purpose of the pump is to prevent spasticity from occurring in my legs. Although I no longer walk, spasticity can be extremely painful.

Since last December when the battery was replaced I have had several increases in the amount of medication that is in the pump, to achieve the desired effect. Assuming that the catheter is kinked or has a pin hole leak, my nurse suggested doing a glow test. This procedure removes some of the medication from the pump and replaces it with contrast fluid. The fluid shows up on x-ray so that the doctor can examine the catheter for leaks or kinks. The needle used for the procedure is about 4-5 inches long and goes directly into the center of the pump through the abdomen. I am not sure about the length of the needle being that I don’t look directly at it. The entire test lasted 45 minutes or so with several pictures taken. After the test was completed the doctor said that everything looked good but he would get a closer look on his computer and send me results today. 

So, it is looking like I am another medical mystery, something that MS has conditioned me to be.

I would also like to acknowledge the actress Teri Garr, who passed away today at the age of 79, after several long years of suffering with Multiple Sclerosis.

Rest in Peace Teri!