In a previous post I spoke about the Baclofen pump that I had placed internally in my abdomen, about 12 years ago. I have never had an issue with it and for the most part I forget that it is there. I carry oral Baclofen with me at all times just in case it gets damaged or malfunctions. If this happens there is a series of beeps that indicate something is wrong. One beep means the pump is low on medicine, two beeps means I am in danger of either an overdose or under dose which can result in death. My refill nurse demonstrated what the beeps stand for and how to recognize a problem. She also told me the symptoms I could experience in the event. Itchy, twitchy and bitchy. Pretty self explanatory.

About 2 years ago, we were on a 3 hour road trip from Denver to Rock Springs, Wyoming. Along the way we kept hearing a small beep once an hour. Was it the car, a cell phone, the radio? After checking in at the hotel, we took the elevator up one floor and while in it we heard the beep again. It was me!

I immediately tried to reach my doctor, but of course it went to the answering service and I was told to leave a message and someone would get back to me in 48-72 hours. Then I tried the emergency number for Medtronic and got the same message. 

So rather than risk going to the hospital in Rock Springs we decided to return to Denver. Another three hour drive. I finally reached a PA that told me the beep was just a warning that the pump was low and I needed a refill, and I should contact them in the morning.

After all this I wasn’t itchy or twitchy but I was definitely bitchy!