After months of fighting my old insurance which ultimately would not approve a pain pump trial no matter what my pain specialist and I did, it took a change of insurance to open the door for the possibility.
I went through the psychologic assessment with a wonderful Clinical Psychologist. (An ordeal that I wrote about earlier.) I was anxious to see the finished report and, most of all, to find out if the trial had been approved.
At the end of last week, I received the phone call. I was approved for the pain pump trial!! I am SO excited! I will undergo the test at the end of next week. My pain specialist has determined that Prialt (ziconotide) will be the drug to be administered into the spinal column.
Per Aetna.com:
“Prialt (ziconotide intrathecal infusion) is a non‐opioid N‐type calcium channel blocker analgesic. It is a synthetic conopeptide derived from the venom of the piscivorous marine snail, Conus magus. Prialt (ziconotide intrathecal infusion) is a calcium channel blocker specific to the neuronal calcium channels that regulate synaptic transmission in nociceptive neurons.”
I was also given the good news that I will only have to remain for four hours of observation and follow up will be conducted via phone. My hubby and/or son will have to be with me for the next 24 hours. This in leu of an overnight stay at a hospital is so heartwarming! Will be nice to be home to compare how I can move about the house.
I am intrigued by this non-opioid option and anxious for the upcoming trial!
Mom Is Sick -- For Parents & Kids 
Comments on: "Pain Pump Trial" (2)
Stacy,
What wonderful news! Will look forward to hearing how it works for you. What an interesting drug, non opiate is great.
Take care and God Bless,
Linda
Best of luck with this trial, I hope it helps! Thanks for sharing.