Patients Suffering After Using Shoulder Pain Pumps

Pain pumps are used after surger to help manage post-surgical pain. Recently, pain pumps used in the shoulders following arthroscopic surgery have been linked to postarthroscopic glenohumeral chondrolysis (PAGCL). Some patients are questioning the use of shoulder pain pumps by their doctors, in light of the extreme difficulties they have experienced. For instance, one woman can no longer perform her job as a home health aide. Due to her pain and continuing shoulder problems, she cannot help clients bathe and get dressed. In July 2008, Julie D. had surgery to repair torn cartilage in her shoulder. Her doctor sent her home with a pain pump, but after it was removed, Julie had continuous aching, with limited mobility, and she still had popping, clicking and grinding in her shoulder. Six months later, an MRI showed that the cartilage was re-torn and Julie had another surgery, with a pain pump being used for a longer amount of time. Since the most recent surgery, Julie has suffered with a constant ache from her shoulder to her wrist, and still has popping and clicking. Also, the pain medication has not taken care of the pain that she has. Julie is now questioning whether her post-surgical problems have been caused by the pain pumps that were used after both of her surgeries. She also wonders why her doctors used the pump in her shoulder when it is not approved for use in the joint. Her injuries have significantly impacted her day-to-day life. She is always in pain, and can no longer do many of the activities that she used to do. Julie also can’t sleep comfortably. There are many people with similar suffering after use of shoulder pain pumps.