Patient Information

Discharge 

When you have recovered, you will be able to go home. This is usually after two to
three days in hospital. You will be able to carry on taking your normal dose of muscle
relaxant tablets as the pump will remain at a very low dose. We will make an
appointment for you to have a review of this dose as an outpatient with the
Consultant in Rehabilitation. You will return to the clinic several times until you are
comfortable with the dose and the Consultant in Rehabilitation will supervise the
reduction in your tablets.

Additionally 

The Consultant Neurosurgeon or Specialist Nurse will see you in clinic after six weeks
to make sure your wound has healed and that you have recovered well.
 
The drug in the pump usually lasts for three to four months depending on how much
you use each day. There is an alarm in the pump that will tell you if it is running out
of drug. The pump is refilled during an appointment in the rehabilitation clinic. This is
done using a special needle and takes about 30 minutes. The battery in the pump will
last for five to seven years. When we replace it you will need another operation.
 
If you feel you would like to discuss this further please contact the Nurse Practitioner
for this service using the contact details below.

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