Topic Explanation:
The discussion revolves around living with a colostomy and the considerations involved in managing pain with a morphine pump implantation for herniated discs. The original poster, Susieq, shares her personal context of living alone, staying active, and her upcoming medical procedure involving a morphine pump.
Advice and Insights from Replies:
1. Impact of Morphine on Colonic Motility:
- It's important to consider how morphine might affect colonic motility, especially for someone with a colostomy. Morphine is known to potentially cause constipation, which could complicate colostomy management.
2. Alternative Pain Management Options:
- There is a discussion about the use of different pain medications in pumps, specifically comparing morphine and Dilaudid. Dilaudid is suggested as an alternative due to fewer side effects and the possibility of using a non-implantable pump, which might reduce the risk of overdose.
3. Personal Experiences and Reactions to Medications:
- Individuals react differently to medications. While some have severe side effects like hallucinations with morphine, others may not experience these issues. This variability underscores the importance of closely monitoring and adjusting treatment as necessary.
4. Consultation with Healthcare Providers:
- It is crucial to discuss all pain management options, including the type of medication and delivery method (implantable vs. non-implantable pumps), with healthcare providers to tailor the approach based on personal medical history and pain management needs.
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