Pain Pumps for Nerve Blocks at Home
You are being discharged with a “pain pump” to deliver numbing pain medicine (local anesthetic). This pump will help you to continue your pain relief at home for the next 48 hours. The pump is set to deliver a specific dose per hour. It can give an extra dose once every 60 minutes if you feel that you need it. This extra dose is for breakthrough pain, such as after activity. You can give yourself the extra dose by pressing the “Extra Pain Relief” button on the pain pump.
You also will receive a prescription for pain medicine in pill form. It is OK to take the pills (but only as prescribed) while using the pain pump. You should take the pills if you are having pain. Be sure to fill the prescription on your way home, even if you are not having pain when you leave the hospital.
When to call the doctor
If you have any of the following symptoms, close the clamp on the tubing and call the doctor immediately:
- numb feeling around your lips or tongue
- dizziness
- blurred vision
- ringing in your ears
- hearing loss
- metallic taste in your mouth
- uncontrollable shaking
- seizure (call 9-1-1 or have someone take you to an Emergency Department immediately)
If you have uncontrollable pain, call ________________________to reach the doctor through the answering service for the Acute lnterventional Perioperative Pain Service.
Precautions for all patients
- Because your arm or leg may feel numb, be careful while preparing or eating hot foods or liquids.
- Keep your pathway clear of objects and rugs that could cause you to trip.
- If you have had arm or shoulder surgery, follow your surgeon’s orders for wearing your sling or other device. If you have had leg or foot surgery, follow your surgeon’s orders for wearing a brace or immobilization device. Check your skin for irritation if you are wearing a brace or immobilization device.
- If too much fluid is leaking from the catheter site, call your doctor.
- Make sure the tubing for the pain pump is not kinked.
- Do not get the dressing wet.
To protect the pump from damage
- Use the carrying case to protect the pump during daily activities.
- Do not put the pain pump in water or other liquids.
Pain pump catheter removal
Remove the catheter in 48 hours or when the pump is empty, whichever comes first.
- Wash your hands with soap and water.
- Remove the dressing and any tape used to secure the catheter. Do not cut the catheter!
- Firmly grasp the catheter at the skin level. Pull gently away from your body. If there is resistance or you cannot remove the tubing, call your doctor.
- Inspect the tip of the catheter for a blue or black marking. If there is no marking, call your doctor at the numbers listed above.
- Use an adhesive bandage to cover the site. No ointment or antiseptic at the site is needed.
- Contact your doctor if you notice redness, warmth, pain, excessive drainage, or swelling at the catheter exit site.
Reviewed August 2011