For many Hoosiers, chronic pain isn’t just a challenge; it’s a constant battle.
The CDC reports that one in four adults in Indiana lives with chronic pain, a statistic that highlights a widespread need for better support and treatment. Now, a new state law is set to significantly improve the quality of life for those managing their pain with implantable pain pumps.
State Representative Bob Behning knows this struggle intimately. Having lived with chronic back and leg pain for over 20 years, a result of a car crash and degenerative disc disease, Behning understands the relentless nature of the condition. After years of trying various treatments, he found significant relief through a pain pump implant – a surgically placed device that delivers medication directly to affected pain receptors.
However, a hurdle remained. Due to strict regulations surrounding opioid prescriptions, previous Indiana law required individuals with pain pumps to visit their doctor every 90 days for refills. These frequent appointments were not only time-consuming but also costly, adding an unnecessary burden to patients already dealing with a debilitating condition.
Working alongside Dr. Joshua Wellington, Representative Behning championed a bill to change this. The new legislation, which received unanimous approval from the General Assembly, will allow Hoosiers with pain pumps to extend the time between doctor’s visits for refills from 90 days to up to six months.
Governor Mike Braun ceremonially signed the bill into law last month, marking a significant victory for chronic pain patients across the state. The new law is set to go into effect on July 1st. This will provide immediate benefits to hundreds of Hoosiers, allowing them greater flexibility and an improved ability to manage their health without constant interruptions.
4 comments
My brother received a pain pump for his chronic pain last year his nail paralyzed because of the pain pump so what good is that he can’t walk now if they’d increase his pain medicine he wouldn’t be in a wheelchair paralyzed The pain pumps and my opinion or useless
Dr Wellington has been a God send to me and thousands of other chronic pain sufferers who suffered for years trying to get Drs to believe we were in constant pain only to be labeled drug seekers, abusers, addicts, liars, fakers, the list just goes on. Finding Dr Wellington and getting a pain pump 6 years ago literally saved my life and I’m positive many, many others in my position! Thank you for continuing to find ways to help us even further! We appreciate all you do for your patients.
I also had a pain pump placed about 5 years ago.i have had 2 failed fusions and decompressions to my back with titanium rods being placed up to L4 to T10. Both times the rods broke. Pain is uncontrollable with the movement of my vertebrae without discs between. The catheter(tube) leading from the pump to my spine pulled out. I had told my Doctor and Nurse I was not getting pain relief. They did not believe me until I started to leak spinal fluid after another procedure with an injection. They had to check then and had to remove the pump. All the narcotic they had put in the pump could have been released all at once in my body and killed me with a massive overdose. Be very careful with pumps.I feel they are just a way for the government to control narcotic use, not for the patient to have continuous pain relief. I trust my Pain Management Doctor 100%. I do not trust the pumps, either!
A step in the right direction. A little bit of compassion goes a long way. Thank you