I had a failed back surgery in 2014, which has left me as a paraplegic. I developed cauda equina, a large seroma which resulted in what I was told is an "empty thecal sac", multiple infections from the kidney stones I do not feel but cause hydronephrosis, and infections every month with high fevers. The pain was so bad that I was put on an oral regime of Opana ER 40mg 2 times a day, supplemented with Opana 10 mg up to 6 per day, and Soma 350 mg 3 times a day (added to the long list of medications for arthritis and osteoporosis I take). To avoid taking so many meds, I was convinced to have a Medtronic pain pump inserted. A week later, I was given the go-ahead to have my pain management doctor begin the flow of the meds through the line to my spine from the pump. Less than 2 hours after seeing the doctor that same day, before the meds were even used, I told my husband to call 911. I had developed MRSA and Bacterial Meningitis. My husband was told that I might not make it to Mother's Day, so the children were told to be prepared. I've obviously survived, but I've lost a good part of my hearing; senses of taste and smell; balance; and now have migraine headaches. I'm a writer, and words often escape me. I was congratulated by one doctor for surviving, but I'm lost as to what to do now because along with these new encumbrances, I need oxygen at times during the day and it's been added to by BIPAP at night because my apnea has increased and become more Central than Obstructive. I'm still on the same pain pill regimen and am being encouraged to try the pump again. Should I be stupid enough to try the pump again, as I've been told that my infection from the pump was the first in the region and the only one in thousands installed. Dare I risk another bout with an infection so severe that it almost killed me because the first time was something that usually doesn't occur? My immune system is obviously deficient.