Dr. David Harter MD
317 East 34th Street, Suite 1002, New York, NY 10016
NYU Langone Pediatric Neurosurgery Associates
Phone. 212-263-6419
I am an open book, and I want to share my experience so I can communicate better with others. I received my baclofen pump at NYU Langone Health with Dr. Harter, who has a 5.0 out of 5.0 star rating. Before the pump, I struggled with severe anxiety, spasticity, and difficulty eating, drinking, and communicating verbally.
Since getting the baclofen pump, my quality of life has changed dramatically. I can eat more easily, communicate more clearly, move my arms, and have a much greater range of motion. Before the pump, my arms were tucked tightly against my sides, my fists were clenched, and my movement was extremely limited. Today, the difference is truly life-changing.
I understand that everyone experiences different results depending on their disability prior to surgery, but for me, the baclofen pump made me feel alive and more like myself again. I honestly cannot imagine living without it. I currently have a 40 ml pump; previously, I had a 20 ml pump. The main purpose of the pump is to reduce spasticity by delivering medication directly into the dural lumbar area of the spine. Because every body is different, the effects can vary from person to person, and it takes time to learn how your body responds. When used correctly, the results can be incredibly positive.
This is not like oral baclofen, which can make you feel sleepy or tired. When administered through the spine, the medication reaches every extremity and helps control spasticity more effectively.
I want to share my story because this treatment completely changed my quality of life. Rehabilitation is a required part of the process after surgery. I began rehab immediately and spent 18 months at NYU Langone completing my rehabilitation program.
Overall, the baclofen pump gave me freedom, function, and a better life.
