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Cancer Awareness: The Facts About Pain Management
by Andrea Kenningsworth
http://www.lucancer.com
The diagnosis of cancer brings with it an array of emotions
and problems that are quite complex. Of the many fears
and concerns that are intrinsic to such a diagnosis there's
the worry of pain and how it can be managed, if at all.
There are, in fact, many different approaches to pain
management, and the medical team that's assigned to you
will help you to determine which ones are effective.
Having to deal with the pain that's brought on by cancer is
not an absolute. In almost every case, this is one facet
of the disease that can be controlled fairly easily.
One of the biggest misconceptions about having cancer is
that there's going to be pain, and you'll just have to
learn to cope with it on some level. This is a complete
fallacy, no,one has to simply adjust to pain, and you're
entitled to relief, once it presents itself. Although
there are a number of ways to manage it, those who are
willing to communicate with their medical team regarding
pain and its intensity will assist them in taking whatever
steps are necessary to aid you in functioning as normally
as possible.
Most doctors are very sensitive to the pain and discomfort
of their patients, but if you should express the need for
pain control and your doctor doesn't have any options to
suggest, then request to meet with someone who specializes
in the area of pain management. This may be an oncologist
,a doctor whose specialty is the treatment of cancer, an
anesthesiologist, a doctor who specializes in pain
management during surgery, a neurologist, a doctor whose
area of specialization encompasses the nervous system, and
a neurosurgeon, a doctor who specializes in performing
surgery on the entire nervous system, including the spine
and brain.
Pain management should be considered part of the entire
process of treating cancer patients. It should not be
considered a luxury. Neither should it only be introduced
when pain becomes completely unbearable. Dealing with pain
can actually hinder treatment, so your doctor will want to
be informed about any pain or discomfort as soon as it
The method of pain management may change over time, as the
pain lessens or increases, so it is very important to keep
your doctor informed about the pain. One should not be over
treated in this area, nor should one be under treated.
The patient should follow the pain managegment plan closely
once a pain management technique has been identified. Under
no circumstances should the patient try to "tough it out"
by holding out and lengthening times between doses.The pain
management team has designed what they believe to be the
appropriate course of treatment for relief, and postponing
doses throws off course. In many cases, people increase
the dosage to compensate for the greater level of pain, so
this so called bravery only makes matters worse. Gradually
increasing or decreasing treatment is the concept behind
pain management. Allow the members of your medical team
to decide the proper dosage to control pain.
Many patients are concerned that they will become addicted
or immune to the medication, so they resist the idea of
pain medication. Another reason is that they fear side
effects. You should consult your doctor if these concern
you. As long as you follow the program and are monitored,
he will assure you that there should be no concerns.
For more information about pain management, contact the
American Cancer Society or the National Cancer Institute.
Medical professionals are always on hand to assist you with
questions and concerns about all facets of the disease,
including the management of pain.
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