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Cancer Patients
And Pain Management
The
correct diagnosis of cancer brings with it a range 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 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. Basically in 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 illusion.
You don't have to adjust to pain, and you're
entitled to relief, once it is available. 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.
Granted, your doctor will be very sensitive to your pain
and discomfort. However, if you feel he/she does
not seem to have a solution to the pain you or your loved
one is experiencing, it is important to meet with someone
who specializes in the area of pain management. These often
include the oncologist , the cancer treatment specialist,
who is a member of a pain management team. Some other
medical specialists who work in this area are neurologists
and anesthesiologists. A neurologist deals with the entire
nervous system, the area of the body that signals pain, and
an anesthesiologist has the expertise to deal with pain
management during surgery.
It's important to recognize that pain management is part of
the overall process for treating cancer patients. Don't regard it
as a luxury, or something that's introduced only when
the pain becomes completely intolerable. A good doctor
will want to be advised about any pain or discomfort, from
the moment that it's experienced.
With time,
medications and/or other pain management approaches may
need to be changed, so it's critical that you keep the
lines of communication open in order to receive the relief
that you need.
Once medication is prescribed that will address the pain,
don't feel as if you should resist, and hold
off as long as possible between doses. Your doctors have
prescribed what they believe will be the appropriate
source of relief, and postponing your doses can cause the
pain to become more intense or, in some cases, encourage
you to increase the dosage in order to compensate for the
greater level of discomfort.
Everybody from your medical
team will discuss the importance of taking the medication
when necessary, and what the dosage should be.
Controlling the pain is easier at its outset, and not after it intensifies.
Many patients are concerned that they will become addicted
or immune to the medication, so they resist the idea of
pain medication. Sometimes, they fear side
effects. Always 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.
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