Thoughts on Pain

Some thoughts about PAIN
 
There are various schools of thought about pain.  Some feel that pain killers are bad and that one should try to endure the pain.   Recent events, with my wife in the hospital for pain where infusions were required to eliminate the pain have given more insight to the subject.  On her most recent entry into the hospital, she cried all the way as the pain was so severe. Infusions (Intravenous therapy) were required.  She has been repeatedly told by the doctors that the body cannot function properly with pain.  Bewegung (Movement/motion) is very important and should not be inhibited by pain.  One tends to compensate for the pain, especially when one has pain in the lower back or in the legs.  The effects of this compensation can cause other problems.  She had therapy at the hospital and will go into Rehab starting tomorrow (Friday).  Movement in all forms is important for the health of the body.  She has been examined by the doctor at the Rehabilitation Clinic with complete medical records and medication that she is currently taking.  They design a special program for the patient.  The continued use of pain medication is accepted and continued until no longer required. 
 
When one is taking a variety of medications, an analysis of drugs must be made to insure there is no conflict with the medications and that includes pain medication.  What is right or suitable for one person may be wrong for another.  Taking over-the-counter pain medication is not a good idea.  If one has a good healthcare program it is not necessary to resort to a “do-it-yourself:” method of pain control.  There are natural remedies and our family doctor will prescribe the natural remedies when appropriate, however when pain is severe, more intense methods of control are required. 
We are so fortunate to have a good health care program.

My mother was diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis at 65.  By the time she was 70, her rheumatologist was keeping her on a combination of prednisone,  darvoset, and methotrexate among other medications - including gold.  Look up the side effects from any of them and you can see how serious they are.  Her mental and physical condition deteriorated quickly, not so much from the arthritis as from the side effects of the drugs. She went from being a compulsive housekeeper who was socially active to being a recluse who seldom got out of her recliner.  I will not go that route.  I've had a couple of flare-ups over the past few years - in the middle of one right now, in fact.  I keep them under control with natural supplements and herbs.  The turmeric in curry powder, for instance, works as well as any of the NSAIDS. I've been eating lots of curry dishes lately, including tonight's family dinner.  There are other dietary steps that I take as well, like drinking ginger tea instead of coffee, and avoiding nightshade vegetables.   Other supplements help to keep the joints functioning.  I do take some over-the-counter Ibuprophen, but never more than is recommended.  I put up with the early morning pain that comes from 8 hours of not moving for the first hour or so of the morning.  By that time, I can even type.  Typing helps, in fact, as does my housework routine. The natural suplements and herbs that I used have been tested for effectiveness and possible side effects.  They are much safer that the typical drugs prescribed by doctors.  Ever watch a TV commercial for RA drugs?  The required disclaimers about those side effects take longer than the commercial, and generally include possible death.  And the cost of the prescriptions are incredibly high compared to the supplements.

I'm not suggesting that anyone else should do as I do.  It's just that my personal experience has been such that I've chosen to hold off on those heavy drugs as long as I can.  I never take a supplement that I haven't researched thoroughly, and I stick to brands that can be trusted.  It is my answer, but that doesn't mean it would work for everyone

Ann, my stepfather had the same experience as your mother.  The downward slide was rapid.  We did what the doctors said to do.  In their generation, no one questioned doctors.  He had multiple hip surgeries (I think the dr. who is now a well-known specialist) was experimenting.  When my stepfather could no longer walk, he was done with him.  I have to be careful, those days bring back lots of anger.  He died from Parkinsons.  Parkinsons was not in his family line.  We believe it was brought on by the constant high-powered drugs.

I do know some pain in not bearable.  My son was born without medication.  I had a kidney stone and thought I would die from the agony.  The emergency room left me writhing on the floor to care for other emergencies since it was only a "stone" on the move.  By the time they put in the IV, they could have hit me over the head to black me out from the pain for all I cared.  I NEVER want that pain again.  I keep 600 mg advil as the step 2 pain killer and oxycondone as the step 3 near me wherever I am. 

When my terminal day nears, my instructions include providing sufficient morphine if I have pain and am terminal, even if it brings on death. 

I have a history of migraine pain but I know I survived it and know how to end it.  Today, there are better drugs.

No, if I have a light headache or toothache or general pain or aches that are bearable, I bear them.  Real pain?  Not for me.