The author cites classic reasons why chronic pain may be undertreated by medical providers. These reasons include:
- inadequate training of medical staff
- concerns and unfounded fears about addiction
- some providers believe that pain should be severe before a
treatment option is selected
The author distinguishes between physical dependence and addiction. Physical dependence may precipitate a feeling of illness once the drug is stopped. Addiction refers to a psychological longing or dependence on the drug.
Patients have a right to report pain and expect that medical
providers will believe the critical incidences reported by the
patients. Treatment is a right which flows from the medical
provider's understanding of the medical history and appreciation for the pain sensations reported.
Classic cancer warnings are increased bladder or bowel movements,
chronic swallowing problems, unexplained lethargy, persistent
infections, unhealed sores, shortness of breath or hoarseness.
A pain inventory may consist of the following:
- diagram of the pain
- description of the worst incidences
- interference with activity
- sleep interference
- decreased energy
Most health care treatments are geared toward curative therapies.
The World Health Organization has stated that " In short,
the right drug at the right dose given at the right time relieves
80% to 90% of pain." WHO: Cancer Pain and Palliative Care-
A Technical Report Series 804 of WHO 1990 and 1996 Revised
This work discusses classic pain modalities; such as, TENS and
drug choices for chronic pain. It is a solid value for the price
charged.
Author(s): Richard B. Patt M.D., Susan S. Lang
Edition: Rev Exp
Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 465
0195135016......Page 1
Contents......Page 8
Preface......Page 10
Acknowledgments......Page 14
A Note for Chronic Pain Sufferers Who Don't Have Cancer......Page 16
Part I: CANCER AND ITS PAIN......Page 20
1 How Cancer Pain Undermines Health and Treatment......Page 22
2 Understanding Cancer and Pain......Page 46
3 Assessing Pain and Planning Treatment Strategies......Page 73
4 On Being an Active Health Care Consumer......Page 104
Part II: THE PAINKILLERS......Page 114
5 Understanding Medications Used to Treat Mild Pain......Page 116
6 Understanding Medications Used to Treat Moderate Pain......Page 140
7 Understanding Medications Used to Treat Severe Pain......Page 154
8 Understanding How Adjuvant Drugs Relieve Pain and Suffering......Page 190
9 High-Tech Options......Page 231
Part III: OTHER APPROACHES AND CONCERNS......Page 248
10 Dealing with Constipation, Diarrhea, Nausea, and Vomiting......Page 250
11 Dealing with Other Side Effects and Discomforts......Page 267
12 Mind-Body Approaches to Easing Pain......Page 298
13 Special Cases: Children, the Elderly, and Patients with Special Needs......Page 325
14 Dealing with Feelings......Page 337
15 If Death Approaches......Page 364
Appendix 1: Where to Find More Information......Page 384
Appendix 2: Common Drugs Used for Cancer Pain and Foreign Names for the Drugs......Page 398
Appendix 3: Detailed Relaxation Instructions......Page 403
Appendix 4: Planning for Your Mental and Physical Health Care and Treatment......Page 408
Notes......Page 425
Glossary 1: Pain and Cancer Terms......Page 429
Glossary 2: Terms Associated with End-of-Life Issues and Care......Page 437
Selected Bibliography......Page 440
A......Page 449
C......Page 451
D......Page 453
E......Page 454
H......Page 455
I......Page 456
M......Page 457
N......Page 458
O......Page 459
P......Page 460
S......Page 462
T......Page 463
U......Page 464
Z......Page 465
