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Have a Plan for Managing Pain
Untreated pain can greatly reduce
individuals' quality of life and even cause them to give up on living.
Yet - in most cases - even severe discomfort can be managed if
doctors, patients, and caregivers communicate with one another.
Hospice of the Prairie, Inc. offers the
following tips for good pain management:
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Start early. When diagnosed
with a serious illness, patients should ask their doctors how any
pain will be managed. Examples of medical interventions
include medication, surgery and nerve blocks. There are also
non-medical techniques such as relaxation therapy and massage.
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Speak out. It's important
for patients to let caregivers know how they are feeling. Many
people find it helpful to rate their pain on a scale of 0 to 10.
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Be specific. Describe how
the pain affects everyday activities. Think about what times
of the day it becomes better or worse.
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Find the right balance.
Some people would rather endure higher levels of pain if it means
they will be more alert. Everyone has a different threshold.
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Follow the plan. The goal
of a good pain management plan is to prevent a person from
experiencing pain. Once they are in pain, it usually requires
higher levels of medication to restore comfort.
For information on pain management, call
Hospice of the Prairie at 620-227-7209.
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