Wednesday, December 20, 2006

Learn to describe your pain


Learn to describe your pain symptoms clearly:


how much it hurts, where it hurts, how often it hurts, and what it feels like so you can contribute to the assessment of your pain.


Types of pain


Understanding the different kinds of pain that you may be experiencing-and the terms used to describe them-will help you communicate better with your medical team.


Acute Pain comes on suddenly, usually from an injury or surgery. It can usually be treated and lasts for a short period of time.


Chronic Pain lasts beyond the usual healing time for an illness or injury. It can last from months to years. At times it can go away completely, or it can remain constant. Types of chronic pain:


Intermittent pain is episodic. It may occur in waves or patterns. Intermitten pain is often treated with NSAID's, adjuvant medicines, and non-drug therapies. Moderate to severe intermittent pain may be treated with short-acting opoids.


Persistent pain lasts 12 or more hours every day for more than three months. It is usually treated with medicine that you take at specific times every day so that you get pain relief throughout the day. Moderate to severe pain may be treated with opoids.


Breakthrough pain comes up quickly or "breaks through" the medicine you are taking to relieve your persistent pain. It can occur many times during the day. This type of pain can be treated with specific medicines used as you need them to get quick pain relief.


The goal of pain managment is to treat pain until optimal relief and functional out comes are reached.


4 comments:

Anonymous said...

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Anonymous said...

thansk for th einfo on the pain bill of rights and other things you have share and bout pain too

Anonymous said...

Hope your visit to the doctors went alright today, and wish you a happy Hump Day!

Anonymous said...

Hi Lisa,
I have the walk like a grandma, tin-man like pain.  That is how my legs feel, I have to do steps one at a time.  I wish I lived in a ranch style home.
I hope that you had a good day. I've been thinking about you.
Love,
Donna