Pain: What it is and is not

Throughout my career as a pain specialist and nurse, I have heard people share about their pain, and one thing that always upsets me is to hear someone say they felt their pain was a punishment for some reason. So I began to think about this.

Pain in any of its many facets is an indicator of distress. This might be in the form of physical injury, emotional suffering, social isolation, or spiritual weakness. It might be experienced in several ways at any given time.

Pain, in and of itself, is not a form of punishment. Now, if you are into some type of mischief and that leads to injury or illness then pain may be a consequence of your behavior. However, painful conditions are not deliberate punishment for something thought, said, and/or done.

Adding guilt on top of painful conditions does nothing to help the pain and most often it can make pain worse because the body uses up its coping energy dealing with the guilt people place on themselves.

It is important to understand that the nature and intensity of pain is not a reliable indicator of the seriousness of a condition. People in severe pain may be suffering greatly, but it doesn't mean they have a life-threatening condition. On the other hand, some folks can have a life-threatening disease and not have much pain until they reach advanced stages of the disease. Therefore, it is important to be seen and evaluated whenever you develop new symptoms that don't subside promptly with basic measures. It is as important to be seen and evaluated when you notice significant changes in the nature of existing conditions. If for no other reason than to rule out significant problems. Knowing what is going on is vital to the determination of appropriate treatment.

Related Topics: Back Pain: Medication and Addiction, People in Pain Often Suffer Silently

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Travel Tips

For folks with physical limitations or chronic pain, traveling can be a real challenge. Handling luggage can be a problem as well as long periods of sitting or standing. But with a little pre-planning, we can still enjoy getting away like everyone else!

When you need to travel alone, check beforehand to determine what extra help you may need. It might be worth tipping a couple bucks to a doorman to manage your luggage rather than trying to do it alone and risk pulling out your back. If you are taking a train, you can notify the railroad that you will need a red cap to help you with stairs or heavy luggage. These folks are there to serve people in need.

In airports, hop on a caddy cart and ride to your gate rather than trying to walk the distance with your carry-ons. The automated walking ramps are wonderful for assisting folks with walking the distance.

When traveling, be sure to give yourself plenty of time. If you have a computer printer, print your boarding pass from home. This saves waiting in line at the airport. If you plan to park off-site and be shuttled to the airport, allow extra time in case you have to wait for a shuttle to take you. When boarding the shuttle van ask for assistance or a step up. Many have them and only need to pull them out! And don't be afraid to ask for and accept help getting out as well.

You might want to plan for a bathroom break before boarding your plane. This seems to give me peace of mind when I know there is a period of time when I can't get out of my seat. If driving or riding in a car, plan to stop and stretch frequently! This will help to cut down on the stiffness when you reach your destination.

When I travel alone, I know I want to do a lot of things in very little time. But I have found it is also important to plan breaks in between so I can relax, lay on a heating pad briefly, or rest. I find I can do more and enjoy more because I am taking care of myself.

So next time the opportunity to travel comes up, consider it. Maybe a change of scene will do you good. Be pro-active and plan ahead. And enjoy yourself...you deserve it!!!

Related Links: Travel Health, Vacationing With Multiple Sclerosis, Sleep and Travel

Technorati Tags: Travel, chronic pain, disability, physical limitations

Tincture of Time

Tincture of time - often said to be one of the most difficult medicines to take. Patience is not easy for many folks - me included! We are part of a culture that is very fast-paced. We want results and we want them now - quite often at any cost. Life doesn't always run by our time clock. We often have to wait for what we want and what we need in life. Hurry up and wait is a common saying heard nowadays!

Healing takes time. And many folks have a hard time accepting that. Quite often we forget that conditions evolve over time. Why should we expect healing to be immediate? It's understandable for folks who are hurting, limited, disabled to want rapid healing. Who has time to be held back and held down? Who wants to hurt? Many folks have responsibilities they need to get back to.

As much as we want it, there are times when we have to accept a less than optimum outcome from a procedure or a test. We may heal slower than we felt we should. We may develop little stumbling blocks along our journey which causes us to make changes in our course of treatment. It doesn't mean it is a bad thing. It means a change of plans though and that can be very upsetting.

It is ok to feel upset and discouraged. It is normal to get feelings like these. It is ok to be afraid of the outcome of a test or a procedure. There are risks with most any procedure or test. Be nice to yourself. Accept the fact you are angry, frustrated, disgusted, discouraged, afraid, at wits end, etc. It is ok. Give yourself permission to feel your feelings. Just don’t let yourself get hung up on them for too long.

Depression is common in folks with pain or disability. It is important to be aware when things are not going well so we can take care of any issues that might arise.

If you have given yourself time to get on the pity pot for a little while but you find it hard to get off it and get on with the business of healing and living, then consider seeing a counselor or attending a support group. It is important to be around people. Don't isolate yourself away from others at this time. Be sure to get enough rest and to eat properly even if you don't feel really hungry. Also try to add a little exercise to your day.

Balance is key. If you are dealing with major frustrations, seek ways to relax. If you rest a great deal of the day, ok, but try to do something for exercise even if it is gentle stretches or isometric exercises. Calanetics can also be helpful. These are exercises that don't require a lot of movement. They might be just the thing for folks who have limitations in range of motion.

Take medications when needed and as prescribed. If you hurt then take medications to feel comfortable. Notice I didn't say "Pain Free". That may not be a realistic goal. Unfortunately many folks try not to take meds for their pain for fear they will become addicted. They often suffer needlessly. In fact, taking medications and remaining comfortable is important because it enables you to get up and move around better and more comfortably. And this helps to avoid other complications that can develop from inactivity.

Pamper yourself. Listen to nice music. Try burning some nice scented candles. Make your home your haven to rest and recuperate in. Accept assistance from others who wish to help. And don't be afraid to ask for help when you need it. Use your down time to take advantage of those things you haven't had time to do otherwise. Read a book, work on a craft project, watch movies, etc.

Once you are feeling better, you will be able to get back to the things you miss. Think optimistic but remain realistic. Be patient. Give your body a chance to heal. Hopefully you will soon be back up and running full steam ahead once again!!

Related Links: Music Can Soothe the Heart, Healing Touch

Technorati Tags: Time heals, music, relaxation, chronic pain, healing, depression

Gifts That Offer That Special Touch!

Do you ever wonder what to give to someone special? Perhaps that person suffers with pain somewhere in their body and you wish you could help but just don't know how? You might consider these as options!

Of course an hour at the spa might be ideal but not everyone can afford that and that is ok! You might consider a scaled-down version tailor-made for that special someone.

For someone who is on the computer often, how about giving them a coupon for a therapeutic hand massage and manicure? Better yet, why not provide one yourself for that special someone!

Painful feet? How about a whirlpool foot massage or foot spa or a maybe a coupon for a complete pedicure complete with massage? Let that special someone know you care. Offer a foot massage!

Headaches? How about gently massaging the head, neck, and shoulders?

There are all types of gadgets and gizmos out there to help people feel better -- all the way from wooden back scratchers to massaging seat cushions and hand rollers and wands -- all designed to help people relax and find comfort.

Are you creative? Daring? How about setting up a neat opportunity in your own home for a bit of quality time complete with a nice warm bubble bath, scented candles, soft music, essential oils, and YOU -- all for that special someone in your life who may need, and certainly deserves, a little pampering!!!

There are a lot of books out there that can help you learn basic massage techniques that you can share with loved ones. Consider it! Actions speak louder than words. And once you learn a new skill, you can reap the benefits from its use over and over! It's a win-win situation. Go for it!

Related Topics: Magnetic Insoles May Not Ease Foot Pain, Need Pain Relief? Massage Gets High Marks

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Celebrating Life and You

Life is full of ups and downs. There is no getting around it.

For folks who suffer pain, it often feels like the downs outweigh the ups! It is ok as long as you don't let yourself get caught in the valleys for too long. It will be important to be realistic.

Create reasonable goals. Instead of setting a goal so high you won’t see the results for a long time, consider setting lots of little goals that you can almost be sure of reaching. Go for them each one at a time, and progress your way toward your ultimate goal!!

Don't wait to celebrate your accomplishments. Start right now! Acknowledge the achievements you realize, the goals you reach, the accomplishments that you have struggled through and made way to. It doesn't have to be extravagant!

Be good to yourself! Celebrate with something small. A nice bubble bath when you claim time for just you, or take time to read a special book. Call and talk to a friend you may have lost touch with. Cook a favorite dinner, or select a special restaurant and enjoy an evening for you!! You deserve it!

If we take time to look, we should find at least one thing to celebrate in our lives. I truly expect we all have many things we may have overlooked. Why not make it a point to grab paper and pen and start thinking about the things in your life worth celebrating? Keep that paper and pen handy and write down things as you realize them! Have others help you with your list if necessary. It might be neat to see what they feel are things worth celebrating in your life!!

I would love to hear about your list and how you are going to celebrate You!! Please feel free to share with me on my Migraine and Pain Management Boards or here in the comments! I look forward to hearing and learning from you!!

Related Topics: Fighting Back Against Depression, Mood Buster Matching Game

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Creating a Pain Management Tool Box

If you were going to create a tool box to manage your pain what would you include in it?

For me, it would have a heating pad and an ice bag for starters. It would have a back scratcher and a few massage tools. I would put some soft music tapes, a couple nice aroma therapy candles. A bottle of bubblebath and a sachet pillow or two that can be warmed or cooled and placed on my neck.

In addition to these things, my pain tool box would hold a favorite chair, a few books to encourage, teach, and support me. It would have a list of phone numbers of special people in my life along with their addresses. I might have photographs of places I have been or places I have yet to go...these instill hope. I have other things in my tool box but I would love to hear what you will put in yours.

How about sharing your ideas and plans with all of us on my Pain Management and Migraine boards, or here in the comments!! I look forward to hearing from you!

Indie

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Touch and Healing

There is something about the human touch. People touch our lives in so many ways -- by the things they say, the things they do, but human touch is something that can not be replaced. When I think of little babies who fail to thrive, I realize that quite often it is the human touch they receive that makes the difference of whether they make it or not.

When someone suffers, they often welcome the touch of a another person -- a hug or perhaps even a held hand can provide strength and comfort in times of need. Whether it be fleeting or held for a time, the element of touch conveys meaning. "I am here for you" "I understand" "You are not alone" These powerful words can be shared just through touch.

It isn't any wonder why massage can be so helpful and calming to the mind, body and spirit. Gentle massage helps to ease tense irritable muscles and relax the mind. Touch coupled with aroma therapy and/or essential oils in an atmosphere of soft music can be very therapeutic. It can lower blood pressure, ease aches and pains and rejuvenate the mind, body and spirit.

I encourage anyone who suffers from stress or pain to find ways to incorporate the element of touch in their life. For couples and families, the element of touch can bring back a level of communication that might have been lost. Providing a massage for a loved one in pain can convey that they care. They want to help ease the pain -- even if for just a while.

It is important to care for yourself. If you can put a few dollars aside now and then, do so and then take an hour for yourself and visit a spa. Let yourself be pampered once in a while. Take the time to relax and rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. You deserve it.

Make massage a tool in your pain management tool box.

Related Topics: Integrative Medicine (IM) Center, Overcoming Chronic Pain

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Nature Sounds and Pain relief

The pounding surf, birds chirping, peepers, frogs, wind in the trees, crackling campfires, the smell of pine- What do these all have in common? They all comfort me when I am upset or when I hurt. These sounds bring back beautiful memories. And these memories can help alot

When I was growing up, I could always tell spring and warmer weather was here when the sounds of crickets could be heard all around. That sound reminded me of going fishing and the memories of fishing with my dad are wonderful and comforting memories. We used to fish in different lakes and streams so the sounds of trickling streams and water lapping against the shore would bring back different memories.

Growing up in the Adirondack Mountains, I enjoyed camping among the pines. Being lazy around a crackling campfire was always a treat. Listening to the sounds of the wind in the tall pines while sleeping my tent always brought a sense of peace and relaxation. I don't drink coffee but the sounds and smells of fresh coffee and bacon cooking and the hissing sounds of the coleman lantern and stove remind me of how good food tastes when cooked out doors.

When I am angry and frustrated and need a chance to get away from people, I seek the ocean...There is something about the sound of the surf. I separate myself from people and just listen to the pounding surf - so powerful as it draws the water into a rolling ball and pushes it toward the shore with strength and determination. Crashing waves against the shore only to recede back and repeat the pattern over and over again.

When you are in pain or feel frustrated, angry or hurt, try to call upon positive memories to help you feel better.

Related Topics: Biofeedback Trains Mind, Body to Make Changes, Relaxation Techniques

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The Value of Prayer in Health Care

There is a lot of controversy around issues of prayer and health and I believe there will always be. Christians all around the world know and experience the power of prayer on a regular basis. Whether it be prayer for themselves or prayer for others we have a confidence knowing that the truths of God are steadfast. We know if God wishes to have a disease cured or a heartache mended, He can do it -- and we know that sometimes He has his reasons for not bringing that to pass.

There is much research to support the fact there is a very strong mind/body connection. What a person thinks can and does affect the way the body responds and the way the biochemistry changes. And if a person feels contentment and trust that people are supporting and praying for him/her then that is a great thing. And if that helps a person cope with a complicated event or situation, then the value of prayer has already revealed itself.

I do not discard the value of medicine and surgical interventions, prayer, holistic alternatives, compliments and integrative approaches to healing and wellness. I see all of these as valuable components of a greater whole--each bringing its own unique quality to the table of opportunity.

As diverse as the population is, so is the need to offer options for healing and wellness. The key to taking advantage and obtaining the optimum opportunity for healing and wellness is to approach it with an open mind and an acceptance that what may work for one may not work for another and that is ok. It doesn't mean it is wrong. It is what it is -- a potential option, a choice.

Related Topics: The Role of Faith at the End of Life, Going to Church May Improve Mental Health

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