Pain
You are a part of your healthcare team. You should talk about your pain and discuss questions and concerns with us before it becomes a problem. We will work with you to manage your pain. The longer pain goes untreated, the harder it is to relieve.
Pain: What is it?
Pain is the feeling of discomfort or hurt. Pain may occur when nerves or tissues are damaged or the body can no longer perform certain functions properly. When nerves or tissues are damaged, pain chemicals are released and travel up the spinal cord to the brain. When the chemicals reach the brain, your body feels the discomfort of hurt.
Your Pain is Real
Everyone feels and reacts to pain differently. You are the only person that knows how your pain really feels. It may ache, throb, burn or nag. Your pain can range from mild to severe. When your pain is not controlled, it can change or even control other areas of your life.
Report Your Pain
You should tell your nurse or other healthcare providers:
- When you are hurting
- Where your pain is located
- What your pain feels like (sharp, pricking, aching, burning or dull)
- How long it lasts (constant or on and off)
- What makes the pain better or worse (after eating, sitting up or bending over)
You will be asked to describe how you are feeling using the scale below:
Helpful Hints & Potential Side Effects Associated with Pain Medicine
Pain medicine should be used to keep pain away or make it hurt less.
Keep a record of when you take your pain medicine and the amount you take. This will help your nurse and doctor determine if the medicine should be changed.
Know the common side effects of pain medicine:
Helpful Hints & Potential Side Effects Associated with Pain Medicine
Pain medicine should be used to keep pain away or make it hurt less.
Keep a record of when you take your pain medicine and the amount you take. This will help your nurse and doctor determine if the medicine should be changed.
Know the common side effects of pain medicine:
Constipation
- Using laxatives and stool softeners can relieve this.
- An increase in activity and fluid intake also helps.
Nausea
- Sitting or lying down may relieve this.
- It may make it worse if you are up and moving around.
- Taking medicines with food instead of on an empty stomach may also help relieve nausea.
Sedation (sleeping more)
- Sleepiness may occur when starting a new medication. However, as the body adjust to the new medication, sleepiness decreases & the person becomes more alert.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding (GI Bleeding)
- Taking your medicine with food can reduce this risk.
- Antacids can be used to reduce abdominal discomfort.
- Report symptoms such as persistent stomach discomfort or dark “tarry” stool to your nurse. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose or change the medicine.
Do not take any over the counter medicines including all acetaminophen products such as Tylenol, Tylenol PM, Tylenol Sinus or alternative medicines such as herbal products without asking your doctor or pharmacist. They may interact with your prescription medicine.
Always notify your hospice nurse of ALL medicines you are taking, including any over the counter medicines and herbal remedies.
Other Pain Relief Options
It is important for you to understand that these pain relief options are focused on making you feel more comfortable. Many times, it is difficult to make you completely pain free; however, we will work with you to manage your pain.
Pain can increase when you are tense. Relaxation techniques such as listening to soft music or reading a book can help you relax. Individual, Group or Family Therapy can help those experiencing pain learn to deal with it in positive ways.
Nausea
- Sitting or lying down may relieve this.
- It may make it worse if you are up and moving around.
- Taking medicines with food instead of on an empty stomach may also help relieve nausea.
Sedation (sleeping more)
- Sleepiness may occur when starting a new medication. However, as the body adjust to the new medication, sleepiness decreases & the person becomes more alert.
Constipation
- Using laxatives and stool softeners can relieve this.
- An increase in activity and fluid intake also helps.
Gastrointestinal Bleeding (GI Bleeding)
- Taking your medicine with food can reduce this risk.
- Antacids can be used to reduce abdominal discomfort.
- Report symptoms such as persistent stomach discomfort or dark “tarry” stool to your nurse. Your doctor may need to adjust the dose or change the medicine.
Do not take any over the counter medicines including all acetaminophen products such as Tylenol, Tylenol PM, Tylenol Sinus or alternative medicines such as herbal products without asking your doctor or pharmacist. They may interact with your prescription medicine.
Always notify your hospice nurse of ALL medicines you are taking, including any over the counter medicines and herbal remedies.
Other Pain Relief Options
It is important for you to understand that these pain relief options are focused on making you feel more comfortable. Many times, it is difficult to make you completely pain free; however, we will work with you to manage your pain.
Pain can increase when you are tense. Relaxation techniques such as listening to soft music or reading a book can help you relax. Individual, Group or Family Therapy can help those experiencing pain learn to deal with it in positive ways.
Positive Attitude
How you think about your situation influences your experience of it.
Immobilization of body parts with splints, braces and collars
Immobilization of body parts prevents movement, which may decrease your pain.
Humor
Laughter is good medicine. It not only distracts you away from pain, but it can give you a better perspective on your situation.
Finding a time and place to be quiet
You can relax in a nice quiet environment and this will promote a decrease in pain.
Physical Therapy
Includes such things as exercise, ambulating, heat and cold therapy, massage, range of motion, stretching and maintaining flexibility.
Recreation Therapy
Activities such as games and crafts can lead you to focus on other things beside your pain.
Positioning
Turning your body in different positions can reduce pain. Pillows can also provide comfort and support to painful areas.
Nerve Block
A temporary injection of medication can block the nerve carrying a “pain signal.”
Pine Pointe Hospice Navicent Health recognizes that people also experience emotional and spiritual pain. Our chaplains and social workers are here to help you. Please feel free to openly discuss your concerns with them, knowing that what you say will be kept in confidence.