It is discouraging to hear that pain resulting from the treatment of cancer can be as debilitating as cancer treatment itself, and it can linger. Some doctors may be reluctant to prescribe pain medication once treatment is completed. This is why it is extremely important for cancer patients to be proactive about their own treatment. And if they do not have the strength, they may need a family member or friend to advocate on their behalf. Education about chronic pain and pain management is essential.
Pain can be difficult to treat
Since pain is subjective, it is difficult to treat. Patients who suffer from chronic pain must speak up. Let your doctor know if you are in pain. Keeping a journal about the pain, the medication you take, and the effects of the medication can be helpful for many reasons. Having the journal will make it easier to describe your experience when you see your doctor. And writing about the pain and describing minute details can provide a welcomed distraction from the pain.
Consult with pain specialists
Make sure your doctors consult with pain specialists, or ask for a referral to a pain specialist or pain clinic. Pain specialists are experts at diagnosing the cause of pain and recommending treatment. They may be oncologists, anesthesiologists, neurologists, neurosurgeons, orthopedists, or nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, pharmacists, and other health care professionals who have devoted themselves to the specialty of pain management.
Patients suffering from chronic pain, especially cancer patients, need information and resources so they understand their role in getting the help they need. According to Pain Control: A Guide for Those With Cancer and Their Loved Ones, cancer pain can almost always be relieved or lessened. But sometimes patients are shy or uncomfortable talking about themselves to their doctors. No one should suffer in silence. Find out the facts about cancer pain treatment, especially what patients need to know themselves about controlling their pain.