Rebecca Rengo-Kocher, LMSW, ACSW You Can Live With Chronic Pain
If you suffer with chronic pain, you are not alone. Although
last month was Pain Awareness Month, the problem continues year-round.
One in three Missourians
lives
with some degree of chronic pain. I have lived with chronic pain for over
thirty years. Pain is the number one reason people seek medical
help. Sadly, rural
populations are at greater risk of having their pain under treated. However,
there is hope.
Here’s what I’ve learned along the way.
It is your right as a patient to have your
pain taken seriously, so be as organized and specific as possible
when communicating with your doctor. Write
out your concerns ahead of time. Keep a file of all your medical information.
It’s often hard to concentrate when you are in pain, so bring a trusted
friend along to help take notes and ask questions.
Give medications or treatments time to work, but if you are not satisfied,
tell your doctor and have your treatment adjusted. Expect clear answers to
your questions, take time to make decisions, and refuse a treatment if you
choose.
There are many alternative treatments available as
well. Research your options, talk with others with a similar diagnosis, and
talk to your doctor. Different
people find different treatments helpful. Try what you believe is best for
you, whether it’s herbs, chiropractic, or traditional medicine; it’s
a very personal process.
The following tips are from Beyond Chronic Pain, (available
at Borders by calling # 314-909-0300). Learning how to validate yourself
when you have pain
can be healing. Tell yourself, you are doing a good job, whether you are washing
dishes or just making it through the day. Pace yourself, take breaks and rest,
even if it’s a good day. Many people overdo on a good day and then feel
worse the next few days. Do something nice for yourself every day. It can be
sitting outside, looking through a magazine, or talking on the phone. Take
time to do something that is uplifting every day.
Do you feel down, lethargic or sad? Then being treating
for physical pain alone is not enough. Do not assume you feel this way because
of your situation.
Depression is treatable. Let your doctor know and get appropriate referrals
as needed. A life with chronic pain can be enjoyed – I love my life and
you can, too. Make feeling as good as you can your top priority.
Rebecca Rengo-Kocher MSW, LCSW is the President-elect
of the Missouri Pain Initiative (www.missouripain.org)
and author of Beyond Chronic Pain (www.Beyondchronicpain.com)
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