Pain Management
NOTE: For a
in-depth look at pain management see Pain
& You.
Day to day tips
Managing your pain
can be one of the most significant treatment factors.
Pain is a sensation that hurts. It may cause discomfort or distress or down
right agony. It may be steady or throbbing. It may be stabbing, aching, or
pinching. However you feel pain, only you can describe it or define it. Because
pain is so individual, your pain cannot be "checked out" or
"felt" by anyone else.
Pain may be acute or chronic. Acute pain is severe and lasts a relatively short
time. It is usually a signal that body tissue is being injured in some way, and
the pain generally disappears when the injury heals. Chronic pain may range from
mild to severe, and it is present to some degree for long periods of time.
My tips for
managing pain
First of all I will tell you that you do not receive any medals of honor for
having pain,
so get rid of it now.
Next, don't let it return. Once you have taken your medication and become
more comfortable stay that way. It is easier to stay out of pain than to start
from fresh each time. Talk to your doctor about breakthrough pain medication, if
your pain returns before your regular scheduled medication runs out. Also
check with your oncologist where there is a Pain Clinic in your area. These
clinics understand Cancer Pain. They take a little while to get into but
are worth the wait.
Vulva
Pain (nothing like it)
Here are a few tips that I learned to help relieve Vulva pain.
Xylocaine 2%
Jelly (in tube) -
Applying lidocane gel directly on the genital area will help a great deal. It
freezes the area. It is safe to use on open sores. Use as often as needed. It
saved my life.
No RX needed just ask your pharmacist.
Lanacane Ointment (in tube) - Applying
Lanacane ointment directly on the genital area will help a great deal. It is
safe to use on open sores. Use as often as needed. It also saved my life. Great
for burns too.
No RX needed just ask your pharmacist.
Drink
Liquids - Drink plenty of non acidic liquids. The acid
will just make your urine burn when using the bathroom. The more clear fluids
the better.
The fluid will weaken the burning feeling.
Going to the bathroom - If it
is really bad get into the bath tub full of water and relieve yourself. Note:
Make sure that you use a disinfectant to clean your bathtub before and
afterwards. Rinse tub well.
SIDS
Bath - Use this device while urinating. It will help
take the burning away and refresh the area. Or pour a glass of luke-warm water
between your legs while urinating.
Boxer Shorts -
For around the house
wear boxer shorts (men's or women's). They are allot looser and keep those hot
areas cool.
Not Just Drugs
Other ways to cope with pain are meditation, breathing
exercises, relaxation tapes, therapeutic touch, massage and imagery.
You can acquire these materials at your local book store, free from your public
library or your public nurse.
Links for Pain Management
Partners
Against Pain
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