Managing Mom's pain without overmedicating

Originally published in the Lincoln Tribune, Apr. 1, 2008

A common question from the hospital:

Q: Mom is in a lot of pain, but we don't want her to sleep all the time if she has pain medicine. Is there an option that would make her comfortable and allow us to spend time with her?

A: There are many new options in pain management, some that don't even involve drugs. A combination of medication and complimentary therapies are helping patients find relief without some of the side effects we traditionally associate with pain medicine.

When you are suffering, your whole life is affected—physically, psychologically, socially, and spiritually. Pain might prevent you from climbing the stairs or riding to church. That absence might cause you to lose track of friends or family. If it grows worse, the pain might keep you even from talking. Pain affects a lot more than the body part in which it resides.

Medicines can minimize the pain enough to allow Mom to participate in daily activities without knocking her out all the time. Dozens of new medications have become available, even in the last five years, and many have fewer side effects than you would expect. The image of the patient who sleeps all the time because of her medications is fading. Instead, many people who suffer from chronic pain or pain from serious illnesses can take medications while enjoying fuller, more active lives.

Also, there are many new methods to help manage pain that don't involve drugs at all. Complimentary therapies, like massage or aromatherapy, have been shown to relieve pain for patients suffering from many ailments. Relaxation stops pain from increasing by lessening anxiety. Distraction can be a powerful tool, also; watching a movie, listening to music, or reading a book may take Mom's focus away from her pain for the moment. For patients with serious illnesses, hospice volunteers provide a welcome break in a person's daily routine with their visits to check in, read aloud, help with small tasks, or just to chat.

Finally, those with serious illnesses should keep in mind that hospice can work with the patient's physician to find the medications most effective for pain control, as well as enhancing quality of life.

How are your loved ones doing? Is there something more you think could be done for them? Please write me with your questions! Email me at asklinda@pchcv.org.