Differential pain assessment in cancer is
important also, to help the treatment team
to discern if new pain is from cancer that
has moved to a new area, or if there is an
acute condition that must be addressed (such
as appendicitis or gall bladder stones).
It may seem unlikely that cancer patients
may experience an acute episode of pain
unrelated to their cancerous process, but it
is possible. It may help to keep a
written record of pain to offer feedback to
the physician during visits, or if a call
must be placed after hours.
Swelling, itching and rashes cause pain, and
while minor when compared to pain from cancer,
they can actually make it harder to tolerate
pain levels if the minor pain is left
unaddressed.
COMPLEMENTARY PAIN TREATMENTS
Biofeedback has been around for some time,
and there are competent technicians able to
instruct patients in controlling their breathing
and heart rate. The technique has worked
well for persons who have an ability to focus on
these measurable parameters, which can help
reduce pain and the anxiety that comes from
being in pain.
Massage therapy can work in almost any case
to reduce pain and improve the relaxation
effect. It is not necessary to “work” the
area where pain is felt to provide comfort and a
sense of healing.
Patients with swelling from radiation or
surgery (such as removal of lymph nodes) can
look for a lymphedema therapist, who is trained
in proper technique for massaging swollen areas
as well as the rest of the body.
Reflexology can be performed on the hands or
feet to help release tense areas which may be
related to painful spots. The body in pain
will tense itself in a variety of ways in
response to pain, and by relaxing one part of
the body by massage, the rest of it can follow.
Massage can be combined with biofeedback,
imagery or other alternative therapies (such as
aromatherapy) to diminish stress response.
WORKING WITH OPIATE SIDE EFFECTS
Constipation arising from opiate medications
is a frustrating consequence for caregiver and
loved one. A common misconception is that
fiber and exercise will address all types of
constipation. When opiates are given, the
bowels are slowed down; the result is
constipation, which occurs in many people who
take opioid/opiates.
The buildup of waste in the intestines
creates discomfort in all people. In
general, suggestions to alleviate and control
constipation include increasing water intake to
soften food passing through the digestive tract,
and exercise, which helps muscles “massage” the
internal organs. The intestines made
“sleepy” by opiods can be helped by these two
suggestions, but more help may be needed;
especially when pain hinders the ability to
move.
Fiber is an excellent “homespun” cure to deal
with constipation, and as long as the individual
has a somewhat hearty appetite, salads and
vegetables can be given as snacks and meals.
When appetites are poor or finicky, fiber bought
at the health food store can be sprinkled on
easy-to-consume foods (like pudding or baby
food). Fiber is helped by fluid intake,
and those who are having trouble keeping up with
their liquids may prefer “fun fluids,” such as
snow cones and popsicles.
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