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I am not done yet about Realistic Expectations June 01, 2015 |
"Yes You Can"
Hi Everyone,
"Yes You Can" live the life you want. ============================================================
Another Edition of "Yes You Can", #0013Well, here it is another edition of "Yes You Can". This month we start off with a discussion about having realistic expectations for things in your life when you are living with chronic pain. Our distraction this month is a testimonial for the effectiveness of acupressure mats and a brief discussion about why and how it does what it does. If you or someone you care about are using prescription pain medications you need to read this month's article from the web. It has graph and statistics that will knock your socks off. The latest article posted on Living with Back Pain covers a subject that I have recently been researching. I hope you will find these pages about pinched nerves interesting. I hope you enjoy it.
"Yes You Can" live the life you want. ============================================================
Tough Talk About a Tough ProblemRealistic ExpectationsWhen you are living with chronic pain it is important to understand and accept exactly what that means. Living with chronic pain means you are living with pain that will never go away and you must have realistic expectations for what that means. Realistic expectations for any treatment that you may undergo. Realistic expectations for any medications you are taking. Realistic expectations regarding your friends and family. And most important of all, realistic expectations for your life. How much can treatments really do?Realistic expectations for any new treatment plan will depend on exactly what is causing your pain. However, if you have already seen multiple doctors, surgeons, and therapists, and they have all told you the same thing. At some point you need to start believing them. I am always in favor of getting a second opinion, or a third opinion. I am always in favor of seeing a different type of specialist. But, after you have seen a physiotherapist, and a neurosurgeon, and an orthopedic surgeon, and a neurologist, and a rheumatologist and all of the other types of doctors that may have a way to evaluate your pain; If they tell you that nothing more can be done, you need to accept it. If You Continue Searching If you persist in going from doctor to doctor eventually you'll find someone to do another surgery, or give you a different medicine, or start the different treatment, even though it may not be in your best interest. How much can medications really do?You need to have realistic expectations of how much relief medications can provide. There is a place in the treatment of chronic pain for a variety of medication. However, they must be prescribed an appropriate doses, and they need to be monitored but professionals trained in the management of pain medications. You Must Never take More than is Prescribed by your Doctor All medications have risks and side effects, and these are more severe with increased dosages. Some people think that it a little bit is good, a whole lot ought to be better. This is a dangerous attitude. People die every year from gastrointestinal bleeding related to anti-inflammatory drugs. Muscle relaxers, narcotics, and anti-anxiety medications alone or when taken together, can make you so relaxed that you quit breathing. People go to sleep and never wake up. You need to accept that no medication is likely to make your pain go away completely. It is important that your doctors knows all of the medications that you are taking; and it is very important that you never take more than is prescribed. What can your family and friends really do?Your family and friends can love you and support you but they cannot make your pain go away. They are a tremendous resource and they can help you. Nevertheless, it is your pain and you must learn to deal with it. Don't drive them away The people around you can be a fabulous support group assisting you in many different ways. But, you must not blame them; you must not impose on them; and you must not annoy them or they will scatter like a covey of quail. If you want to have a friend you must be a friend. Ask about your friends and how they are doing and what they are doing. Become genuinely interested in their lives. Do what you can to help them with their problems. Do not always talk about yourself and your chronic pain. Everyone has a Cross to Bear Everyone has problems in their life that they are trying to live with. Understand that just because you have chronic pain does not make you special or more deserving than anyone else. All Of this
Does Not Mean
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