Education

How Will You Manage My Pain?

Pain and feelings of discomfort are two of the biggest concerns of our patients and families, since they can affect all areas of a person’s life. HPNI nurses and doctors are trained in the use of the latest medications and techniques for pain and symptom relief. In addition, physical and occupational therapists are available to help you be as mobile and self-sufficient as possible.

Specialists trained in music therapy, art therapy, massage therapy, spiritual guidance, and other interventions that foster comfort and peace may be part of your individualized care plan. HPNI believes that emotional and spiritual pain is just as real and in need of attention as physical pain. Licensed counselors, including professionally trained chaplains, are available to assist you and your family members.

Pain Medications

Take pain medicines as prescribed. There are many types of medications for pain management, both narcotic and non-narcotic. The hospice nurse will review each of the medications and discuss possible side effects. When taking pain medication, always remember the following:

• Be sure to take the medicine exactly as instructed by your doctor or hospice nurse. If they request that you take the medicine at certain times of the day or at certain time intervals, such as every 12 hours, it is important to do this.
• One of the ways that scheduled pain medicine works is by helping to prevent episodes of severe pain. In order to do this, there must be a certain amount of medicine in the bloodstream. Medicine is prescribed at regular intervals to ensure adequate pain control.
• Besides preventive, scheduled pain medication, there will be quicker acting medications for breakthrough pain. Your nurse will help direct you to how these medications can relieve your pain.
• If you are taking medication and are still in pain, do not wait until pain is severe to call the hospice nurse.

Alternative Treatments

Other suggestions on how to help reduce your pain:

• Take warm showers or baths, and apply hot water bottles or warm washcloths to areas of pain. Heat helps relax muscles. This can help reduce pain and give a sense of comfort. Ask the hospice nurse about how long to apply heat. Heating pads should never be set on high since they can burn the skin.
• Apply cold packs or cool cloths to areas of pain. Cooling the skin and muscles helps soothe pain, especially pain that comes from inflammation or swelling. For example, some patients find that applying a cool washcloth on the forehead helps reduce pain when you have a headache. Ask the nurse about how long to apply cold compresses.
• Gently massage sore spots, especially neck and shoulders. First ask the hospice nurse before using massage as a method to alleviate pain or request a visit from one of our massage therapists.
• Practice relaxation techniques. Breathe slowly and quietly to help the mind and body relax and decrease pain. Simple relaxation methods can be learned from the integrative therapist on the care team.
• If possible, partake in activities that may help take your mind off the pain. Visits with friends and family are encouraged. Distractions such as watching television, reading, and listening to music may also decrease your awareness of pain.