Living Well with Chronic Pain

I lived in chronic pain for many years. This pain was brought on by a joint disease that left me with many complications and incredible pain. At one point I was given the strongest prescriptions available to combat the agony my body was putting me through.

In addition to powerful drugs, I was blessed to have the advice of several excellent Occupational Therapists, doctors, and other pain patients. I also have many years of trial and error in learning how to cope with daily life in pain. I'd like to share some of those tips in this article.

First, you should set up lines of communication between yourself, your family, and your doctors. Be sure that first of all, your family knows what you are dealing with and that you and your doctors are working on it. Family members tend to fear the unknown. If you assure them that you are an informed patient and that your doctors are competent, they will feel better about your situation.

Be sure that your doctors are approachable and you feel comfortable talking to each of them. If you are not, and it's on the doctor's part - consider changing doctors. In most cases, even if your insurance company sent you to them, you're not married to this doctor. You are the patient and what's more, you are the one footing the bill (you are, after all, paying for the insurance!). You have the right to choose.

Most people dealing with chronic pain have several physicians, and they are usually in different locations. Having clear lines of communications between them can prevent prescription errors, unnecessary visits, and misunderstandings. This is especially important for pain patients, because of the powerful drugs that may be given.