Dealing with chronic pain over weeks, months and perhaps years can take its toll on an individual. There are good days and bad, just like anything else, but as time goes on, the chronic pain problem slowly becomes a part of who that person is as a whole. It is important to understand this if you have a relative, co-worker, or friend who suffers from chronic pain.
For the most part, most patients with chronic pain really do want to feel better. They have been from one doctor to another, have tried numerous prescription remedies and lifestyle changes, surgery,physical therapy, etc. with varying results. Some people find a good "cocktail of remedies" and function pretty well; others may be on the lookout for a suitable path.
No matter where these folks fall on the spectrum, the one thing that is always of benefit is emotional support. Living in pain is hard on the mental self as well as they physical self; knowing how to be supportive is just as important as any medical treatment, diet, exercise regimen or other therapeutic treatment. Here are some tips to help you along.
1) Be a good listener. If your friend/coworker/relative wants to talk about their situation, take time time to engage in a good conversation with them, and listen to what they have to say. Allow them to vent!
2) Remember that people with chronic pain don't usually look sick. Take time to think about what you say before you say it! Keep in mind that these people have probably have developed coping skills after being in pain for a prolonged period. They may be in excruciating pain, yet show no facial or other indication of it.
3) Understand that chronic pain patients usually have physical limitations. This may vary from person to person, but most likely these patients have to limit certain activities, or limit the amount of activity that they can do at any given time.
4) Have patience. People with chronic pain, as mentioned above, usually have to live within their limitations. Be mindful...they may have to walk slower, take breaks more often, work more slowly etc.
5) Try to read between the lines. If the person in question seems to be struggling to open a door, for example, ask them if they would like help. If they seem ornery, don't take it personally but know it is time to back off. Always try to think one step ahead.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Someone-With-Chronic-Pain
For the most part, most patients with chronic pain really do want to feel better. They have been from one doctor to another, have tried numerous prescription remedies and lifestyle changes, surgery,physical therapy, etc. with varying results. Some people find a good "cocktail of remedies" and function pretty well; others may be on the lookout for a suitable path.
No matter where these folks fall on the spectrum, the one thing that is always of benefit is emotional support. Living in pain is hard on the mental self as well as they physical self; knowing how to be supportive is just as important as any medical treatment, diet, exercise regimen or other therapeutic treatment. Here are some tips to help you along.
1) Be a good listener. If your friend/coworker/relative wants to talk about their situation, take time time to engage in a good conversation with them, and listen to what they have to say. Allow them to vent!
2) Remember that people with chronic pain don't usually look sick. Take time to think about what you say before you say it! Keep in mind that these people have probably have developed coping skills after being in pain for a prolonged period. They may be in excruciating pain, yet show no facial or other indication of it.
3) Understand that chronic pain patients usually have physical limitations. This may vary from person to person, but most likely these patients have to limit certain activities, or limit the amount of activity that they can do at any given time.
4) Have patience. People with chronic pain, as mentioned above, usually have to live within their limitations. Be mindful...they may have to walk slower, take breaks more often, work more slowly etc.
5) Try to read between the lines. If the person in question seems to be struggling to open a door, for example, ask them if they would like help. If they seem ornery, don't take it personally but know it is time to back off. Always try to think one step ahead.
Source: http://www.wikihow.com/Understand-Someone-With-Chronic-Pain
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